Barcelona’s ‘Operation Exit’ begins in winter
The summer transfer window is closed for major leagues in Europe. However, with one eye on January, there’s a lot of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, whereabouts and, of course, deals!
TOP STORY: Barcelona’s Pique, Alba out in winter
Barcelona’s ‘Operation Exit’ takes shape with Gerard pricks, Jordi Albaand Memphis Depay likely to leave during the January transfer window, according to Diario Sport.
It has already been reported that the Blaugrana want to separate Pique and Alba but the Catalans have reportedly already started negotiations for the pair to leave this winter.
In Alba’s case, several clubs could be interested in signing the left-back, with Juventus being an important club who have been linked before.
Striving to push the process forward, Barcelona could even offer an agreed termination of Alba’s contract.
Barcelona are also considering a switch to Depay after the World Cup due to his lack of minutes at the start of the season, which has since been followed by injury.
While his Dutch compatriot Frankie de Jong impressed on the pitch recently, Barcelona would be interested in offloading him for a big fee to strengthen their squad.
Meanwhile, Sergio BusquetsThe contract expires this summer and the midfielder is unlikely to stay beyond that point.
To finish, Pablo Torre and Inaki Pena could both be sent out on loan in January.
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08:00 BST: Bruno FornaroliPerth Glory’s time came to an abrupt end after the club agreed to release the star striker last season from his A-League Men contract.
Fornaroli, whose 82 goals in 142 games put him fifth on the ALM’s all-time goalscoring list, played in the first two games this season before being frozen out for last week’s 2-1 win over Central Coast in confusing circumstances. Perth initially said Fornaroli was out of the squad due to injury but the 35-year-old hit back on social media saying he was 100 per cent fit and available.
The Glory held a meeting on Friday in which Fornaroli’s departure was agreed, and chief executive Anthony Radich believes the right decision was made.
“It is a difficult decision for both parties, but such decisions must be made as we continue to rebuild the club,” Radich said in a statement. “Moving forward, Bruno’s departure means we have the opportunity to strengthen the squad when the transfer window reopens in January and we fully intend to do so.”
Fornaroli has been linked with a move to Melbourne Victory under coach Tony Popovic. Popovic, who coached Fornaroli during his time at Perth, played a straight bat when asked about the rumors on Friday.
“I am not aware of these rumours. I am not aware of this [talks]”, said Popovic. “But I think the rumors will always exist and if you are a big club you will always be linked, I guess, with big players. From my point of view, yes, it is only a rumour.”
If Fornaroli moves to Victory, he won’t be able to play until the January transfer window.
GOSSIP PAPER (Danny Lewis)
– Fabrice Romano suggested interest is growing in PSV Eindhoven Cody Gakpo and that of Lille jonathan david. Southampton and Leeds United had made offers for Gakpo in the summer, while Everton were interested in David, but the two attacking talents are now expected to join bigger and better clubs than those mentioned.
– Milan Skriniar left the door open for a possible stay with Internazionale after the first meeting over the centre-back’s contract situation, Calciomercato report. There will be another meeting next week where Inter will present a concrete offer to Skriniar’s agents and they are keen for the Slovakia international to stay.
– christian falk denied any reports that Bayern Munich are interested in the Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. The Germany international’s current contract with City only runs until the summer of 2023, while he has scored twice and provided an assist alongside Pep Guardiola this season.
– Ekrem Konour suggested Arsenal scouts are monitoring the 21-year-old Palmeiras midfielder danilo. They will likely get a good look at the midfielder in Palmeiras’ next game on Tuesday as he has started each of their last six games since returning from suspension.
– Josef Martinez won’t be returning to Atlanta United FC, reports The Athletics, with sporting director Carlos Bocanegra telling the former MLS MVP he won’t be part of the club’s future in a face-to-face encounter . Atlanta pursued a new No. 9 and would use the Designated Player spot to find a replacement for Martinez, who led the Five Stripes to the MLS Cup in 2018.
– The New York Red Bulls could lose their American defender Aaron Long free will, as MLSsoccer.com reports, adding that Kyle Duncan could return after his loan from Ostend expires. RBNY is already in talks with Gremio regarding a permanent move for Elias Manoel after his loan expires, when offers are expected to arrive for John Tolkin. Caden Clarkon loan at New York after signing with RB Leipzig last season, is set to leave his first ever club but it is unclear where he will play next.
