According to Sport, Barcelona is making strategic changes ahead of the 2024-25 season. They are planning to bring back central defender Chadi Riad from Real Betis and let go of either Andreas Christensen or Jules Koundé. Barcelona has been impressed with the 20-year-old Chadi’s performances and is ready to activate his €7m buy-back clause. Chadi left Barcelona last summer for €3.5m but has since become a regular starter under Manuel Pellegrini. This move is crucial for Barcelona as it aligns with their reduced wage structure for the upcoming season. However, the club still needs to find a buyer for one of their current defenders to create breathing space in their budget.
Tottenham Hotspur is looking to bolster their attacking department in January, and a surprising target has emerged: Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke. The Sun reports that Spurs are closely watching Solanke’s progress. The 26-year-old striker has been in great form, scoring 11 goals in 17 games, including a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest. Tottenham sees Solanke as a more promising option than Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson. However, Arsenal is also closely monitoring Solanke’s situation, making the competition for his signature fierce.
Manchester City striker Julián Álvarez has dismissed rumors linking him with a move to Real Madrid. The Mirror reports that Álvarez is “very happy” at Manchester City and wants to continue winning trophies with the club. The 23-year-old Argentine scored twice and provided an assist in City’s Club World Cup final victory against Fluminense. Although Real Madrid has shown interest in the talented forward, Álvarez’s remarks indicate his loyalty to Manchester City.
Manchester United is expected to be active in the transfer market, especially in their pursuit of a center forward. Sport1 journalist Cristopher Míchel reports that Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee is now on United’s radar. The Premier League giants are struggling to find the net, and Zirkzee has emerged as a surprise candidate. The 22-year-old Dutchman has scored seven goals this season. However, United faces competition from Bayern Munich, who have a buy-back option for Zirkzee valued at around €22m. The race for Zirkzee’s signature could intensify in the coming months.
Manchester City is reportedly considering a move for Girona star Savinho. Fabrizio Romano reveals that City has been impressed with the 19-year-old Brazilian winger’s form this season. Savinho has scored five goals and provided as many assists during his loan spell from Troyes. His performances have caught the attention of Barcelona and Real Madrid, but City’s affiliation with Troyes makes them the frontrunners to secure his signature. Pep Guardiola’s side might be able to capitalize on this opportunity and reinforce their attacking options.
Inter Milan is eager to secure the signing of Club Brugge and Canada winger Tajon Buchanan as quickly as possible. Corriere Dello Sport reports that Inter views Buchanan as a priority due to their shortage of players in wide areas, exacerbated by Juan Cuadrado’s recent injury. Difficult negotiations lie ahead, as Inter aims to bring in the 24-year-old winger on a loan deal with an option to buy, while Brugge hopes for a deal valued at around €12m. Resolving the details will be crucial to Inter’s plans for Buchanan.
The winter transfer window rumors and gossip suggest that major European clubs are actively planning for the future. Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Inter Milan all have their sights set on bringing in new players. While some transfers are more plausible than others, these clubs demonstrate their ambition to strengthen their squads and compete at the highest level. Fans can expect exciting developments and surprises as the winter transfer window approaches.