With the January window fast approaching, here’s a look at what’s hot in transfer talk throughout world football.
Silly season fast approaching at Old Trafford
Paul Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, says his client is done at Manchester United, sparking talk that he’s set to join Real Madrid or Juventus. Easier said than done, with Juve director Fabio Paratici hinting that Pogba’s a bit rich for the Old Lady’s tastes, while AS reckons Real prefer Rennes’ Eduardo Camavinga.
Elsewhere, United are eyeing a cut-rate summer swoop for right-back Kieran Trippier, per Mundo Deportivo. Trippier, who has 18 months left on his deal, has been a staple of a Diego Simeone backline that has conceded just two league goals this season, the lowest amount in Europe.
In even more fanciful United transfer news, kit sponsor Chevrolet is willing to help fund Cristiano Ronaldo’s return, according to Auto Esporte. Chevrolet claims current Juventus kit patron Jeep has seen a boost in sales since CR7 started sporting the Bianconeri strip. What about a swap for Pogba?
Dybala put on a platter for Premier League
Last week, reports claimed Juventus would consider shipping Paulo Dybala to Paris Saint-Germain in a swap deal for Mauro Icardi should Dybala not agree to new terms with the Scudetto holders. Now it looks like the boyish, blue-eyed Argentine could have his pick of the EPL litter.
Dybala’s representatives have reached out to Liverpool, Manchester City, United, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Arsenal, according to 90Min. Dybala was close to joining either United or Spurs in 2019 before opting to fight for his place, a spot that’s become tenuous under Andrea Pirlo.
English suitors eye Leverkusen’s Bailey
The Daily Mail claims Arsenal, Everton, Spurs, and United all rate Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey, who bagged a brace Thursday in the Europa League. United view the Jamaican as an alternative to Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, while Dortmund like PSV’s Donyell Malen as a Sancho replacement, according to The Sun. Dizzying stuff.
In other Arsenal news, Real Betis want Gunners flop Willian as a potential January replacement for club legend Joaquin, according to Gol Digital. Willian, who is earning around €240,000 per week, is too expensive for Betis, and he’s been terrible. It’s a bit like asking Santa for a lump of coal.
Bayern Munich may bail out Barcelona
Apparently, Barcelona are so poor they’ll consider selling Frenkie de Jong, who’s quietly been bang average under Ronald Koeman. Mundo Deportivo says Bayern Munich have approached De Jong’s agent, Ali Dursun, despite the Dutchman’s €400-million buyout clause.
Bayern president Karl Heinz Rummenigge told Tuttosport there’s zero interest in Dortmund’s Erling Haaland and denied links with Dybala. He also brushed off widespread interest in free-agent-to-be David Alaba, saying, “Maybe he’ll join a new club, or maybe he’ll change his mind and stay at Bayern.”
Bits and bobs
D.C. United, LA Galaxy, and Inter Miami have all been alerted to Mesut Ozil’s interest in playing in MLS. Elsewhere in MLS chatter, Benfica boss Jorge Jesus is done with €10-million rated Argentine attacker Franco Cervi, who’s now associated with a group of MLS sides.
Chelsea academy grad Jonathan Panzo has struggled in Europe, first with Monaco, then on loan at Cercle Brugge, and now with Dijon. Italy could be the 20-year-old’s next destination, with both Sampdoria and Udinese monitoring the talented English defender.
AC Milan’s unexpected Scudetto chase has prompted a desire to bolster the backline, and the Rossoneri hold Strasbourg defender Mohamed Simakan in high regard. Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger, who has landed on Inter Milan’s and Roma’s radar, is also being considered by AC Milan.
First-choice striker Raul Jimenez fractured his skull, meaning Wolves might take a flyer on reported West Ham target Hulk, who is willing to take a 90% pay cut on the €420,000-a-week wages he pocketed in China.
