Transfer News: Chelsea and Manchester City Lead the Race for Dro Fernández
As the January transfer window heats up, top European clubs are vying for the signatures of talented young players. One such player is Barcelona’s 18-year-old sensation, Dro Fernández, who has caught the attention of Chelsea and Manchester City, among others. According to talkSPORT, Fernández has informed Barcelona of his desire to leave the club this month by exercising his €6 million ($7m) release clause.
Barcelona had expected Fernández to sign a new contract when he turned 18 earlier this week, allowing them to increase his release clause. However, with the player’s desire to leave, the club may be forced to consider selling him to avoid losing him for a lower fee in the future. Borussia Dortmund are also keen on signing Fernández, who has made five first-team appearances this season and is highly rated by coach Hansi Flick.
Bayern Munich to Rival Chelsea for Jérémy Jacquet
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are set to rival Chelsea for the signing of Rennes centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, according to Florian Plettenberg. While Chelsea have initiated direct talks with the player, Bayern chiefs continue to hold a high opinion of him. Jacquet’s transfer valuation, thought to be more than €50 million, could prove to be a stumbling block for the German champions, especially if Kim Min-Jae stays. A host of other top clubs are also tracking the 20-year-old’s development, who is under contract at Rennes until June 2029.
Other Transfer News and Rumors
Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta’s camp held a meeting with Juventus on Friday, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 28-year-old is also attracting attention from several Premier League clubs, although no formal bids have been made at this stage. Talks between Mateta and Juventus over personal terms are said to have been “positive,” with the Italian side hoping to sign him on an initial loan deal with a future obligation to make the move permanent.
Fulham have not yet given up on signing PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi, despite the United States international recently suffering a broken forearm, Sky Sports reports. Pepi has scored 11 goals for PSV this season, including three in the UEFA Champions League, but he now faces two months on the sidelines following surgery.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is on Manchester United’s managerial shortlist, according to the Daily Mirror. The Austrian coach, who led Palace to the FA Cup last season and won the Europa League at previous club Eintracht Frankfurt, recently announced he will depart Palace at the end of the season.
Expert Analysis
Nedum Onuoha analyses Marc Guehi’s proposed transfer to Manchester City from Crystal Palace.
Other transfer rumors include Manchester United rejecting several approaches for Harry Maguire this month, according to The Sun. Inter Milan will offer Francesco Pio Esposito a new contract to ward off interest from Premier League clubs in the 20-year-old Italian striker, Tuttosport reports. Celtic are preparing a loan offer for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Auréle Amenda, Sky Germany reports.
AFC Bournemouth have agreed a deal to sign Alex Tóth from Ferencvárosi worth a reported €10 million plus add-ons, Sky Sports reports. Burnley are weighing up a loan move for West Ham United midfielder James Ward-Prowse this month, The Sun reports. Leeds United have enquired about the availability of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jørgen Strand Larsen, The Athletic reports.
Austin FC are close to completing a deal to sign Palmeiras winger Facundo Torres, Tom Bogert reports. Al Saad are ready to submit a bid for Lazio centre-back Alessio Romagnoli, Nicolo Schira reports. Stoke City have made a move to sign Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan until the end of the season, Football Insider reports.
