⚽ Football Transfers Speculation, Odds and Predictions

[7juju]

Seems Liverpool will not be signing anybody this January transfer window. I hoped we would go for a CB at the very least but David Ornstein, a very well connected journalist in the UK reports today that we will not be doing any business in this window and we are saving the money until summer. Hopefully this means our owners are writing the season off and will save the money for a new manager in the summer if/when Slot gets sacked.

Your club Liverpool hardly do business in January transfer window. It's been a long time that I have seen Liverpool make major signings in the winter window unless they have players they want to sell. As for sacking slot I don't really think Liverpool should sack him the manager needs time. By this time last year I don't think any of Liverpool fans was thinking about Slot being sacked. Your owners should back him up with more funds to build the team. If the bad form continues next season then his sack will make sense. The players he bought this summer are settling in and by next season hopefully they will be at their best then we will know where the problem was coming from, if it was Slot tactics or the players that were settling in.

[arallmuus]

Arbeloa doesn't fit the profile for the Real Madrid club, he might be exceptional in the Real Madrid Castilla but for the first team, nah...

I feel this decision is just a big gamble for the Real Madrid side, Arbeloa might just end up bending down for the egos because he doesn't have that qualifications to coach players like Vini, Mbappe and even Bellingham, i

Its mid season so there isnt that many options right now. You can consider him as an interim manager or some sort, pretty much he is there until someone better comes along or if he could prove himself then he might get that spot on longer term.

My concern would be on Guler, this guy was benched before Xabi took the job and now he is actually pretty good. Another coach might bench him again just to give the other top star his spot. This is what happens when there are too many tricky personality on a team, its messed up for sure

[Ryu_Ar1]

Seems Liverpool will not be signing anybody this January transfer window. I hoped we would go for a CB at the very least but David Ornstein, a very well connected journalist in the UK reports today that we will not be doing any business in this window and we are saving the money until summer. Hopefully this means our owners are writing the season off and will save the money for a new manager in the summer if/when Slot gets sacked.

It would be a wise thing to impose now but when the results are not too comparable and the worst possibility is that Slot is fired (I believe this is the most likely to happen) then it could be that the new players who come also do not fit the new coaching method later and it is just a waste of money just like Chelsea and Manchester United in the last few seasons.

At the moment Liverpool only have to continue according to the scheme that Slot has with the same players because adding players is also still a big risk so it would be good enough if the focus is increased in the new season rather than forcing it in this transfer.
Surely everyone expects change but forcing conditions that are even a little difficult to force can also be this will not be too good.

[Uhde]

I also agree with you Arbeloa doesn't fit the profile for the Real Madrid club, he might be exceptional in the Real Madrid Castilla but for the first team, nah...

I feel this decision is just a big gamble for the Real Madrid side, Arbeloa might just end up bending down for the egos because he doesn't have that qualifications to coach players like Vini, Mbappe and even Bellingham, if Xabi who was a renowned player and manager of team in one the the top 5 big leagues  couldn't control I doubt whether Arbeloa could pull it off.

But maybe he might surprise us

Arbeloa has always found a way to stay at the heart of Real Madrid. He’s a strong character but proving himself as a manager will be tough. If he can't control the midfield dynamics, the squad might eat him alive before the season ends. It’s a huge risk but maybe that’s exactly what he needs.

[Furious 7]

Arbeloa has always found a way to stay at the heart of Real Madrid. He’s a strong character but proving himself as a manager will be tough. If he can't control the midfield dynamics, the squad might eat him alive before the season ends. It’s a huge risk but maybe that’s exactly what he needs.

It was a difficult decision but Madrid have decided to give Arbeloa their trust now before finding a suitable candidate for the next coach. Now we just have to see what steps Arbeloa will take with Xabi's legacy squad.

The players are still looking pretty good but coaching control and mentality improvement is crucial now lest this change and transition becomes a boomerang that will destroy their future performance.
The season is still going on and we just need to improve our performance, although it's not going to be easy but I hope it will be fine for Madrid.

[Felicity_Tide]

Its mid season so there isnt that many options right now. You can consider him as an interim manager or some sort, pretty much he is there until someone better comes along or if he could prove himself then he might get that spot on longer term.

The question is, are they even going to get someone better to take the Job without putting pressure on him?. Klopp has been rumored in the past seasons before the appointment of Alonso, but I honestly doubt if he's going to take it considering how well he likes to take a complete charge of his team. Do we still have quality managers that can excel in a club like Real Madrid where the demands are usually high?, I honestly doubt that.

My concern would be on Guler, this guy was benched before Xabi took the job and now he is actually pretty good. Another coach might bench him again just to give the other top star his spot. This is what happens when there are too many tricky personality on a team, its messed up for sure

A switch of Managers can either be a blessing to some players, and a curse to others. We don't know yet if Arda Guler is going to get those minutes as usual under this new manager, but what I'm certain of is that some players are not going to be favored. It's something that happens often in football.

[Webetcoins]

There are claims that N’Golo Kante is struggling to adapt to life in Saudi Arabia. I guess he joined Al-Ittihad because of the high financial gains but might want to taste European football again. Fenerbahçe might also face tough competition with other clubs in Europe because the 34-year-old midfielder is on the radar of other top clubs in Europe. The French midfielder has not lost his strength and has been part of the Les Bleus in their World Cup qualifiers. 

Nobody would spend that many years if the entire problem is adapting to a culture, I am sure he would have left earlier, many players go to Saudi Arabia and they come back in a year, sometimes even quicker.

Kante is great, and I think he is just wanted and SA took whatever they can out of him so they are willing to let him leave. Kante also left way too early, he was still great, but he is example why Saudi money matters. This dude did not accepted a lot of money, to get rich himself, he did it, so he can help more to his African town more.

[Sexylizzy2813]

New rumour on Bernardo Silva...

You know he hasn't extended with Manchester City yet. I haven't heard about any negotiation on a new contract either. He is going to be 32 this summer. Probably Guardiola doesn't want him anymore or maybe he looks for a new adventure.

If all the rumoured teams are monitoring him then his destination might be Barcelona in my opinion. I don't think any other option there would be more attracting to him.

I won't mind to see him at Como, Fabregas is doing a good job by making Como to be one of the teams in Italy that other clubs will be afraid of playing against. Silva not extending his contract with City only says one thing,but is time for him to make way for the younger ones to step in the mix, after all KDB left the side after how many years with the club so Silva can as well do the same. No if he'd move I'll prefer Como like you have right there on the pic, if Napoli can have KDB, Ac Milan can have Modric then why can't Como have Bernardo Silva? It would be a great battle to have these 3 guys all in one league.

[LGD2Business]

Arbeloa has always found a way to stay at the heart of Real Madrid. He’s a strong character but proving himself as a manager will be tough. If he can't control the midfield dynamics, the squad might eat him alive before the season ends. It’s a huge risk but maybe that’s exactly what he needs.

I don't think the players can do to Arbeloa what they did to Xabi Alonso. Arbeloa won't allow it. Arbeloa, who has been with the team for years, seems like a temporary solution for now. But shaping his career is in his hands. They don't expect him to make the team champions this season, expectations have dropped a bit. Because even though the point difference seems small, Barca is playing much better and it won't be easy to catch up. If Arbeloa can compete until the end, it's good for him. If he surprises everyone and achieves greater success than expected, his contract will be extended. Otherwise, I think Real Madrid will bring in a new manager in the summer.

[Ale88]

When I read this news, I was extremely shocked.
Xabi Alonso is leaving Real Madrid with immediate effect!
I have always thought that going straight into coaching a top club is a big risk! But I don't think Real Madrid are doing badly this season.

I am honestly not surprised by this sacking because after their 2-1 loss to Manchester City at the Santiago bernabéu in the uefa champions league this immediate past December, I was convinced that it's just a matter of time before xabi Alonso is sacked because the real madrid hierarchy got that feeling that xabi Alonso's real madrid team can't beat or compete with the best teams, especially when up against them. So they just took their time, and their game against Barcelona in this super cup finals proves their sentiment about him, that they cannot beat stronger teams that are competing with them in the same competition.
But will the sacking make real madrid any better, no I don't think so because this is still a young team that needs time to blend and mature.

If we take a look at Xabi Alonso's results, they are not that bad, at the end he lost only 6 matches or something like that. I think that Florentino Perez didn't like two things in particular: the team was not playing well, it didn't have a real identity, and we all know that when you manage Real Madrid winning alone is not enough, you have to win while you play well, this is the reason pragmatic managers like Capello and Mourinho were not loved by the fans; the second thing may be more on a personal level because Xabi Alonso had several clashes with players, especially the Brazilian ones. From outside Xabi Alonso gave me the idea to be extremely stubborn and he was managing everything in "my way or the highway" style, and that is never a good way, especially when you still have to prove yourself.

[ThemePen]

Nobody would spend that many years if the entire problem is adapting to a culture, I am sure he would have left earlier, many players go to Saudi Arabia and they come back in a year, sometimes even quicker.

Kante is great, and I think he is just wanted and SA took whatever they can out of him so they are willing to let him leave. Kante also left way too early, he was still great, but he is example why Saudi money matters. This dude did not accepted a lot of money, to get rich himself, he did it, so he can help more to his African town more.

Time N’Golo Kante has spent in Saudi Arabia is special since he has managed to remain successful unlike other stars who have left country within short time. You are correct that he has left Europe too early since he has given great play at Euro 2024 to show that he remains among best midfielders in world. Instead of moving because of fancy life, Kante must have used huge pay to put money into big tasks and help people in Africa, which will not be bad match to his image of being very humble. Since he is so popular and is not into trouble, Saudi league uses him as great face for brand and so looks more serious to rest of the world. If he chooses to leave at this point, any other club that gets him would be getting world class player who is not being pushed to end, but other is in best part of his career.

[ancafe]

I don't think the players can do to Arbeloa what they did to Xabi Alonso. Arbeloa won't allow it. Arbeloa, who has been with the team for years, seems like a temporary solution for now. But shaping his career is in his hands. They don't expect him to make the team champions this season, expectations have dropped a bit. Because even though the point difference seems small, Barca is playing much better and it won't be easy to catch up. If Arbeloa can compete until the end, it's good for him. If he surprises everyone and achieves greater success than expected, his contract will be extended. Otherwise, I think Real Madrid will bring in a new manager in the summer.

Becoming the manager of Real Madrid is not as easy as it seems, because this team has many world-class players. As experienced by Xabi Alonso and some players who have high egos, it makes it difficult for him to manage the team which ultimately causes its failure. Real Madrid seems to have lost its identity and Arbeloa will suffer the same fate as Xabi Alonso if he fails to manage the players he has. Sometimes the problem is not just strategy, but the overall approach and teamwork that is completely dependent on performance. They now face a difficult situation, especially against rivals Barcelona whose current form is much better and we hope that Arbeloa can bring change to Real Madrid.

[Coyster]

Arbeloa has always found a way to stay at the heart of Real Madrid. He’s a strong character but proving himself as a manager will be tough. If he can't control the midfield dynamics, the squad might eat him alive before the season ends. It’s a huge risk but maybe that’s exactly what he needs.

I would be more concerned about how he can manage the players more than anything else, because that is basically what the problem was with Xabi Alonso. If you make the players more powerful than the manager, then how can he implement his philosophies, it surely cannot work. There are too many big egos that they force the managers hand into doing their wish.

I was surprised with the signing of Arbeloa TBH, maybe they needed another manager that isn't established, so the players can easily have control. If Real Madrid are to get any top manager going forward, i am sure part of the discussion would be who gets ultimate control of the team: the manager or the players.

[Uhde]

Arbeloa has always found a way to stay at the heart of Real Madrid. He’s a strong character but proving himself as a manager will be tough. If he can't control the midfield dynamics, the squad might eat him alive before the season ends. It’s a huge risk but maybe that’s exactly what he needs.

I don't think the players can do to Arbeloa what they did to Xabi Alonso. Arbeloa won't allow it. Arbeloa, who has been with the team for years, seems like a temporary solution for now. But shaping his career is in his hands. They don't expect him to make the team champions this season, expectations have dropped a bit. Because even though the point difference seems small, Barca is playing much better and it won't be easy to catch up. If Arbeloa can compete until the end, it's good for him. If he surprises everyone and achieves greater success than expected, his contract will be extended. Otherwise, I think Real Madrid will bring in a new manager in the summer.

Bellingham and Vini are big problem for team. they really have too much ego. If they stay, there wont be so much difference after Alonso. Now Real Madrid trying to manage with Arbeloa but it is hard. First sell these two then look at Mbappe. If Mbappe also make trouble, send him away too. Without this, no hope for Madrid.

[red4slash]

Bellingham and Vini are big problem for team. they really have too much ego. If they stay, there wont be so much difference after Alonso. Now Real Madrid trying to manage with Arbeloa but it is hard. First sell these two then look at Mbappe. If Mbappe also make trouble, send him away too. Without this, no hope for Madrid.

I understand when it comes to Vini's performance and her attitude which is sometimes explosive in response and sometimes in the game emphasizes the individual over the collectivity of the team but for Jude I don't understand where the problem lies when you say she is selfish?

In terms of attitude on the field he is still quite normal, for performance and how he is a playmaker too I think when you see his performance often then you will know how his character is playing so I don't understand why you say he is a selfish player here.

Madrid are full of classy players in every department which will inevitably lead to friction and up until now the chemistry hasn't been too bad as they've been able to work well together despite their prominent aura which will inevitably lead to a dominant attitude amongst each other.

[Zlantann]

Bellingham and Vini are big problem for team. they really have too much ego. If they stay, there wont be so much difference after Alonso. Now Real Madrid trying to manage with Arbeloa but it is hard. First sell these two then look at Mbappe. If Mbappe also make trouble, send him away too. Without this, no hope for Madrid.

The reports about Vinicius Junior having issues with Xabi Alonso were widely publicised. Some news outlets also reported that a lot of players want the Spanish coach to leave Real Madrid. Jude Bellingham has refuted the claim that he was part of the problem. He claimed that some of these reports about him are fake. I don't like Mbappe and Vinicius' style of play. Players who don't assist midfielders and defenders when they lose the ball. Alvaro Arbeloa is going to face a hard time dealing with these kinds of players who have more influence than the coach. Real Madrid's management didn't solve the club's problems; they just hired a coach who will manage it.

[tygeade]

Another good reason why I will agree to your statement is that Xabi Alonso is no longer the manager of Real Madrid. He was the one who never saw Endrick as part of his project. Now that Álvaro Arbeloa is Real Madrid's head coach, he might see Endrick as a core player for Real Madrid's future. Nevertheless, it will also be left for Endrick to make his final decision. Unfortunately, with the experience of not getting a start in the club, he wont accept an agreement to remain in Real Madrid. That I'm sure of.

Reality is that, he is interim coach and what he thinks doesn't matter. On the other hand, if the new coach can't handle six months without Endrick when he has this many stars, then the new coach is also a bad one as well. What they need is someone who can win the league title this year, which is going to be very tough but that is what they need.

Players also need to realize, while Xabi is gone, that doesn't mean they are safe, sure they fired Xabi because it was easier, but they can fire any player too if they keep playing badly and replace them. This is Real Madrid, the team that didn't care about selling Ronaldo and won two more titles at UCL after him, so anyone is easily sold there and every player needs to work harder.

[Jostern]

Seems Liverpool will not be signing anybody this January transfer window. I hoped we would go for a CB at the very least but David Ornstein, a very well connected journalist in the UK reports today that we will not be doing any business in this window and we are saving the money until summer. Hopefully this means our owners are writing the season off and will save the money for a new manager in the summer if/when Slot gets sacked.

I have been following Liverpool for a very long time, and all my time of following Liverpool I have come to understand that Liverpool isn’t a fan of the Winter transfer window, no matter the injuries and the challenges the club will encounter they hardly goes into the Winter transfer windows, but I would’ve loved Liverpool to get a defender this transfer window, but unfortunately us the fans, Richard Hughes and Micheal Edward’s aren’t a fan of the January Transfer window, they rather leave everything till the summer transfer window, right now there is no progress or a breakthrough in the Konate renewal.

I have already taken my mind off the January transfer window because I know the club aren’t going to make any transfers even after Conor Bradly got injured, anyways I wish him a quick recovery, but I’m completely sure that the club will focus more on recruiting defenders in the summer and two wingers left and right winger, depending what plans they have with Mohammed Salah in the Summer.

[Xcode7]

Bellingham and Vini are big problem for team. they really have too much ego. If they stay, there wont be so much difference after Alonso. Now Real Madrid trying to manage with Arbeloa but it is hard. First sell these two then look at Mbappe. If Mbappe also make trouble, send him away too. Without this, no hope for Madrid.

The reports about Vinicius Junior having issues with Xabi Alonso were widely publicised. Some news outlets also reported that a lot of players want the Spanish coach to leave Real Madrid. Jude Bellingham has refuted the claim that he was part of the problem. He claimed that some of these reports about him are fake. I don't like Mbappe and Vinicius' style of play. Players who don't assist midfielders and defenders when they lose the ball. Alvaro Arbeloa is going to face a hard time dealing with these kinds of players who have more influence than the coach. Real Madrid's management didn't solve the club's problems; they just hired a coach who will manage it.

I also think that Mbappe and Vinicius are the problem and Xabi Alonso is a young coach of course it is difficult to handle these players, now I think Real Madrid management has two options, first sell Mbappe and Vinicius or find an experienced coach who is able to handle Mbappe and Vinicius even though it is difficult there is still a possibility for that and on the other hand the difficult thing to solve this problem is the fact that Mbappe and Vinicius contribute greatly to the team.

[Futurexxx]

New rumour on Bernardo Silva...

You know he hasn't extended with Manchester City yet. I haven't heard about any negotiation on a new contract either. He is going to be 32 this summer. Probably Guardiola doesn't want him anymore or maybe he looks for a new adventure.

If all the rumoured teams are monitoring him then his destination might be Barcelona in my opinion. I don't think any other option there would be more attracting to him.

I won't mind to see him at Como, Fabregas is doing a good job by making Como to be one of the teams in Italy that other clubs will be afraid of playing against. Silva not extending his contract with City only says one thing,but is time for him to make way for the younger ones to step in the mix, after all KDB left the side after how many years with the club so Silva can as well do the same. No if he'd move I'll prefer Como like you have right there on the pic, if Napoli can have KDB, Ac Milan can have Modric then why can't Como have Bernardo Silva? It would be a great battle to have these 3 guys all in one league.

Bernardo Silva moving to Como?
No, it's never going to happen because they cannot afford him. I understand the fact that cesc fabregas is doing a wonderful job there, and he will want to use his influence to bring him over, but looking at his options like Barcelona that have always wanted him in their team, do you think that he will choose Como over Barcelona?

Additionally, this might be his last big contract, so he might still goes for the money, like going to Saudi Arabia or any team in Europe that is willing to pay him what he wanted, like in the Turkish super league, so the chances of como acquiring his signature is very slim.