Transfers

Barcelona Prodigy Set For Multi-Year Contract with Saudi Club

One of the brightest talents from Barça Atletic, is set to embark on a new chapter in his career as he joins Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.

At just 20 years old, the midfielder has decided to accept an offer from the Middle Eastern side after finding it challenging to break into Barcelona’s first team.

Recent reports indicate that all aspects of the transfer for Unai Hernandez have been finalised, marking a significant move for the young player.

Al-Ittihad has reportedly made an offer worth around €4.5 million to secure Hernández’s services.

Considering that his contract with Barça Atlètic was set to expire at the end of the season, the deal appears mutually beneficial for both the player and the Catalan club.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the midfielder will sign a three-year contract with the possibility of extending it for an additional two seasons.

Hernandez is scheduled to undergo a medical examination in Barcelona before heading to Jeddah, where he will officially finalise the deal and be introduced as an Al-Ittihad player.

Saudi media have been closely following the development, with widespread reports confirming that the final details have been ironed out.

This move is significant not just for Hernandez but also for Barça Atletic, as he has been their standout performer this season.

With nine goals and three assists in just 20 appearances, Hernandez has been pivotal to the team’s success. His versatility and consistent performances will be sorely missed, and his departure creates a challenging gap for the reserve side to fill.

For the player, the move represents an opportunity to showcase his talent on a different stage, potentially elevating his career to new heights. Al-Ittihad’s investment in young talent highlights their ambition and the growing allure of Saudi football.

Transfers

‘He Can Only Leave For €75m’ – Napoli Reject Official Bid For Victor Osimhen

Napoli have turned down an initial €65 million bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis insisting the striker will not leave for less than his €75 million release clause, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Turkish champions submitted their first official offer for Osimhen, hoping to secure his permanent transfer before the January window closes.

However, Napoli rejected the proposal outright, maintaining their stance that the Nigerian forward would only be sold for the full value of his clause.

Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray until the end of the season, has been in exceptional form, scoring at a rate of nearly one goal per game in the Turkish Süper Lig. His performances have convinced Galatasaray to push for a permanent move, but their opening bid fell €10 million short of Napoli’s asking price.

The report highlights the intricacies of Victor Osimhen’s contract. The release clause for the former Lille ace was officially set at €130 million but it was renegotiated last summer when he signed a new deal before moving to Turkey on loan.

The new terms allow Galatasaray an exclusive opportunity to sign him for €75 million in January — €6 million less than what any other club would need to pay if they try to sign him mid-season.

For clubs outside of Galatasaray, Osimhen’s release clause in January is set at €81 million.

However, from the summer, the clause drops to a uniform €75 million for all potential suitors. Napoli are in no rush to sell, especially with Victor Osimhen continuing to perform at a high level.

De Laurentiis is prepared to wait until the summer, expecting greater interest and potentially more lucrative offers for the Nigerian international.

English Premier League giants Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United remain big admirers of Osimhen.

Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has been leading the Blues’ charge to convince Osimhen to prioritise a move to Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has also called on the Old Trafford landlords to push for Osimhen’s signature this winter.

Transfers

Victor Boniface to remain at Bayer Leverkusen as Al Nassr deal falls through – Club director

Bayer Leverkusen Managing Director Simon Rolfes has confirmed that Nigerian forward Victor Boniface will not be moving to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

The deal, which had been in advanced stages with both clubs agreeing on a fee, fell apart after Al Nassr decided to sign Aston Villa’s striker Jhon Duran instead. Boniface had reportedly agreed on personal terms with Al Nassr but will now continue with the Bundesliga side.

“There have been talks, but we are happy that he will be training with us today. I assume that he will stay,” Rolfes stated. “He feels comfortable here, his attitude towards the club is unchanged.”

Boniface’s continued presence at Leverkusen will be a boost to Xabi Alonso’s side as they pursue success domestically and in European competitions.

Transfers

Everton eyes late move for Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi

As the January transfer window approaches its deadline, Everton has reportedly set their sights on Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

The Nigerian forward, 27, has struggled for consistent game time this season, falling behind New Zealand international Chris Wood in the pecking order.

Despite expressing a desire to stay at Forest, ongoing speculation about his future continues, with West Ham United previously linked to the former Union Berlin star.

Everton is now reportedly considering a late swoop for Awoniyi as they aim to bolster their attacking options. The Toffees hope to secure his signature before the window closes.

Awoniyi has netted just one goal in 20 league appearances this season, a decline from his strong performances in previous campaigns. His potential move could offer a fresh start and an opportunity to rediscover his goal-scoring form.