Hello and welcome to today’s Daily Briefing, thanks for reading, and remember to SUBSCRIBE if you want this in your inbox five mornings a week!
AC Milan
AC Milan can’t lose Olivier Giroud now, it’s seen as “impossible” by club sources and they expect Giroud to sign new deal in the next weeks or months after a verbal agreement was reached in December.
Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo: “It’s not the end of my career in Saudi Arabia. Many people speak… but they know nothing about football. I know here the league is very competitive. I don’t care about people saying things about this choice. I took my decision, I am happy.
“My work in Europe is done. I played at the best clubs in the world… and I won everything. I’m happy, proud to join Al Nassr. People don’t know about the level here. This contract is unique because I am a unique player. It’s normal for me.”
Some info I’ve had: I’m aware of Sporting Kansas City, Al Hilal and Al Nassr proposals for Ronaldo, but of course if he said that there were offers from Europe I guess there was something else!
No one close to Ronaldo wants to confirm the clause for European clubs or Newcastle, so at the moment there’s no confirmation.
Arsenal
Chelsea are interested in Mykhaylo Mudryk as revealed on Monday. He’s considered the “perfect winger” for their project but nothing has changed, as of now – the player’s first choice is Arsenal, and Chelsea will only make their move if talks with the Gunners collapse.
It’s a possibility for Cedric Soares to leave Arsenal this month. Fulham want Cedric but there’s still no agreement with Arsenal. It depends on the salary, but there is also no agreement on that yet. Arsenal are also keen to make sure they have an alternative if Cedric leaves.
Aston Villa
Aaron Ramsey has been recalled by Aston Villa following his loan spell at Norwich City, club confirms.
“Ramsey will continue his rehabilitation at Bodymoor Heath after picking up an injury in December,” a club statement read.
Barcelona
Xavi on Memphis Depay: “I don’t want Memphis or any other player to leave in January. I think it’s gonna be a quiet window for us”.
I can confirm that Barcelona have never received any bid from Newcastle for Memphis.
Bayern Munich
Official. New agent for FC Bayern and France star Kingsley Coman, he’s now with CAA Base.
“Coman is a world class talent, having won 27 trophies by the age of 26. We are excited to support him as he strives to achieve further success”, said agent Christian Emile.
Kevin Trapp will not be Manuel Neuer’s replacement at FC Bayern, as Eintracht director Krosche confirms: “It’s a story made up by the agents — it’s complete nonsense.”
Bayern focus remains on Yann Sommer and Alex Nubel as goalkeeper options.
Brighton
Despite some speculation, there’s no update yet on Moises Caicedo, it’s one to watch in January for sure but as of now no developments yet. Chelsea are fully focused on Enzo Fernandez in midfield, with talks ongoing. I’d also add Newcastle among teams appreciating Caicedo but Brighton will try to keep him until the end of the season.
Chelsea
Enzo Fernandez deal update: Chelsea and Benfica spent the whole night in negotiations — but there’s still no full agreement on key details, still waiting for Rui Costa’s green light. Talks will continue on Wednesday. Fernandez wants the move to Chelsea, as he told head coach Roger Schmidt in yesterday’s training session, but he’s now waiting too.
Chelsea are interested in Mykhaylo Mudryk as revealed on Monday. He’s considered the “perfect winger” for their project but nothing has changed, as of now – Chelsea will only proceed if negotiation with Arsenal collapses. A move to the Emirates Stadium remains the priority for the player. It’s now up to the clubs.
Leeds United
Official, confirmed. Leeds United have signed Maximilian Wober on a permanent deal from Red Bull Salzburg, with his contract valid until June 2027.
I understand the fixed fee is €12m but there are add-ons included up to €20m total potential package.
Liverpool
Liverpool are monitoring Matheus Nunes alongside other candidates for the summer transfer window. He’s always been appreciated, already when he was at Sporting.
The main focus remains Jude Bellingham, Nunes is one of the midfielders they like; but nothing will happen in January for Nunes.
Liverpool are among many top clubs following French big talent Manu Kone. I’ve been told a summer move is the most likely plan for player, agents and for Borussia Monchengladbach.
It’s not been the easiest start at Liverpool for Darwin Nunez, but all the indications I get from both Liverpool and the player’s side are clear: they are convinced it’s just a matter of time. He’s happy at Liverpool and Klopp is supporting him. No one has doubts into the club or on player side. I think they will keep protecting Nunez.
Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is really liked by Barcelona manager Xavi (El Chiringuito)
Manchester United
Despite links with Manchester United, AC Milan can’t lose Olivier Giroud now, it’s seen as “impossible” by club sources. Giroud is expected to sign a new deal in the next weeks or months after a verbal agreement was reached in December.
Erik ten Hag on recalling Amad: “We consider everything. I see his potential, but when we decide for Amad Diallo to return he has to be a player for the starting eleven. I’ve a little bit of a reservation for that because I don’t want to stop his great progress on loan.”
Manchester United could still sell Aaron Wan-Bissaka this January despite some recent signs of improvement in form (The Athletic)
Newcastle United
Newcastle are among the teams interested in Moises Caicedo, and while a January move can’t be completely ruled out, I expect Brighton will try their best to keep him until at least the end of the season.
PSG
Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain have verbal pact to continue together. There will be a new meeting with his camp to discuss length of contract, salary and more. Nothing signed this week, no rush as the plan is already clear: Messi will continue in Paris.
Sao Paulo
São Paulo are set to sign Alan Franco on permanent deal from Atlanta, full agreement reached on a three year contract with an option for further season. The centre-back has agreed personal terms and he will sign soon.
Tottenham
Antonio Conte: “My task here is to build a solid project for Tottenham, not to win the league. Then if I’m satisfied to continue to do this work and to one day see the result, I will continue to stay. If I’m not 100% convinced, then I can leave my work here.”
Wolves
Wolves coach Julen Lopetegui on links for Matheus Nunes and Liverpool: “We can say that Matheus is our player, he’s Wolves player and he’s so happy to be here.”
Liverpool have been following him for months, even before he joined Wolves.