Transfers

Former Manchester United star Michael Carrick is in frame to take over as Rangers manager after Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard decided to step away from the race to replace Russell Martin at the Scottish club. After a poor start to the 2025-26 campaign, which saw fans protesting against Martin and demanding his removal, the head coach was finally sacked from his position earlier this month.

Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund are exploring defensive options in case star defender Nico Schlotterbeck leaves the club for Bayern Munich next summer. They have identified one strong candidate in the form of Chelsea defender Axel Disasi and a past connection with Dortmund coach Niko Kovac might help them in securing his services.

Crystal Palace stunned Liverpool by cancelling Marc Guehi’s £35 million ($47m) deadline day move to Anfield, with Palace chairman Steve Parish revealing his side's maiden European campaign was the key factor. Parish stressed that keeping the England captain was crucial for the Eagles’ season, despite the allure of a big-money transfer, highlighting the unique circumstances behind the dramatic last-minute U-turn.

Marcus Rashford has reportedly been made aware of the key flaw that he must overcome in order to earn a permanent transfer to Barcelona. The loan deal which took the England international away from Manchester United and over to La Liga includes the option for a £30 million ($40m) deal to be pushed through in the summer of 2026. Rashford does, however, have much to prove before an extended stay in Catalonia can be considered.

Vinicius Junior is no longer "untouchable" at Real Madrid, according to reports, with Los Blancos prepared to sanction a sale if the right offer arrives. That deal would need to smash all kinds of records, with the Spanish giants demanding €250 million (£217m/$290m) for their Brazil international forward. Few teams can afford to meet that asking price, but big-spending sides in the Saudi Pro League could.

Lyon winger Malick Fofana "belongs" at a cub like Liverpool or Manchester City, according to his agent, with the Belgium international earning comparisons to Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. The youngster's representative revealed he had offers from Everton and Fulham but opted to reject the Premier League duo in order to continue his development in Ligue 1.

Liverpool have reportedly held positive talks with Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck as they accelerate their search for a new centre-back following Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending ACL injury. However, Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the Germany international, meaning the Reds could face stiff competition in the upcoming January transfer window.

Liverpool have been warned that they could quickly lose Alexander Isak, as Barcelona might consider a transfer for the Swedish striker once veteran No.9 Robert Lewandowski leaves the club. The forward could be set to go when his contract expires next summer, as the Catalan giants are not expected to offer a new contract to the 37-year-old ahead of the expiry of his current deal.

Neymar’s camp have approached both Napoli and Inter ahead of a potential free January move, but both Italian clubs have already turned down the chance to sign him. The Brazilian forward, who will be out of contract at the end of 2025, is determined to return to top-level football as he eyes a Brazil recall for next year’s World Cup.

Juventus find themselves in a defensive crisis, akin to the one they experienced last season, which has forced them to look in the transfer market for suitable reinforcements. According to reports from Italy, the Bianconeri are looking for defenders with previous experience in the Serie A. Milan Skriniar, formerly of Inter, and Kim Min-jae, who was crucial in Napoli's title-winning success in 2022-23, are reportedly on the radar.

Real Madrid have decided against renewing Antonio Rudiger's contract, which expires next summer, due to his reduced role in the team, a report claims. The German international has failed to convince new head coach Xabi Alonso, despite being a key figure in defence for the previous three years. Madrid want to free up space in their wage bill, with Rudiger being viewed as an expensive backup by the coach.

Karim Benzema could be set for a surprise return to Europe, with Turkish giants Fenerbahce making the ex-Real Madrid striker their top January target. After a slow start to the season and a lack of goals, the Istanbul club are reportedly ready to test the waters for the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who remains under contract with Al-Ittihad until 2026.

Brighton chief admitted there was interest from Manchester United for Carles Baleba and revealed why the Red Devils missed out on the £100m transfer. United boss Ruben Amorim had made the Cameroon powerhouse his No.1 midfield target as the Red Devils scrambled for reinforcements before the September 1 deadline. But Brighton refused to budge, slamming the door shut on a potential £100m mega deal that could have filled their coffers.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac are ready to spend again at Wrexham, with it claimed that another striker offer is already being lined up. In a bid to reach the Premier League as quickly as possible, Hollywood co-owners in North Wales are said to have sought advice from those that have helped Manchester City to maximise value for money in the transfer market.

Liam Delap was on course to join Manchester United this summer before the transfer to Old Trafford collapsed. Instead, the former Ipswich striker joined Chelsea, although he has since sustained an injury that has kept him out of action in recent weeks. According to reports, Delap's move to Manchester was '90 per cent done'.

Raphinha had a phenomenal 2024-25 season, but in the summer of 2024, he was one of the players Barcelona were desperate to offload him. The Brazil international has previously stated that he would've considered a departure because he was struggling mentally. In a recent interview, he reiterated that "the offer from Saudi Arabia really tempted me", but conversations with Hansi Flick changed his mind.

Nico Schlotterbeck is in no rush to commit his long-term future to Borussia Dortmund. According to reports from Germany, the Black and Yellow have already tabled a new offer for their star defender, but Schlotterbeck is adamant on not making a premature decision. The likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid have expressed in signing the 25-year-old.

Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro has decided to defer the activation of the €11 million option to make Ansu Fati’s loan move from Barcelona permanent. The Spanish forward has been in fine form since joining the Ligue 1 side on loan, but Scuro emphasised that he must first be provided with the right conditions to develop into an important and consistent player before any transfer decision is made.

Liverpool have been handed a fresh boost in their pursuit of Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo as it was revealed that the winger has a release clause in his contract after signing a new-and-improved deal during the summer. The Ghanaian held talks with Tottenham and Manchester United before opting to stay with the Cherries, where he has kicked on.

Juventus have rejected multiple bids for midfielder Khephren Thuram from Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool over the past six months. The club, who signed Thuram in the summer of 2024, have no plans to let him go and have deemed both he and attacking star Kenan Yildiz as untouchable players.

Bayern Munich could face a major blow as Dayot Upamecano’s contract standoff opens the door for a transfer battle between Barcelona and Real Madrid. With talks stalling over a new deal, the French centre-back’s uncertain future has also drawn interest from Manchester United, setting up a fierce pursuit ahead of the winter transfer window.

Dele Alli's hopes of sealing a move to Wrexham on a free transfer have disappeared after the Championship side confirmed the final place in their squad for the 2025-26 season has gone to returning star Ollie Rathbone. The former Como midfielder had been linked with a move to Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac's side after being released by the Serie A side but must now look elsewhere for a fresh challenge.

Casemiro faces a huge call on his £375,000-a-week Manchester United contract, according to reports. The Brazil international midfielder has been at Old Trafford since 2022, when he completed a stunning switch to England from La Liga giants Real Madrid. His current deal is running down, with interest from clubs in his homeland and the Saudi Pro League said to have been shown.

Danny Murphy, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, has explained why any £57 million ($76m) transfer involving Harry Kane would be a “big risk” and a “downgrade” for the England captain if he were to head back to Tottenham. After lifting his trophy curse with Bayern Munich, the former Spurs striker is seeing a return to his homeland in the summer of 2026 speculated on.

Brazil international Paulo Henrique joked that he is trying to help Vasco da Gama lure Tottenham and Newcastle stars to the Serie A from the Premier League. The 29-year-old winger made the light-hearted confession after Brazil’s embarrassing 3-2 defeat to Japan in Tokyo, a friendly that went from cruise control to complete calamity in the second half.

Juventus are interested in Al-Ahli midfielder Frank Kessie. The former AC Milan player's contract is set to expire in 2026 and Al-Ahli would rather sell the midfielder than lose him for free. Juventus, who were interested in the player in the summer, are set to launch a new bid in January with the Ivorian international interested in a return to Europe.

Manchester City are eyeing a move to sign a certain "Brazilian Erling Haaland" with a £87 million ($117m) release clause as Pep Guardiola's side look to the future. His name is Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo, better known simply as Dell. Just 17, the striker from Bahia is already being whispered about as Brazil’s next superstar, but he has plenty of time to reach his potential.

Real Madrid are expected to receive numerous offers for wonderkid Gonzalo Garcia in the upcoming January transfer window. However, head coach Xabi Alonso is set to block any potential departure, as he trusts the Spain Under 21 star to be an important rotational piece. Gonzalo was the top scorer at the Club World Cup, but has made just one start in the 2025-26 season.

Bayern Munich have reportedly opened talks with Koln over the signing of German wonderkid Said El Mala. The Bavarian club are said to be the most advanced in their pursuit of the youngster, but they face competition from English sides, as Koln had previously rejected a substantial summer offer from Brighton.