KelloSamuel's Weekly Football Round-up
Image Credit: Sky Sports
With the transfer window just 2 months away, clubs are on the lookout for possible positions that they will try to rectify and strengthen come this summer. Players are also on the lookout for more playing time, better wages, and clubs where they think they will be able to achieve their personal ambitions. Here is what to expect from what might be an exciting and crazy transfer window:
LIVERPOOL
Liverpool are looking at some of the most exciting talents in Europe with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Youri Tielemans, Ruben Neves and Fabio Carvalho being considered.
Bellingham is very unlikely to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer as the club does not want to lose 2 stars in a single window, with Erling Haaland also expected to depart.
Liverpool have contacted the representatives of Tielemans and informal discussions began last week. Neves is on the list but no move has been made.
BAYERN MUNICH
Bayern Munich Manager Julian Nagelsmann is not on good terms with Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic. He is unhappy at the way transfer operations are conducted at the club. Some decisions were not made without his full approval.
He is also unhappy at how the club has handled the contract situations of Lewandowski and Gnabry. He believes that they are influential players and should be given the wages they demand.
Real Madrid are following Nagelsmann closely and he has been touted as Carlo Ancelotti's successor should they remove the Italian come the end of the season. Florentino Perez loves the German very much.
REAL MADRID
Madrid President Florentino Perez is unhappy with the recent performances of Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout, and a possible replacement is Bayern Munich Manager Julian Nagelsmann. Perez is impressed with Nagelsmann's tactical ability and believes that he is the man to lead Madrid at the new Bernabeu.
Haaland is still a very big possibility for Madrid despite stiff competition from Manchester City, who are trying to woo the Norwegian to maestro to join their senior ranks. Madrid have explained their stance and sporting project to Haaland and are still waiting for his final decision. It is a tight race.
ARSENAL
Darwin Nunez, Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak top Arsenal's list of forwards being considered at the club, and a final decision on a target has yet to be made as they await Arteta's stance after missing out on Dusan Vlahovic in the winter market. Nunes' price tag is believed to be around $75M, Watkins' $40M, and Isak $70M.
In the midfield, Arteta has set sights on Napoli's Fabian Ruiz and has informed the Arsenal board of his desire to bring the versatile midfielder to the Emirates.
WEST HAM UNITED
The West Ham board cannot be happier than to reward David Moyes with a new contract until 2027. West Ham plan to begin talks with Moyes in the summer, in the hope of keeping him at the London Stadium for the foreseeable future.
It is understood that Moyes is also very happy at the club and cannot wait to commit his future to the Hammers.
Darwin Nunez is top of the pile at the club as they want to strengthen their forward positions in the summer. The club launched a failed attempt to sign the striker in January with their bid being rejected by Benfica. They will launch a new bid this summer despite stiff competition from Arsenal, Atletico, and Barcelona.
JUVENTUS
With the exclusive reported on January 7th, 2022 that Paulo Dybala will not renew his contract with the club being confirmed by Fabrizio Romano days ago, it is understood that Inter Milan is still a very big possibility along with some interest from German and English clubs.
Matthjis De Ligt is also unhappy at the club and wants to leave with interest arising from Bayern and Chelsea. With the uncertainty surrounding Chelsea at the moment, it is very unlikely that De Ligt leaves Serie A.
CHELSEA
With the uncertainty surrounding the future of the club due to an ongoing sale, many players are considering the exit door at Stamford Bridge with Rudiger, Azpilicueta and now Jorginho joining the list of players wanting to leave the club.
Jorginho is unhappy because the club have yet to approach him about a contract renewal and his limited role in the squad under Thomas Tuchel. He feels underappreciated.
Werner is also considering his future at the club with growing interest from German clubs, Bayern inclusive for his services. Some Premier League clubs, such as Newcastle, are also interested.
TOTTENHAM
Tottenham are preparing to offer Harry Kane a contract extension after last summer's standoff when he wanted to leave and join Man City. Levy wants to tie him at the club till 2027 and talks will begin in the near future. Initial figures on wages that may be proposed are believed to be around $450K a week.
Spurs will be one of the big spenders this summer as they will try to reshuffle their squad under Conte in order to compete for trophies.
MANCHESTER CITY
City want to extend Pep Guardiola's contract beyond 2023 and have put on hold a search for Guardiola's successor. They will begin contract talks with him this summer. It is one of the key reasons Haaland wants to join City but Pep's future matters to him.
City are leading the race for Haaland as they have presented the best financial package for the Norwegian despite him favouring a move to the capital of Spain. It is a tight race with City being the dark horses. A decision is expected very soon from Erling Haaland.
Fernandinho is set to leave the club and this summer as Pep has yet to give the green light to Txiki Begiristain on a one-year contract extension.
MANCHESTER UNITED
United are not in a rush to make a transfer shortlist as they will prioritise the appointment of a new Head Coach before plunging into the transfer market.
Decisions on incomings and outgoings will be made when the new Head Coach is in charge.
PSG Manager Mauricio Pochettino is United's dark horse when it comes to the managerial position though talks have yet to be opened officially as he is set to leave the Parisian club this summer.