Now that the dust has settled on the World Cup, regular service has resumed around the continent. We decided to preview the upcoming transfer window and explore some potential transfer moves that could be imminent. The winter World Cup gave players a unique opportunity to shine before the January transfer market. Stars who shone could be approached with offers. Following
Cristiano Ronaldo’s lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr during his acrimonious divorce from Manchester United, attention will shift to other teams worldwide as they attempt to make their presence felt following the World Cup break. So, what dealings could be in the pipeline?
Mateusz Klich will likely leave Leeds and join an MLS team following a sad farewell at Elland Road on Wednesday. The midfielder has consented to have his contract with the Whites terminated to expedite the transfer, with DC United being the reported destination. Following the 2-2 draw with West Ham, Klich was accorded a guard of honor by teammates wearing T-shirts featuring his portrait. The 32-year-old made his 194th substitute appearance for Leeds. He scored 24 goals in those games and was a key member of Marcelo Bielsa's squad that returned the club to the Premier League in 2019-20 after 16 years away.
Shakhtar Donetsk is poised to reject Arsenal's increased bid for Mykhailo Mudryk, taking advantage of Chelsea’s interest. Over the next 24 hours, Chelsea will hold talks in London with Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin and Darijo Srna, Shakhtar’s director of football. Arsenal increased their bid to £62 million for Mudryk, who has stated his desire to join the club. However, Shakhtar has said they want closer to £85 million, and Chelsea's participation in negotiations may push offers closer to their estimate. Shakhtar regards Jack Grealish’s move to Manchester City and Antony's move to Manchester United as the benchmark for any fee for Mudryk, who his former manager De Zerbi rated as a possible Ballon d’Or winner.
Everton’s attempts to buy Aston Villa forward Danny Ings have proved unsuccessful. Following their problems in front of goal, the Toffees are ready to bring in a striker during the January transfer window to enhance their survival chances. Frank Lampard’s team sought to complete a trade before the start of the month, but Villa refused. Ings is a proven Premier League goalscorer, having netted 67 times in 186 appearances, and would be an excellent addition to a team struggling to avoid relegation. He also has more goals versus Everton than any other club in his career, with seven in 15 games.
Newcastle United is still negotiating with Real Valladolid to sign right-back Ivan Fresneda. Officials from the Magpies have seen the 18-year-old multiple times, including against his former team Real Madrid. Fresneda, a Spaniard, is one of many right-backs Newcastle is considering, but he fits the profile of the player they want to sign. Fresneda, who has made seven appearances for Valladolid and is under contract until 2025, is also being watched by Juventus and Borussia Dortmund. However, the player is said to be flattered by the interest and is open to a move to St James’ Park. Newcastle sees its right-back recruiting as someone who can learn from Kieran Trippier and eventually become a significant team member.
Manchester United is negotiating a transfer for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is looking for a backup goalkeeper for David de Gea after Newcastle United cut Martin Dubravka’s loan period short. Butland has been at Crystal Palace since 2020, although he has only appeared less than a dozen times and has yet to play this season. The contract of the 29-year-old at Selhurst Park expires in the summer. Butland has nine England caps and was part of Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad in 2018. However, he has not started in the Premier League since Stoke City was relegated in 2018.
