Transfers

Erling Haaland opens to Real Madrid move, says father

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland’s father confirmed to El Chiringuito that his son could one day move to Real Madrid.

The former City and Leeds United player made his comments from FIFA’s The Best ceremony on Monday, where Erling finished runner-up to Lionel Messi for the Men’s Player 2023 award.

Winning the treble at the Etihad last term, Haaland was level with Messi on 48 points in the vote while another Real Madrid target in Kylian Mbappe ran out third on 35 points.

But it was the amount of captains that voted for the Argentine, 13, that meant he prevented Haaland from scooping the gong as only 11 skippers thought he was the best male player on the planet.

Alfe-Inge Haaland was hounded by El Chiringuito’s Marcos Bento at the award ceremony in London.

He was asked what he thought of Messi beating his son though they had the same amount of points, answering: “Congratulations to Messi”.

Haaland senior then said it was “very good” the two players had tied, but “no problem” that Messi had come out on top through what has been deemed by many to be controversial criteria across social media.

El Chiringuito then put it to Alfe-Inge whether his son could play for Real Madrid in the future.

“Of course. There’s also a possibility to play for everyone,” the Norwegian responded with a laugh.

When pushed to reveal if he “wants that his son wants” to sign for Los Blancos, Haaland senior said: “He’s very happy at City at the moment, so I think we concentrate about that.”

Alfe-Inge similarly refused to confirm if there is a release clause in Erling’s City contract which according to AS allows Madrid or another Spanish giant such as FC Barcelona to sign him for $109 million (€100 million) and not the previously reported $218 million (€200 million).

“I don’t think we should talk about [the] contract now,” Alfe-Inge suggested with a smile, trying to walk off and then doing so with a laugh when then probed on the true price of the 23-year-old.

These comments probably won’t please City fans. At the same time, though, they could give hope to supporters of the two behemoths in El Clasico that Haaland plying his trade in La Liga can become a reality in the coming seasons.

Transfers

Disasi agrees personal terms with Aston Villa

Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is reportedly on the verge of joining Aston Villa after agreeing to personal terms ahead of a potential January transfer.

The Frenchman has struggled for regular game time at Stamford Bridge this season and is now set to make the move to Unai Emery’s side, who are looking to replace Diego Carlos following his recent departure.

According to Fabrizio Romano, via Football Transfer, Carlos joined Fenerbahce for €10 million, prompting Villa to identify Disasi as their ideal replacement. Romano shared on X:

“Axel Disasi has agreed on personal terms with Aston Villa.

“Disasi wants to join Villa despite interest from more clubs around Europe after direct talk with Unai Emery, crucial to get the green light.

“Deal now up to Chelsea and Villa to reach full agreement.”

Chelsea signed Disasi from AS Monaco for €45 million in 2023, but his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has dropped significantly to €20.9 million due to limited playing opportunities this season. The 25-year-old has only featured in six Premier League matches during the 2024-25 campaign and has been left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad eight times since Enzo Maresca’s arrival last summer.

Transfers

EPL: Nottingham Forest desperate to sell out-of-favor Emmanuel Dennis

Nottingham Forest are facing difficulties in offloading striker Emmanuel Dennis before the transfer window closes.

The Nigerian forward has been out of favor under manager Nuno Espirito Santo and has not made a single appearance this season. Dennis’ last game for Forest was against Crystal Palace in May 2023.

The 27-year-old, who has 18 months remaining on his contract, is proving challenging to sell due to his high wages. Dennis currently earns £4 million annually, making him a costly option for potential suitors.

Discussions are ongoing with Watford, but his former club cannot meet his salary demands. Sheffield Wednesday have also expressed interest, but reports indicate their offer falls short of Forest’s expectations.

Transfers

Belgian club, KAS Eupen secure Nigerian striker Ejike on loan

Belgian club KAS Eupen has secured Nigerian striker Philip Ejike on a loan deal from Bulgarian side PFK Montana.

The agreement includes an option for the Pandas to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.

Ejike impressed during his stint at PFK Montana, tallying 11 goals and two assists in 21 appearances.

The talented forward is set to join his new teammates in training immediately and could make his debut as early as Tuesday when KAS Eupen takes on SC Lokeren-Temse.

Mersad Selimbegovic’s team currently sits 13th in the league standings.