Paracetamol. check. Water. check. Rumor factory? check! Welcome to 2025, which is very similar to the end of 2024, save for a new calendar on the kitchen wall and the opening of the January transfer window. This not only means that ailing Manchester-based clubs will be able to sign new shiny players at exorbitant prices, but also that players who are out of contract at the end of this season will also be able to arrange free transfers on the cheap (but With this) forced labour).
is among the latter Cristiano RonaldoJoe is nearing the end of a record contract – his total salary is reported to be €200m (£177m) per year after including commercial agreements – which prompted him to move to Saudi Arabia two years ago. The Portuguese had previously said he wanted to win a Saudi title with Al-Nassr, something he has yet to achieve, but when pressed on his future last week he said: “You never know what the future holds. What could happen in me.” Whether he stays or not, Ronaldo will have no shortage of offers, even with his 40th birthday approaching in February. Many superstars have been out of contract in six months Son Heung-min, Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kevin De Bruyne, Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies, Leroy Sane, Jonathan Tah, Jonathan David And angel gomes Everyone is free to begin negotiations with other clubs in January.
Another veteran available to sign for free Now! Former Chelsea star WilliamWho has recently terminated his contract with Greek giants Olympiacos. The Brazilian, who looked very productive in two years at Fulham before leaving last summer, previously said he had “chances in Europe, England, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and MLS”, and of course some struggling Premier League side. There will be league clubs who will be lacking. A creative spark that would be interesting.
Manchester City have already announced they would like to do some business – “Even the players feel we have to add”, Pep Guardiola insisted last month – Martin Zubimendi Top of the hitlist. The Spanish midfielder was close to joining Liverpool last summer before refusing a move to Merseyside and now the Rodri-less City look to be favorites to land the 25-year-old, who scored alongside Rodri in the Euro final for Spain in July. Successfully replaced. Arsenal are also reportedly pursuing Zubimendi, who has a release clause of €60m (£50m) at Real Sociedad.
Jack Grealish He is the one who could leave City, with Tottenham and Newcastle being the two clubs linked to the former Villa man. The latter would be a surprise, as Newcastle have both Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes on the left wing.
Despite Ruben Amorim’s desire to have players who fit into his preferred 3-4-3 system, Manchester United can only buy if they sell. of bournemouth Milos Kerkez Is being tracked, but the 21-year-old left-back will not come cheap.
Arsenal are desperate not to see their season derailed by an injury to Bukayo Saka. With Raheem Sterling injured and Ethan Nwaneri still inexperienced, the Gunners may opt to go stronger. of brentford Brian Mbeumo and of wolves mattheus cunha The two have been linked but both would cost more than £60 million.
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This is your fate for now. Happy New Year everyone!