– ESPN Dec 24, 2024, 05:00 AM ET Manchester United is considering a January transfer for Victor Osimhen, while Bayern Munich has added Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens to their shortlist. Stay tuned for the latest updates on transfers, rumors, and gossip from across the globe.
TRENDING RUMORS
According to Sky Sport Switzerland, Manchester United is monitoring Victor Osimhen ahead of the January transfer window. The Nigerian striker is on loan at Galatasaray, where he has netted nine goals and provided three assists in 11 Süper Lig appearances, but Napoli may recall him next month for a permanent move. Reports suggest that United would have “no trouble” negotiating personal terms with the 22-year-old. However, they would need to agree on a transfer fee with Napoli, who are likely to demand around €75 million for his release. Additionally, Manchester United has more urgent needs at left-back this winter.
Bayern Munich has identified Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens as a key target for next summer, as reported by Florian Plettenberg. The 20-year-old has become a vital player in the first half of the season but has not indicated any desire to leave Dortmund. Nevertheless, Bayern’s coach Vincent Kompany and sporting director Max Eberl are reportedly “enthusiastic” about Gittens, who scored against Bayern earlier this season. A winter transfer is off the table, meaning Dortmund will wait until summer to see which clubs make serious attempts to acquire their star forward. Gittens has scored 14 goals in all competitions for Die Schwarzgelben since 2022.
Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is genuinely worried that Liverpool or Real Madrid may look to sign Charles De Ketelaere soon, according to La Repubblica. The Reds have recently been linked with De Ketelaere, who has netted 10 goals and provided nine assists in 24 matches this season. The 23-year-old primarily plays as a No. 10 and initially joined Atalanta on loan from AC Milan, where he failed to score in 40 appearances, before making the move permanent earlier this year.
Aston Villa forward Jhon Durán is a significant target for Paris Saint-Germain in the January transfer window, as stated by Ekrem Konor. The 21-year-old has been identified as a potential replacement for Randal Kolo Muani by PSG head coach Luis Enrique. The Parisians are eager to bolster their attacking options this winter and may turn to the Villa player, who has scored seven goals in 17 Premier League matches this season. Durán has also been linked with clubs like Chelsea and Napoli, with Napoli reportedly preparing an offer as well.
– Theo Hernández’s future at AC Milan is uncertain, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Coach Paulo Fonseca has benched the French international due to a dip in form and has criticized his performances in front of the team. With a contract that runs until the summer of 2026, Milan might explore interested buyers, including Manchester United. However, the report notes that Hernández is content at San Siro and aims to regain his place in the squad and secure a new contract.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN’s Rob Dawson discusses why Victor Osimhen is unlikely to join Manchester United in January: There are doubts regarding Joshua Zirkzee, leading to speculation about alternative strikers. Zirkzee has struggled since his summer transfer from Bologna, and there are concerns about whether he fits Ruben Amorim’s system. Amorim appears to prefer a player like Rasmus Højlund or Viktor Gyökeres—someone who can lead the attack and make runs into the channels—while Zirkzee is more comfortable dropping back and playing as a No. 10. United has previously considered Victor Osimhen; he may align better with Amorim’s system than Zirkzee, but financial constraints remain a significant issue. United has been clear that there is limited budget for new signings, especially in January.
OTHER RUMORS
– Newcastle United might allow Sandro Tonali to leave in order to free up funds for strengthening other positions. While a January move is not on the table, a transfer to Juventus could materialize next summer. (Football Insider)
– Manchester United’s pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson could gain momentum as the Old Trafford management has given full approval to sign the 25-year-old. (TMW)
– Ben Chilwell is facing a six-month absence. He is not part…
