Happy Monday everyone! Welcome to my latest exclusive Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside – click here to subscribe for this post straight to your inbox and ad-free, five mornings a week, as well as guest columns from Ben Jacobs, Christian Falk and Jonathan Johnson!
Barcelona
Barcelona won’t be signing Reece James from Chelsea – he only recently signed a new contract and is considered untouchable. For Sergino Dest they will look for new solution, I don’t see him staying but we will see in the summer. The market for Barça depends on Financial Fair Play; for example I said three weeks ago that they met with the agent of Jeremie Frimpong but now the priorities are different, the right-back is something that will be decided later in the window.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s dream is to return to Barcelona, he was very happy during his spell there last season. He loved life in the city, he loved the fans, and had a great relationship with the coach Xavi. I understand Barca would also like to bring him back, he’s their favoured option despite links with Roberto Firmino, but it will only happen under the right conditions because of Financial Fair Play.
Barcelona also really like Vitor Roque, but he’s expensive, so it’s not an easy deal at this stage, making Aubameyang the favourite to come in as a backup striker option behind Robert Lewandowski. Firmino has been discussed internally, but there is nothing advanced at the moment.
Xavi: “Marc-Andre ter Stegen is among the three best goalkeepers in the world and because of our game I think he is the best.”
Ter Stegen has equalled Claudio Bravo’s clean-sheet record of 23 games in a single La Liga season.
Bayern Munich
Bayern will not change their stance on new manager Thomas Tuchel, no matter what happens in the Bundesliga between now and the end of the season. The summer transfer window will be planned with him in order to re-start the project next season. Bayern will be busy on the market with a new striker their main priority.
Despite claims that Sadio Mane and Serge Gnabry will leave this summer, it’s important to understand what Thomas Tuchel and Bayern directors will decide in May when they will meet and prepare the summer transfer window. At this stage, there’s still nothing decided. On Gnabry, it’s still all quiet now despite many links.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund CEO Watzke: “We will make final decision on Marco Reus contract in the short term; so I think it will take a week or ten days.”
There’s confidence to get new short-term deal done.
Chelsea
On Chelsea’s manager search – talks will continue for sure this week, Mauricio Pochettino will discuss further details with Chelsea. There are many positive factors, and they will need to hold further discussions over the project and further signings. So next days are going to be important. Players are still waiting to know who’s going to be appointed as new coach; they just hope for some clarity as soon as possible, it’s normal.
Chelsea also appreciate Vincent Kompany after his work at Burnley, but from what I understand, at the moment there is no advanced negotiation. They had a conversation with him, but nothing advanced. Also Andre Postecoglou is appreciated, but for now Pochettino is the favourite. Roberto De Zerbi is not on the list. Chelsea hope to make a decision soon, so keep an eye on Pochettino, who is really well liked by the Chelsea board.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s dream is to return to Barcelona, he was very happy during his spell there last season. He loved life in the city, he loved the fans, and had a great relationship with the coach Xavi. I understand Barca would also like to bring him back, he’s their favoured option despite links with Roberto Firmino, but it will only happen under the right conditions because of Financial Fair Play.
I can confirm there is nothing between Barcelona and Reece James despite recent rumours as the English right-back is considered a crucial player at Chelsea. James signed new long term deal last year. Barca won’t go for James in the summer and he’s untouchable.
I’m sure it is not just Liverpool but many top club around the world and not just in England are following Levi Colwill, he’s an excellent talent. We will always have this kind of news on him because it’s normal to follow Colwill. But again, at this stage, Chelsea consider him as key part of the squad next season and have no intention to let him go.
Romelu Lukaku won’t give much away about his future, saying: “Future? I have to be careful [on what he says]. Pay attention… I want to focus on Inter and give my best for this club game after game. I’m always doing my best for Inter and I like the fans, the relationship is great.”
Inter Milan
Romelu Lukaku after scoring a brace for Inter this weekend: “Future? I have to be careful [on what he says]. Pay attention… I want to focus on Inter and give my best for this club game after game. I’m always doing my best for Inter and I like the fans, the relationship is great.”
Liverpool
There are many midfield targets being discussed by Liverpool, it’s not only Alexis Mac Allister, Mason Mount and Ryan Gravenberch. But it’s still very early, Liverpool will sign midfielders for sure but April is not the moment when you sign players. Sometimes the market is also about opportunities and so Liverpool are exploring different options. I’m told they will sign two or three midfielders this summer.
I’m sure it is not just Liverpool but many top club around the world and not just in England are following Levi Colwill, he’s an excellent talent. We will always have this kind of news on him because it’s normal to follow Colwill. But again, at this stage, Chelsea consider him as key part of the squad next season and have no intention to let him go.
Jurgen Klopp makes it clear just how highly he rates Cody Gakpo after signing him in January: “Cody Gakpo was PSV captain – I had no clue how that happens that early, he’s 23… I thought: he’s super-smart kid, really open and a real team player. On top of that, a really good footballer. He can play this position, can play wide, can play the centre.”
Lyon
Moussa Dembele will leave Olympique Lyon as free agent in the summer. No doubts, decision made and to be confirmed at the end of the season. Many clubs are keen on signing him on free deal; Serie A and Premier League clubs included. The race looks very open.
Porto
Official. 40 year old centre back Pepe signs new deal with FC Porto valid until June 2024.
“I will always do my best and represent this club,” Pepe said.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid will prepare new contract proposal for Eduardo Camavinga in the next months, with an improved salary. Camavinga only wants to stay, despite Premier League clubs links. The plan is to include higher release clause, to be discussed soon; it could be as high as €1bn.
Tottenham
With Tottenham thrashed 6-1 by Newcastle yesterday, and 5-0 down inside the first 21 minutes, I recalled Antonio Conte’s explosive press conference, which was just over a month ago. This whole situation is something really long to discuss, to enter into the problems of top clubs you need to analyse not just the coach but many factors. I understand Conte’s frustration as he was already unhappy with the situation in January and February, not only in March. In my opinion, Tottenham need a refresh, a coach with new ideas and different tactical system, and a new approach on the market.
Cristian Stellini responds to yesterday’s shocking result: “My position in doubt? This is not a question for me. No answer. No words to explain a performance like this. First 25 minutes were the worst I’ve ever seen. I take my responsibility.”