Transfers that could cause chaos: Mbappé to Madrid and more،
Not all transfers are created equal, especially in the middle of the European season in the January window. Indeed, certain moves would cause a shockwave in the game if they occurred. They probably won't, but here are a few that might do just that.
Kylian Mbappé: from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid
Great. Mbappé's contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer and, as of yet, there is no indication that he is close to signing a new one. The 24-year-old would like to join Real Madrid, but he is reluctant to do so on a free transfer out of respect for his club, meaning the January transfer window will likely be the last chance for him to do so. fee – unless he agrees to a new deal with a workable release clause, of course.
Madrid should make him a pre-contract offer to sign this summer, on January 1, with a deadline of 15 days to accept it. Things could get complicated if he doesn't. Or if he does. Either way, chaos ensues over the next few months. And if he decides to move in January for, say, 80 million euros, then he could have a chance to finally win the Champions League with Madrid, because a player can no longer be tied in the cup.
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Mohamed Salah: Liverpool at Al Ittihad
Al Ittihad are fifth in the Saudi Pro League table and are unlikely to make up the 16-point gap on leaders Al Hilal, but a January move for a major star could help their efforts. This summer, the club made a £150million bid to sign Salah, which was rejected. Liverpool, with their own title ambitions this season in the Premier League, would be foolish to let the 31-year-old leave midway through the season. But if a record £200m offer were to come in, could they really turn it down?
If Salah were to leave, Liverpool would need a replacement, and they would have £200m to get one. Mbappé would be far from an option, given his clear preference to join Real Madrid, but Borussia Dortmund's Donyell Malen, Bayern Munich's Leroy Sané and Barcelona's Ferran Torres have all been recently linked with a move to Anfield.
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Victor Osimhen: Napoli to Chelsea
Chelsea have spent over £1 billion in the last three transfer windows, so what would another £120 million be? Despite all this money spent, the Blues have struggled to find the type of player they really need: a central striker.
Osimhen, 24, is probably the best young exponent of the trade in the game today, and his goals for Napoli (66 in 116 games in total) helped them win the Serie A title last season for the first time times since 1990. But in September, the Nigeria international was left furious after being mocked by the club's official TikTok account – a situation which likely left their relationship irreparably damaged. If this transfer goes through, the way it all plays out on social media will be the box office.
Joshua Kimmich: Bayern Munich to Manchester City
City are in need of a new midfielder as they look set to replace Kalvin Phillips, and Kimmich has fallen out of favor at Bayern under Thomas Tuchel. The 28-year-old is still one of the best in the world and, much like German legend Philipp Lahm, has moved from full-back to central midfielder to showcase his incredible versatility – something which would surely be of great value for Pep Guardiola. .
The move would likely force Bayern to look for two new midfielders – among Fulham's João Palhinha, Tottenham Hotspur's Eric Dier, Nice's Khephren Thuram, Nottingham Forest's Ibrahim Sangaré and Borussia Mönchengladbach's Manu Kone – and would strengthen City's bid to repeat his feat. triple success last season.
Evan Ferguson: Brighton & Hove Albion at Manchester United
This would require a transfer fee in excess of £100 million, given the 19-year-old has just signed a new contract until 2029, but with new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe coming in to oversee transfer activity from Man United, that shouldn't be a problem. .
Ferguson is considered one of the best young strikers in Europe and has been compared stylistically to Harry Kane – ironic, given the England captain was a top target for United before opting to join Bayern for £88m from Spurs last summer. He is still learning the game but, alongside £72m man Rasmus Højlund (who is only 20), the duo could be the key to bringing the club back to Old Trafford at the top of English football.
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Douglas Luiz: Aston Villa to Arsenal
Villa's rise to join the Premier League title race this season has been nothing short of sensational. But a surefire way to undo all that good work would be to let one of their best players join a rival.
Arsenal want to move on Thomas Partey and saw a number of offers to sign Douglas Luiz rejected last summer before he signed a new contract. The Brazil international is still on their radar and it appears Mikel Arteta has made signing another midfielder a priority. Yes, Villa could command a transfer fee of around £50million, but the upheaval would likely put the brakes on what could be a priceless campaign.
Barcelona sign anyone
With 18-year-old Brazilian striker Vitor Roque expected to arrive from Athletico-PR in January for a fee of €40 million, there is no money left at the Camp Nou due to their ongoing financial problems. This means that if the club wants to strengthen its struggling squad, players will need to be transferred first.
So make your choice. There are very few stars the club wouldn't consider letting go for a massive transfer fee next month, but the most likely to raise large enough funds are Robert Lewandowski (linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia), Frenkie de Jong (Man United) Jules Koundé (Chelsea) or Raphinha (Arsenal). With Gavi's injury keeping him out for the rest of the season, some reports suggest Barca are making a move for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães. If they manage to sign anyone it will be impressive, and it will be even more impressive if they manage to get them under the La Liga salary cap.
