Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Trippier, Osimhen, Kimmich, Zirkzee & Phillips: The Essential Transfer Round Up – Friday, January 26th

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Bayern end their Trippier chase

With Newcastle dealing with some public financial limitations at St. James’ Park this month, it is no secret that Eddie Howe’s side are forced to part with some of their first-team stars in a bid to balance the books.

However, although there might be continued speculation that Miguel Almiron could be set for a big-money move to Saudi Arabia before January’s transfer window slams shut, the former Bournemouth boss has made it clear that Kieran Trippier will not be allowed to leave the north east under any circumstances.

While German giants Bayern Munich might have been desperate to complete a January swoop for the England international, Thomas Tuchel’s men are unwilling to meet Newcastle’s reported £20million price tag.

Although there might have been suggestions that the one-time Tottenham defender could be open to a Munich switch this month, it appears that Bayern have walked away from any negotiations and have turned their attention elsewhere.

With Howe making it clear that the 33-year-old is a key part of the Magpies’ top-four charge this season, Tuchel’s men are now pushing forward with a potential deal for PSG ace Nordi Mukiele.

Osimhen eyes a Premier League switch

Watching Napoli make real history last season as they got their hands on a first Serie A crown since 1990, it was certainly attacking talisman Victor Osimhen who played a leading role in the Azzurri’s record-breaking charge.

Cementing his spot as one of Europe’s elite marksmen and notching 26 Serie A strikes, it is no secret that the Nigerian ace has plenty of European heavyweights that are monitoring his situation in Naples.

Although the former Lille starlet might have signed a new two-year contract with the reigning Italian champions back in November, Osimhen has made it clear that he sees his future away from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Making it publicly clear that he is dreaming of the chance to clinch a blockbuster Premier League switch, the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been heavily linked with a move for Italy’s Golden Boot winner.

With continued speculation that Chelsea are willing to match Osimhen’s £100million release clause, it appears that the 25-year-old has already decided on his future and a Premier League move appears to be at the top of his agenda.

Liverpool enter the Kimmich race

While Liverpool might have eventually missed out on the chance to book a Champions League ticket last season, Jurgen Klopp’s men are riding a real wave of momentum and now have their sights set on mounting a real title charge in 2024.

Firing on all cylinders and currently holding a shock five-point buffer at the top of the Premier League table, many of Klopp’s summer recruits have made an immediate impact at Anfield.

However, although the likes of Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai might have revitalized Liverpool’s midfield, the former Borussia Dortmund boss has made it clear that he is still seeking reinforcements.

Soon to enter the final 12 months of his current contract with German giants Bayern Munich, it appears that the race for Joshua Kimmich is just starting to heat up.

Reportedly keen on securing a new adventure away from the Bundesliga next summer, it has been reported this week that Liverpool have joined fellow Premier League icons Manchester City in the race to snap up the 28-year-old superstar on a potential cut-price deal.

United hold initial Zirkzee talks

With Bologna dreaming of the chance to book a famous European ticket this season, a huge part of the Greyhounds’ success has come thanks to attacking talisman Joshua Zirkzee.

Arriving from Bayern Munich on a permanent basis in the summer of 2022 for a fee of just €8.5million, the 22-year-old has continued to receive a string of plaudits and has certainly been one of Serie A’s standout performers this season.

Notching seven top-flight strikes and a further two assists this year, Zirkzee has plenty of European giants that are chasing his signature ahead of a frantic end to January’s transfer window.

With it suggested that Bologna would be unable to reject a potential big-money move over the next week, it appears that Manchester United currently sit in pole position to snap up the Dutch U21.

With Erik ten Hag desperately seeking attacking reinforcements, it has been reported this week that the Premier League heavyweights have already held initial conversations with Zirkzee’s representatives.

Phillips completes an east London switch

Although Kalvin Phillips might have arrived at Manchester City in the summer of 2022 for a fee in the region of £45million, the England international drastically struggled to find any kind of fluidity at the Etihad.

Not making a single Premier League start this season and drastically failing to dethrone Rodri at the heart of Pep Guardiola’s midfield, the 28-year-old has finally been granted a fresh start away from the defending Premier League champions.

Completing a move to West Ham on an initial loan switch this week, the former Leeds starlet will be eager to get regular first-team action ahead of this summer’s European Championships.

Desperate to be a part of Gareth Southgate’s travelling squad to Germany, it has also been suggested that the Hammers have installed a potential buy option in Phillips’ deal that is thought to be around £38million.

With David Moyes reportedly a huge admirer of the 31-cap international, fans around the London Stadium will certainly be excited by Phillips’ arrival to the capital.

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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