Oct 31, 2024, 01:00 PM ET
Barcelona are monitoring Rafael Leão‘s situation at AC Milan, while Real Madrid are already considering the exit of midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from the world of soccer.
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TOP STORIES
– Man United set to hire Amorim for Nov. start – sources
– Van Nistelrooy would stay at Manchester United ‘in any capacity’
– Fermin Lopez extends Barcelona contract until 2029
TRENDING RUMORS
Aurélien Tchouaméni has struggled this season and could be on his way out. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)
– Real Madrid are already considering the exit of 24-year-old midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, says Relevo. The France international cost them €80m when he signed from Monaco in 2022 but he has struggled since the departure of Toni Kroos and Madrid are reportedly open to offers to sign him. Liverpool have been linked with him in the past and could be interested if a chance arises to bring him in.
– Barcelona are keeping an eye on Rafael Leão‘s situation at AC Milan ahead of a possible summer move for the winger, reports Diario Sport. There have been issues between the 25-year-old and manager Paulo Fonseca, so the Blaugrana are waiting to see if he could be available for a reasonable fee as the Portugal international grows tired of the situation in Milan, especially as they will prioritise a left-footed winger in the summer. Agent Jorge Mendes represents Leão and has offered him to Barcelona in the past, but they haven’t been able to afford his €175m release clause.
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– Juventus played out a 2-2 draw against Parma on Wednesday evening, and Calciomercato reported before the match that I Bianconeri could be keeping an eye on Ange-Yoan Bonny and Adrián Bernabé ahead of possible transfers. Both players impressed, with Bernabé notably delivering the cross that was headed back by Botond Balogh for Enrico Del Prato‘s opener.
– Bayern Munich forward Thomas Müller is coming to the end of his career at the age of 35, but Bild reports that he is interested in moving to MLS. The former Germany international had always seemed likely to retire at his only club, but before he hangs up his boots for a possible career in broadcasting or management, Muller is reportedly keen to experience MLS football.
– Real Madrid and Ajax are keeping tabs on Bayern starlet Lennart Karl, according to Sport. Karl, 16, has attracted the attention of several European clubs with his performances as he has scored 19 goals and delivered eight assists in 11 league games for Bayern’s U17 team. A Germany U17 international, the attacking midfielder has a contract with Bayern until June 2026.
EXPERT TAKE
Rafael Leão’s work off the ball might not fit well with Hansi Flick’s pressing style. Credit: Trumedia
ESPN writer Sam Tighe explores how Milan winger Rafael Leão could fit at Barcelona.
October may feel like a strange time for a Rafael Leão-to-Barcelona rumour, but huge deals like this take a ton of groundwork and preparation. If you want to sign Leão in 2025, you need to start working on it now.
On the one hand, it makes sense for Barcelona to be in the conversation: Elite clubs pursue elite players and, at 25 years of age, the Portuguese is steaming towards his prime. On the other, it jars a bit.
Even putting aside the now-standard caveat of “but can they afford it?” which is applied to every Barcelona transfer conversation these days given their financial issues, Leão isn’t the sort of player you’d imagine slotting into Hansi Flick’s tactical system with ease.
While the Portugal international is a sensational dribbler, runner and, at times, finisher — a true matchwinner with the ball at his feet — he’s never been the sort of hyperactive presser that Flick loves. And the manager is currently utilising a great one in the form of Raphinha on the left flank.
A lot can change in a year — even the coach! — but considering the path Barcelona and Flick are currently on, this pursuit feels very “style over substance” right now.
OTHER RUMORS
– Barcelona face competition from Bayern Munich to sign FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. (Diario Sport)
– Manchester United’s incoming new manager Ruben Amorim wants to sign a left-back in January and will battle Liverpool to land Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri. (Givemesport)
– PSG are at the front of the queue to land Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, though West Ham are also interested. (Football Insider)
– Inter Milan have prepared a new contract for right-back Denzel Dumfries to sign until June 2028. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Erik ten Hag wanted to re-sign 33-year-old former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton during his tenure. (The Athletic)
– Sunderland will do everything they can to see off any January interest from Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea in 17-year-old midfielder Chris Rigg. (Football Insider)
– Sevilla and Real Sociedad are monitoring Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara, who has caught the eye with two goals and six assists from 14 appearances, while there is also interest from the Premier League. (Ekrem Konur)
– Premier League side Southampton and EFL Championship clubs Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United, Stoke City and Hull City are interested in Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien after the 26-year-old impressed on loan at LAFC in MLS. (TEAMtalk)
– Newcastle United are not panicking about Alexander Isak’s contract situation despite the striker’s camp delaying talks and his current deal running until 2025. (Football Insider)
