Connect with us

Serie A

Transfer window preview: 50 players who could move in January

With the January transfer window set to open on Sunday for most of Europe’s top leagues, we’re teeing up the wheeling and dealing by presenting 50 high-profile players who could be on the move in the coming weeks. It’s notoriously difficult to make opulent signings during the January window, but the mid-season World Cup could reinvigorate the transfer activity after putting a host of players on display. Cristiano Ronaldo and Cody Gakpo may have already decided on their next clubs, but dozens of other stars could also be on the move between now and Deadline Day.

Note: Estimated transfer values provided by transfermarkt.com.

Premier League

Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Age: 24 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €42M

A vital member of Argentina’s victorious World Cup side, Mac Allister thrust himself into the spotlight with consistently industrious performances in Qatar. Dealing from a position of strength, Brighton would demand a sizable fee.

Moises Caicedo (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Age: 21 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €38M

Caicedo’s aforementioned teammate’s showing at the World Cup has somewhat distracted from the fact that the all-action Ecuadorian footballer remains the most desirable midfielder in Brighton’s ranks. He is destined for stardom.

Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)

Age: 24 | Position: Forward | Estimated value: €38M

Pulisic remains open to leaving Chelsea in search of more consistent playing time, with Manchester United tipped as a potential suitor. The American phenom, who showcased his leadership qualities at the World Cup, has plenty to offer.

Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea)

Age: 29 | Position: Winger | Estimated value: €20M

In what will be a common theme for several players on this list, the World Cup helped reinvigorate Ziyech, who – like Pulisic – has struggled for minutes at Chelsea. His creativity was vital during Morocco’s historic run in Qatar.

Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

Rob Newell – CameraSport / CameraSport / Getty

Age: 30 | Position: Winger | Estimated value: €32M

Zaha is running out of time to secure the big transfer he’s long been mulling. The crafty winger is set to become a free agent this summer and could decide to run down his contract and join a club of his choosing in six months.

Caglar Soyuncu (Leicester City)

Age: 26 | Position: Center-back | Estimated value: €22M

Having lost his starting place at the heart of Leicester’s backline, Soyuncu is eyeing a fresh start elsewhere. The pugnacious Turkish defender has been linked with Atletico Madrid, a fit that almost seems too perfect.

Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)

Age: 25 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €40M

Tielemans has seemingly been a fixture of lists just like this since the moment he arrived at Leicester. The Foxes are in a tricky place with the impending free agent. Tumbling toward the drop zone, can they afford to sell him in January?

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)

Age: 25 | Position: Right-back | Estimated value: €18M

After finding himself stapled to the bench early in Erik ten Hag’s tenure, Wan-Bissaka is getting a consistent run of minutes after the World Cup. But that may change when Diogo Dalot returns, which could facilitate a loan move.

Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)

Age: 22 | Position: Right-back | Estimated value: €13M

Spence has four Premier League minutes to his name this season after joining Tottenham from Nottingham Forest. Four! Antonio Conte clearly doesn’t think he’s ready to contribute at this level, and he can’t continue to rot on the bench.

La Liga

Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)

Age: 23 | Position: Forward | Estimated value: €55M

Has there ever been a more glaring case of a talented player joining the wrong club at the wrong time? Felix’s career has stagnated since his mega-money move to Atletico Madrid. It’s time for both sides to move on.

Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid)

Age: 28 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €40M

De Paul benefitted greatly from the World Cup after a tough start to the team’s campaign. Atletico and the combative midfielder now have options: Trust that his success in Qatar will translate or parlay it into an expensive transfer.

Memphis Depay (Barcelona)

BSR Agency / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Age: 28 | Position: Forward | Estimated value: €20M

Robert Lewandowski’s arrival and immediate success finding the net have limited Depay’s chances this season. He came close to leaving Barcelona in the summer and will again be a prominent name in January.

Borja Iglesias (Real Betis)

Age: 29 | Position: Striker | Estimated value: €25M

Only Lewandowski has scored more La Liga goals so far this campaign than Iglesias, who is being viewed as a potential option to replace Felix at Atletico Madrid. Betis, chasing European football, would likely play hardball, though.

Ivan Fresneda (Real Valladolid)

Age: 18 | Position: Right-back | Estimated value: €1M

Exciting young full-back Fresneda is catching the eye at Real Valladolid this season, with clubs in Spain and beyond starting to circle. If the teenager does indeed move in January, it will be for more than his humble valuation.

Yunus Musah (Valencia)

Age: 20 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €25M

Ascending young midfielders like Musah are always in extremely high demand. It’s simply a matter of when the American footballer will leave Valencia, not if. Various Premier League clubs are apparently contemplating a bid.

Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal)

Age: 23 | Position: Winger | Estimated value: €20M

Chukwueze, the electrifying Nigerian winger who always looks to make something happen with the ball at his feet, has only made five starts for Villarreal this season – a surprisingly low figure for someone of his skill level.

Serie A

Rick Karsdorp (AS Roma)

Age: 27 | Position: Right-back | Estimated value: €9M

A public dispute with manager Jose Mourinho means the writing is on the wall for Karsdorp’s Roma career. Likely available for a modest fee in January, various full-back-needy clubs could come calling for the Dutchman.

Nicolo Zaniolo (AS Roma)

Age: 23 | Position: Forward | Estimated value: €30M

Speculation about Zaniolo’s future will be rife until he officially signs a new long-term contract with Roma. Serious knee injuries have blighted the versatile Italian player’s career, but his talent is undeniable and hypnotic.

Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina)

Mike Hewitt – FIFA / FIFA / Getty

Age: 26 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €25M

Few players benefitted from the World Cup like Amrabat, who enhanced his reputation tenfold with a series of commanding performances. The driving force behind Morocco’s magical run, Amrabat is ready for the next step.

Milan Skriniar (Inter Milan)

Age: 27 | Position: Center-back | Estimated value: €60M

A contract impasse between Skriniar and Inter has Paris Saint-Germain on high alert. The French club – admirers since last summer when it tried and failed with hefty bids for the imposing Slovakian star – will come calling again.

Adrien Rabiot (Juventus)

Age: 27 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €25M

Rabiot, another soon-to-be free agent, is enjoying the best year of his career. Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri adores him like few others and may not sanction a sale, even if it likely means losing him for nothing this summer.

Weston McKennie (Juventus)

Age: 24 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €21M

If Juve intend to bring in any reinforcements in January, they’ll need departures to offset those arrivals. McKennie is the most likely candidate, especially as Paul Pogba nears returning, which will only add more midfield competition.

Wilfried Singo (Torino)

Age: 22 | Position: Right-back | Estimated value: €14M

Singo has flashed his enormous potential on multiple occasions. The Ivorian footballer, who thrives in a wing-back role where he can charge forward, is exactly the type of player that modern attack-minded clubs want roaming the flanks.

Bundesliga

Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)

Age: 22 | Position: Right-back | Estimated value: €25M

Bayer Leverkusen desperately want to retain Frimpong until the summer, but as other clubs miss out on targets and get desperate late in the window, a massive offer for the blossoming right-back could change their mind.

Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)

Age: 29 | Position: Left-back | Estimated value: €20M

Left-back remains a position of need for many top teams across Europe. Finding a player capable and experienced like Guerreiro, who wouldn’t break the bank, is a rarity that could facilitate several offers.

Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund)

picture alliance / picture alliance / Getty

Age: 18 | Position: Striker | Estimated value: €30M

Dortmund need to act very fast to secure Moukoko’s future. The teen sensation, a free agent this summer, is the subject of serious Premier League interest as contract talks between the German club and player stall.

Yann Sommer (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Age: 34 | Position: Goalkeeper | Estimated value: €5M

With David De Gea’s future unclear, Manchester United are working to sign Sommer, the Swiss stalwart who has been at Gladbach for nearly a decade. Whether that deal happens now or after the season remains to be seen.

Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Age: 27 | Position: Left-back | Estimated value: €20M

Bensebaini, whose contract with Gladbach expires at campaign’s end, presents another prime opportunity for clubs looking to bolster their left-back ranks. Dortmund, who may need to replace Guerreiro, are interested in the Algerian player.

Randal Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Age: 24 | Position: Striker | Estimated value: €37M

Kolo Muani only joined Eintracht Frankfurt this year as a free agent after his contract expired with Nantes. Brilliant business by the Bundesliga club in hindsight, as the French striker is now worth a pretty penny.

Ritsu Doan (Freiburg)

Age: 24 | Position: Winger | Estimated value: €15M

Doan, the diminutive Japanese winger who can also play in a more central role, bolstered his profile at the World Cup with memorable goals against Germany and Spain. Freiburg will turn a healthy profit whenever he moves on.

Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)

Age: 20 | Position: Center-back | Estimated value: €75M

Don’t let Lionel Messi posterizing him at the World Cup fool you. Gvardiol is destined for a gargantuan transfer very shortly. The Croatian center-back will anchor the backline of a top club for years to come.

Ligue 1

Azzedine Ounahi (Angers)

Age: 22 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €15M

The world learned this winter what Angers fans have been shouting from the rooftops: Ounahi is a burgeoning star. One of the game’s silkiest dribblers, the Moroccan No. 8 was perhaps the one true “breakout” player in Qatar.

Benoit Badiashile (AS Monaco)

ANP / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Age: 21 | Position: Center-back | Estimated value: €40M

Chelsea are reportedly closing in on a deal worth around €40 million to sign Badiashile. The Frenchman has a seductive profile for a central defender: He’s wildly athletic, comfortable on the ball, and, crucially, left-footed.

Terem Moffi (Lorient)

Age: 23 | Position: Striker | Estimated value: €15M

Only Kylian Mbappe and Neymar have more Ligue 1 goals this season than Moffi, the Nigerian striker powering Lorient’s unlikely push for a European place. A transfer to a mid-table Premier League club could be on the cards.

Lovro Majer (Rennes)

Age: 24 | Position: Attacking midfielder | Estimated value: €22M

It was impossible to shake the feeling that Majer deserved more playing time for Croatia at the World Cup. He seemed capable of making something happen every time he touched the ball. Suitors will have noticed that, too.

Elsewhere in Europe (and beyond)

Edson Alvarez (Ajax)

Age: 25 | Position: Defensive midfielder | Estimated value: €35M

Versatility is a valued trait in world football, and Alvarez’s ability to play both in midfield and central defense makes him hugely desirable. The Mexican international nearly joined Chelsea – Ajax can’t hold on to him forever.

Mohammed Kudus (Ajax)

Age: 22 | Position: Attacking midfielder | Estimated value: €20M

Kudus already exploded onto the scene with superlative performances in the Champions League this fall, and the Ghanaian footballer further enhanced his reputation at the World Cup. Ajax have unearthed yet another gem.

Enzo Fernandez (Benfica)

Chris Brunskill/Fantasista / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Age: 21 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €55M

Benfica played this one perfectly. Beating the competition to Fernandez in the summer – for a modest fee, at that – will net the club a monstrous profit after his excellent World Cup. Chelsea are working hard to sign the Argentine midfielder.

Goncalo Ramos (Benfica)

Age: 21 | Position: Striker | Estimated value: €30M

Anybody who replaces Ronaldo for Portugal and then immediately scores a hat-trick will garner attention. Truth is, Ramos has been filling the net all season for Benfica. The club could be swimming in cash come Feb. 1.

Josip Juranovic (Celtic)

Age: 27 | Position: Right-back | Estimated value: €9M

Juranovic looks destined to leave Celtic after the Scottish giants apparently signed his replacement in the form of Canadian international Alistair Johnston. The unwearying Croatian footballer gave a standout performance at the World Cup.

Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge)

Age: 23 | Position: Winger | Estimated value: €12M

Buchanan, who has devastating pace and trickery, has worked hard to build the defensive side of his game, and he showed at the World Cup that he excels in both phases. Italian clubs are keeping tabs on the Canadian winger.

Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb)

Age: 27 | Position: Goalkeeper | Estimated value: €14M

Livakovic made more saves (24) than any goalkeeper at this year’s event in Qatar and punctuated his performance by turning aside four penalties across Croatia’s shootouts. Any club in need of a netminder should be calling Dinamo Zagreb.

Andries Noppert (Heerenveen)

Age: 28 | Position: Goalkeeper | Estimated value: €5M

A surprise starter at the World Cup, Noppert made the most of his chance, helping the Netherlands reach the quarterfinals. A big transfer would cap a dramatic rise for the giant shot-stopper, who was in the Dutch second tier two years ago.

Danilo (Palmeiras)

Age: 21 | Position: Defensive midfielder | Estimated value: €25M

Real Madrid’s eye-watering Endrick signing has overshadowed everything happening at Palmeiras right now. But another ascendant Brazilian star is generating interest, with Arsenal closely monitoring Danilo.

Mykhailo Mudryk (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Ross MacDonald – SNS Group / SNS Group / Getty

Age: 21 | Position: Winger | Estimated value: €40M

Mudryk’s future will likely be one of the hottest topics of the January window. The winger is Arsenal’s primary target this month, but Shakhtar are apparently holding firm in their €100-million valuation. This one could take a while.

Pedro Porro (Sporting CP)

Age: 23 | Position: Right-back | Estimated value: €25M

Tottenham are keen on adding Porro, who manager Antonio Conte views as an ideal fit at right wing-back. But the apparent existence of a Manchester City buy-back clause in his Sporting contract could complicate matters.

Selim Amallah (Standard Liege)

Age: 26 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €6.5M

Stop us if you’ve heard this one already, but Morocco’s inspiring fourth-place finish at the World Cup helped fire Amallah into the public spotlight. The midfielder featured in all seven matches for the Atlas Lions.

Harry Souttar (Stoke City)

Age: 24 | Position: Center-back | Estimated value: €6M

Souttar almost missed the World Cup entirely due to injury, but the towering Australian center-back recovered in time to deliver some stellar performances for the Socceroos. The likes of West Ham and Wolves are interested in his services.

Andrey Santos (Vasco da Gama)

Age: 18 | Position: Midfielder | Estimated value: €10M

Chelsea’s strategy of snapping up enticing young players from all over the world continues unabated. The Blues are seemingly on the verge of signing Santos for €12.5 million, adding him to a growing list of promising teenagers.

Free agents

Isco

Age: 30 | Position: Attacking midfielder | Estimated value: €9M

Isco, once one of the most enchanting attacking midfielders in the world, is now looking for a new club after Sevilla released him earlier this month. How much gas does the former Real Madrid star have left in the tank?

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Serie A

Who's in, who's out? Breaking down Euro 2024 qualifying, playoffs, draws

The Euro 2024 puzzle is nearly complete.

The 20 automatic qualifying berths for next summer’s tournament were finalized on Tuesday, as Croatia grabbed the last of those spots, solidifying second place in Group D via a 1-0 victory over Armenia.

With Germany qualifying directly as the host nation, only three spots remain undecided. Twelve teams are now slated to compete in the qualifying playoffs, set for March 2024, to determine who’ll round out the field.

In the wake of Tuesday’s action – and looking ahead to the tournament draw – here’s everything you need to know about Euro 2024 right now.

Which teams have qualified automatically?

As outlined above, 21 of the 24 tournament berths are accounted for; the top two teams from each of the 10 qualifying groups earned progression, joining Germany. Here are the nations that can sit back and relax knowing their tickets are booked for next year’s event:

  • Spain (first in Group A)
  • Scotland (second in Group A)
  • France (first in Group B)
  • Netherlands (second in Group B)
  • England (first in Group C)
  • Italy (second in Group C)
  • Turkey (first in Group D)
  • Croatia (second in Group D)
  • Albania (first in Group E)
  • Czechia (second in Group E)
  • Belgium (first in Group F)
  • Austria (second in Group F)
  • Hungary (first in Group G)
  • Serbia (second in Group G)
  • Denmark (first in Group H)
  • Slovenia (second in Group H)
  • Romania (first in Group I)
  • Switzerland (second in Group I)
  • Portugal (first in Group J)
  • Slovakia (second in Group J)

Who will take part in the playoffs?

As was the case for Euro 2020, the qualification playoff spots for the upcoming tournament were based exclusively on teams’ performances in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League.

The 12 teams that have reached the playoffs are split into three sections – Paths A, B, and C – and will compete in four-team tournaments. These will all be single-elimination games, with six semifinal matches scheduled for March 21, 2024, and the decisive finals in each path taking place on March 26.

The three path winners advance to Euro 2024. The main tournament draw will already be completed by this time – more on that soon – meaning the final three qualifiers will already know which group they’ll be slotted into.

The playoff paths, seeding, and semifinal matchups are as follows:

Path A: Poland (1) vs. Estonia (4), Wales (2) vs. Finland/Ukraine/Iceland (3)

Path B: Israel (1) vs. Ukraine/Iceland (4), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2) vs. Finland/Ukraine (3)

Path C: Georgia (1) vs. Luxembourg (4), Greece (2) vs. Kazakhstan (3)

A draw on Thursday, Nov. 23 at 6 a.m. ET will determine the placement of Finland, Ukraine, and Iceland while also deciding which semifinal winners will host the respective finals for each path.

Who missed the tournament completely?

DeFodi Images / DeFodi Images / Getty

Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard will be watching another major international tournament from home as Norway once again failed to qualify. Other notable sides to miss out include Sweden and Ireland.

When is the main tournament draw?

The draw for the tournament proper will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg is one of the host cities for the competition. The draw begins at noon ET.

How will teams be seeded for the draw?

Seeding for the Euro 2024 draw is based on the teams’ performance in qualifying, and, according to Dale Johnson of ESPN, breaks down as follows:

  • Pot 1: Germany, Portugal, France, Belgium, Spain, England
  • Pot 2: Hungary, Turkey, Denmark, Albania, Romania, Austria
  • Pot 3: Netherlands, Scotland, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czechia
  • Pot 4: Italy, Serbia, Switzerland, Playoff A, Playoff B, Playoff C

Germany gets an automatic place in Pot 1 as the tournament host and is joined by the five group winners from qualifying with the best records. The remaining group winners go into Pot 2, along with the best runners-up. The final two pots are based on how many points the remaining teams collected in qualifying, with the three playoff winners slotting into Pot 4.

Reigning European champion Italy assumes an unfamiliar place in Pot 4 after a nervy qualifying campaign and, in theory, will be forced to navigate a loaded group as it looks to defend its title. With the likes of the Azzurri, the Netherlands, and Croatia in Pots 3 and 4, there’ll almost certainly be some heavyweight encounters sprinkled in amongst the six groups.

Euro 2024 kicks off on June 14 of next year. Germany will take part in the opening match at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.

The top two teams from each of the six groups, along with the four best third-placed finishers, advance to the knockout stages, where every game is single elimination, starting with the round of 16 through to the final.

The showpiece match will be held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 14.

Continue Reading

Serie A

Women's World Cup predictions: Champion, biggest flop, and much more

With the 2023 Women’s World Cup opening Thursday in New Zealand, we’re breaking out the crystal ball and offering up some tournament predictions.

Most excited about …

FRANCK FIFE / AFP / Getty

Anthony Lopopolo: Christine Sinclair is competing in her sixth – and likely final – World Cup. While she remains the most prolific international goal-scorer of all time, the 40-year-old is missing a winner’s medal from the biggest tournament of all. In her three-decade career, Sinclair has often led Canada to glory, including at the Tokyo Olympics, where the women won gold. But she’ll need help from her younger teammates – the very generation of girls she inspired with her match-winning displays – to make a deep run in Australia and New Zealand.

Gianluca Nesci: A tournament that could go down as a transformational moment for women’s football – and sport in general. “It feels like a real opportunity to blow the lid off just in terms of fanfare, media, sponsorships, and the sort of larger business around this sport,” U.S. icon Megan Rapinoe said ahead of the tournament. She’s right. Inequities persist in women’s soccer – powerhouse teams like Canada, France, and Spain have all recently been engaged in public battles for better pay, treatment, or both. But this tournament, expanded to 32 teams and generating significant interest before a ball has even been kicked, feels like it could be a vessel for long-term change that could benefit both current and future generations of players.

Breakout star

Gabriel Aponte / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Lopopolo: Giulia Dragoni. At 16, Dragoni has already made her debut for the Italian national team and joined the dominant FC Barcelona Femeni. She’s also the first woman to reside at the Spanish club’s famous La Masia academy. Nicknamed “Little Messi,” Dragoni even bumped Italy’s longtime captain, Sara Gama, out of the Women’s World Cup roster. Dragoni played mixed-gender football as a preteen and developed exceptional technique as a midfielder. Expect her to gain some minutes in the group stage before potentially earning a starting role. She wouldn’t be with the team if head coach Milena Bertolini didn’t have a plan for her.

Nesci: Linda Caicedo. The Real Madrid winger led Colombia to the Copa America Femenina final last year and won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player in the process. She was just 17 at the time. Caicedo is a shifty left-winger capable of beating multiple defenders over one mesmerizing run. She also excels at drifting inside, where she can find pockets of space and show off her playmaking and passing abilities. That combination makes her nearly impossible to defend. Despite her youth, the crafty dribbler is already a leader for a Colombian team on the rise. Not to be overlooked, watch out for fellow teen sensation Melchie Dumornay, Haiti’s prolific and talismanic forward.

Biggest disappointment

Danny Lawson – PA Images / PA Images / Getty

Lopopolo: Sweden. Anything less than a World Cup will come as a disappointment. The national team has already exhausted the bridesmaid narrative, finishing as runner-up at the Tokyo Olympics after a third-place showing at the 2019 World Cup. Though they have considerable experience – veterans Caroline Seger, Kosovare Asllani, and Stina Blackstenius have 491 international appearances between them – pre-tournament injuries to Seger, Asllani, and Fridolina Rolfo threaten to slow the Swedes down. Sweden has a tricky assignment as it is, with the United States or the Netherlands potentially standing in the way in the round of 16.

Nesci: Netherlands. Andries Jonker has reinvigorated the Dutch since he was appointed manager last year, and with the likes of Jill Roord and Lieke Martens, there’s still plenty of star quality on the roster. But we simply cannot overlook Vivianne Miedema’s absence. There’s also the not-so-small matter of the draw, which will see the Dutch meet the powerhouse Americans in a rematch of the 2019 final – but now it’ll come in the opening round. Finish second in Group E, as nearly everyone expects, and a last-16 meeting with Sweden likely awaits. The cards are stacked against the 2019 finalist.

Golden Boot winner

MARTIN KEEP / AFP / Getty

Lopopolo: Sam Kerr. Kerr has a track record of scoring big goals. She netted five at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, finishing one behind Golden Boot winner Megan Rapinoe, and led all players at the 2022 Asia Cup with seven. As Australia’s most prolific scorer – male or female – Kerr will have to play her best football to propel her team past the quarterfinal stage for the first time. She’ll also feel the warmth of the crowd as the Aussies cheer her on, as all three of Australia’s group-stage matches will take place on home soil.

Nesci: Rachel Daly. With Beth Mead injured, Daly will carry more of England’s scoring load. Coming off a WSL campaign in which she tied the league record for goals in a season (22), the Aston Villa forward is more than capable. England’s opener against Haiti is a prime opportunity for Daly to fill the net. She’ll also benefit from a deep tournament run. Don’t be fooled by Daly’s modest international stats, either: the veteran has played a variety of positions for England over the years, but should thrive as the primary threat up front this summer. Alex Morgan and Sophia Smith are good shouts, too, but if they split the difference for the U.S., Daly can collect the hardware.

Tournament final and World Cup champion

Richard Heathcote / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Lopopolo: Germany over the United States. After beating Sweden, Spain, and Italy in the knockout stage, the Americans will trip over the final hurdle and lose their bid to become the first team to win three consecutive World Cups. Germany will avenge its Euro 2022 final defeat to England when the two sides meet in the quarterfinals. German midfielder Lena Oberdorf will shut down the U.S., and Alexandra Popp, Germany’s veteran striker, will bag a brace in the 2-0 victory.

Nesci: United States over England. The reigning title holder, seeking an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup triumph, will meet – and beat – the current European champion in a final for the ages. Injuries have hit the two favorites hard in the tournament’s buildup, but the superior depth of Vlatko Andonovski’s team makes the U.S. better equipped to weather the absences. England has a title-winning pedigree after last year’s Euros but, on this stage, there’s no greater task than beating the United States. Until someone actually pulls it off, I’m not picking against the Americans.

Continue Reading

Serie A

Latest news and rumors from the summer transfer window

With the summer transfer period in full swing, the rumor mill is in overdrive on a daily basis throughout world football. theScore will keep you up to date on all the latest transfer buzz until the end of the window.

July 15

Barca can’t afford Cancelo: Even the cost of signing Joao Cancelo on loan is too much for Barcelona, so they’re returning to their plan of signing a young right-back. Pablo Maffeo is linked with a move. (SPORT and TV3 via AS)

Fabinho on his way out: The midfielder’s transfer to Saudi Arabia seems inevitable after he was left out of Liverpool’s preseason camp. Al-Ittihad bid £40 million for Fabinho. (BBC Sport)

Filling the void: Liverpool are seeking potential replacements for Fabinho. The Reds are considering Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat. (Daily Mail)

French fancy Vlahovic: Dusan Vlahovic could be headed to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, 18 months after his €91.6-million transfer to Juventus. The move could trigger Romelu Lukaku’s switch to Turin. (Fabrizio Romano)

Tadic the short-term solution: Some Manchester United fans are urging the club to move for Dusan Tadic after he left Ajax. The 34-year-old could help with Erik ten Hag’s No. 9 problem. (Manchester Evening News)

DeFodi Images / DeFodi Images / Getty

Colwill alternative: Levi Colwill isn’t for sale, so Brighton & Hove Albion have already reached an agreement over personal terms with Fiorentina’s Igor Julio. The Seagulls’ official offer for Igor is imminent. (Fabrizio Romano)

Taty set for €15M transfer: New York City FC’s Valentin “Taty” Castellanos, who spent last season on loan at La Liga’s Girona, is set to undergo a medical ahead of his €15-million move to Lazio. (Cesar Luis Merlo)

Digne available: Aston Villa are open to offers for left-back Lucas Digne this summer. Napoli could try to sign the Frenchman, who fell behind Alex Moreno in the pecking order at Villa Park. (Mundo Deportivo)

Alex Scott in high demand: Wolverhampton Wanderers are prepared to offer at least £20 million for Bristol City’s 19-year-old midfielder in an attempt to beat competition from West Ham United and Bournemouth. (Telegraph)

Not forgot about Che: Fulham and Crystal Palace could prey on relegated Southampton for Che Adams. The 27-year-old forward is valued at around £15 million. (Daily Mail)

Casadei wanted for promotion push: New Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca is keen to sign Chelsea’s Italy Under-21 star Cesare Casadei on loan for the 2023-24 Championship campaign. (Telegraph)

Surridge to MLS: Sam Surridge, whose goals helped fire Nottingham Forest to the Premier League, is close to joining Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC for around £5 million. (The Athletic)

July 14

Bayern face battle for Kane: Paris Saint-Germain are willing to match any Bayern Munich offer for Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane. A potential move doesn’t hinge on whether Kylian Mbappe leaves. (The Independent)

Neymar on the market: Chelsea, previously linked with Neymar, remain vigilant on the situation. If the Brazilian star decides he wants a change of scenery after six years in Paris, the Blues could pounce. (Le Parisien)

Messy Lukaku negotiations: Inter Milan submitted an offer worth up to €40 million for the Chelsea outcast. Juventus will sign off on a similar bid if they sell Dusan Vlahovic. Inter are unhappy Lukaku spoke to Juve. (Fabrizio Romano)

Latest on Hendo: Talks between Al-Ettifaq and Liverpool over a fee for the English midfielder are ongoing. The Reds won’t accept a free transfer or “small” sum for their club captain. (Fabrizio Romano)

David Ramos / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Diaby in demand: Aston Villa’s €45-million offer for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby was rejected. The German club wants €60 million for the French international after his strong 2022-23 season. (Sky Sport Germany)

Cancelo’s bags packed: Cancelo, surplus to requirements at Manchester City, is Barcelona’s top priority at full-back. Another loan deal could be in the works for the Portuguese international. (Mundo Deportivo)

Colwill attracting interest: Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, 20, is in high demand following his impressive spell at Brighton & Hove Albion. Tottenham are the latest club to register interest in the rising star. (Evening Standard)

Red Devils getting creative: Manchester United submitted a cash-plus-player offer for Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund. But the Italians want a straight monetary deal and value the young striker at €100 million. (The Athletic)

Fulham stand firm: Al-Hilal’s second offer of around £35 million for Aleksandar Mitrovic was rejected. The Serbian striker wants to leave Craven Cottage for Saudi Arabia. (The Athletic)

Replacement for SMS: Lazio, having lost Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Saudi Arabia, are in talks to sign Leandro Paredes from PSG. The World Cup winner spent last season on loan at Juventus. (Sky Sport Italia)

July 13

Tottenham’s backup plan: If Kane leaves for Bayern Munich this summer, Spurs will try to sign Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic. Relations between the two clubs are strong after recent dealings. (Foot Mercato)

A possible plot twist: Paris Saint-Germain will do everything in their power to sign Kane this summer despite knowing that his current preference is to join Bayern Munich. (RMC Sport)

Onana to Old Trafford soon: Manchester United and Inter Milan are on the verge of finalizing an initial €50-million deal for goalkeeper Andre Onana. The Red Devils will pay €5 million in add-ons, too. (Fabrizio Romano)

Inter’s new netminder: With Onana’s move to Manchester imminent, Inter will try to sign both Yann Sommer of Bayern Munich and Anatoliy Trubin from Shakhtar Donetsk to revamp their goalkeeper position. (Fabrizio Romano)

Bonucci era ending: Juventus have informed captain Leonardo Bonucci that he’s no longer part of the club’s plans. The veteran defender, 36, is available on the market and free to initiate a transfer. (Goal Italia)

Big Mahrez offer: Al-Ahli want to sign Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City and are preparing a £30-million offer. The tricky winger could earn £25 million per season in Saudi Arabia. (The Athletic)

Fabinho could follow Hendo: Jordan Henderson’s move to Al-Ettifaq is progressing quickly, and another Liverpool midfielder could follow him to the Middle East, as Al-Ittihad are negotiating with Fabinho. (Fabrizio Romano)

West Ham getting restless: West Ham are growing frustrated with Arsenal over the time it’s taking to finalize Declan Rice’s transfer. Arsenal’s lawyers are taking longer than expected to prepare the paperwork. (Sky Sports)

Alex Pantling / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Pony up, Inter: A €30-million bid from Inter for Lukaku has been dubbed “insufficient” by Chelsea, but talks will continue between the two sides to find a solution for the Belgian forward. (The Guardian)

Atleti’s midfield overhaul: The Atletico Madrid brass held a “transfer summit” earlier this week, and identified Marco Verratti, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Amrabat, and Martin Zubimendi as primary midfield targets. (Marca)

Joao Felix being monitored: Manchester United, Newcastle, and Aston Villa are all keeping tabs on Joao Felix, who’s looked visibly frustrated upon his return to Atletico training and would welcome a fresh start. (Metro)

Double swoop for Forest: Nottingham Forest are working to sign both Willian and Anthony Elanga. Fulham are still trying to retain the Brazilian, who’s also of interest to Saudi Arabian clubs. (The Times)

Leipzig make a big splash: RB Leipzig have struck a €43-million deal with RC Lens to sign striker Lois Openda. The fee could eventually hit €49 million if performance bonuses are met. (L’Equipe)

Barca still active: If Barcelona fail in their pursuit of Bernardo Silva, the Catalan club will turn its attention to crafty Argentine Giovani Lo Celso, who spent last season on loan at Villarreal from Tottenham. (Mundo Deportivo)

Come to Besiktas: Besiktas submitted a modest €2.5-million offer for Arsenal center-back Rob Holding. That bid doesn’t meet the Gunners’ valuation and will be rejected. (The Athletic)

Lazio’s backup striker search: Lazio are looking for some insurance behind Ciro Immobile, and their primary target right now is Valentin “Taty” Castellanos of New York City FC. He would cost around €12 million. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

July 12

Pogba next in line: Paul Pogba, recently in Saudi Arabia, was offered a three-year contract worth €100 million. Both Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli are pushing to sign the French midfielder, but he wants to remain in Turin. (Tuttosport)

Bayern exodus: Bayern Munich are trying to offload seven players, including Sadio Mane, Benjamin Pavard, Gravenberch, Yann Sommer, and Marcel Sabitzer, in order to land Tottenham’s Kane. (Sky Sport Germany)

Big Ange the salesman: New Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou will try to convince Kane to remain in north London. Part of his sales pitch could include a handsome new contract worth £400,000 per week. (Telegraph)

Hendo could leave: Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is leaning toward accepting an offer from Al-Ettifaq that would quadruple his wages. Steven Gerrard, the manager of the Saudi club, is driving the pursuit. (The Athletic)

Chelsea still trimming squad: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Hakim Ziyech have been informed that they shouldn’t return to training until next week as the Blues look to find suitors for both out-of-favor players. (Daily Mail)

Alex Pantling / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Spurs’ new midfield: Tottenham could attempt to sign Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher. He’s viewed as an ideal replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg if the Dane moves to Atletico Madrid or a German club. (Telegraph)

Osimhen’s price tag: Outspoken Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says only PSG can afford Victor Osimhen, adding he’ll only entertain an offer around €200 million for the Nigerian striker. (90min)

Tug-of-war for Zielinski: With Sergej Milinkovic-Savic now Saudi Arabia-bound, Lazio are eyeing Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski. But the Polish midfielder has also been offered a big contract from an unnamed Saudi club. (Calciomercato)

Mitrovic wants out: Fulham rejected a £25.5-million offer from Al-Hilal for striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. The 28-year-old Serbian, who led Fulham with 14 league goals last season, is open to joining the Saudi team. (The Guardian)

The race for Veiga: Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga is being followed by most of Europe’s top clubs this summer. Arsenal are the latest to show interest in the 21-year-old phenom, joining Spurs and Chelsea. (Le10Sport)

Ndiaye to France: Marseille are in “advanced” negotiations with Iliman Ndiaye over a five-year contract. Once personal terms are agreed, the French club will negotiate a fee with Sheffield United. (Fabrizio Romano)

Ramsey reunion: Cardiff City are trying to fight off Saudi interest to bring Aaron Ramsey back to the Welsh capital. The midfielder, who played last season at Nice, is a product of Cardiff’s youth academy. (The Guardian)

July 11

Saudis land another star: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is joining Al-Hilal in a €40-million transfer from Lazio. The imposing Serbian, the latest star to make the lucrative move, will sign a three-year contract. (Fabrizio Romano)

Big Bernardo Silva offer: Al-Hilal have informed Manchester City that they’re willing to fork over €70 million for the versatile Portuguese international, who has been one of the hottest names on the market this summer. (CBS Sports)

Kane wants Bayern: Tottenham superstar Kane, already the subject of two Bayern Munich bids – both rejected by Spurs – is keen on joining the Bundesliga champions. A third offer is being considered. (Julien Laurens)

Onana signing close: Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana’s transfer to Manchester United is “advanced” and could be completed as early as this week once all the necessary documents have been finalized. (Daily Mail)

Lukaku saga rumbles on: The Belgian striker has been told he doesn’t have to report for preseason training until next week, with Chelsea hopeful a deal with Inter can be sealed before then. (Matt Law)

Maguire won’t come cheap: He may no longer be a key member of the team, but Manchester United will still demand around £50 million this summer for much-maligned defender Harry Maguire. (Manchester Evening News)

Cherki to replace Pulisic: With Christian Pulisic on his way to AC Milan, Chelsea are preparing an offer for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki. The 19-year-old has a contract until 2025 and is valued at €40 million by the French side. (ESPN)

Reece James’ loyalty: Despite interest from Real Madrid, Chelsea right-back James has pledged his allegiance to the Blues. The 23-year-old wants to become the new captain at Stamford Bridge. (Beautiful Game Podcast)

Caicedo talks up Chelsea: Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo called Chelsea a “very big, historic and beautiful club” amid rumors of a potential transfer. The two clubs are engaged in talks. (El Universo)

Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Chelsea’s striker search: For all the money already spent under Todd Boehly’s reign, Chelsea still need a striker. Their current targets are Elye Wahi of Montpellier and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic. (Evening Standard)

Juve’s contingency plan: Juventus have identified West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca and Noah Okafor of Red Bull Salzburg as potential replacements if Vlahovic leaves Turin this summer. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Barca looking to offload: After a disappointing 2022-23 season, Ferran Torres could be loaned out by Barcelona. The club would be willing to include a purchase option for any interested suitors, too. (Diario Sport)

PSG ready to make another splash: Paris Saint-Germain, already one of the busiest teams in the summer window, are leading the race for Randal Kolo Muani, the 24-year-old striker from Eintracht Frankfurt. (The Independent)

Liverpool want Schuurs: Torino center-back Perr Schuurs, 23, is being monitored by Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, who are looking to add defensive depth without breaking the bank. (Football Insider)

ASM could be sold: Newcastle could sacrifice winger Allan Saint-Maximin, a fan favorite at St. James’ Park, to help fund a move for Harvey Barnes, who is expected to leave Leicester City after relegation. (The Telegraph)

Milan active on multiple fronts: AC Milan are working to strike a deal for midfielder Tijjani Reijnders of AZ Alkmaar, while the Rossoneri are also monitoring both Mehdi Taremi and Samuel Chukwueze. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Angelino on the move again: The left-back’s nomadic career is set to continue at Galatasaray after the Turkish club agreed to sign him from RB Leipzig on loan with a purchase option. (Fabrizio Romano)

July 10

The Mbappe domino effect: Should Kylian Mbappe depart PSG this summer amid his contract standoff, the French giants would turn around and submit an opulent offer for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Man United eyeing Amrabat: Manchester United are monitoring Fiorentina’s Moroccan international Amrabat. While a move isn’t advanced right now, it could become a “hot topic” later in the window. (Florian Plettenberg)

Hojlund talks ongoing: The Red Devils are hot on the heels of Rasmus Hojlund and are preparing a second bid after their initial €40-million offer was rebuffed. Atalanta want €60 million for the 20-year-old Dane. (Nicolo Schira)

Emilio Andreoli / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Timber’s deal done: Jurrien Timber’s move from Ajax to Arsenal is only missing the official announcement. The Dutch defender, 22, completed his Arsenal medical before returning home for a farewell party. (Metro)

Mourinho eyes reunion: Jose Mourinho wants to reunite with Scott McTominay at Roma. The Portuguese boss is a big admirer of the Scottish midfielder from their time together at Manchester United. (Football Transfers)

Gerrard recruiting Zaha: New Al-Ettifaq coach Steven Gerrard talked with Wilfried Zaha in an effort to convince the free agent to head to Saudi Arabia. Zaha, 30, has an offer on the table to return to Crystal Palace. (Daily Mail)

Wolfsburg won’t budge: If Tottenham don’t meet the £40-million valuation for defender Micky van de Ven, Wolfsburg will happily keep hold of the young Dutchman for another season. (Wolfsburger Allgemeine)

Continue Reading

Trending