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.
Dusan Vlahovic officially a Juventus player
Dusan Vlahovic has spoken for the first time since rejecting interest from Arsenal and remaining in Serie A with Juventus. The Serbian international was touted with a switch to the Emirates for much of the January transfer window, after being Mikel Arteta’s No.1 striker target. Vlahovic is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in European football and had a lengthy list of potential suitors interested in his services while at Fiorentina. But it was Massimiliano Allegri’s side who have confirmed the deal to land the striker, with just days of the window left. He joins after scoring 20 goals across all competitions already this season for La Viola and will be desperate to continue that kind of form for the Old Lady. The striker has inherited Cristiano Ronaldo’s old number seven shirt to place even further pressure on his shoulders following the €80million deal.
Valencia sign Ilaix Moriba
Valencia have completed the signing of a former Barcelona gem. Valencia added defender Eray Comert to their ranks earlier this week, and they have now landed former Barcelona youngster Ilaix Moriba. Ilaix joined RB Leipzig in the summer after a controversial ending to his time in Catalonia, and still only 19 years of age, he needs more regular game time before breaking into a one of Bundesliga’s stronger squads. It is for that reason he has been allowed to link up with Valencia for the rest of the season, returning to Spain on loan to join a Los Ché side hoping to make a run for a European spot under Jose Bordalas. Ilaix was heavily criticised by Barcelona over his exit, demanding a lucrative contract the club refused to give. He was eventually sent on his way for that reason, with the central midfielder getting his pay day elsewhere in the form of Leipzig.
Borussia Dortmund set to sign Karim Adeyemi
Borussia Dortmund have won the race to sign Red Bull Salzburg’s German prodigy Karim Adeyemi in the summer. The 19-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best young strikers in the world, backed up by the fact he is already playing for Germany at senior level despite his tender years. Almost every major club in Europe had looked closely at Adeyemi, with Liverpool among those who were very keen to land him. However, the player always had the idea of returning to Germany at the forefront of his mind. Red Bull had long-term plans for Adeyemi to move to their sister club in Leipzig, but that was ruled out early in the process, making it a straight battle between Bayern Munich and Dortmund. Dortmund are now locked in talks with Salzburg with a fee of around £30m being discussed, but the deal is not due to go through until the summer as they will allow Adeyemi to remain in Austria until the end of the season.
Lewis Dobbin signs new Everton deal
Everton have confirmed that striker Lewis Dobbin has signed a new contract with the club. The 19-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a new three-and-a-half year deal, keeping him at Goodison Park until June 2025. The youngster has rapidly progressed through the youth sides in recent years and has been a regular feature in Premier League squads throughout the 2021/22 season so far. Speaking to evertontv, Dobbin remarked: “It’s a huge honour that the club has put their faith in me with this new deal. Dobbin made his Premier League debut in September 2021 as he came off the bench in Everton’s win over Norwich City at Goodison Park. Appearances at both Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge in battling 1-1 draws have followed for the exciting youngster, with supporters desperate to see more from him.
Amad Diallo signs with Rangers on loan
Rangers have completed the signing of Amad Diallo on loan from Manchester United. The 19-year-old winger joins the Scottish Premiership leaders until the end of the season, a year after he moved to Old Trafford. Diallo was signed by Manchester United in a deal worth £37.2m from Atalanta and has made nine appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal. United believe this move will be good for his development, with Diallo understood to be a part of the Premier League club’s long-term plans. Manager, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, said: “I am really pleased to add Amad to our squad for the rest of the season. “He is a player who I have been aware of for some time, and when the opportunity to sign him came up, we were very keen to make it happen. “He will add a lot to our squad and provide even more competition for the players in the forward areas.”
Adama Traore back at Barcelona
Wolves winger Adama Traore underwent a medical in Barcelona on Friday ahead of his loan move to the Catalans. The Spanish side are set to sign the 26-year-old on loan with £30million option to buy. Traore was expected to join Tottenham this week but was not sold on the idea of converting to a wing back under Antonio Conte. Spurs saw an initial £15m bid rejected by Wolves last week but were hoping to come back in and reach an agreement with their Premier League colleagues. But Barcelona appeared to have won the race to sign the speedy winger this month. There was a feeling at Spurs that they could get him for around £20m as Traore’s contract expires at the end of next season and Spurs believed they had enough leverage to secure a lower price.
