In our weekly talk cock sessions, we look at the latest transfer news, gossips, and highlights that have football fans all over the world buzzing with excitement.
Coutinho’s exit isn’t enough for Barcelona to register Ferran Torres
Coutinho’s loan is still not official as the player has to travel to Birmingham next week and pass a medical, as the club’s own statement outlines. Even if he passes that medical it will not be enough, as Ferran’s wage would include his salary plus the amortisation of his transfer, which is equivalent to six million euros. Barcelona are working to see more players leave the club, with the aim of having them depart before the Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Real Madrid, but that seems unlikely given that they would have to leave and LaLiga then give the green light to Ferran’s registration. The Spanish forward is also still recovering from a foot injury that he suffered in Manchester. While Ferran works to be available, Barcelona are seeking exits for Samuel Umtiti, who is reluctant to leave and is yet to accept any offer received, and Yusuf Demir, where Barcelona are waiting for Rapid Wien to reach an agreement with another club for his transfer.
Amad Diallo loan move to Birmingham City collapses
Amad has found it difficult to push his way into the first team at United since joining from Atalanta, making only three substitute appearances for the club. The reason United signed him was down to Amad being touted as one of the most exciting and promising wingers in the world football, though he won’t get regular game time unless he develops his game and he’s got stiff competition with fellow youngster Mason Greenwood edging closer to the starting line-up. A lack of game time has predictably affected Amad’s international status after being left out of the Ivory Coast squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations, which kicked off this weekend. The winger is understandably looking for a chance to play regularly, but Fabrizio Romano’s update on the situation has bad news for Birmingham fans, as they won’t be seeing the winger rock up at St. Andrew’s anytime soon.
Injured Antoine Griezmann ruled out until February
Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann is set to miss a month of action through injury. The French star picked up a thigh muscle problem in the final stages of Los Rojiblancos 5-0 Copa del Rey win over Rayo Majadahonda, after coming off the bench to score his first goal in over a month. Atletico confirmed he remains under assessment and will miss their weekend trip to face Villarreal. However, as per reports from Diario AS, he is expected to miss between four and five weeks, as Diego Simeone’s side face a busy run of games in January. Simeone’s side take on Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup semi final in midweek, with the potential for a final clash in Saudi Arabia, if they defeat the Basque giants in Riyadh.
Trippier declares he is ‘here to fight’ as Newcastle flex financial muscles
Kieran Trippier could have stayed at Atlético Madrid and played in the last 16 of this season’s Champions League but the England right-back realised he was more excited about the prospect of helping Newcastle United avoid relegation. While acknowledging that joining a team with one win all season is a “risk”, Trippier found himself powerless to resist Eddie Howe’s invitation to spearhead his Tyneside revolution. From left: Harrogate Town’s Jack Diamond and Joshua Falkingham, Lewis O’Brien of Huddersfield Town and Cambridge United’s Wes Hoolahan. It seems Trippier will need to shoulder a considerable amount of responsibility in the north-east, where Howe hopes a full-back he signed for Burnley a decade ago will inspire some of the world’s leading players to follow in his footsteps and join a club set to be transformed by their new Saudi Arabian-led owners.
Arsenal’s stance on Bruno Guimaraes transfer made clear
Arsenal are working on signing a new central midfielder this month, but Bruno Guimaraes is not currently a target. That’s per information from Fabrizio Romano, who says that the 24-year-old midfielder is “appreciated” but a deal would be “too complicated”, with Lyon supposedly asking for a €45million (£37.6m) fee. Romano took to Twitter to share some information, with the tweet reading: “Arsenal are working to sign a new midfielder. Bruno Guimaraes appreciated but currently not discussed as January target – deal too complicated, €45m fee. “Arthur Melo on loan has been discussed days ago – but still no talks/contacts with Juve. Three names in the list.” Ainsley Maitland-Niles completed his loan move to AS Roma on Saturday afternoon, which leaves Arteta even shorter in the midfield department. Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are representing Ghana and Egypt, respectively, at the Africa Cup of Nations that gets underway on Sunday – meaning Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga are the two recognised midfield players remaining in the Arsenal squad.
Azpilicueta on his contract situation
The Spaniard recently passed 450 Blues appearances and started his 300th Premier League game in the draw with Brighton last week. He has said his focus is fully on achieving his short-term goals at the club, which includes winning silverware this season. ‘As I always said, I feel I have the trust and confidence of the club and now I am focused on every game,’ Azpi stressed. ‘They are very tough games, and I am enjoying the moment. Eventually the moment will come, but I am fully focused on hopefully getting as many trophies as we can and then we will see. ‘I cannot say anything more than that I am really committed and have a lot of things ahead in the coming months and hopefully we can have a very good season.’ Azpilicueta has played under nine Chelsea managers – including interim bosses – and has spotted a common theme among them all while playing for the club. ‘I have had a number of managers, and some have been very different. One thing they all have in common is that will to win,’ the 32-year-old added. ‘Thomas is someone who is very calm but he is also very demanding. He is not happy when things are not going well. He always wants more – more success. That is what he has proved with the success he has had and hopefully we can have more in the future.’
