Transfers

Victor Osimhen: Chelsea’s Desired Saviour?

As the transfer window narrative heats up, Victor Osimhen’s recent interaction with fans sparks a new round of speculation.

The Napoli frontman, celebrating his 25th year, was inundated with birthday wishes, but one in particular stood out—a fan’s call to action for Osimhen to don the blue of Chelsea and come to their aid. The Nigerian’s response? A pair of hearts and a prayer emoji. A signal, perhaps, of mutual affection?

Speculation and Strategy
Chelsea’s pursuit of Osimhen isn’t new. Their admiration dates back to the days when Osimhen was just a promising figure in a Chelsea kit, a young prospect filled with potential. Now, with a significant release clause of €120m, according to 90Min, Chelsea’s intent is clear, yet the clause’s conditions suggest the price could skyrocket, adding another layer of intrigue to this transfer tale.

Patience and Prowess
The Blues’ struggle to find the back of the net has been palpable this season, making their interest in Osimhen understandable. But with the striker securely under contract at Napoli, Chelsea might have to play the long game. It’s a game of patience and strategic planning, as securing Osimhen’s signature won’t be a simple checkbook affair.

Alternatives and Arsenal
While Osimhen remains a primary target, Chelsea’s gaze has also fallen on Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez. Both represent costly alternatives, indicating that Chelsea is preparing for all eventualities. The club’s recent bolstering—signified by Christopher Nkunku’s return—adds depth but not the guaranteed goal-scoring prowess that Osimhen could bring.

Forward Focus
With every emoji and every fan’s dream, the narrative builds. Will Osimhen be the hero to elevate Chelsea’s fortunes? Time will tell, but for now, the bridge between Napoli and Stamford Bridge is paved with hope, speculation, and a hefty price tag. Credit to 90Min for keeping the embers of this story aglow.

Transfers

Al Nassr in talks to sign Victor Boniface

Al Nassr have initiated negotiations to sign Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Romano disclosed the Saudi Pro League club’s interest via his X account on Monday, revealing that Al Nassr see Boniface as a replacement for Anderson Talisca, who is set to join Fenerbahçe.

“Understand Al Nassr have started official talks for Victor Boniface as new striker!” Romano wrote. “Negotiations on with Bayer Leverkusen for the Nigerian striker to replace Talisca.

“The other candidate is Jhon Durán… but Aston Villa still insist on keeping him at the club.”

Boniface recently signed a contract extension with Leverkusen, tying him to the Bundesliga side until 2026. The new deal makes the 24-year-old Super Eagles forward one of the club’s highest earners.

However, despite the contract renewal, Boniface is not deemed unsellable by Leverkusen. The club is reportedly demanding a fee of at least €50m from potential buyers.

Transfers

Celtic complete Jota return as Kyogo joins Rennes

Celtic have completed the return of Jota from Rennes, with fellow forward Kyogo Furuhashi moving to the French club.

Japan striker Kyogo, who joined Celtic in summer 2021 at the same time as Jota, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Ligue 1 club.

Jota left Celtic in July 2023 – for a reported fee of £25m – but failed to become a regular starter at both Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League and then in the French top flight.

Now he has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Scottish champions.

“The last year-and-a-half has had its ups and downs, but that’s life and that’s how football is,” he told Celtic’s website. “Now I just can’t wait to work hard, to get along with the lads again and just to flow.”

Transfers

Rejected Neymar Set For Brazilian League After Disappointing Years in Saudi League

Brazil superstar Neymar is closing in on a return to his former club Santos, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

Neymar remains on the roster of Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, but the team’s manager Jorge Jesus said earlier in January that the Brazilian attacker can “no longer play at the level we are used to,” and wasn’t registered to play in the Saudi Pro League, leaving Neymar eligible to play only in the Asian Champions League.

As a result, Neymar has been looking for his next playing opportunity, and appears to have found it with the club with which he began his professional career.

Sources tell ESPN that Neymar’s contract with Al Hilal likely will be terminated, but the final details are still being negotiated. The two sides are expected to meet early this week with the hope of reaching an agreement. If that occurs, Neymar is set to sign a six-month contract, which will have an option to be extended an additional year, with Santos.

If the deal with Santos is completed, Neymar is set to travel to Brazil this week, and could play for Santos as soon as Feb. 5.

By terminating his Al Hilal contract, which ran through this summer, Neymar would walk away from about $65 million.

Sources told ESPN he could make up at least some of the shortfall by having himself and his father, Neymar Santos Sr., become part of an investment fund that includes shares in Santos.

However, ESPN Brazil is reporting that Neymar is still determined to recoup the money from Al Hilal and that any deal involving shares in Santos would be extremely difficult to execute in the short term.

Brazil star Neymar is hoping to have his contract with Saudi side Al Hilal terminated this week. Francois Nel/Getty Images
So, though the framework for a return to Santos is in place in principle, there are still sticking points.

If his return to Santos is completed, it will conclude a transfer saga that included the possibility of Neymar heading to MLS side Chicago Fire FC. However, Neymar’s preference was to return to Brazil to regain his form and possibly reclaim his place with the national team.

Neymar, 32, endured a difficult spell with Al Hilal after joining the Saudi Arabian club from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023 for a fee of $97.6 million.

The former Barcelona star suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while on international duty shortly after joining Al Hilal. He returned to the field last October, but a hamstring injury kept him from making more of a contribution. He made just seven league and cup appearances with just one goal scored in an AFC Champions League group stage match against Nassaji Mazandaran on Oct. 3, 2023.

Despite his struggles in Saudi Arabia, Neymar remains one of the biggest names in the sport thanks to his exploits alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez while with Barcelona from 2013 to 2017. In that time, he was part of sides that won a UEFA Champions League crown, two LaLiga titles, and three Copa del Reys.

He later moved to PSG in 2017 and won five Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de Frances and two Coupe de la Ligues.

Neymar began his professional career with Santos in 2009, leading them to a Copa Libertadores triumph in 2011, when he scored in the second leg of the final, a 2-1 win over Peñarol.

At the international level, Neymar has appeared 128 times for Brazil, scoring a Selecao record 79 goals. He was part of the Brazil side that won the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics, which Brazil hosted.