Barcelona is actively seeking to bolster their defensive lineup ahead of the January transfer window. The Spanish club is reportedly interested in signing center backs Murillo from Nottingham Forest and Nathan Aké from Manchester City. While a January move for either player is considered unlikely, Barcelona has made initial contact with Murillo’s representatives as they prepare for a potential summer acquisition.
According to Sport, the 23-year-old Murillo has emerged as a viable target for Barcelona, who face increasing pressure to strengthen their defense. Although immediate action may not be taken, discussions have begun, indicating the club’s long-term strategy. Meanwhile, the possibility of securing Aké on loan from Manchester City is also being explored, with Barcelona eyeing a deal that could materialize in the upcoming transfer window.
In other transfer news, West Ham United has expressed interest in USMNT striker Haji Wright, currently at Coventry City. However, the club’s pursuit has hit a significant roadblock, as Coventry is demanding a staggering fee of £200 million to release the player. This figure, if met, would establish a new world record transfer, surpassing Neymar’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Observers believe that such a fee is unrealistic for Wright, making a transfer unlikely.
As clubs gear up for the January transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur has set its sights on strengthening its squad with a reported budget of £150 million. The club is particularly interested in Savinho from Manchester City, but priority lies with Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth. Despite interest from top teams, a £65 million move for Semenyo appears challenging due to fierce competition.
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has become a target for Juventus, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport. The Italian club views Tonali as a dream signing, although securing his transfer would require a formal request from the player and a substantial offer to persuade Newcastle to part ways with him. Juventus may propose an initial loan agreement with an obligation to buy, contingent on the club’s Champions League qualification.
In addition, AC Milan has shown interest in Federico Gatti of Juventus, initiating talks with his agents regarding a potential swap deal. Milan’s manager, Massimiliano Allegri, who previously worked with Gatti at Juventus, is keen on the defender. However, Milan is not considering including midfielder Samuele Ricci in any potential transaction.
As the transfer window approaches, various clubs are also monitoring player movements across Europe. Lyon, Napoli, and Galatasaray have expressed interest in Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte, while Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi remain key targets for Manchester United’s defensive needs.
The landscape of European football is set for exciting developments as clubs prepare for the January transfer window. With numerous players linked to potential moves, the coming weeks promise to be pivotal for teams seeking to enhance their squads ahead of the second half of the season.
