The winter transfer window is now closed in Europe's top leagues, but there are plenty of moves in the works and rumors circulating as we look ahead to the summer. Transfer Talk brings you the latest news on rumours, comings and goings and of course, closed deals!
TOP STORY: PSG, Man United and Barça all interested in Matthijs De Ligt
Bayern Munich managed to defend itself against Paris Saint-Germain's interest in the defender Matthijs de Ligt in January, but Bild reports that the French team will return and try again in the summer.
L'Equipe had reported that the 24-year-old was not interested in a winter move despite PSG coach Luis Enrique looking to strengthen his injury-hit defensive line. Furthermore, Bayern were keen to block the move due to their own defensive weaknesses as they look to close out a season in which they have failed to overtake Bayer Leverkusen in the table.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga and more (US)
– Read on ESPN+: Understanding Pulisic's season at AC Milan
Now, however, Bild reports that the Bavarians will find it more difficult to retain De Ligt if the parisians He will return at the end of the season, and there could be even more competition to sign the defender.
Manchester United and Barcelona would also be interested in De Ligt. Both clubs have defensive problems, and Man United could have the inside track to bring in the centre-back, as manager Erik Ten Hag previously coached him at Ajax.
PAPER GOSSIP
– The Premier League and European clubs follow the evolution of the Bayer Leverkusen star Exequiel Palacios before the summer transfer window, according to Ekrem Konur. The 25-year-old Argentine has been one of the star players under Xabi Alonso this season, and has been an ever-present as Leverkusen topped the Bundesliga table. Manchester City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have all followed Palacios in recent months, while Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid are also interested. Palacios has a contract with the club until 2027-28.
– Newcastle United could have to part with the Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes in the summer to appease the Premier League's sustainability and profit rules, according to Football Insider. The Magpies fear breaking the rules, meaning Guimaraes could leave the club if anyone is willing to honor the £100m release clause that was included in his amended contract in October last year. The 26-year-old star has been one of Newcastle's most consistent players under Eddie Howe, attracting interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
– Girona could consider a move for the Barcelona star Oriol Romeu in the summer after failing to get it in January, according to Mundo Deportivo. Romeu was one of the main objectives of the Spanish elite in recent weeks but, according to Girona's sports director, Quique Cárcel, “the regulations made it impossible.” Girona hopes to have more success when the window reopens at the end of the season. “From minute one I have always said that Oriol is an important player,” said Cárcel.
– As Inter Milan and Juventus prepare to meet at the San Siro stadium on Sunday in a crucial Serie A clash, both clubs are already planning summer moves ahead of the 2024-25 season, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport . Inter eyes the 31-year-old player Mehdi Taremi from FC Porto and 29 years old Piotr Zieliński of Napoli as they look to improve their attacking options. Juve, for their part, have a more youthful approach, with the 21-year-old Bologna defender Ricardo Calafiori and the 25-year-old Atalanta player Teun Koopmeiners at the top of your wanted list.
– Several Bundesliga clubs are closely monitoring the 18-year-old Ajax star Gabriel Misehouy, according to Bild. They believe the Dutch Under-19 international could spark a tug-of-war between Germany's top clubs, with Girona also interested in the rising star. Misehouy has been an important part of Ajax's second team, scoring seven goals and adding three assists in 13 games. Misehouy's contract ends in the summer, meaning he is an attractive proposition for clubs interested in the attacking midfielder's talent.
