With the January transfer window set to open in two weeks, we take a closer look at all the pros and cons of the most popular transfer rumours in last 24 hours. Tonight’s edition features Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney, an out-of-favour Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Bayern Munich’s latest body blow to Premier League sides as they get closer to signing Niklas Sule.
Wayne Rooney on his way out of Manchester United
According to reputed agent Vincenzo Morabito, Wayne Rooney was offered to Napoli last summer and there are certain possibilities that the Manchester United skipper will be sold before the start of next season. Napoli were ready to pay the transfer fee but were put off by the insane salary demands. Everton, LA Galaxy and certain Chinese suitors have kept their eye on Rooney as a potential marquee signing next summer.
Experts say – With the current United team, it would be very hard for Rooney to break into Jose Mourinho’s starting XI week in week out. Morabito also confirmed that Mourinho had informed Rooney that if he wants regular playing time then Manchester United is not the club for him.
SK’s take – Wayne Rooney’s salary is perhaps the only thing keeping him at the club right now, however, given the recent trend of players going for big money, we may see Rooney on his way out of Old Trafford sooner rather than later.
Chances of the transfer happening – 8/10
Sokratis to Real Madrid
According to German publication Bild, Real Madrid are tracking Borussia Dortmund’s Sokratis Papastathopoulos as a potential replacement for Pepe as club scouts were present during Madrid’s Champions League against Dortmund couple of weeks ago. Pepe's contract is up at the end of the season and Los Blancos are still waiting to find if their transfer ban will be lifted for them to sign players in January or next summer.
Experts say – According to Marca, Pepe’s contract demands have put off Florentino Perez and he is keen to find a possible replacement before offering him a new contract. There are talks for the youngster Jesús Vallejo to be promoted to the senior side and Raphael Varane becoming the number one partner for Sergio Ramos.
SK’s take – Real Madrid will happily match the €9.5 million transfer fee Dortmund paid for Sokratis but at the end, it all depends on the decision taken by CAS on upholding or continuing the ban on Real Madrid over signing players for next 12 months.
Chances of this transfer happening – 4/10
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Manchester City
Manchester City have kept a close eye on Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for a potential January transfer, according to reports from The Sun. The report claims that Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the 23-year-old and wants to take advantage of the contract stand-off by prising him away in the New Year. The player himself has not ruled out a move as he not getting enough playing time under Arsene Wenger.
Experts say – According to The Sun, Guardiola is not content with the options he has in wide areas and wants to bring Chamberlain as an upgrade to Jesus Navas. A £25 million fee could be enough to land the England international, who has struggled to break into Arsenal’s starting XI this season.
SK’s take – Earlier in the week, Arsene Wenger claimed that Manchester City have been good clients of Arsenal in the past and it would not surprise us if another out of favour Gunner decides to join Manchester City. A reason for Oxlade-Chamberlain to opt City ahead of Arsenal would be to guarantee a place in the starting XI as City are struggling with their right wing position.
Chances of this transfer happening – 6/10
Sule and Rudy to Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich have agreed in principle to sign both Niklas Süle and Sebastian Rudy from Hoffenheim next summer, according to a new report from Bild. The club expects signatures to be completed soon, most likely once the winter transfer window opens.
Experts say – Niklas Sule has been regarded as the next best thing in German football and is expected to soon partner Mats Hummels for the national team. Sule will be an ideal back-up to Hummels and Boateng at both club and international level. As for Rudy, he would be an ideal long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso who likes to sit in front of the back four and control the tempo for his side.
SK’s take – Bayern Munich are perhaps the best team in Europe right now when it comes to completing their transfer signings without making a lot of noise. Renato Sanches was the ideal example where entire media was linking him with Manchester United, Bayern swooped in and signed him quickly. We expect the same with Sule and Rudy, which is expected to cost Bayern in the region of €50 million.
Chances of this double deal happening – 8/10
