Al Nassr is on the lookout for a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set to leave this summer. Potential candidates include Mohamed Salah from Liverpool and Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United. Meanwhile, Real Madrid has its sights set on Manchester City‘s Rodri. Stay tuned for the latest updates on transfers and rumors worldwide.
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HOT RUMORS
– Cristiano Ronaldo could potentially return to Sporting CP, as Saudi Pro League officials aim to replace him with either Mohamed Salah or Bruno Fernandes, as reported by The I Paper. Ronaldo missed another game for Al Nassr on Friday due to ongoing issues with the club, stemming from concerns about inadequate support from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) during the winter transfer window. Sporting is reportedly interested in re-signing the player, who has a £43 million release clause that becomes active this summer. Saudi officials are prepared to intensify efforts to secure a replacement now that they’re less anxious about Ronaldo’s potential departure.
– Real Madrid is set to make a strong offer for Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer, as intrigue builds over a post-Pep Guardiola transition at the Premier League side, according to TEAMtalk. Los Blancos view Spain international Rodri as a potential captain and vital for bringing experience and influence to the team. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has expressed willingness to consider a move to Madrid, and the uncertainty surrounding Guardiola’s future may make this summer the ideal opportunity for such a transfer.
– Manchester United is exploring the possibility of acquiring Manuel Locatelli from Juventus in the upcoming summer transfer window, as noted by Calciomercato. The Serie A side is having a rough week after their exit from the Coppa Italia at the hands of Atalanta and the potential loss of a key midfielder. Locatelli, 28, is considered one of the Bianconeri’s standout players, and discussions with United are reported to have commenced.
– Chelsea is ramping up their pursuit of FC Porto striker and long-time target Samu Aghehowa, according to TEAMtalk. Chelsea has been keen on signing the 21-year-old Spanish international since 2024, when he chose to move to Portugal instead. Since his transfer, he has netted 47 goals in 76 appearances, heightening interest from Stamford Bridge.
– Inter Milan and several MLS clubs aim to entice striker Weston McKennie from Juventus this summer, according to Tuttosport. The United States international has consistently been a starter under Juve coach Luciano Spalletti, but preserving his contract, which expires in June, is a priority for club officials. Meanwhile, Inter’s CEO Beppe Marotta hopes for the possibility of a dramatic free transfer, as MLS teams aim to recruit a notable figure in US soccer, who hasn’t played at the club level in the US since leaving FC Dallas as a youth player for Schalke 04.
ANALYST INSIGHTS
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Marcotti: Ronaldo needs to understand it’s not all about him
Gab & Juls discuss Ronaldo’s boycott in response to a lack of transfers at Al Nassr.
CONFIRMED TRANSFERS
OTHER RUMORS
– Liverpool is in discussions with defender Ibrahima Konaté about a new contract for the 26-year-old. (Football Insider)
– Trent Alexander-Arnold faces an uncertain future at Real Madrid, but Liverpool is not expected to pursue him if he becomes available. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Bayern Munich are monitoring the situation. (TEAMtalk)
– Manchester United aims to persuade midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to extend his contract past 2027, as interest from clubs like Napoli grows. The club is willing to significantly increase the England international’s salary to retain him. (talkSPORT)
– Newcastle United is leading the charge among Premier League clubs interested in Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, who is under contract until 2027. The Magpies are seeking alternatives for Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães. (TEAMtalk)
– Four La Liga teams—Real Oviedo, Sevilla, Elche, and Getafe—are reportedly keen on signing attacking midfielder Dele Alli on a short-term basis. The 29-year-old is without a contract after leaving Como in September. (talkSPORT)
– Celtic is poised to sign former Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a free agent, with the 32-year-old recently departing Besiktas and training with Arsenal. (Sky Sports)
– Flamengo is preparing a new attempt to sign Bournemouth striker Evanilson in January after their recent offer was rejected. (Ekrem Konur)
– Paris Saint-Germain’s 17-year-old defender Emmanuel Mbemba has declined a professional contract with the club, potentially leading him to sign with Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen. (L’Equipe)
– Colombian playmaker Jhon Arias is set to join Palmeiras from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of £21.7 million. (talkSPORT)