⚽ Football Transfers Speculation, Odds and Predictions

[Accardo]

What is it with Nigerian players and Turkish league, Ademola LookMan is still a top player not to attract serious interest from top teams in major European leagues. With no disrespect to the Turkish league, but they are not as competitive as Europe top 5 leagues. Ademola LookMan should go for Atletico Madrid, he will develop more there as a player. Atletico Madrid will give him the chance of playing in the champions league, and have more quality players as team mates. Turkish league is mostly for players that are nearing their retirement.

Napoli was so much interested on Lookman too, but had no intention of paying the transfer price of €40m, if the Turkish club is serious about paying the actual price, nothing is wrong with his moving there, Turkish league is not a handball game, if he plays better there clubs across Europe would still come for him in the next transfer window or whenever his contract expires.

[MarjorieZimmermanGinger]

Napoli was so much interested on Lookman too, but had no intention of paying the transfer price of €40m, if the Turkish club is serious about paying the actual price, nothing is wrong with his moving there, Turkish league is not a handball game, if he plays better there clubs across Europe would still come for him in the next transfer window or whenever his contract expires.

Fenerbahçe has a better chance of landing Ademola Lookman because he's the player they need and on the other hand Fenerbahçe is also much more willing to spend money to sign him than Napoli. Fenerbahçe also regularly plays in the Champions League, so their reputation won't fade. If Ademola Lookman performs consistently, European clubs will be interested in him next season. Ademola Lookman has impressed with Atalanta and could be a powerful addition to Fenerbahçe's attack. Signing him would significantly strengthen Fenerbahçe's attack in competing in any competition next season.

[Ale88]

Sterling leaves Chelsea today finally. He didn't even play professional football for a really long time. The last time we saw him was the last season. 

It is good to see him leaving Chelsea as he wasn't going to be given a chance anymore. He is still 31 years old though. Not that old to continue playing yet. I think a player like him should be able to find a team for himself somewhere.

Sterling, another of those players who made a ton of money just because they were considered a wonder boy. I can only see him playing in Turkey or Saudi Arabia at this point because I don't think he is going to accept any salary reduction. And I also think he has no chances of taking part to the next World Cup. Staying in England is just a waste of time for him.

I know that money is important, but I just don't understand how most players will choose money over their career, when they are already doing well financially. In this case of Raheem sterling staying put at Chelsea that he is no longer needed, just because he refuses to lower his salary, it makes no sense at all because if he truly adores his career, he would have accepted a pay cut and move out of the club, but he decided to stay when he knows that he wouldn't even be training with the first team, that shows that he no longer have passion for the game, but regardless of whatsoever, it's a good thing that he is finally moving to where he is going to feature regularly, but we shouldn't be expecting the Raheem sterling that we are used to because he will be a lot match rusty.

For many players football is just a job, they don't have a lot of passion about the sport itself. Several times I read interviews about players who said they don't even watch football matches, they don't know the other teams or players until the moment they have to play against them. It's possible that once you become a professional footballer you see things in a different way, like the guy who loves pizza but after opening his pizzeria he barely eats pizza anymore because he just gets tired of being around pizzas all the time.

[Coyster]

It’s par for the course really but there has been no big transfers this transfer window, across the whole of Europe. I was hoping Liverpool would bring somebody in, specifically at CB or RB where we are very light. Top players just aren’t available very often in the January transfer window.

That's correct. I think City got the best deals this January of any team across Europe. Guehi and Semenyo are two wonderful signings that would definitely make them a better team for a very long time. It must hurt you as a Liverpool fan to see that City got Guehi ahead of Liverpool, even though The reds have been courting him for a while now.

That said, there is a lot of depth in City's squad now and they are ready to push Arsenal for the Premier League title, irrespective of injuries that would happen along the way.

[ThemePen]

Fenerbahçe has a better chance of landing Ademola Lookman because he's the player they need and on the other hand Fenerbahçe is also much more willing to spend money to sign him than Napoli. Fenerbahçe also regularly plays in the Champions League, so their reputation won't fade. If Ademola Lookman performs consistently, European clubs will be interested in him next season. Ademola Lookman has impressed with Atalanta and could be a powerful addition to Fenerbahçe's attack. Signing him would significantly strengthen Fenerbahçe's attack in competing in any competition next season.

Fenerbahce is about to make history by beating Napoli to buy Nigerian star Ademola Lookman in deal that would be total of EUR40 million in which EUR35 million set and EUR5 million in extra pay. This would be record move to club in terms of money, spending more than EUR28 million just paid for Matteo Guendouzi, and it shows huge money goals of team which gives Lookman deal of EUR9 million every year. By making Fenerbahce their choice, 2024 African Player of Month would be head of big project and stay in strongest games of Champions League. Deal is still at its early steps and both clubs are still trying to finish payment plan and bank promises by time winter buying period ends. In case of success, arrival of Lookman will help attack of Fenerbahce as they go after local and European cups in 2026.

[Fiatless]

Napoli was so much interested on Lookman too, but had no intention of paying the transfer price of €40m, if the Turkish club is serious about paying the actual price, nothing is wrong with his moving there, Turkish league is not a handball game, if he plays better there clubs across Europe would still come for him in the next transfer window or whenever his contract expires.

Lookman is worth that amount. I don't know why Napoli didn't go for him. It might be proof that they don't really need him. Aurelio De Laurentiis once said that he would not sign any African player unless they committed not to participate in the African Cup of Nations. The Nigerian has proved over the years to maintain his quality. His contribution to Atalanta's success cannot be overlooked. Fenebache would not regret siging him.   

[red4slash]

Napoli was so much interested on Lookman too, but had no intention of paying the transfer price of €40m, if the Turkish club is serious about paying the actual price, nothing is wrong with his moving there, Turkish league is not a handball game, if he plays better there clubs across Europe would still come for him in the next transfer window or whenever his contract expires.

Lookman is worth that amount. I don't know why Napoli didn't go for him. It might be proof that they don't really need him. Aurelio De Laurentiis once said that he would not sign any African player unless they committed not to participate in the African Cup of Nations. The Nigerian has proved over the years to maintain his quality. His contribution to Atalanta's success cannot be overlooked. Fenebache would not regret siging him.   

I don't think that nominal is too big for a Lookman, although seeing from what he did at Atalanta this season is not like what he did in the previous season because for now his performance is hampered but I think when he has a suitable club and the right coaching scheme then it can make his performance return much better.

Previously he was very well trusted and the chemistry with Gasperini as a coach was also good which made his performance improve but now Gasperini left Atalanta which made Lookman have to re-adapt to the new coach's scheme which made him a little difficult to balance performance.
Now leaving could be the right thing for Lookman (If not blocked as before) because with a price of 40 million it is actually not difficult to find Lookman enthusiasts including for some big Serie A clubs like Napoli even though financial problems still continue to exist in this competition.

[SFR10]

I’ve already seen that Tottenham and Napoli are interested in him, but Sterling is not rushing into making a decision. He wants to carefully weigh all the offers and choose the best option for himself.

I highly doubt he'll have a positive impact on Tottenham ^{[or any other Premier League team]} and Napoli's sporting director mentioned Sterling's high wage demand is going to be an issue ^[source], so it's safe to say that's not going to happen ^{[IMO, he's more suitable for either MLS or any other less competitive league (e.g., Eredivisie)]}.
^{- The same source mentioned that both West Ham and Fulham have shown interest in signing him as well.}

[Ryu_Ar1]

I’ve already seen that Tottenham and Napoli are interested in him, but Sterling is not rushing into making a decision. He wants to carefully weigh all the offers and choose the best option for himself.

I highly doubt he'll have a positive impact on Tottenham ^{[or any other Premier League team]} and Napoli's sporting director mentioned Sterling's high wage demand is going to be an issue ^[source], so it's safe to say that's not going to happen ^{[IMO, he's more suitable for either MLS or any other less competitive league (e.g., Eredivisie)]}.
^{- The same source mentioned that both West Ham and Fulham have shown interest in signing him as well.}

With the performance he currently has, it seems that it will be very difficult to force Sterling to be in big competitions such as EPL and Serie A. He does still have a chance to utilize his speed ability but for the current skill it seems he has decreased dramatically, not to mention the size of the current salary for Sterling it feels quite large for minimal abilities so it would be better for him to look for other alternatives if he still wants to maintain his salary.

For the SPL or MLS class maybe he can still get the same salary but if he still wants to be in a more prestigious competition in Europe then he should consider cutting wages for now because in terms of age and the standards he has are very less for such prices.

[ajanwalker]

Beşiktaş has signed Asllani on loan. I liked Asllani when he was playing for Inter. He was getting playing time at Inter, but he went on loan to Torino at the beginning of the season. He played 13 matches for Torino. Now he's come to Beşiktaş.
Beşiktaş needs a player like him. He's a good fighter, a very hard-working player, but he's a bit weak in terms of contributing to the score.
He's very young. If he finds his form at Beşiktaş, Beşiktaş will buy his transfer rights and he will stay in Türkiye for many years.
I know that Albanian footballers don't have problems adapting to Türkiye.

[Accardo]

Lookman is worth that amount. I don't know why Napoli didn't go for him. It might be proof that they don't really need him. Aurelio De Laurentiis once said that he would not sign any African player unless they committed not to participate in the African Cup of Nations. The Nigerian has proved over the years to maintain his quality. His contribution to Atalanta's success cannot be overlooked. Fenebache would not regret siging him.   

Napoli has an internal policy that doesn't allow them to spend more than they earn in the transfer window, also they don't wish to sign a long term deal with Lookman, they only need him for winter reinforcement, believing that his presence in the club would add extra quality to the club and strengthen their attacking option. Lookman is the attacker Napoli needs, but its more like they can't go against the policy guarding the club over who they actually want to be a part of the team.

[Justbillywitt]

It’s par for the course really but there has been no big transfers this transfer window, across the whole of Europe. I was hoping Liverpool would bring somebody in, specifically at CB or RB where we are very light. Top players just aren’t available very often in the January transfer window.

That's correct. I think City got the best deals this January of any team across Europe. Guehi and Semenyo are two wonderful signings that would definitely make them a better team for a very long time. It must hurt you as a Liverpool fan to see that City got Guehi ahead of Liverpool, even though The reds have been courting him for a while now.

Liverpool had the opportunity to get Guehi this January, but they were hoping he would remain in Crystal palace till the end of the season so they will get him for free. The player was willing to join Liverpool, but Liverpool didn't make the move even when he was available at a cheaper price, more cheaper than what Liverpool were willing to pay last summer. It was a ridiculous decision from Liverpool management. Them wanting to get a player of Guehi quality for free, but were upset with Arnold for leaving Liverpool for free.

[abhiseshakana]

It’s par for the course really but there has been no big transfers this transfer window, across the whole of Europe. I was hoping Liverpool would bring somebody in, specifically at CB or RB where we are very light. Top players just aren’t available very often in the January transfer window.

That's correct. I think City got the best deals this January of any team across Europe. Guehi and Semenyo are two wonderful signings that would definitely make them a better team for a very long time. It must hurt you as a Liverpool fan to see that City got Guehi ahead of Liverpool, even though The reds have been courting him for a while now.

That said, there is a lot of depth in City's squad now and they are ready to push Arsenal for the Premier League title, irrespective of injuries that would happen along the way.

Many assumed during December that there would be intense activity once the transfer window opened, but the opposite turned out to be true. For some reason, the big teams suddenly seem to have lost their appetite. Do they feel that it won't make a difference, or are they just being frugal?

It's only Man City that is not fussing over anything and they confidently signed Semenyo and Guehi to strengthen their squad depth. Manchester United, which was predicted to sign a new midfielder, hasn't made any moves at all and the same goes for Liverpool and Arsenal. In La Liga, Real Madrid and Barcelona also seem to be doing nothing.

[Zlantann]

That's correct. I think City got the best deals this January of any team across Europe. Guehi and Semenyo are two wonderful signings that would definitely make them a better team for a very long time. It must hurt you as a Liverpool fan to see that City got Guehi ahead of Liverpool, even though The reds have been courting him for a while now.

That said, there is a lot of depth in City's squad now and they are ready to push Arsenal for the Premier League title, irrespective of injuries that would happen along the way.

That was how we heard from Manchester City fans when they signed Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki Rayan Ait-Nouri and so on. These players had little impact on the club's performance because they were still struggling. Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi are good players but we have to wait and see their impact on the club. The game between City and Tottenham will be another test after they won Galatasaray. Arsenal might be having some downtime but they still have the best team.

[armanda90]

Liverpool had the opportunity to get Guehi this January, but they were hoping he would remain in Crystal palace till the end of the season so they will get him for free. The player was willing to join Liverpool, but Liverpool didn't make the move even when he was available at a cheaper price, more cheaper than what Liverpool were willing to pay last summer. It was a ridiculous decision from Liverpool management. Them wanting to get a player of Guehi quality for free, but were upset with Arnold for leaving Liverpool for free.

Liverpool had an opportunity for signing Guehi but priority waiting for that players become free agent at June 2026 but Manchester City make interested offering for Crystal Palace around 20 million euro and its good offering fees transfer. Fatal mistake from Liverpool waiting the top players such as Guehi become free agent and Crystal Palace won't loss his players without earning fees transfer, selling to Manchester City with 20 million fees transfer is good option than Guehi become free agent at the end of this season.
Liverpool still not sign new players at winter transfer actually need new player at central defender position, the management if want to get free agent players I believe difficult for Liverpool learned from Guehi bought by Manchester City.

[dezoel]

Currently, speculation about Klopp is even greater, not only Madrid is the biggest rumor but also Klopp who will return to Liverpool even though the rumors will only be on the coaching staff not the head coach.
But in this case I think it would be a little stiff to let him on the coaching staff especially since we know the closeness that has been running as head coach of course this also provides a pretty interesting thing before so this might also be a rumor that was raised after Sir Kenny Dalgish was rumored to replace Slott.

At the moment it seems that compared to clubs the facts that exist for coaching rumors have become much more interesting than imagined with the condition of some big clubs that are still struggling with new coaches whose conditions are a little difficult to force making this speculation much more interesting.

Klopp already made a statement about how he is not interested, that is not going to happen and there is no need to wait for it. They should be looking for someone else anyways, Klopp isn't the type of manager that would fit Real Madrid system at all, he would be very bad there. They should look for someone else, Terzic would be better choice.

This type of change isn't easy and there isn't any free agent that would be perfect for them, they need to get someone who is already currently managing a team and that would be expensive and difficult to convince as well.

[Finebone]

Many assumed during December that there would be intense activity once the transfer window opened, but the opposite turned out to be true. For some reason, the big teams suddenly seem to have lost their appetite. Do they feel that it won't make a difference, or are they just being frugal?

It's only Man City that is not fussing over anything and they confidently signed Semenyo and Guehi to strengthen their squad depth. Manchester United, which was predicted to sign a new midfielder, hasn't made any moves at all and the same goes for Liverpool and Arsenal. In La Liga, Real Madrid and Barcelona also seem to be doing nothing.

One of the reason I believe that makes top clubs not showing interest in making some or any signings this January transfer window is because top talent is very difficult to get in this January transfer window, and the clubs these sorted after player are in wouldn't want to sell either because getting a replacement can be very challenging. You will see a team overestimating a player mostly in this January transfer window, because they knows that options are limited. These are what top teams have seen and have experienced in the past that have made them not to want to pass through such experience again, except something extraordinary or someone exceptional is in the market.

[Frankolala]

Liverpool had the opportunity to get Guehi this January, but they were hoping he would remain in Crystal palace till the end of the season so they will get him for free. The player was willing to join Liverpool, but Liverpool didn't make the move even when he was available at a cheaper price, more cheaper than what Liverpool were willing to pay last summer. It was a ridiculous decision from Liverpool management. Them wanting to get a player of Guehi quality for free, but were upset with Arnold for leaving Liverpool for free.

Liverpool had an opportunity for signing Guehi but priority waiting for that players become free agent at June 2026 but Manchester City make interested offering for Crystal Palace around 20 million euro and its good offering fees transfer. Fatal mistake from Liverpool waiting the top players such as Guehi become free agent and Crystal Palace won't loss his players without earning fees transfer, selling to Manchester City with 20 million fees transfer is good option than Guehi become free agent at the end of this season.
Liverpool still not sign new players at winter transfer actually need new player at central defender position, the management if want to get free agent players I believe difficult for Liverpool learned from Guehi bought by Manchester City.

This is where smartness comes in. City knows the worth of Guehi and that was why they rushed in signing him and let Liverpool keep waiting to buy him cheaper in their dreamland. It's if no club showing interest on that player or shows less concern on him is when you can wait. Waiting is never a strategy to success.

[Princess Leah]

Liverpool had the opportunity to get Guehi this January, but they were hoping he would remain in Crystal palace till the end of the season so they will get him for free. The player was willing to join Liverpool, but Liverpool didn't make the move even when he was available at a cheaper price, more cheaper than what Liverpool were willing to pay last summer. It was a ridiculous decision from Liverpool management. Them wanting to get a player of Guehi quality for free, but were upset with Arnold for leaving Liverpool for free.

Liverpool had an opportunity for signing Guehi but priority waiting for that players become free agent at June 2026 but Manchester City make interested offering for Crystal Palace around 20 million euro and its good offering fees transfer. Fatal mistake from Liverpool waiting the top players such as Guehi become free agent and Crystal Palace won't loss his players without earning fees transfer, selling to Manchester City with 20 million fees transfer is good option than Guehi become free agent at the end of this season.
Liverpool still not sign new players at winter transfer actually need new player at central defender position, the management if want to get free agent players I believe difficult for Liverpool learned from Guehi bought by Manchester City.

This is where smartness comes in. City knows the worth of Guehi and that was why they rushed in signing him and let Liverpool keep waiting to buy him cheaper in their dreamland. It's if no club showing interest on that player or shows less concern on him is when you can wait. Waiting is never a strategy to success.

That's true especially since they had several players in that position injured, the seized the opportunity before it got too late, some Liverpool could done since the beginning of the winter transfer window, anyways they missed the opportunity of signing a good partner for Van Dijk for a fair price.

 You don't play the waiting strategy on players like Guehi, if City had waited maybe another big club would've signed him, Real Madrid needs such player and would've seized the opportunity.

[shinratensei_]

Soon we will see Tyrique George aka Evil Saka to join Everton. Talk advanced between Chelsea and Everton. So i expect him to leave very soon. Everton is facing a crisis at their winger, so it's gonna be a right transfer since George can play at front three.
I know it's a loan with option to buy, but quite optimistic he will go stay there permanently. The only thing that makes me skeptical whether he will get the usage by the manager.

We know how potential he is, but he's only lacking of minutes since he can't be ahead of any winger of Chelsea. So this his a good move for him. However, the only thing that clearly raise a question about his potential game time at Everon. Hopefully, Moyes is good enough in developing him.