Let’s see some of the transfer news around the football world.
Chelsea reaches a full agreement to sign Joao Felix on loan from Atletico
After Chelsea and Atletico Madrid agreed to a loan deal for the forward, Joao Felix will fly to London for his medical in “the next hours,” according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
While rumours indicated that Arsenal and Manchester United were also considering possibly completing the deal, the Blues had been pursuing his signing for several weeks.
Atletico Madrid allegedly wanted a loan fee for Felix as high as £19 million. Still, Romano has now revealed Chelsea has negotiated a price of €11 million (£9.7 million).
Felix will switch to Stamford Bridge until the end of the season, but the deal does not include an option to buy.
To amortise their €126 million transfer by another year and better spread out the payments, Atletico reportedly persuaded Felix to extend his existing contract until 2027.
João Félix to Chelsea, here we go! Full verbal agreement reached, loan move on €11m fee with 100% salary covered by Chelsea. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Before leaving, JF will extend contract with Atléti until 2027.
João will fly to London in the next hours to undergo medical tests and sign. pic.twitter.com/F5aYKMgspa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 10, 2023
Atletico Madrid exploring Memphis Depay deal
After agreeing to a contract to send Felix to Chelsea until the end of the season, Atleti is looking for a new attacking player. Depay might be that player, says transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The Dutch striker has been looking for a transfer away from Camp Nou for some time, even though he has stated his wish to move on in the summer. However, he might be persuaded by the fair offer, and Atleti does offer some prestige in addition to playing in Europe.
Depay has had a rocky time in Barcelona. The Dutch striker has a respectable 14 goals in 42 games, but he last played regularly for the squad a year ago.
In a news conference held before Barca’s Copa del Rey match against Intercity, manager Xavi insisted that he was pleased with Depay and supported the striker in earning some playing time.
The Spanish Super Cup match between Barcelona and Real Betis will feature the Dutch striker. But it’s still unclear how long he’ll wear a Barca jersey.
Atlético Madrid have asked Barcelona for Memphis Depay. Negotiations will take place this week as direct contact has been scheduled to make the first proposal. 🚨⚪️🔴 #FCB
Atléti have Depay in the list as one of possible replacements for João Félix. pic.twitter.com/1TBifDhpqB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 10, 2023
Newcastle holds transfer talks for Moukoko
According to reports, Newcastle will present stiff opposition for Chelsea to sign Youssoufa Moukoko, a striker for Borussia Dortmund.
The 18-year-old international from Germany is letting his contract with Signal Iduna Park lapse, which might make him a free agent in the summer of 2023.
Chelsea has long coveted interest in Moukoko. The adolescent has negotiated with the Magpies about a contract that might start at the beginning of the upcoming season and pay him over £150,000 per week at St. James’ Park. According to Standard Sport, big-spending Newcastle has made a “major verbal approach” to the player.
Dortmund is still interested in working out new terms with Moukoko, the youngest player to make their Champions League debut and the Bundesliga’s leading scorer. Still, an agreement has yet to be reached, with Premier League suitors interested.
