The January transfer window rarely provides the same kind of enjoyment as we get in the summer, but that doesn't mean the rumors are slowing down.
The fun is already in full swing. Some clubs are making new signings while others are setting their sights on potential summer takeovers, opening the door to a whole host of lines vying for a place in the gossip column.
Here's our take on six of the wildest rumors currently circulating.
Rumor
Barcelona Sporting director Deco has met with the agents of Aston Villa striker John Doran, according to the Daily Mail sports In Spain. He could be available for up to £60m in the summer.
We have a take
Will Barcelona ever learn their lesson? Sure, they've gone back to the 1:1 spending rules in La Liga, but they only got there by activating every lever in a 50-mile radius. They did I rushed to register Big money signing last summer but seems happy to take more risks to get Duran signed.
This is not a knock on Doran, who has established himself as a real attacking force this season for Villa. It's good enough for a club like Barcelona, but the cost of winning this race will likely put the Blaugrana back into financial uncertainty.
Rumor
satisfaction Virgil van Dijk's agents were allegedly talking to them real madrid About a huge free transfer during the summer, only for the Spanish side to turn down the opportunity to seal a deal.
We have a take
This is strange. First, the truth Liverpool Letting Van Dijk's contract shrink to the point where he could even talk to Madrid in the first place is rational, but Los Blancos' reluctance to do a deal is equally baffling.
Van Dijk, 33, is certainly starting to step up a notch. Obviously it's a short-term solution in a problem situation, but is that a bad thing? Carlo Ancelotti has been working with one suitable centre-back for what seems like forever, so why not take a year or two away from Van Dijk until he finds a long-term solution?
Rumor
Rumors ArsenalManchester United's interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is nothing new, but the fact that interest has not disappeared after the Swede was valued at £150m is noteworthy. Football from the inside He went on to describe Isaac as a “major target.”
We have a take
Let's just get this straight. There is no footballer on the planet worth £150m, so can we stop with the ridiculous transfer fees?
Isak is brilliant and exactly what Arsenal need – someone who can actually score goals from open play – but the Gunners simply won't spend £150m on him. anyone In the current PSR climate that has left every club in England's top flight terrified of an easing of purse strings.
However, if Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League again and Isak decides he has had the last of his Brown Ale drink, his price could fall. One to watch, for sure.
Rumor
Nationalism PSG have identified Cole Palmer as their dream transfer target, with a bid worth €200m (£166m) set to arrive on Sunday. ChelseaHis office soon.
We have a take
no.
PSG have suffered in the past from large transfer fees and have closed the door on their past of reckless spending in favor of building a group of equals who can share the burden, rather than playing second fiddle to one main star.
It's easy to claim that Chelsea wouldn't sell Palmer at any price, but let's be realistic. £166m is a sum of money that even Premier League clubs wouldn't turn down, especially when there are teenagers from South America who need to buy.
Rumor
Amid fears of a lack of progress in talks on a new contract Manchester United Midfielder Kobe Maino has been linked with Chelsea before Daily Mailwho stated that the Blues are already “leading the race” for the 19-year-old.
We have a take
Is there even a race to drive at this point? Maino is under contract until 2027 and also has a 12-month extension clause in his £20,000-a-week contract which United will 100% do even if it is just to spite their rivals. Just cut a few extra employee bonuses, and they'll pay for themselves anyway.
Chelsea are already overflowing with midfielders. Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo are favorite starters – as they should be after they cost a combined £222m – while Romeo Lavia is doing solid work as a reserve, and Andre Santos is stealing hearts on loan with Strasbourg.
A cut-price deal for Maino is one any club would consider regardless of their current squad, but it's hard to see Chelsea putting any real effort into a hypothetical move that wouldn't happen until 2027 anyway.
In addition, the claims that he is “no longer an outcast” seem overly dramatic. United do not want to sell, but could be tempted if the club arrive with ridiculous money. This is the case for Literally every player in the world.
