Transfers

Chelsea Sell Young Winger To Al-Nassr For €23 million

Chelsea’s summer clear-out has continued with the permanent transfer of Angelo Gabriel to Al-Nassr.

The 19-year-old Brazilian winger, who was signed by Chelsea last year for €15 million, has now moved to the Saudi Pro League side for a reported €23 million. It’s a move that raises questions about Chelsea’s recruitment strategy and their approach to young talent. According to Football Transfers.

Angelo Gabriel’s Unfulfilled Potential at Chelsea
When Chelsea signed Angelo Gabriel from Santos, there was considerable excitement about his potential. A highly rated prospect in Brazil, Gabriel was expected to develop into a significant asset for the Blues. However, his time in Europe has been anything but successful. Loaned immediately to Strasbourg, Gabriel struggled to adapt to the physicality and pace of Ligue 1, resulting in a largely disappointing season.

With Chelsea’s squad brimming with talent and competition for places fierce, Gabriel’s chances of breaking into the first team were always slim. Instead of sending him out on another loan to continue his development, Chelsea decided to cut their losses and accept Al-Nassr’s offer.

For Al-Nassr, Gabriel represents a strategic acquisition as they look to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. Joining a team that boasts stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, Gabriel will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game. At 19, he still has plenty of time to fulfil the potential that saw Chelsea invest in him initially.

However, the deal also reflects the growing influence of Saudi clubs in the global transfer market. With substantial financial backing, they are now able to attract young talents from Europe’s biggest clubs, offering them both financial security and the promise of regular first-team football.

This transfer highlights a recurring theme in Chelsea’s recent dealings—acquiring young talent to sell them on for a profit rather than integrate them into the first team. While the strategy has been financially successful, it does raise concerns about the club’s long-term vision. Gabriel’s sale, despite his lack of impact at Chelsea, shows how the club is willing to offload players quickly if they see an opportunity to profit.

Ultimately, Gabriel’s departure might barely register on the radar of most Chelsea fans, but it’s another example of the club’s evolving transfer strategy under new ownership. For the player himself, the move to Al-Nassr offers a fresh start and a chance to revive a career that, until now, has failed to take off in Europe.

Transfers

United Make Verbal Offer For Victor Osimhen

In what could be a seismic shift in Manchester United’s transfer strategy, the Red Devils have reportedly tabled a “verbal offer” to Napoli striker Victor Osimhen after reaching an agreement to pay the Nigerian’s release clause.

The 26-year-old, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards, and his potential arrival at Old Trafford could be the catalyst United need to reignite their faltering attack.

The Osimhen Saga: A Verbal Offer on the Table
According to reports from Turkish outlet Sports Digitale, United have joined Paris Saint-Germain in making a verbal offer to Osimhen regarding salary and contract terms. This comes after both clubs reportedly agreed to meet the striker’s release clause, which is set to drop from £100 million to £65 million this summer.

Osimhen’s current loan spell at Galatasaray has been nothing short of sensational. The Nigerian international has netted 17 goals in 23 appearances, propelling the Turkish giants to the top of the Super Lig and into the knockout stages of the Europa League. His blistering form has reignited interest from Europe’s elite, with United and PSG emerging as the frontrunners for his signature.

Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, a reporter for Sports Digitale, revealed that Galatasaray will find it “difficult” to compete with the financial muscle of clubs like United and PSG. While the Turkish transfer window remains open longer than most European leagues, allowing Galatasaray to secure Osimhen’s loan in the first place, it seems almost certain that the striker will depart Istanbul at the end of the season.

Why Osimhen Fits Amorim’s System
Ruben Amorim’s tactical setup at Manchester United relies heavily on a dynamic, physical striker who can stretch defences and create space for the attacking midfielders. Osimhen, with his blend of speed, strength, and relentless pressing, fits the bill perfectly.

The Nigerian forward is a nightmare for defenders, constantly running in behind and exploiting gaps in the opposition’s backline. His ability to get on the end of crosses and his aerial prowess make him a potent threat in the box – qualities that United have sorely lacked this season. While there have been some reservations about his technical ability and link-up play, Osimhen’s primary strength lies in his goal-scoring instincts and physical dominance.

Amorim’s system, which often employs two number tens and overlapping wing-backs, demands a striker who can occupy defenders and create opportunities for others. Osimhen’s presence would not only provide a focal point for United’s attack but also free up players like Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount to operate in more advanced positions.

The Hojlund Conundrum: A Need for Reinforcements
United’s current striking options have struggled to deliver this season. Rasmus Hojlund, despite showing flashes of potential, has been inconsistent in front of goal, while Joshua Zirkzee has failed to make a significant impact since his arrival. The lack of a reliable goal-scorer has been a major hindrance for Amorim’s side, with United often lacking the cutting edge needed to break down stubborn defences.

Osimhen’s arrival would address this issue head-on. The 26-year-old is a proven goal-scorer at the highest level, having excelled in Serie A with Napoli and now in the Super Lig with Galatasaray. His experience, combined with his physical attributes, makes him an ideal candidate to lead United’s line and provide the firepower needed to compete for silverware.

Competition from PSG: Can United Win the Race?
While United’s interest in Osimhen is clear, they face stiff competition from PSG. The French champions, backed by seemingly limitless resources, are also in the market for a marquee striker and have reportedly made their own verbal offer to the Nigerian.

However, United’s new hierarchy under INEOS has shown a willingness to go all out for their primary targets. Whether it’s securing the services of a top-tier manager like Amorim or pursuing high-profile players, the club’s new owners have demonstrated a commitment to restoring United to their former glory. Osimhen, with his proven track record and suitability to Amorim’s system, could be the statement signing that signals United’s intent to compete at the highest level once again.

A New Era for United’s Attack?
Victor Osimhen’s potential arrival at Old Trafford would represent a significant step forward for Manchester United. His goal-scoring prowess, physicality, and experience make him an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s tactical vision, while his arrival would provide much-needed competition and depth in the striking department.

While the competition for his signature is fierce, United’s renewed ambition under INEOS could give them the edge in the race for Osimhen. If the Red Devils can secure his services, it would not only address a glaring weakness in the squad but also send a clear message to their rivals that United are serious about reclaiming their place among Europe’s elite.

For now, the verbal offer is a promising development, but the real test will be whether United can finalise the deal and bring Osimhen to the Theatre of Dreams. One thing is certain: his arrival would be a game-changer for Ruben Amorim and Manchester United.

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Transfers

€100 million Move: Arteta Worries As William Saliba Drops Transfer Hint

William Saliba reportedly considers Real Madrid his “ultimate dream club”, with Arsenal valuing the 23-year-old French international at €100 million.

According to a report by Sacha Tavolieri on Sky Sport Switzerland, William Saliba is the subject of interest from Real Madrid.

The reigning La Liga champions have recently held talks with the Arsenal defensive mainstay’s representatives. Meanwhile, the French international considers Los Blancos as his “ultimate dream club”, with the North London club valuing him at €100 million.

William Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at Arsenal. The Frenchman did not immediately get the desired opportunities at the Emirates, with the North London club sending him out on three loan spells.

However, the 23-year-old has not looked back since establishing a foothold in the first-team squad at the Emirates. Saliba has turned out over 100 times thus far for Arsenal while chipping in with seven goals and two assists.

Meanwhile, the French international defender’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Widespread reports have heavily linked Real Madrid with the former US Saint-Etienne centre-back, with the two parties recently holding tentative talks. Meanwhile, Arsenal will demand around €100 million to entertain parting ways with him.

Real Madrid’s interest in William Saliba is understandable. The reigning La Liga champions are desperately scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window after spending two seasons without most out-and-out central defenders. The crisis has deepened this term, with Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and David Alaba currently on the sidelines.

In addition, Carlo Ancelotti does not trust Jesus Vallejo, who will likely depart from the Santiago Bernabeu after the 2024/25 season ends. So, Real Madrid must sign a centre-back in the summer transfer window, with Saliba emerging as a viable target. However, Arsenal’s asking price of around €100 million might pose a problem, considering the Merengues need reinforcement in several other departments.

Meanwhile, the French international views Real Madrid as his “ultimate dream club”, although he might not push for a departure from the Emirates anytime soon. In addition, widespread reports have claimed that Arsenal will block Real Madrid and other suitors from pursuing the 23-year-old Frenchman. So, a summer deal might not see the light of day.

Transfers

Victor Osimhen Speaks On Botched Manchester United’s Deal

Galatasaray loan striker, Victor Osimhen has opened up through his camp on rumored Manchester United move after a deal could not happen in the January transfer window.

Osimhen has been rumoured for a move to English Premier League side, but the Napoli striker who is currently on loan at Galatasaray believe he has more potential to give any club than moving from a cut pay.

According to a source close to the player, he said: “At his level, he can’t be moving to Manchester United and be earning less, he will rather go to Saudi Arabia and become a world highest earning player. No big deal about Manchester United and they need his image and characters to boost their profile at this moment,” a source told ThePapers.ng

“Victor is not in desperate move and he will never move to any club for pay cut, he will rather move to Saudi Arabia and earn over a state budget in Nigeria.”

“At the moment he’s very happy and will continue to be playing happily. You will mention Osimhen before Erling Haaland and others at the moment, so why will he move to take pay cut.”

Asking if Napoli would lower how price tag, he said: “Napoli will lose if they insist, let’s wait and see.” He concluded.