As the transfer window nears its close in just a week, several high-profile players are at the center of intense speculation. Clubs across Europe are making their final moves, with some players looking to secure their futures, while others may be on the move. Here’s a rundown of the potential transfers and the latest developments surrounding some of the most talked-about names in football.
Alejandro Garnacho & Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Since the arrival of Ruben Amorim, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford have been on different trajectories. Garnacho, who was initially sidelined, has won back his manager’s trust with recent starts. Napoli is reportedly interested in the young Argentine winger and could make a move in the next fews days.
However, Amorim has been critical of Marcus Rashford, mentioning that the player hasn’t been training well enough to earn a place in the starting lineup. He said, “If you don’t work well in training, you won’t play, and that’s the reality. We need players who are ready to give everything.” As a result, Rashford remains on the list of possible departures, with Barcelona and West Ham United showing interest in a potential move for the England international.
Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi & João Félix (Chelsea)
Christopher Nkunku, who joined Chelsea this summer, has struggled to find his place in a team still under reconstruction. A loan move to Manchester United is being considered to help him regain playing time and boost the struggling attack.
Axel Disasi has attracted attention from Aston Villa, who are in talks over a loan deal with an option to buy. Chelsea would prefer a permanent sale, but discussions remain ongoing.
As for João Félix, after a loan spell at Chelsea last season, he is once again drawing interest from Aston Villa, who could propose another loan with an option to buy. Félix, not fully convincing at Chelsea, may be looking for a fresh opportunity to revive his career.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
Alexander Isak is in the form of his life, scoring in 8 consecutive Premier League matches before the Bournemouth game. This exceptional run of form has led to an increase in interest from top clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, but Newcastle has set his price at a staggering €180 million. The 24-year-old has been instrumental in Newcastle’s strong performances this season, and the club is now reportedly prepared to offer him a long-term contract with a pay raise to keep him at St. James’ Park. With no intention of leaving soon, Isak remains focused on continuing his goalscoring streak and helping his team qualify for the Champions League.
Ibrahima Konaté & Darwin Núñez (Liverpool)
The futures of Ibrahima Konaté and Darwin Núñez at Liverpool remain uncertain. Konaté, whose contract expires in 18 months, is at the heart of renewal discussions, but interest from clubs like Real Madrid complicates matters. Meanwhile, Núñez is attracting interest from clubs such as Al Hilal, Napoli, and Newcastle, with offers potentially reaching £75 million. Although Liverpool is keen to secure both players’ futures, no concrete offers have been received for either yet.
Patrick Dorgu (Lecce)
Patrick Dorgu, a 20-year-old left-back from Lecce, has caught the eye of several European clubs. Manchester United had an initial offer rejected by Lecce, who values him at £35 million. United are considering returning with a new bid. Napoli is also monitoring the situation and could make a move if their attempt to sign Garnacho falls through. Chelsea has also shown interest, although no official offer has been made yet. Dorgu, known for his versatility and intensity, remains a target for these clubs as the transfer window nears its end.
Karim Adeyemi (Dortmnund)
Adeyemi, currently at Borussia Dortmund, is reportedly close to completing a transfer to Napoli for around €40 million. Although Adeyemi has some reservations about the move, including contract terms, both clubs are in talks to finalize the deal. The transfer is still expected to go through before the window closes, offering Adeyemi a new challenge in Serie A with increased playing time.
Jhon Durán (Aston Villa)
Jhon Durán, the 21-year-old Colombian striker at Aston Villa, has been the subject of interest from several major European clubs. Since his move from Chicago Fire in January 2023, he has scored 7 goals in 19 Premier League appearances. West Ham United recently made a £57 million offer for him, but Aston Villa rejected the bid, valuing him at over £70 million. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona are also interested, but Aston Villa is determined to keep him, having extended his contract until 2030.
James McAtee (Manchester City)
James McAtee is attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen, who have proposed a loan deal with an option to buy for approximately £20 million. However, Manchester City is currently reluctant to approve the move. Leverkusen is also reportedly eyeing Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendía, who plays in a similar position, which could potentially affect McAtee’s move if they secure Buendía instead. McAtee, under contract until 2026, has drawn attention from multiple clubs during the January transfer window. While the deal is still in discussion, the transfer is not yet finalized.
Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich’s midfield star, whose contract expires in June 2025, has yet to agree to a contract extension. Clubs such as Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain have all expressed interest in the 28-year-old. However, Kimmich has been careful not to constantly comment on his contractual situation. Bayern remains confident in securing his renewal, emphasizing their sporting project to keep him.
As the transfer deadline approaches, these players could be at the center of some major moves in European football. Stay tuned as negotiations continue to heat up.
