The summer transfer window is closed for the major leagues in Europe. However, with an eye on January, there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Jorginho to replace Busquets at Barcelona
Barcelona are eyeing a potential move for Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Jorginho, 30, is recently reported to have rejected a contract extension at Stamford Bridge. And, as the Italy international nears the final six months of his contract, the Blaugrana could look to tempt him to Camp Nou.
Barca boss Xavi Hernandez is on the lookout for a future successor to take the place of Sergio Busquets, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the season. The Catalans had also targeted Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, but talks stalled between the two LaLiga sides and he recently signed a new deal.
Barcelona will aim for Jorginho to agree a pre-contract ahead of the summer but will also consider a January transfer for a small fee if he fails to sign new terms with Chelsea before the year’s end.
He first joined the Blues from Napoli in 2018 for an initial transfer fee of £50 million, and he has since gone on to make 135 appearances in the Premier League.
LIVE BLOG
12.00 BST: Erik ten Hag says he will “deal with” Cristiano Ronaldo after the striker walked down the tunnel before the end of Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday night.
Ronaldo was named on the bench but left his seat to return to the dressing room before the final whistle despite manager Erik ten Hag still having two available substitutions.
Ten Hag refused to expand on the situation during his postmatch media duties, saying only that he would address the issue on Thursday.
“I don’t pay attention [to that] today, we will deal with that tomorrow,” Ten Hag said when asked about Ronaldo’s behaviour in leaving the bench in the 90th minute. “The focus today was on a magnificent performance from all the 11 players.
“I have to correct myself, not just 11 players but the substitutes who came on, it was a squad performance. We deal with that [Ronaldo] tomorrow. What we see today is 11 players who defend and 11 who attack.”
10.59 BST: Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku looks set to stay with Inter Milan after his loan, says Gazzetta dello Sport.
Lukaku, 29, is back on a season-long loan at Inter after making an unsuccessful €115m move to Chelsea in 2021.
The Belgium international has struggled with injury though, and only has one goal from three games. However, new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly reportedly suggested to rapper Jay-Z — a friend of his who owns Roc Nation, the agency which represents Lukaku — that a permanent move to Inter “was the best solution for everyone.”
09.40 BST: Valencia captain Jose Luis Gaya is thrilled to have signed a contract with his all-time club until June 2027.
Gaya, 27, whose previous deal was going to expire next summer, said: “I’m happy, excited and grateful. For me, the fact that I could have gone or made more money elsewhere is not the most important thing in my life right now. I’m happy here, I believe in the project and in the last three years I’ve played two finals.
“My ambition is to get Valencia back where it deserves to be. The fact of continuing to grow here has always been in my head because I have a lot of room for improvement, and I want to do it here. The dream for 2027 would be to return to the top positions and fight for important things, that’s why I have renewed.”
A Spain international, Gaya joined Valencia’s youth teams at the age of 11 and was promoted to the first team in 2014. He has made six appearances for Los Che this season.
09.09 BST: Backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin insists he is happy at Real Madrid despite not being a starter.
Though he had offers to leave Madrid in the summer, Lunin decided to remain at the club knowing that he would continue to be an understudy for Thibaut Courtois, who was this week named the best goalkeeper in 2022 by France Football.
Lunin enjoyed a rare start in Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Elche, with a back injury keeping Courtois out.
“I’m in the best club in the world,” Lunin told DAZN. “It’s the best place. My family and I are very happy. What I do is enjoy every day. I work with the best, very good teammates, the group, the atmosphere. The training sessions are high level.”
The Ukraine international joined Los Blancos from Zorya Luhansk in 2019 but had loan spells at Leganes, Real Valladolid and Real Oviedo.
08.30 BST: Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and an unnamed Premier League club are mobilising to sign Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix in the January transfer window, according to AS.
The Portuguese forward is reportedly pondering leaving Atletico in search of regular playing time. He began the season playing alongside Alvaro Morata in the Rojiblancos attack but has seen his playing time limited in recent weeks.
With Atletico coach Diego Simeone expected to remain at the helm next season, Felix is considering his options.
PSG, Bayern and Manchester United were unsuccessful in their attempt to sign Felix in the summer. Atletico reportedly turned down a €130m offer from Manchester United for Felix.
Felix, 22, has played 12 games for Atletico this season and set up three goals but has yet to find the back of the net. The former Benfica star is expected to be included in Portugal’s World Cup squad.
Gab & Juls discuss reports suggesting Rafael Leao could sign a contract extension with AC Milan before the World Cup.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Enzo Fernandez is being tracked by Liverpool and Chelsea, reports Sport. The 21-year-old midfielder, who has shone at Benfica since joining from River Plate in the summer, is expected to part of Argentina‘s World Cup squad. Barcelona were also linked with his signature.
- Adrien Rabiot could leave Juventus, who are looking at prioritising a move for Lazio‘s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Rabiot has been in positive form this season for Massimiliano Allegri’s side, but the Bianconeri are looking to replace him with the 27-year-old Serbia midfielder. Milinkovic-Savic has contributed to 10 goals in 10 Serie A games this season.
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Internazionale are continuing their search for a centre-back as they anticipate Milan Skriniar leaving the club, according to Calciomercato. Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, 23, has been identified as one of the leading options for the Serie A side, but they are also keen on Jakub Kiwior, the 22-year-old Poland international who has been in positive form for Spezia this season.
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Barcelona are interested in Valencia defender Hugo Guillamon, reveals Mundo Deportivo. The 22-year-old has been a standout performer for Gennaro Gattuso’s side this season, while also impressing on duty for the Spain national team. He is contracted at the Estadio Mestalla until 2026, and has a release clause in the region of €50m.
– Major League Soccer clubs have enquired about Brazilian centre-back Leo Coelho, understands Cesar Luis Merlo. Inter Miami CF and FC Cincinnati are both reported to be interested in the 29-year-old Nacional defender, who is currently on loan from Liga MX side Atletico San Luis. While Nacional have the option to sign him for $800,000, the latest indicates that the Uruguayan club are hopeful of negotiating a lower fee, and that could allow the two MLS sides to win the race for his signature.
