Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Mbappe, Osimhen, Tuchel, Neto & Potter: The Essential Transfer Round Up – Friday, February 16th

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Mbappe finally heading for the Paris exit

In what has certainly been one of the most iconic transfer sagas of the modern era, it has finally been confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will be heading for the PSG exit this summer.

Although there might have been non-stop speculation over the French superstar and his long-term future, news broke on Thursday that the World Cup winner has informed PSG of his decision.

With his current deal in the French capital set to expire this summer, Mbappe will leave on a free transfer and it appears that the 25-year-old has already made his decision over where he will be heading next.

Once again breaking a string of records this season, it is no secret that Spanish icons Real Madrid are fully confident that they can finally get their hands on the future Ballon d’Or winner.

While Mbappe might have eventually turned down Los Blancos following a remarkable saga back in 2022, both parties believe that it is only a matter of time until a blockbuster agreement is reached.

Osimhen tops PSG’s wishlist

With Mbappe’s departure from the French capital expected to save PSG in the region of £200million a season, it has been reportedly made clear by the Princes Park hierarchy that they will be providing a huge financial injection over the summer.

With a new attacking superstar at the top of their wishlist ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, it appears that Victor Osimhen has been installed as PSG’s standout target to replace Mbappe.

Making real history last season and playing a leading role as Napoli claimed a first Serie A crown since 1990, the Nigerian marksman is now widely regarded as one of Europe’s most clinical number nines.

However, although Osimhen might have put pen to paper on a contract extension with the Italian heavyweights back in December, it has been heavily suggested that the 25-year-old is keen on securing a move away from Naples this summer.

Alongside continued speculation surrounding a potential move to Chelsea, it has been reported that PSG are willing to break the bank in order to snap up the reigning Serie A Golden Boot winner.

Tuchel set for a summer sacking in Munich

While Thomas Tuchel might have guided Bayern Munich to a history-making 11th consecutive Bundesliga crown last season, it is no secret that the ex-Chelsea boss finds a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders at the Allianz.

Hit with what could turn out to be a season-defending 3-0 defeat against title rivals Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, the German giants face a real uphill battle in 2024.

Getting their Champions League knockout stage adventure underway on Tuesday night with a shock 1-0 loss away at Italian outfit Lazio, there has been continued speculation that Tuchel will be heading for the Munich exit this summer.

Although Tuchel will be given until the end of the season, it appears that the defending Bundesliga champions have already eyed up their ideal candidate to replace the German tactician this summer.

Continuing to receive a string of plaudits and seen as the architect behind Leverkusen’s fairytale this season, Bayern are reportedly desperate to bring Xabi Alonso back to the Allianz after his spell between 2014-2017 as a player.

Arsenal planning a Neto swoop

With Wolves now firmly dreaming that they can punch a top-half finish this season, Gary O’Neil has certainly done an eye-catching job since arriving at Molineux last summer.

Extending on their FA Cup adventure last month following a fiery 2-0 victory away at bitter local rivals West Brom, Wolves have impressed many with their free-flowing performances.

However, reportedly dealing with some public financial issues behind the scenes last summer, it has been suggested that O’Neil’s side must still find a way to slash their wage bill and avoid any potential FFP breaches.

With attacking talisman Pedro Neto notching a pair of strikes since returning from a muscle injury last month, the Portuguese international is certainly regarded as Wolves’ most lucrative asset.

Potentially looking to cash in on the 23-year-old ace this summer, Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Neto’s situation closely and Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of the five-cap international.

West Ham eyeing up Potter

While David Moyes might have guided West Ham to a famous Europa Conference League crown last season, the ex-Manchester United boss finds serious pressure on his position at the London Stadium.

Although it might have been suggested last month that Moyes was inching towards a two-year contract extension in east London, it appears that the Hammers’ hierarchy are having second thoughts.

Failing to win any of their seven appearances across all competitions since opening 2024, Moyes has also received mounting criticism for his negative tactics.

With Moyes’ current deal with West Ham set to expire this summer, there is growing speculation that Graham Potter is firmly on the Hammers’ shortlist should they sack Moyes over the coming weeks.

The former Brighton boss hasn’t taken up another managerial role since he was sacked by Chelsea following a nightmare seven-month stint in charge back in April of last year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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