Transfers

Lukaku: Why I was afraid to join Al-Hilal

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku rejected a transfer to Al-Hilal last summer but has revealed that he is now ready to make the move to Saudi Arabia.

After a successful loan stint at Inter Milan, Lukaku was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with the Pro League looking to add to their evolving collection of superstars.

Al-Hilal, who had already signed names like Neymar Jr., Ruben Neves, and Kalidou Koulibaly among others, were the front runners for the Belgian. However, the striker decided to make the loan move to Roma instead, and he has explained why he rejected the move to the Middle East.

Speaking to Belgian broadcaster VTM, Lukaku said: “Saudi Arabia wouldn’t stop me. The level will only increase to a much higher level than many people think. More and more football players will tend to play there, also because of how the fans there experience football. The infrastructure still needs to be improved, but all major European clubs know, ‘Saudi Arabia is coming’. You already see that in boxing, golf, Formula 1…”

Speaking of his proposed move to Al-Hilal last summer, he added: “That was really intense at the time. For two weeks. For two days in a row I thought, ‘Yes, I’m going’, ‘No, I’m not going’.

“Because everyone only went to Saudi Arabia after I could sign there, I was scared for a moment.”

After another successful loan spell, Lukaku will return to Chelsea but is unlikely to be a part of Enzo Maresca’s plans for his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge. As per reports, Lukaku will be available for £37 million ($47.3m) for any club to secure his services and it is possible that the Saudi Pro League might look to make a move for the Belgian, who is also a target for Paulo Fonseca at AC Milan.

The striker will now be focused on Belgium’s Euro 2024 campaign as they will look to gain some momentum heading towards the knockout stages. They will start their campaign with a clash against Slovakia on June 17.

Transfers

Man Utd Ready To Hijack £90m Rated Arsenal Target

Under Ten Hag, Manchester United signed attacking players like Antony, Hojlund and Zirkzee, but the trio have not been productive in front of goal.

The Red Devils need a world class playmaker to light up Old Trafford and they are serious about signing a quality Georgian international

According to Sport MediaSet, Man Utd are ready to agree a contract with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia that will make him earn nine million euros a year, 45 million euros (£37.4m) in the next five years.

The Italian news source have mentioned that Napoli have been trying to reach an agreement with the versatile winger, but so far, they have only offered six million euros a season. On the other hand, United have offered three million more.

The 23-year-old star’s current deal with the Serie A leaders will expire in 2027 and he is not going to come for cheap.

Earlier this month, Caught Offside revealed that Man Utd manager, Ruben Amorim, wants to lure Kvaratskhelia, who is valued at £90m and also on the wish-lists of Arsenal and Liverpool.

The youngster, who can effectively play on the left flank and even as a center forward, was a key member of the Naples based side that won the Scudetto in the 2022-23 campaign.

In the current season, so far, he has netted 5 goals and registered 2 assists in 12 league starts under the management of former Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte.

Transfers

Van Nistelrooy Set For Leicester Job

Leicester Appoints Ruud Van Nistelrooy As Manager

Former Manchester United assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy looks poised for a new job.

Following the sacking of Steve Cooper, Leicester City are hoping to appoint the Dutchman as his replacement.

The Telegraph explains: “Ruud van Nistelrooy is close to making a swift Premier League return as the manager of Leicester City.

“The Manchester United legend has held extensive talks with the Leicester hierarchy this week and is set to be confirmed as the replacement for Steve Cooper, who was sacked by the strugglers on Sunday afternoon.

“Van Nistelrooy is crucially available with no compensation after recently leaving United, following an interim spell of four matches in charge after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.

“Leicester have discussed the post with the 48-year-old and, while the club’s hierarchy has been determined to explore a number of options, could appoint the former Netherlands international before the trip to Brentford on Saturday.

“Other possible candidates, including former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and ex-West Ham manager David Moyes, have both been ruled out by sources close to Leicester.”

Transfers

Meet Four Strikers Man United Shortlist For January Transfer

Victor Osimhen's Goal Rescues Impressive Galatasaray In Europa League

Manchester United have Victor Osimhen, Omar Marmoush, Randal Kolo Muani and Victor Boniface on their shortlist of January targets.

According to the The Mirror, Ruben Amorim wants a striker given the club’s woeful scoring record this season.

Fernandes sets sights on Europa League glory – ‘Probably the biggest target’Fernandes sets sights on Europa League glory – ‘Probably the biggest target’

The paper states: “Manchester United are considering their options for the January transfer window after deciding that signing a striker is a priority.

“United have scored just 13 goals in 12 Premier League games so far this season – the joint fourth-worst tally in the division. They finished last season with 57 goals and a goal difference of -1 and strikers Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled for consistency.

“Victor Osimhen, who is on loan from Napoli to Galatasaray, is one of the names on the list, having netted eight goals in 10 games this season. After being priced out of a permanent move over the summer, he has a £63 million release clause for 2025.

“Omar Marmoush has caught their attention by scoring 11 goals in as many games for Eintracht Frankfurt. The Egypt international could cost around £50m after hitting a purple patch.

“Other options include Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani and Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface. Kolo Muani has struggled to get into the PSG team this season and would reportedly be available on loan, just a year after joining the French giants for £77m.”