Transfers

PSG eye Osimhen as Mbappe replacement

Kylian Mbappe is believed to have made his decision to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the end of the 2023/24 season and the Ligue 1 champions placed Nigeria international and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a leading candidate to replace Mbappe.

Mbappe’s contract expires in June 2024 and he is set to leave the Parc des Princes as a free agent at the end of the current season.

Osimhen, 24, has emerged as a perfect replacement for Mbappe and PSG is considering a transfer approach this summer.

Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 and has scored 67 goals in 119 appearances for the Italian club.

The Nigerian was instrumental in Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years last season, netting 26 times in 32 league appearances.

According to TNT Sports expert Julien Laurens, Osimhen and other stars are being lined up to replace Mbappe.

Osimhen, Rafael Leao and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are three of the players on Paris Saint-Germain’s shortlist to replace the departing Kylian Mbappe, says TNT Sports expert Julien Laurens.

Laurens confirmed on Wednesday night that this is Mbappe’s “last season in Paris”, as reported earlier this month, with Real Madrid heading the queue of suitors.

But now for PSG, the focus is on activating “plan B”, which involves bringing in a “marquee replacement”.

Laurens, speaking at the Parc des Princes for PSG’s UEFA Champions League last-16 tie with Real Sociedad, told TNT Sports: “This is Mbappe] last season in Paris.

“He has decided now to leave the club at the end of the season as a free agent. The likely destination is Real Madrid. They’ve been chasing him for all those years; for so long, and finally, it will happen this summer.”

Laurens added: “[Paris] will try to get a marquee signing to replace him, of course. They expected a decision anyway, so there was a plan A if he stayed, and a plan B if he left.

“Plan B will be activated now, and on that, there is a shortlist with players like Osimhen from Napoli, Rafael Leao from Milan too. There are a few players there – Kvaratskhelia as well.

“Maybe not of the standard of Kylian Mbappe right now, but certainly with great potential.”

Laurens explained that Real Madrid had nearly secured Mbappe’s signature two years ago, but he decided to stay with PSG in an attempt to win the UEFA Champions League.

“Seven years breaking a lot of records, scored a lot of goals, had a lot of success – not so much in the Champions League – but this could be the year,” Laurens said.

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.