The January transfer window is never the ideal time to do business, but that rarely stops clubs around the world from looking for reinforcements.
The winter market tends to expose desperation and this often leads to carnage, with logic replaced by overexcitement among Europe’s wealthy elite. Just because you can spending £70m on a new centre-forward doesn’t mean you are should.
January often conjures up some of the strangest and most intriguing transfer rumours, the vast majority of which will never come to fruition. However, that doesn’t stop fans from believing in the fantasy, holding out hope that even the wildest dreams can sometimes come true.
Here are the six most exciting transfer rumors to emerge over the past week, both the believable and the less believable.
Although they already have a few, Chelsea are keen to add more wingers to their squad in January. The Blues have been linked with Bundesliga duo Jamie Gittens and Mathys Tel from Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively, but last week’s most telling rumor suggests they are. eager to recruit Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.
The 20-year-old’s future at Old Trafford looks increasingly uncertain after an unconvincing start under Ruben Amorim and Chelsea. who have also been linked with fellow Garnacho Kobbie Mainoothey seem eager to take advantage of it. However, it’s worth noting that Man Utd are not looking to sell the stunning youngster and would likely only consider a mammoth bid, especially if it came from a Premier League rival.
Ruben Amorim has worked with Paris Saint-Germain star Nuno Mendes previously, taking charge of the defender on 47 occasions during their time together at Sporting CP. With Man Utd on the hunt for a new left-back, the 22-year-old has been unsurprisingly linked with a reunion with his former manager and compatriot.
Early reports suggested so Mendes was interested in making the move at Old Trafford in January, but subsequent rumors have revealed that the youngster could be set to sign a new agreement with PSG instead. It would be a major coup if Man Utd could pull off such a move, although it now looks unlikely.
It’s no secret that Real Madrid are chasing defensive reinforcements and despite a string of injuries to key players, it seems unlikely that the reigning Spanish and European champions will bolster their ranks during the January window. The additions will arrive this summer as they chase cover for the back four.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies are targets at full-back, it looks like Arsenal ace William Saliba could be their preferred central defensive option. Madrid has already done it he contacted the representatives of the French according to recent reports, but it will certainly require a mammoth fee to get him out of the Emirates Stadium.
Much of the transfer talk last summer surrounded Martin Zubimendi. The Euro 2024 winner was heavily attacked by Liverpool though rejected a move to Anfield having already rejected approaches from Barcelona and Arsenal. He decided to stay in San Sebastian with the children’s club Real Sociedad.
However, as reported by Arsenal “virtually completed” a deal for the deep-lying midfielder, with his £51m release clause set to be triggered in the summer. Zubimendi is now set to leave Real Sociedad and team up with compatriot Mikel Arteta and former club-mate Mikel Merino looks like an offer too good to turn down.
With Kyle Walker expected to leave Manchester City in Januarythe reigning Premier League champions must turn their attention to the replacements. The long-serving right-back has struggled this season but still has big shoes to fill as the Cityzens have potentially identified their main target.
Reports suggest that Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso could soon be the subject of a £54.7m offer from Man Citywith the 24-year-old marked as the dream heir to Walker’s throne. The versatile winger has impressed in Turin over the past two seasons and has contributed three goals and six assists in all competitions during 2023/24.
Saudi Arabia’s interest in Mohamed Salah is nothing new and Liverpool’s Egyptian king has once again been linked with a move to the Middle East. With Neymar expected to leave Al Hilal in the near future, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions are lining up a ‘lucrative contract’ for Salah as they hope to get his signature this summer.
The relentless Liverpool winger sees his current Anfield contract expire at the end of the current campaign and the 32-year-old has yet to negotiate terms on an extension. Taking advantage of the uncertainty surrounding his Reds future, Al Hilal could finally lure Salah away from Merseyside with the promise of an eye-watering salary.
