KELLOSAM’S WEEKLY TRANSFER ROUNDUP
In this week’s episode, I’ll try to explain some of the questions that you asked during the week and also continue to explore more with some exclusives for all of the clubs that I’ve information on. Expect lots of twists and turns.
TOTTENHAM
There was a question on Antonio Conte’s future and all I know is that Conte’s future hinges on Kane staying put at Spurs beyond this summer.
Conte has informed Levy he wants Kane’s future to be clarified after the end of the season with claims of interest from Man United and City abundant. Spurs want to renew Kane’s contract at the end of the season and talks will begin in the summer but I expect at least a bid to come this summer from Man City because they will not be able to sign Erling Haaland.
Antonio Conte also wants to boost his defense especially with Romero and Emerson Royal not impressing. A new winger and midfielder are also on his list of priorities.
LIVERPOOL
Liverpool look likely not to compromise on their stand regarding Mohamed Salah’s wage demands and a potential sale in the summer has not been ruled out. Liverpool appreciate Salah’s performances highly but don’t want their water tight wage structure be compromised.
They are willing to renew Salah’s contract but not beyond $400K per week. There’s a very big chance that the Anfield bosses won’t renew his contract.
It is also true that the Anfield hierarchy appreciate Vitinha very much and Klopp has been following him through the scouting reports he has received. However, no formal approach has been made either with his representatives or to FC Porto. It’s a work in progress as continuous scouting continues in Portugal.
Liverpool also look set not to renew Naby Keita’s contract as Klopp has not been thoroughly convinced by the Guinean’s performances due to his limited time on the pitch throughout his Reds career. It is the reason he’s looking at other potential midfield options.
REAL MADRID
On the Madrid dugout question, as I said last week in my inaugural weekly column, Perez has already made his decision on who will be at the helm next season and it’s Julian Nagelsmann.
Perez believes Nagelsmann is the man to lead Madrid into the new era after the new Santiago Bernabeu is completed. Initial contact with his representatives happened in February to guage his potential interest in the job.
As earlier reported by es grimes, Mbappe signed his pre-contract agreement with Madrid on January 15th, and it is believed Mbappe received a $70M signing-on bonus for his 6 year contract worth $30M per year. He will wear the jersey number 7.
Finally as I reported on Monday, 28 March 20222, Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with Haaland and with his camp to join Los Blancos in the summer.
Haaland has agreed a 5 year contract with a lower salary believed to be around $17M per year and will wear the number 19 initially. All other agent fees involved have also been agreed upon.
MAN CITY
With City set lose out on Haaland this summer , 3 names have been proposed and they are Harry Kane, Darwin Nunez and Robert Lewandowski who’s the latest entrant to the list of alternatives.
Initially, Lewandowski was not on the list but due to his contract saga dragging on for some time now, City are keeping tabs and will make an enquiry with his agent Pini Zahavi.
Kane has always been a target of Guardiola and this summer Pep will go again and knock on Spurs' door and inquire about him. This explains why Kane is not in a hurry to commit his future to Spurs as he awaits for a bid to be received by his employers optimistically.
MAN UNITED
Mauricio Pochettino is the dark horse when it comes to Man United’s search for a new gaffer. Despite reports of Erik Ten Hag leading the race, I understand that the general consensus within the united board is to appoint someone who knows and has experience in the Premier League, and that man is Pochettino who is set to leave the French capital at the end of the season.
ATLETICO MADRID
Atletico are now the favorites to land the departing Paulo Dybala who has chosen the red half of Madrid as his next destination when he leaves Juventus at the end of the season.
Fellow Argentinian Rodrigo De Paul has been instrumental in helping him to make the decision as he has talked about life under Cholo (Diego Simeone) thus attracting him.
Inter Milan however have not given up and think that they can make him change his decision after meeting with Antun, Dybala’s agent in the last few days.
A new striker and a right back are Atletico’s priorities in the summer and in the right back position, Matty Cash and Pedro Porro alongside Mukiele are in the list.
Atletico are also following Lautaro Martinez. There is interest but nothing advanced yet.
INTER MILAN
Inter’s chances of landing Paulo Dybala have slimmed as Dybala prefers to move to Spain and play at Atletico. Part of his decision is based on respecting Juventus and not playing for a rival club and also because he is attracted by Diego Simeone.
Inter however have not given up on luring him to the San Siro as they have held concrete talks with his agent Antun in the last few days and have laid out their proposal to the Argentinian.
ARSENAL
With reports from Dutch media about Arsenal’s interest in Gakpo, I understand that Bayern, Arsenal and Chelsea have been following the striker for some time.
Arsenal are big favorites and are leading the race to sign him though I understand that they are unwilling to pay the demanded $45M to land his signature and negotiations will take place soon.
CHELSEA
Everything is on hold at the bridge due to an ongoing sale of the club from Roman Abramovich to the fittest bidder. Four investors have been shortlisted and per my understanding, the Todd Boehly consortium are favorites to acquire the club according to reliable sources.
All other transfer business has been put on hold and will be worked on when the new management comes to power by the end of April when club officials will hold meetings concerning the transfer market.