It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And yes, I’m aware the festive season is well and truly over, but transfer time is one of the most hectic times for football clubs, players and fans around the world.
From worst kept secrets to 11th hour bids, the mid-season window allows everyone a chance to revamp the squad in a bid for titles, continental football or just survival if need be.
There’s no time to waste, here’s the latest transfer trends.
Paul Pogba – Manchester United
Clubs interested: Real Madrid
Reports from The Sunsuggests that Paul Pogba is set to part ways with Manchester United as his relationship with the Red Devils has broken down in recent times.
Pogba has featured in just seven Premier League games for United this season primarily due to his injury problems.
Manchester United reportedly placed a £180m price tag on Pogba’s services last summer, but recent reports claim that United have lowered their asking price to £100m.
He’s expected to be out of contention until the end of January as a result of an ankle injury, which could potentially prevent him from leaving United this month, giving his main suitor is Real Madrid, ample time to prepare a move for the Frenchman in the summer.
Likelihood: Considering Pogba’s situation at the club, as well as United’s poor performances this season, there’s a solid chance that Pogba will secure a move away from United. It remains to be seen if Real Madrid will be his destination, though.
Neymar – PSG
Clubs Interested:Barcelona
It’s no secret that Barcelona were keen on bringing Neymar back to the Camp Nou last summer.
The 27-year-old’s panache has been missed at Barcelona since he left to join PSG in 2017.
Now, according to Spanish news outlet, Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are ready to break the bank to sign Neymar.
Neymar would be the final piece of the puzzle needed to complete Barcelona‘s already incredible attacking set-up.
Barcelona could be able to sign Neymar for less than his actual market value as a result of a law from FIFA which states that a player who has not renewed his contract at a club in three years can leave said club based on a fee set by the world governing body itself.
PSG signed Neymar for €222m, however, based on FIFA’s laws, Barcelona could sign Neymar for €180m.
Likelihood: Neymar is not particularly happy at PSG. The best moments of his illustrious career came from playing for Barcelona, hence he’s likely to be keen on a return to the Blaugrana.
Thomas Lemar – Atletico Madrid
Clubs Interested:Arsenal
Thomas Lemar has been on Arsenal‘s radar for the past couple of seasons having been viewed to be a player capable of introducing a new dynamic to the club’s attack.
Lemar has fallen out of favour at the Wanda Metropolitano having failed to register a single goal or assist in 15 La Liga games this season, and as such, Atletico are willing to listen to offers for the Frenchman, per Marca.
Arsenal are reportedly in contact with super agent Jorge Mendes, who hopes that he will be able to help set-up a loan deal for the player, as the Gunners are currently operating on a tight transfer budget.
Likelihood: Lemar has struggled to find any real consistency in La Liga this season thus causing him to fall down the pecking order at Atletico Madrid. The chances of Arsenal signing him on a loan deal this month are fairly high considering he’s been deemed surplus to requirements by Diego Simeone.
Players Interested In: Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace) and Moussa Dembele (Olympique Lyonnais)
According to Italian news outlet, Footmercato, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard would love to sign Jadon Sancho, Wilfried Zaha and Moussa Dembele this month as he looks to bolster his side’s attacking lineup going into the second half of the season.
Lyon have rejected a £40m bid from Chelsea for Dembele, but the Blues are expected to table another bid soon.
Chelsea are trying to lure Zaha to Stamford Bridge with a hefty contract worth £200k-per-week plus bonuses – an offer that has given the Ivory Coast international a lot of things to think about.
Signing Sancho this month would be borderline impossible due to the large prize tag that Dortmund are expected to place on his services.
Likelihood: Frank Lampard will be very lucky if he gets one of these deals done.
James Maddison – Leicester City
Clubs Interested: Manchester United
According to theMirror,Manchester United are keen on signing James Maddison this month having struggled to dictate the flow of games this season, primarily due to Pogba’s absence.
United are looking to place a bid in the region of £45m for the Leicester man in a deal that will also include a straight swap for Jesse Lingard.
Maddison’s signing would be the first step for Manchester United towards fixing up their midfield set-up.
Likelihood: Hard to see Leicester selling their star playmaker
Be the first to comment