Transfers

Barcelona agree deal to sign Joao Felix for €50m

Barcelona will sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on a loan deal with the obligation to land him permanently next year.

According to Spanish journalist Marc Martinez, Joao Felix will join Barcelona on loan in the ongoing transfer window. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have sealed an agreement over a deal for the Portuguese international. And the Blaugrana will pay a loan fee of €10 million, with Atletico Madrid footing 30 per cent of his wages. In addition, Barcelona will sign him permanently for €50 million.

Joao Felix has only made gradual progress since joining Atletico Madrid from Benfica four years ago. The 23-year-old arrived at the Spanish club in a nine-figure deal but has not justified the hype surrounding him thus far. And a loan stint with Chelsea in the second half of the 2022/23 season did not work either.

The Portuguese international has turned out 31 times thus far for his national side. Meanwhile, Felix managed only four goals in 20 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea. And after returning to Atletico Madrid, his future is uncertain, as he does not feature in Diego Simeone’s plans after a few run-ins. But the player might have a lifeline, with Barcelona eyeing his signature.

Barcelona reportedly ruled out a summer move for Felix earlier this year due to the finances involved in a deal. But they might not have envisioned the option of signing the youngster on loan for the 2023/24 season. And Atletico Madrid recently gave the green light to Barcelona to land the player in the ongoing transfer window.

The update came in the wake of Felix’s comments this week, as he revealed his dream club to be Barcelona. And while at first glance, it might not seem that the 31-cap Portuguese international is an ideal fit in the Barcelona attack, his versatility makes him an attractive prospect for Xavi Hernandez.

The 23-year-old can be an option for the right-wing berth. So it is hardly surprising why Barcelona might be keen on securing Felix’s services. And the Catalan giants have now agreed to a loan deal with Atletico Madrid for the player. The arrangement includes an obligation clause worth €50 million.

In addition, Barcelona will pay a loan fee of €10 million, with Atletico Madrid footing 30 per cent of Felix’s wages. Meanwhile, the reliable Manu Sainz has also suggested the 23-year-old is on the verge of moving to the Catalan club. So the Portuguese international will soon realise his dream of playing for Barcelona.

Transfers

Czech Giants Slavia Praha Sign David Moses Until 2029

Twenty-year-old Nigerian midfielder David Moses has signed a contract with top club Slavia Praha from another Czech club MFK Karviná.

Slavia Praha announced Moses has signed a contract until December 31, 2029.

“David is an extremely interesting player, proven in the Czech league, many clubs were interested in him, not only from the Czech Republic,” said sports director Jiri Bilek.

“We believe that he will fit perfectly into our playing style. This is a great promise for the future.”.

The player himself was equally excited about the new challenge.

“It’s a big step for me, a big challenge. I’m going to the best team in the Czech Republic,” he said.

“I want to make a name for myself, help the club. I haven’t played in Eden (Slavia home ground) yet, but I’ve heard a lot about the fans. I’m looking forward to playing in front of them.”

Moses joined the Karviná academy in March 2022, played his first ever competitive match for the A-team against Slavia in the round of 16 of the domestic cup, and the team won 2-0 on November 18 with goals from Olayinka and Lingro.

Karviná returned to the top flight at the end of the season after a one-year second-league hiatus, four points ahead of second-placed Vyškov.

The 171-centimeter-tall central midfielder made his league debut for MFK on July 22, 2023 in the first round against Zlín. In the 2023/24 season, he played in 25 matches and helped Karviná survive in the top flight after successfully managing the play-off against Vyškov.

He played 13 matches this season and helped his club reach eleventh place in the table.

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Transfers

The Two Midfield Stars Who Are At The Top Of Real Madrid’s Transfer Wishlist – Report

Real Madrid are currently focusing their efforts on two key midfield targets: Florian Wirtz and Franco Mastantuono, claims a report from Daniel Peinado in AS.

The journalist suggests that while other potential options like Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi have been mentioned, Wirtz remains the primary target, with the club also keeping a close eye on Mastantuono.

The situation with Wirtz has become more complex in recent weeks. After months of speculation about a potential move from Bayer Leverkusen, it now seems that the German is set to remain with the Bundesliga club for the foreseeable future.

Wirtz’s signing is difficult
Recent reports suggest that Wirtz will sign a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen, extending his stay at the club until at least the summer of 2028.

Despite this, Real Madrid are not giving up on their pursuit of the talented midfielder. He is still seen as a top priority, and his situation will likely be closely monitored by the club.

At the same time, Bayern Munich and Manchester City also remain interested in securing his services, making the competition fierce for Wirtz.

What about Mastantuono?

On the other hand, Mastantuono, the River Plate star, is one of the most highly sought-after young talents in football.

Real Madrid are not the only club tracking his progress; rivals Barcelona, as well as top European sides like Liverpool and AC Milan, are all keen on the Argentine midfielder.

While Madrid have been keeping a close watch on Mastantuono, they have yet to make a formal move. This cautious approach suggests that the club may be waiting for the right moment to act, allowing them more time to assess the player’s development.

In conclusion, Real Madrid’s midfield targets for the near future remain Wirtz and Mastantuono. Although Wirtz’s move seems less likely in the short term, Madrid continue to keep him on their radar.

As for Mastantuono, he remains one of the hottest young prospects in world football, and it seems only a matter of time before one of Europe’s giants makes their move for him.

Transfers

Liverpool And PSG Lead The Race To Sign Lyon’s Rayan Cherki

According to a report from Foot Mercato, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are both leading in the race to sign Olympique Lyonnais’ Rayan Cherki (21).

The France youth international was ostracised at the start of the season amid a contract standoff. His contract had been set to expire at the end of the season, however, ultimately, he extended by a further year, allowing his re-integration. He has since gone on to net five goals and register seven assists in 17 matches. Since breaking through as a teenager, this is his first consistent patch of form.

However, the Frenchman may leave the club in January. Whilst OL are reportedly keen to retain Cherki, they may have little choice in the matter. Lyon are being forced to raise funds this January following a provisional relegation to Ligue 2. Selling assets, such as Cherki, will prevent that fate, even if other, more peripheral figures have been touted for departures.

Whilst Cherki is reportedly keen to see out the season with his formative club, the matter will be taken out of his hands should a club meet OL’s €30m price tag. As per Foot Mercato, Liverpool and PSG are most keen to recruit the attacker in January although Get French Football News understands that Les Parisiens will not return for Cherki, having been snubbed by the player in the summer.