Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Tuchel, Modric, Guehi, Solanke & Toney: The Essential Transfer Round Up – Saturday, February 24th

Embed from Getty Images

Tuchel focusing on a Premier League return

Now needing a miracle in their bid to stop Bayer Leverkusen and claim a history-making 12th consecutive Bundesliga crown, many were expecting Thomas Tuchel to be hit with the Bayern Munich sack.

Although the former Chelsea boss might have only replaced Julian Nagelsmann at the Allianz 11 months ago, the German giants confirmed earlier in the week that Tuchel will be stepping down at the end of the season.

However, although Bayern might have made it clear that they want Xabi Alonso to take charge this summer, Tuchel himself is reportedly keen on securing an immediate Premier League return ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Leading Munich to more domestic success last season, the German tactician also still has plenty of admirers among England’s elite after Guiding Chelsea to just a second Champions League crown back in 2022.

Alongside recent speculation around a potential move to West Ham, it has been suggested that Tuchel would be keen on taking over at Manchester United should the Reds part ways with Erik ten Hag this summer.

Modric set for Madrid exit

Although Luka Modric might have eventually passed on a bank-breaking move to Saudi Arabia last summer, it appears almost certain that the Croatian icon will be heading for the Real Madrid exit this time around.

While the one-time Tottenham midfield might have made it clear that he wanted to play a leading role this season, Modric has failed to find any kind of fluidity in Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team picture.

Although Los Blancos might be sat firmly in the driving seat to reclaim their La Liga crown in 2024, the 38-year-old has been a spectator for large spells and is reportedly not happy with his lack of involvement.

Left as an unused substitute as Real Madrid opened their Champions League knockout stage adventure with a 1-0 win away at RB Leipzig on February 13th, Modric has also entered the final few months of his current deal in the Spanish capital.

Alongside renewed interest from the Middle East, it has been suggested that a handful of MLS outfits are keen on offering a potential season-long deal.

Liverpool interested in Guehi

While Jurgen Klopp might have shockingly announced his Anfield retirement plans last month, the Liverpool hierarchy are reportedly already planning for life after their influential boss.

At the heart of a Premier League title scrap this season, the Reds are reportedly looking to complete a potential squad overhaul this summer and they are expected to rice a significant cash injection.

Although there might still be speculation over Mohamed Salah’s long-term future at Anfield, it is no secret that Liverpool are keen on adding defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

With Joel Matip not making a single appearance since the start of December and still dealing with a long-term knee injury, there have been plenty of questions marks regarding who will be Virgil van Dijk’s permanent partner.

With the Anfield hierarchy making it clear that they are firm on recruiting Europe’s most promising starlets, there has been growing speculation that Liverpool have identified Marc Guehi as their standout defensive target this summer.

Hammers eye Solanke swoop

With David Moyes coming under a huge amount of pressure in east London, the Scottish boss has faced stern scrutiny following West Ham’s quiet January transfer window.

Shockingly opting not to add any attacking reinforcements last month, it is no secret that the Hammers have a new number nine at the top of their summer wishlist.

Enjoying what has been a major Premier League flurry and spearheading Bournemouth’s charge under Andoni Iraolo, Dominic Solanke has continued to receive a string of plaudits.

Notching 14 strikes in his 24 top-flight appearances so far this season, the one-time Liverpool starlet only sits behind Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland in this year’s Golden Boot race.

Finding the net at the London Stadium as Bournemouth claimed a 1-1 draw against West Ham on February 1st, the 26-year-old appears to be Moyes’ number one target ahead of the summer transfer window.

Chelsea keeping tabs on Toney

While Ivan Toney might have only returned from a nine-month ban last month, the England international has simply carried on from where he left off.

However, although the 27-year-old might have notched four goals in his previous six Premier League appearances, it is no secret that the Bees are planning for life under Toney.

With Thomas Frank making it abundantly clear that he expected the former Peterborough striker to be on the move away from west London this summer, Toney himself has publicly stated that he is desperate to play Champions League football.

However, while there might be continued speculation regarding a move to Arsenal, it appears that Chelsea are willing to break the bank in order to snap up Brentford’s skipper.

With it appearing that Napoli ace Victor Osimhen will be heading to PSG this summer, it appears that the Blues have now installed Toney as their standout option ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

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

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

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

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top