Let’s see some of the transfer talks around the football world.
Xavi confirms talks with Palmeiras sensation Endrick
Endrick, a star striker for Palmeiras, has been approached directly by Barcelona manager Xavi to persuade him to join Camp Nou.
Real Madrid, a La Liga opponent, is vying for the services of the 16-year-old, and Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also firmly in the running thanks to their capacity to meet Endrick’s €60 million release clause, which Barcelona may find challenging to complete.
Barcelona has pleaded with Endrick despite their more precarious financial situation, and Xavi told ESPN that he has spoken to the striker and his family regarding a transfer.
“We have spoken to both his father and the footballer directly,” according to Xavi. “I discussed the project we are working on in Barcelona.”
“We are looking for skill, and he can make a difference. He can score, dribble, and make a difference with brutality. He is a player of the present and future.”
“Endrick is the kind of player we require. He is the kind of athlete we need. He is aware of the project we are working on in Barcelona, and we are conversing.”
“Although it depends on him, we hope he joins our team. Always it’s a player thing. Typically, a player will play where he wants to, so Endrick’s decision is very personal.”
Barça manager Xavi on Endrick: “We've been talking with Endrick’s father and also with the player. I explained them the project. We want him, he’s a top talent”, tells ESPN. 🚨🔵🔴🇧🇷 #FCB
“Endrick is the kind of player we need. I hope he joins Barça. It's up to him to decide”. pic.twitter.com/WjH5QAiGtl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 26, 2022
Manchester United wants January deal for Memphis Depay
In 2023, Memphis Depay, a star for Barcelona, might make a spectacular comeback to Manchester United.
Before the 2022–23 season, the Dutch international was set to be leaving Camp Nou as the club attempted to cut high-earning players from their payroll. He stayed in Catalonia despite injuries delaying his start to the domestic campaign.
According to sources from Sky Germany, United has already contacted Depay’s representatives, and Barcelona is willing to sever Depay’s season-long contract.
Given that United are willing to strengthen their team after the highly publicized departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona is eager to offload another high-paid player, a free transfer could benefit both parties.
News #Depay: He is also on the list of #MUFC. We‘ve been told that Ten Hag can really imagine bringing him back. There is contact between all parties. Barca would even terminate the contract, desperately wants to save the salary. @Sky_Marc @SkySportDE 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/PSrkcNiVnx
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 25, 2022
Man United to explore Cody Gakpo and Rafael Leo deal in January
According to ESPN, Erik ten Hag has urged Manchester United to investigate the possibility of making a January deal to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. The club is reportedly considering prospects like Cody Gakpo and Rafael Leao.
After spending more than £220 million on new players in the summer, United had no intention of significantly expanding its roster in January.
According to ESPN, the United boss is aware of the budgetary limitations following the higher-than-anticipated expenditure in the summer. However, he is still worried that Ronaldo’s departure will leave him without enough options for the remainder of the season.
Before signing Brazilian winger Antony from Ajax in the summer, United looked at Gakpo, who has two World Cup goals for the Netherlands.
🚨🇳🇱 JUST IN:
Erik ten Hag wants to get Cody Gakpo to Manchester United very quickly. @ESPNnl #MUFC ✅
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) November 26, 2022
Gakpo is valued at about €50 million by PSV Eindhoven. Still, the Dutch team hopes he will stay at least through the end of the current campaign, especially given they are vying for their first Eredivisie championship since 2018.
An ESPN report also states that United is keeping tabs on Portuguese winger Leao. The 23-year-old scored for Portugal in their 3-2 World Cup victory over Ghana on Thursday. He helped AC Milan win the Serie A title last season with 14 goals in 42 games.
Barcelona will open talks with Jordi Alba to terminate the contract in the summer
Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona plans to initiate talks with Alba in January about perhaps ending his contract after the current campaign.
This year, Alejandro Balde has replaced the 33-year-old in the starting XI. Nevertheless, anytime Xavi Hernandez has given him a chance, he has demonstrated that he still has much to contribute.
Alba’s huge contract presents a significant problem for Barça, who actively tries to reduce payment costs.
The veteran defender would still have one year left on his contract, but the Blaugrana believe that parting ways with him in June would be the best course of action.
To resolve the situation amicably, Barcelona wants to start talking to Alba about the possibility of terminating his contract in January.
