Teenager from Barcelona Dro Fernández is wanted by Chelsea and Manchester City among others, while the Blues face Bayern Munich for the defender’s signature Jeremy Jacquet Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the world.
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TRENDING RUMORS
– Chelsea and Manchester City lead the race to sign the 18-year-old Barcelona sensation Dro Fernándezreports talkSPORT. Sources have told ESPN that the attacking midfielder informed the club of his desire to leave in January by exercising his €6 million ($7 million) release clause. Borussia Dortmund are also keen to sign Fernández, who has made five first-team appearances this season and is highly regarded by coach Hansi Flick.
– Bayern Munich could compete with Chelsea for Rennes central defender Jeremy Jacquetreports Florian Plettenberg. While the Blues have moved ahead of their rivals by entering into direct negotiations with the player, Bayern leaders continue to have a very high opinion of him. Jacquet’s transfer value, estimated at more than €50 million, could however prove to be the biggest stumbling block for the German champions, especially if Kim Min Jae stay. Many other big clubs are believed to be following the progress of the 20-year-old, who is under contract at Rennes until June 2029.
– Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe MatetaThe 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 official offers 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 to an initial loan deal with the future obligation to make the transfer permanent. The proposed transfer now depends on Crystal Palace’s final decision on exit terms, with sources telling ESPN that the Eagles defender Marc Guéhi is expected to move to Manchester City this month.
– Fulham has not yet given up on recruiting the PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepialthough the USA international recently suffered a broken forearm, Sky Sports reports. Pepi has scored 11 goals for PSV this season, including three in the UEFA Champions League, but now faces two months out following surgery.
-Crystal Palace manager Olivier Glasner is on Manchester United’s managerial shortlist, according to the Daily Mirror. The Austrian manager, who led Palace to the FA Cup last season and won the Europa League with his former club Eintracht Frankfurt, recently announced he would leave Palace at the end of the season.
EXPERT OPINION
ESPN Barcelona correspondent Sam Marsden explains why there will be a long line of big clubs wanting to sign Dro Fernández:
Signing Fernández is a no-brainer for any European club. The release clause of 6 million euros represents a drop in the ocean compared to the expenses of certain teams, notably in England. Worst case scenario, its development doesn’t continue as planned, for whatever reason, but even then it’s hard to imagine its value dropping too much. The potential benefits are enormous.
A playmaker capable of operating in either advanced or full-back midfield roles, Fernández – compared internally to Thiago Alcantara and Pedri – caught the eye of Hansi Flick while playing for the U19s and took part in the pre-season tour last summer with the first team, scoring a fine goal against Daegu FC. Debuts in La Liga and the Champions League followed, but with Fermín López, Dani Olmo and Raphinha all used in the No.10 role ahead of him, his path to regular first-team football is unclear at the moment.
However, that’s normal for 18-year-old players – and Fernández only turned 18 this week. The cases of Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, who play regularly between the ages of 16 and 18, are not normal, but they have set a precedent that makes other Barça youngsters eager to get more involved.
Still, Fernández’s announcement of his intention to leave shocked the club. Manchester City and Chelsea have been following him for years, as have Borussia Dortmund, who perhaps offer the best opportunities for immediate development, but it is Paris Saint-Germain who could win the race. PSG coach Luis Enrique’s friendship with Fernández’s agent Ivan de la Peña could tip the balance in the French club’s favor.
OTHER RUMORS
Manchester United rejected several approaches to Harry Maguire this month. (The Sun)
Inter Milan will offer Francesco Pio Esposito a new contract to stave off interest from Premier League clubs in the 20-year-old Italian striker. (Tuttosport)
Celtic prepare loan offer for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda. (Sky Germany)
AFC Bournemouth have agreed a deal to sign Alex Toth of Ferencvárosi worth 10 million euros plus additions. (Aerial sports)
Burnley considering loan request for West Ham United midfielder James Ward Prowse this month. As things currently stand, no action has been taken. (The Sun)
Leeds United inquired about availability of Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jørgen Strand Larsen. (Athletics)
Austin FC close to agreement to sign Palmeiras winger Facundo Torres. (Tom Bogert)
Al Saad ready to submit offer for Lazio centre-back Alessio Romagnoli. (Nicolo Schira)
Stoke City have decided to sign the Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan until the end of the season. (Football Insider)
Source | domain www.espn.com
