The January transfer window rarely provides the same kind of entertainment as it does in the summer, but that doesn’t mean the rumors are slowing down.
The party is already in full swing. Some clubs are signing new contracts and others are eyeing potential summer signings, opening the door to a whole host of ranks vying for a place in the gossip column.
Here’s our look at six of the craziest rumors circulating right now.
Rumors
Barcelona sporting director Deco has met with the agents of Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, according to SPORT in Spain. He could be available for up to £60m in the summer.
Our opinion
Will Barcelona ever learn their lesson? Of course, they reverted to La Liga’s 1:1 spending rules, but they only managed to do so by activating every lever within a 50 mile radius. They are typed to register big money signing last summer, but they seem happy to risk even more to get Duran’s signature.
This is not a complaint against Duran, who has established himself as a real attacking force with Villa this season. He’s good enough for a club like Barcelona, but the cost of winning this race is likely to send the Blaugrana back into financial limbo.
Rumors
Relevo claim that Virgil van Dijk’s agents have spoken to Real Madrid on a big free transfer in the summer, only for the Spanish side to reject the possibility of a deal.
Our opinion
This is strange. First, the fact Liverpool That they let Van Dijk’s contract languish to the point where he could even talk to Madrid is mind boggling, but Los Blancos’ reluctance to do a deal is equally puzzling.
Of course, at 33 years old, Van Dijk is making some progress. He’s clearly a short-term solution in a problematic position, but is that so bad? Carlo Ancelotti has been running with one healthy centre-back for what seems like forever, so why not take Van Dijk for a year or two until you find a long-term solution?
Rumors
Rumors about ArsenalInterest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is nothing new, but the fact that they didn’t disappear after the Swede was valued at £150m is noteworthy. Football Insider continue to describe Isaac as a “key target”.
Our opinion
Just to clear this up. There isn’t a footballer on the planet worth £150m, so can we stop the stupid transfer prices?
Isak is great and he’s exactly what Arsenal need – someone who can actually score goals from open play – but the Gunners just aren’t going to spend £150m on anyone in the current PSR climate that has left every club in the top flight of the English league terrified to clear the bag.
That said, if Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League again and Isak decides he’s had his last Brown Ale, his price could drop. One to watch, for sure.
Rumors
El Nacional state-owned Paris Saint-Germain have identified Cole Palmer as their dream transfer target, with a €200m (£166m) offer set to reach Chelseafor the desk.
Our opinion
Not.
PSG have been burned by large transfer fees in the past and have closed the door on their past reckless spending in favor of building a group of equals who can share the load, rather than playing second fiddle to one main star.
It’s easy to argue that Chelsea wouldn’t sell Palmer for any price, but let’s be realistic. £166 million is the kind of money even Premier League clubs wouldn’t turn down, especially when there are South American teenagers who need something to do.
Rumors
With concerns over the lack of progress in talks on a new contract, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with Chelsea Daily Mailwho states that the Blues are already “leading the race” for the 19-year-old.
Our opinion
Is there even a race to run at this point? Mainoo is under contract until 2027 and also has a 12-month extension clause in his £20,000-a-week deal which United will 100% activate even if only to spite their rivals. Just cancel a few more staff bonuses and it will be worth it anyway.
Chelsea are already inundated with midfielders. Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are the preferred starters – as they should be after costing £222m together – while Romeo Lavia is doing a solid job as a back-up and Andrey Santos is stealing hearts on loan with Strasbourg.
A cut-price deal for Mainoo is one that any club would consider regardless of their current squad composition, but it’s hard to see Chelsea putting any real effort into a hypothetical move that won’t happen before 2027 anyway.
Besides, claims that he is ‘no longer untouchable’ sound much more dramatic than necessary. United do not want to sell, but could be tempted if the club arrives with stupid money. This is the case for literally every player in the world.
READ LAST WEEK’S TRANSFER RUMORS HERE
