Transfers

Bayern Munich have been told it would be a “must” to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck if contract talks with Dayot Upamecano collapse. With the Frenchman’s future uncertain and Liverpool monitoring the situation, Lothar Matthaus believes the German international could be the ideal replacement one who already knows the Bundesliga inside out.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to complete a "beautiful story" by returning to his roots at Sporting, even if that path is trodden without taking on the No.7 shirt. Ronaldo took his first tentative steps down the road to superstardom in Lisbon and has seen it suggested on a regular basis that he could bring his record-shattering career full circle by finishing where it all began.

Manchester United may have a secret agent on their hands in Bryan Mbeumo, with the Red Devils winger said to be urging Cameroon international team-mate Carlos Baleba to join him at Old Trafford. United remain in the market for another proven performer to operate in the heart of their midfield, with a big-money raid on Premier League rivals Brighton being mooted.

Liverpool have reportedly made a decision on whether they will pursue a Nico Schlotterbeck transfer as contract talks with Borussia Dortmund continue to stall. The 25-year-old's negotiations with Dortmund have dragged on for months, with both sides yet to agree on fresh terms. The club is desperate to keep hold of one of their defensive cornerstones, but Schlotterbeck’s camp has been reluctant to commit, leaving Europe’s biggest teams circling with the hopes of a potential transfer.

Joshua Zirzkee’s agent has been blasted for "choosing the money" when it comes to his client, with Manchester United considered to have "become a cesspool". Netherlands international Zirkzee moved to Old Trafford in the summer of 2024, when having other options to consider at the time, and has tumbled down the pecking order with the Premier League heavyweights.

Mason Greenwood’s Marseille have reportedly made an enquiry for Real Madrid’s teenage forward Endrick, with the Brazilian growing increasingly 'frustrated' over his lack of minutes under Xabi Alonso. The 18-year-old has not featured since recovering from injury and could be open to a January loan exit as he looks to secure game time ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

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.

Santos have reportedly paused contract renewal talks with Neymar amid growing concerns over his fitness and high wages. The 33-year-old forward has missed significant time through injury this year. Despite the excellent relationship between Neymar and the club, officials want to reassess the situation before committing to an extension as his current contract runs until December.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken has warned defender Nico Schlotterbeck that, while he respects the player’s decision to delay signing a new contract, the German side will not allow the situation to drag on indefinitely. The German international, who has attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Liverpool, has a deal running until 2027.

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.

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.

Manchester United are reportedly prioritising a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton after cooling their interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. The Red Devils were keen to strengthen in the middle of the park by signing the Cameroon international in the summer but have now decided to rethink their shortlist following the 21-year-old’s difficult start to the 2025-26 season.

Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly looking to leave Manchester United in January after falling out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim. Having made just three Premier League appearances so far this season, the striker is now attracting interest from two Serie A clubs as he aims to boost his chances of making the Netherlands’ squad for the 2026 World Cup by exiting Old Trafford.

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.

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.

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.

Borussia Dortmund defender Almugera Kabar has submitted a transfer request to leave the German club. The 21-year-old has yet to make an appearance this season and does not feature in manager Niko Kovac’s plans. Kabar is reportedly looking for a loan move, with Brentford and three other English clubs expressing interest in signing him during the winter transfer window.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be set to return to Britain in a coaching role as Rangers have approached the Manchester United legend. Only a few days ago, Solskjaer's former assistant coach at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick was linked with the managerial job at Ibrox. The Scottish giants parted ways with Russell Martin after just two months of the 2025-26 campaign.

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.

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.