Although there is rarely as much excitement during the January transfer window as there is during the summer, the rumor mill doesn't stop.
The good times are already underway. A wide range of lines are competing for a place in the gossip column as some clubs are making new signings and others are aiming for possible summer acquisitions.
Here are our opinions on five of the most outrageous rumors that are circulating right now.
Kobbie Mainoo to Chelsea
The gossipThe Daily Mail has linked Chelsea to Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, claiming the Blues are already "leading the race" for the 19-year-old due to concerns over the lack of movement in negotiations over a new contract.
Our opinion
Chelsea already has an abundance of midfield players. Romeo Lavia is acting admirably as a backup, Andrey Santos is winning hearts while on loan with Strasbourg, and Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are the favored starters—as they should be given their combined £222 million cost.
At this point, is there even a race to lead? Mainoo's £20,000-per-week contract has a 12-month extension clause that United will absolutely activate, even if it's simply to sour their competitors. His contract is set to expire in 2027. In any case, it will pay for itself if a few more staff bonuses are cancelled.
Regardless of the composition of their present team, any club would explore a low-cost transaction for Mainoo, but it's difficult to imagine Chelsea making any serious effort to make a speculative transfer that wouldn't materialize until 2027 anyhow.
The assertions that he is "no longer untouchable" also seem far more dramatic than they need to be. Even though United doesn't want to sell, they can be persuaded if a club shows up with a lot of money. Almost every player on the planet is like that.
Virgil van Dijk to Real Madrid
The gossip
According to Relevo, Real Madrid has rejected the chance to finalize a deal after Virgil van Dijk's representatives allegedly discussed a blockbuster free transfer with the Spanish team throughout the summer.
Our opinion
This is a strange one. First of all, it is insane that Liverpool let Van Dijk's contract to expire to the extent that he could even speak with Madrid in the first place, but it is equally puzzling that Los Blancos are reluctant to make a deal.
Yes, Van Dijk is getting a little elderly at 33. He is obviously a temporary solution to a problem, but is that really such a bad thing? Since Carlo Ancelotti has been using a single, healthy senior center-back for what seems like an eternity, why not use Van Dijk for a year or two while you look for a permanent replacement?
Cole Palmer to PSG
The gossip
According to El Nacional, Paris Saint-Germain has made Cole Palmer their top transfer target, and Chelsea will soon receive a bid of €200 million (£166 million).
Our opinion
After been stung by high transfer costs in the past, PSG has put an end to their irresponsible spending in favor of assembling a team of equals who can share the workload rather than taking a backseat to one star.
It's simple to argue that Palmer would never be sold by Chelsea, but let's face it. Even Premier League clubs wouldn't turn down £166 million, especially when there are South American teens in need of adoption.
Jhon Duran to Barcelona
The gossip
According to SPORT in Spain, Barcelona's sports director Deco has been meeting with Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran's agents. In the summer, he might fetch up to £60 million.
Is Barcelona ever going to learn its lesson? They've only managed to return to La Liga's 1:1 spending regulations by pulling all the levers within a 50-mile radius. Although they rushed to sign the high-profile player last summer, they are content to take even greater chances in order to sign Duran.
Duran, who has proven to be a true offensive force with Villa this season, is not being disparaging. Although the cost of winning this race is probably going to push the Blaugrana back into financial instability, he is excellent enough for a team like Barcelona.
Alexander Isak to Arsenal
The gossip
Although there have long been rumors that Arsenal is interested in Alexander Isak, a striker for Newcastle United, it is notable that the rumors have persisted after the Swede was appraised at £150 million. Isak is still referred to be a "key target" by Football Insider.
Our opinion
We should just be clear about this. Can we just curb the ridiculous transfer fees? No football player in the earth is worth £150 million.
Isak is fantastic and exactly what Arsenal needs—someone who can score goals from open play—but in the present PSR environment, which has made every club in the top division of England afraid to relax their purse strings, the Gunners just won't invest £150 million on anyone.
However, Isak's price tag might decrease if Newcastle misses out on the Champions League once more and he decides he's had enough of Brown Ale. Definitely one to observe.
Comments