🚨 HUGE Osimhen row, Alonso to Real Madrid, Sancho latest, Arsenal's Havertz stance, PSG's plans for wonderkid duo, and more
Today's transfer round-up, featuring Victor Osimhen, Jadon Sancho and more!
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing, delivered ad-free and straight to your inbox as always. Thanks for reading, and enjoy!
Today’s top stories:
Arsenal
Is there any concern at Arsenal about Kai Havertz’s slow start?
Is David Raya now the undisputed no.1 for Arsenal? Ben Jacobs has the latest info here.
Barcelona
La Masia product Estanis Pedrola is now shining at Sampdoria in Italian second division Serie B. Estanis scored 3 goals in 6 games after he joined from Barcelona on loan with mandatory buy clause for €3m fee. Barca have a €7m buy back clause until 2025 and 50% sell-on clause.
📰 Barcelona are considering a surprise move to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City (Sport)
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayern Munich
Five goals and two assists for 2005 born talent Mathys Tel this season, one more added last night. Thomas Tuchel and the Bayern board are delighted with his impact.
What a finish this was from Tel against Man Utd! [Pictures via TNT Sports]
Bournemouth
It’s Tyler Adams time at Bournemouth, as he will be in the squad for the visit of Stoke in the League Cup. His £20m release clause was triggered in August after Chelsea deal collapsed.
Chelsea
Infinite Athlete are set to be announced on Wednesday as Chelsea new front of shirt sponsor.
Mauricio Pochettino on the negative results: “I’m sure we’ve the capacity to turn this. It’s not worse than I thought. We always knew new project is always difficult. This period… looks like all against us. The performances deserve more points.”
Pochettino on owners going to the dressing room after the games: “I don’t see it in a bad way. For me, it’s good that they share with us. It would be different if they gave some speech but they own the club and can do what they want. I am glad they came and shared with us.”
More here from Ben Jacobs on how Pochettino is coping with Chelsea’s struggles.
Pochettino has confirmed Bruno Saltor’s exit as “he didn't belong to my coaching staff and it’s the best decision for him and the club.”
Ivan Toney wants to stay in London, but will it be Chelsea, Arsenal or Spurs?
Fiorentina
Nico Gonzalez will sign a new deal today — it will be valid until June 2028. Fiorentina are set to seal the agreement as exclusively revealed yesterday, now confirmed.
Manchester United
Erik ten Hag: “Pressure is part of life at Man Utd for everyone involved in club. The demands are never easy because expectations so high and everybody is watching. But you don't wear this crest to have an easy life but because you are capable of handling the responsibility.”
Erik ten Hag on the Jadon Sancho situation: “I do not comment about unavailable players — again, I don’t comment.” More on Sancho here.
Man Utd considered this striker in the summer but why didn’t a deal happen? Full details here.
A summer United target could now be available this January - more info here.
Sofyan Amrabat: “This was my dream since I was a kid, Man United. I play where I can help the team, even goalkeeper! I play for the badge.”
Sergio Reguilon: “Ten Hag wanted me to come and I also wanted to come here. It was very easy. We talked about what he expected from his left back. We share the same philosophy. He likes workers hardworking and I like to work hard.”
Was Harry Kane ever really a realistic option for United? Ben Jacobs has the details here.
Marseille
Olympique Marseille are set to appoint Gennaro Gattuso as their new manager. It’s almost done - Gattuso has accepted. OM want to get it done on Wednesday, with the Italian coach set to fly to Marseille in the next 24 hours.
Napoli
Victor Osimhen is considering legal action against Napoli for the TikTok video below, which was later deleted by the club…
What next for Osimhen at Napoli? Full details here.
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe on Bruno new deal: “I don't know what’s happening”. A new deal is agreed and set to be signed in the next days/weeks. It will run until June 2028 with a release clause in the region of £100m.
PSG
Paris Saint-Germain are close to completing an agreement with Warren Zaire-Emery to extend his contract. The 2006 born gem is considered the ‘perfect face of the project’. A new deal is now considered a top priority. Swap deal in June was never considered despite links as he’s a key player for PSG.
RB Leipzig director Max Eberl on Xavi Simons loan deal: “We are now trying to ensure that he stays with us longer in summer 2024. Xavi got off to a very good start and we are currently tying him emotionally to RB Leipzig.”
What could this mean for Xavi Simons’ long-term future? Full details here.
QPR
USA defender Reggie Cannon signs in as new QPR player today — free agent, he has accepted their proposal.
RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig director Max Eberl on Xavi Simons loan deal: “We are now trying to ensure that he stays with us longer in summer 2024. Xavi got off to a very good start and we are currently tying him emotionally to RB Leipzig.”
What could this mean for Xavi Simons’ long-term future? Full details here.
WHAT a goal this was from Xavi Simons! [Pictures via NSports]
Real Madrid
Arda Guler has suffered a new muscle injury in the final part of Real Madrid training. He’s expected to be out for at least three weeks.
Carlo Ancelotti on his future and on potential new deal at Real: “Everyone knows I’m happy here. But this is not an important matter now. We will talk in the future, there’s time.”
Ancelotti on Xabi Alonso to Real links: “I have coached Xabi, he’s doing a great job at Bayer. He understands the game well, that’s why he’s very good coach.”
Sampdoria
La Masia product Estanis Pedrola is now shining at Sampdoria in Italian second division Serie B. Estanis scored 3 goals in 6 games after he joined from Barcelona on loan with mandatory buy clause for €3m fee. Barca have a €7m buy back clause until 2025 and 50% sell-on clause.
Tottenham
Pierre Emile Hojbjerg’s contract with his agent has come to an end. The Tottenham midfielder is now looking for scenarios/options going forward. The January market is an option for the Danish midfielder - more info here.
For all the very latest transfer news, read caughtoffside.com
Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.... tic, tac....
Why did you delete my previous comment?