Transfer Talk: Ronaldo close to Saudi move with Chelsea, Sporting silent
With the opening of the January transfer window coming closer, there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Saudis confident they can land Ronaldo
Al Nassr are growing increasingly confident of completing a move for free agent Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Foot Mercato.
It is reported that the 37-year-old striker has not heard anything from Chelsea or Sporting CP in recent weeks, and the latest reveals that despite his intentions to remain in Europe, he is now more open to making the switch to the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo initially wanted to join a team that could provide him with top-level European football after being released from Manchester United last month, but with the trail into the Champions League going cold, Al Nassr have been able to capitalise on the situation with a three-year proposal worth €200 million per season.
Joining Saudi Arabia’s top-flight looks to be the only move that could materialise for the Portugal international currently, with Al Hilal also recently linked, but it is the league leaders who are now optimistic of winning the race for his signature.
Ronaldo made five appearances at the World Cup, scoring just one goal from the penalty spot in Portugal’s opening group stage match against Ghana.
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13.58 GMT: Atletico Madrid and Wolverhampton Wanderers have reached an agreement for the transfer of Brazil forward Matheus Cunha for a fee of €40m plus variables, sources have told ESPN’s Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez.
Cunha, 23, joined Atletico from Hertha Berlín in 2021 but has failed to find regular first-team football this season, with Alvaro Morata, Joao Felix and Antoine Griezmann all preferred by manager Diego Simeone.
Atletico could receive an additional €10m in variables, sources said, although €5m would go to Hertha.
Atletico and Wolves have also spent the last few days in talks for defender Felipe, 33, but the player’s wage demands have complicated matters, sources said.
Earlier this month, ESPN reported that Atletico had put Cunha, Felipe, Felix and Mario Hermoso on the market, looking to balance the books after their elimination from the Champions League.
13.06 GMT: Sevilla have announced that midfielder Isco has left the club, mutually terminating his contract after less than five months.
Isco, who has played 38 times for Spain, joined Sevilla eager to revive his career, having been a fringe player at Real Madrid in recent seasons.
However, the 30-year-old scored one goal in 19 appearances for Sevilla, and since the arrival of head coach Jorge Sampaoli in October, he has seen his playing time drastically reduced.
His contract at Sevilla had been due to run until June 2024, but was brought to an early end on Wednesday.
The club said in a statement: “Sevilla FC and Isco Alarcon have agreed to terminate the contract that united both parties since the player from Malaga joined the Nervionense club last summer after finishing his spell at Real Madrid…The club wants to wish Isco all the luck in the world in his new professional challenges.”
12.13 GMT: Manchester United have triggered one-year contract extensions for four first-team players including striker Marcus Rashford, Sky Sports reports, but goalkeeper David de Gea is not one of them.
Rashford, midfielder Fred and defensive duo Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot are all now committed to the club until the end of next season.
However, De Gea’s deal remains due to expire in the summer, meaning as things stand he is free to open talks with foreign-based clubs from Jan. 1 with a view to joining them as a free agent at the end of this campaign.
11.24 GMT: Chelsea have appointed Christopher Vivell as technical director after his departure from RB Leipzig, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.
Vivell left Leipzig earlier this year, with the Bundesliga side citing “differing views” in the statement confirming his exit. He previously spent five years at RB Salzburg as head of scouting and recruitment and was also a first-team scout at Hoffenheim.
The German becomes the latest addition to Chelsea’s behind-the-scenes operation following the club’s takeover by Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital.
“Chelsea are building the most exciting project in global football and I’m extremely proud to be joining the club,” Vivell said in a statement on the club’s website. “There is so much potential for the club to continue to succeed, develop and grow.
“Under the new ownership, Graham Potter and the broader sporting team, there is a clear and sustainable philosophy underpinned by performance analysis, data and innovation, and I am looking forward to playing a part in that.”
The appointment comes just a few days after Fabrizio Romano reported that a deal to take Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku‘s to Stamford Bridge next summer has been signed by all parties.
10.31 GMT: Atletico Madrid are close to agreeing a deal with Leicester centre-back Caglar Soyuncu for a free transfer when his contract expires next June, Marca reports.
Turkey international Soyuncu, 26, joined Leicester in 2018 and was a regular starter until losing his place in the team this season, featuring just twice in all competitions.
According to Marca, Atletico could look to bring his arrival forward to January for a reduced fee if defenders Felipe and Mario Hermoso both leave the club during the upcoming window.
09.39 GMT: Corinthians remain optimistic about making the possible signing of Aston Villa winger Philippe Coutinho, according to Globo.
Coutinho, 30, is willing to return to Brazil to play for Corinthians, who are keen to sign him on loan but know the negotiation will not be easy.
The Brazil international earns more than three times the highest salaries of the Corinthians squad and would have to lower his wages if he were to join them.
Coutinho has only started in six Premier League games this season and has yet to score for Villa. He joined Villa this summer in a €20m transfer from Barcelona after signing a contract until June 2026.
08.47 GMT: Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is in no hurry to sign a new contract at the club despite an offer on the table worth £1m a year more than his current salary, the Daily Mail reports.
Conte, 53, is out of contract at the end of this season, and the Italian held talks with Spurs during the World Cup over extending his stay in North London.
There is an option on Conte’s current deal for an additional year, but no agreement has yet been reached between him and the club that he has helped reach the Champions League knockout phase this season.
08.00 GMT: Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol is likely to remain at RB Leipzig for the rest of the season, according to Sky Sports.
The 20-year-old was one of the breakout stars of the World Cup as Croatia reached the semifinals, and he is being targeted by a host of Europe’s top clubs.
The Sky report adds that Chelsea had tried to sign him in the summer transfer window, while Marca says that Real Madrid are also interested in the centre-back.
PAPER GOSSIP (by Adam Brown)
– Gabriel Martinelli is set to remain at Arsenal despite interest from Barcelona, reports Sport. The Blaugrana enquired about the Brazil international earlier in the season, but it looks as though he intends to sign a new contract and continue his career at the Emirates. Martinelli, 21, has been in impressive form for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, having contributed to seven goals in 14 Premier League games.
– Internazionale have placed Yann Sommer on their shortlist as they look to add a new goalkeeper, reveals Gianluca Di Marzio. The 34-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach shot-stopper will enter the final six months of his deal in January, and he has recently been linked with a move to Bayern Munich. It is understood that Inter are uncertain as to whether Samir Handanovic will remain at the San Siro beyond the end of the season.
– Juventus are readying an approach for Chelsea playmaker Jorginho, understands Calciomercato. The 31-year-old midfielder will enter the final six months of his contract in January, and it is reported that the Serie A side will make him an offer if he does not sign a new contract with Chelsea.
– Fenerbahce are looking to ward off interest from sides in Europe by securing Miguel Crespo to a new contract, writes Ekrem Konur. Clubs in Serie A and LaLiga are understood to be keen on the 26-year-old defensive midfielder, who has made 16 appearances across all competitions for the Super Lig side this season.
– Domenico Criscito is set to return to Genoa, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. The 35-year-old defender joined MLS side Toronto FC in the summer and made 15 appearances last season, but it looks as though he is now set to return to Serie A once the final paperwork is completed.
