8 Main Intrigues of the Next Transfer Window
Highlighting the questions that remained unanswered in January.
The winter transfer window turned out to be relatively quiet and calm. In most cases, clubs did not take risks, fearing financial regulations or saving money for the summer. Typically, the offseason sees many exciting events unfold. And the year 2024 will be no exception. Let's look at the 8 main intrigues of the upcoming transfer window.
Will Mbappé move to Real Madrid?
This question has been stirring the entire football community for several years now. Kylian Mbappé could have ended up at Real Madrid earlier. Still, something always seemed to happen: either the "Los Blancos" didn't have the money for his transfer, or the player himself suddenly decided to extend his contract with PSG. Next summer will be crucial for the future. Mbappé's contract with Parisians is coming to an end, which, apparently, will not be extended. According to many media reports, the Frenchman has finally decided to move to the "royal club." Still, this question will likely remain open until next summer.
Will Salah leave Liverpool?
Jurgen Klopp's unexpected statement about leaving Liverpool at the end of the season has sparked many rumors and questions. The main one is who will lead the "Reds." The second most important question is whether Mohamed Salah will remain at Anfield. The Saudis tried persistently to acquire the star winger last summer, but Klopp insisted he stays on the team. Saudi clubs will return for the Egyptian next summer if he extends his contract with the Merseysiders by then. The parties are not rushing negotiations on a new agreement, and there is only 1 year left on the current one. This puts the future of Liverpool's leading star in serious doubt.
What choice will Osimhen make?
Victor Osimhen became one of the main heroes of Napoli's championship season. The forward of the Neapolitans became the top scorer in Serie A and helped the team win the long-awaited Scudetto. Logically, Nigerians started being linked with other clubs after such a season. At the end of 2023, Victor extended his contract with the "Azzurri," which was supposed to dispel the rumors. But soon after that, the player announced that he had made a decision about his future, which he would announce at the end of the season. With this statement, Osimhen intrigued not only fans from Naples but also the forward, who is actively linked with English and Saudi clubs, but he is keeping everything secret for now. We have to wait for the summer.
Where will Toney go?
Ivan Toney has long been on the radar of top clubs. The Brentford forward could have moved up last summer without a suspension due to betting. The Englishman missed half a season, but after returning to the field, he showed that he is in good shape, scoring in two consecutive matches. The player shows good performance in the Premier League. Brentford's head coach, Thomas Frank, admitted that keeping the player would be difficult since he only has 1 year left on his contract. The leading contenders for Toney are Arsenal and Chelsea. Which of the London clubs will win the battle for the forward? Or he may choose another club. Answers to these questions will appear in the summer.
Will Bayern have a clearance sale?
During the current season, news that could be more pleasing to Bayern Munich fans has emerged. The head coach of the record holder, Thomas Tuchel, is unhappy with some players. Joshua Kimmich, Matthijs de Ligt, and Serge Gnabry have fallen out of favor with the coach. In addition, the Munich club cannot agree with Alphonso Davies on a contract extension. However, they expect long-term cooperation with the Canadians. De Ligt is dissatisfied with his position, Kimmich's authority in the team is undermined by the coach, Davies wants more money, and Gnabry's form has seriously deteriorated. Everything indicates Bayern could hold a significant player clearance sale in the summer. However, much will also depend on whether Tuchel remains with the Munich club.
How will INEOS act?
INEOS became a co-owner of Manchester United. For now, Jim Ratcliffe's subordinates are getting up to speed. In the summer, they will fully prepare for the new season. One of the main questions is how INEOS will act in the transfer market. This is a relevant topic for Manchester United fans because, in recent years, the club has often failed to hit the mark with players to strengthen the squad. There is information that INEOS will conduct a personnel shake-up in the team and take over transfer work, limiting the main coach, Erik Ten Hag, in this matter. But United can only sign a few new players to avoid breaking financial rules. Changes in Manchester United will definitely happen, but what they will be – we'll see in the summer.
Will Girona keep its squad?
Girona has been one of the main revelations of the current season. The Catalans are still contenders for the title, competing in the championship race with Real Madrid. Girona's head coach, Michel, has created a good team already being watched by top clubs. Wherever Girona ends in May, this season will be historical for them anyway. Another question is whether the Catalans can keep the squad to solidify their success. It is already known that the "white and red" will lose winger Savio, who will move to Manchester City. Also, the future of forward Artem Dovbyk is in question. There are already contenders for Girona's top scorer. Midfielder Aleix Garcia and winger Viktor Tsygankov have also attracted the interest of other clubs. The offseason will be crucial for the Catalan club.
Where will Alonso work?
The head coach of Bayer is doing an excellent job in Leverkusen. Like Michel, Xabi Alonso has created a fantastic team that is admired all over Europe. The Spaniard's efforts are noticed. According to rumors, the young specialist has caught the attention of Liverpool and Bayern Munich management. It is reported that the "Reds" have already contacted Alonso. He is the priority candidate for the Merseysiders to replace Jurgen Klopp. A scenario with Bayern is included, too, as Tuchel's future at the Munich club is uncertain. Alonso is the best young coach in Europe, and severe competition may begin for him in the summer.
Published by Patrick Jane
12.02.2024