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Real Madrid might be the biggest successful side in Europe but that doesn’t mean they are too big for a bargain. David Alaba, Kylian Mbappé, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tony Rüdiger and Steve McManaman have all moved to the Bernabéu on a free transfer in the past and now the Spanish giants are reportedly targeting another soon-to-be out-of-contract star. Myles Lewis-Skelly had a breakthrough year at Arsenal last season but, with his current deal expiring next summer, he would be free to talk to foreign clubs in January. The Gunners are said to be “relaxed” about the contract situation but this would not be the first time they have been gazumped by a Spanish rival.
Another elite full-back but at the tail end of his career, Kyle Walker, is garnering interest from Everton after being left out of Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad. José Mourinho and Fenerbahce have already submitted an offer for the 34-year-old but the opportunity to stay in the Premier League might sway the England international to stay in the north-west of England. Any transfer fee would be nominal, with just one year left on his deal at City, but Everton would still have to match his substantial wages. Fulham are also said to be interested.
The Club World Cup might be a bit of damp squib on the pitch but at least it is a fertile networking opportunity for agents. Hurray! Neymar’s father has been earning his 15% and has suggested his son could return to Europe before the real World Cup next summer. “This week, we’re going to Miami to talk to clubs,” Neymar Sr told L’Équipe. “We have to listen to them and decide what we’re going to do. Yes, there are European clubs. Some are competing in the Champions League. They know he’s capable of having a great season because the lights are green. But the Brazilian market is also interesting. There’s a good chance he’ll stay at Santos. I’m working for that. That doesn’t stop me from listening to other clubs. It’s Neymar [Jr] who will decide whether to stay or not. Now we’re going to prepare again for an impossible dream: winning the World Cup. Carlo’s [Ancelotti] arrival is good, but no matter who’s in charge, we have to work. Everything is there to make it work. The team has style. And I can see Neymar with Viní, Rodrygo, Raphinha.”
Newcastle were in fine fettle last season in the Premier League without the extra weight of European football, but know from their 2023-24 campaign (in which they finished seventh) that balancing Champions League football and a domestic campaign can be tricky and a tiresome business. And so with the club again qualifying for Europe’s elite club competition next season, Eddie Howe and co know they need a bigger and stronger squad. João Pedro has been linked with a move to the north-east but Brighton don’t sell their best players on the cheap, and the Brazilian would cost around £70m. Is that too much to spend on a player that would probably serve as a back-up to Alexander Isak?
Another Brazilian already at Newcastle is Bruno Guimarães, and while the midfielder has been continually linked with a move away from St James’ Park – the Saudi club Al-Ittihad are the latest to be named – the 27-year-old is said now to be very happy at the club and willing to sign a new contract, with the current deal set to expire in 2028.
Chelsea already have one Fofana (Wesley) but are now targeting another in Lyon’s Malick Fofana, with the 20-year-old viewed as an alternative to Jamie Gittens. Borussia Dortmund have been unwilling to budge on their £50m valuation for the latter, with Chelsea seeing a bid of £42m turned down last week, while Fofana is potentially a slightly cheaper option.
Liverpool are understood to have dropped their price for Darwin Núñez, with the Uruguayan’s price tag now £40m. Milan and Napoli are interested although any deal is likely to depend on other deals. Having lost Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City, Milan are also considering adding Granit Xhaka and Luka Modric to their midfield while they are exploring a swap deal with Barcelona, reportedly offering Rafael Leão for centre back Ronald Araújo.
