Transfer News

Frank Lampard has hinted he wants to replace Eden Hazard in the January transfer window as Chelsea have "lost a lot of goals and creation" since the winger left for Real Madrid. 

Lampard has not been able to make any signings since he was appointed Maurizio Sarri's successor at Stamford Bridge in July due to a FIFA-imposed transfer ban.

The suspension was set to include the upcoming January transfer window until Chelsea won an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport:

—Transfer ban lifted
—Reported £150m to spend

So who are Chelsea looking to add to their squad? | @DeanJonesBR

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 6, 2019

According to Tom Morgan, Ben Rumsby and Matt Law of the Telegraph, Lampard will have £150 million to spend in the new year.

Chelsea squeezed through to the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds by beating Lille 2-1 on Tuesday:

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1204501529945870336

Lampard said after the match his priority in January is to fill the gap left by Hazard when he joined Real for £89 million, per BT Sport (h/t Sam McEvoy of MailOnline):

"I think it will be very fluid, and there will be discussions from now about how we will strengthen. We lost a lot of goals and creation with Eden [Hazard] last year, in his particular position. We missed some chances [Tuesday], and we can probably push and look at strengthening in those areas."

Per McEvoy, the Blues have been linked with both Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho and Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha.

Hazard's return last season was remarkable for Chelsea as he contributed to 31 goals in the Premier League:

Eden Hazard has been directly involved in 31 #PL goals for Chelsea this season (16 goals, 15 assists)

Only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba have had a hand in more in a single campaign for the Blues pic.twitter.com/Awu5m7X0SW

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 6, 2019

Tammy Abraham's form this term—the 22-year-old striker has already netted 11 league goals—has gone some way to making up for the Belgian's departure.

But Chelsea are missing the consistent creativity Hazard provided in wide areas.

Sancho, 19, has been brilliant for Dortmund since the start of the 2018-19 season, scoring 19 goals and providing 21 assists in 46 Bundesliga appearances.

By comparison, Zaha has scored 12 goals and provided six assists in 50 Premier League appearances since the start of last term. 

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has ruled out the possibility of Jadon Sancho leaving the club and said he remains "fundamental" to the team.

Sancho has been linked with a return to the Premier League in the January transfer window, but Zorc said on Saturday he does not see him going anywhere, per Dominic Booth at the Manchester Evening News:

"We're continuing to plan with him. He's a fundamental player for us and I do not see any scenario where he leaves us. We have already had some situations with him to talk about, and there have been a lot of interviews in the last few weeks. We are in a good way; when he came off the bench in Barcelona and also in Berlin, he gave us a top performance."

Sancho left Manchester City for Dortmund 2017 in search of regular football and has been a big hit with the Bundesliga side:

💫 @Sanchooo10 has now been directly involved in 52 goals in 75 appearances across all competitions for BVB.

Two goals and an assist today took him to a half-century and beyond. pic.twitter.com/BuzwVgi36R

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 7, 2019

His performances have seen him called into the senior England squad. He made his debut in their UEFA Nations League draw against Croatia in 2018 and scored his first international goals in a 5-3 win over Kosovo in September:

19 years, 170 days old and Jadon Sancho has his first England goal.

And his second... ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/SQzZjYU06E

— Squawka (@Squawka) September 10, 2019

Sancho is one of the most exciting young attacking talents in Europe and has been linked with a move to several of the continent's top clubs.

Premier League teams Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all keen on the teenager, according to Tony Banks at the Daily Express.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was asked about Sancho in a press conference in December and played down the speculation.

"He's a very good player," he said. "I have no clue where these kind of things [the rumours] are coming from, but it cannot come from us because we never speak about it."

The youngster is reportedly tempted by a transfer to Spain, and La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are both interested, according to The Times (h/t Lloyd Johnson at the Daily Express).

Sancho has had a few difficulties at Dortmund this season. He was dropped and fined by the club in October after returning late from international duty:

Jadon Sancho has been dropped and fined by Borussia Dortmund ahead of their clash with top-of-the-table Borussia Monchengladbach after reportedly returning back late from international duty.

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 19, 2019

Sancho was also reportedly benched for Dortmund's UEFA Champions League clash against Barcelona after being "considerably late" for a team meeting, according to Bild (h/t Adam Shergold for MailOnline).

The recent disciplinary action from Dortmund had left Sancho feeling "feeling humiliated, scapegoated and unprotected," according to David Ornstein at The Athletic.

There is a suggestion that Sancho may be willing to leave Dortmund, although Zorc has made it clear the club are not interested in selling one of their biggest assets.

Sancho's Dortmund deal runs until summer 2022, but if he continues to produce the goods on the pitch, they may struggle to hold on to him if the top clubs come calling.  

Chelsea forward Pedro has said he has offers to leave Stamford Bridge and could depart the club for free in the summer when his contract expires.

The 32-year-old told Radio Club Tenerife (h/t Goal's Chris Burton) that he is having a tough time at the club after falling out of favour and is unsure where he will be playing his football next season:

"Yes there are offers, there are always clubs that are interested and that is a joy. [Whether in Spain or elsewhere] that is good news. Nobody knows what can happen. I still have years to play, but you're thinking about what things are going on.

" ... [It's been a] hard and difficult time [but] I am calm because in the club they have always treated me in the best way; also the same with the fans and team-mates. You have to keep working to take advantage when you have opportunities."

Pedro joined Chelsea from Barcelona in 2015 and has won the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League during his time with the west Londoners.

He signed a one-year contract extension in August 2018 that runs until 2020, and then-manager Maurizio Sarri explained his importance to the team:

'Pedro is a top player. It's very important for us to keep the top players!'

The Chelsea forward has signed a new deal at the club and his new manager says he's a happy man! pic.twitter.com/uYPfjDkrtz

— GOAL (@goal) August 3, 2018

Sarri was replaced by Frank Lampard in July, and the new boss has put his faith in the club's youth, handing players such as Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori significant game time:

24 - The average age of Chelsea's starting XI against Sheffield United today is 24 years and 158 days - their youngest ever in a Premier League match. Whippersnappers. pic.twitter.com/b4Zdii94jO

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 31, 2019

Meanwhile, Pedro has struggled for minutes in 2019-20. He has made just four Premier League appearances and has only featured twice as a substitute in the UEFA Champions League.

The arrival of Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund and the emergence of 19-year-old Christian Hudson-Odoi means there is increased competition for places in attack, and that has led to speculation Pedro could depart.

Serie A champions Juventus have met with the Blues to discuss moves for Pedro and Willian, according to Tuttosport and Calciomercato (h/t Kieran Jackson for MailOnline).

Chelsea could also strengthen in the January transfer window now their transfer ban has been reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport:

BREAKING: Chelsea's transfer ban has been halved, meaning they are free to buy players in January 💸 pic.twitter.com/64jnKqKc47

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 6, 2019

The Blues have £150 million to spend and are keen on Dortmund's Jadon Sancho and Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha, according to Kieran Gill for MailOnline.

Pedro's successful spell at Chelsea does look to be coming to an end. He was left out of the squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton, and his latest comments suggest he is ready for a new challenge.

Real Betis defender Emerson has said he expects to eventually join Barcelona and has confirmed the Spanish champions can sign him due to a clause in his contract. 

The promising right-back recently made his debut for Brazil after impressing for Betis in La Liga.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Marca), Emerson said he believes he will soon end up at the Nou Camp to play alongside Lionel Messi, with Barca holding an option that could trigger his departure from Seville:

"In my head I'm clear that I will go to Barcelona and that I will play to win the Champions League.

"Barcelona often tell my agent that I'm doing well, so it might be soon.

"Yes, there is a clause. If I go to Barcelona, they must pay a fee. I don't know how much it is, but it's a dream to play with Lionel Messi, the best in the world."

The player arrived in Spain from Brazilian team Atletico Mineiro 11 months ago during the January transfer window, with Barca reported to have paid a share of his €12 million transfer fee. The Blaugrana reportedly can sign Emerson for €6 million, with Betis retaining a cut of any future sale.

Emerson is a modern wing-back who can feature in both defence and midfield, making him perfect for Barca's preferred tactics.

The player added Barca director of football and former defender Eric Abidal had passed on positional advice to him.

"He told me that versatility can be good," Emerson said. "He said that Barcelona players put this into practice already with Sergi Roberto and other players of that style."

The burgeoning star has started 12 games for El Glorioso this term and has scored twice while also providing three assists.

Betis are experiencing a turbulent campaign in 13th place, but Emerson has been one of the team's most consistent performers.

The Andalusian club recently earned back-to-back La Liga victories over Valencia and Mallorca but had collected just one win in their last seven before the upturn in results.

Barca are locked with Real Madrid on 31 points at the top of La Liga, and the champions will have the opportunity to strengthen their squad during the forthcoming transfer window in the new year.

Jose Mourinho has said Tottenham Hotspur will not pursue the signing of Sporting Lisbon's Bruno Fernandes because he is a "player of a level and value that is not for us." 

Spurs were one of a number of clubs linked with the Portugal international back in the summer, and their bid of €45 million (£40 million) plus €20 million in bonuses was the "only serious offer," according to Sporting president Frederico Varandas

The 25-year-old subsequently stayed put at Sporting and has since penned a new contract at the Portuguese club that runs to 2023 and includes a €100 million (£85 million) release clause.

Mourinho has now hinted that Fernandes, 25, is no longer a realistic target for Spurs, per Sport TV (h/t Jack Bezants of MailOnline):

"We are not a club that is going to make big transfers in the market, nor is it going towards players who are already developed or at a certain level of expectation, also economically. I would definitely say no because Bruno is a player of a level and value that is not for us."

Fernandes enjoyed a stunning 2018-19 campaign in which he netted 20 goals and provided 13 assists in 33 appearances in the Portuguese top flight.

He has picked up in 2019-20 where he left off last term, combining for 10 goals and nine assists in 16 appearances in Liga NOS and the UEFA Europa League:

His impeccable performance recently against PSV Eindhoven was indicative of a player performing at the top of his game:

Bruno Fernandes’ game by numbers vs. PSV:

83% pass accuracy
7 ball recoveries
5 shots (3 on target)
3 chances created
2 assists
2 goals

Involved in all 4 goals. ⚽️⚽️🅰️🅰️ pic.twitter.com/EAVlLPveKQ

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 28, 2019

With every passing game, Fernandes becomes more attractive to sides like Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, who were all also linked with him last summer, according to Goal.

Unlike Spurs, all three of those clubs could likely afford to pay the Portuguese playmaker's release clause.

Big-money transfers rarely happen in January, so Fernandes should remain at Sporting for the remainder of the season,

But if he maintains his current form, there will surely be more interest in him again at the end of the 2019-20 campaign. 

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has played down reports linking the club with a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, saying he has "no clue" where the transfer speculation has come from.

Links between the Reds and the England international have surfaced as of late, prompting some excitement from Liverpool supporters about a possible move for the player in the January transfer window.

However, speaking to the media on the eve of Wednesday's Merseyside derby with Everton, Klopp said the move is not something the club have discussed, per Melissa Reddy of The Independent:

"He's a very good player. I have no clue where these kind of things [the rumours] are coming from, but it cannot come from us because we never speak about it.

"If we would be involved, nobody would know about it apart from a person who wouldn't speak about it. There's nothing to say. I know how it sounds, but I cannot change that. There's nothing to say about it, which can mean there's absolutely nothing to say about it."

Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo was surprised Klopp wasn't more dismissive when asked about Sancho:

Jurgen Klopp laughed off transfer links to Kylian Mbappe last month.

He wasn't as dismissive when asked about #LFC interest in Jadon Sancho today, though.https://t.co/j93EOeQX6l

— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) December 3, 2019

Klopp did concede there was interest in the player when he moved from Manchester City to the Bundesliga side in 2017: "We saw him, we liked him and then we think, 'Can we get him?' No, because English clubs don't sell to other English clubs."

The German also said Sancho's price would potentially be an issue, with Reddy reporting that Dortmund would want more for the 19-year-old than the £97 million they received when selling Ousmane Dembele to Barcelona in 2017.

Former Norway international and Bundesliga pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft recently reported that Liverpool were in the driving seat to land Sancho:

From a very good source in Germany:

Klopp and Liverpool favorite to get Dortmund-player Sancho.

Sancho wants to leave the club already in January

— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) December 2, 2019

The Athletic's David Ornstein also claimed there was interest in the teenager from the Reds as well as number of other European heavyweights:

Superb goal by Jadon Sancho to reduce Borussia Dortmund #BVB deficit away to Barcelona. #FCBarcelona are among the four clubs (along with Liverpool #LFC, Manchester United #MUFC and Real Madrid #RMFC) Sancho currently expects to choose between next summer: https://t.co/Ty9G7rgS43

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) November 27, 2019

While Liverpool would have to pay an enormous amount to pull off the signing, it's an acquisition that would make sense for the Reds.

Currently they have three of the best forwards in the world in Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, but the drop-off to the backup options in this area of the field is significant. Sancho would be another excellent alternative on either flank.

Despite his tender years, already Sancho has found a productive edge in front of goal:

Jadon Sancho has now scored 20 goals for Borussia Dortmund across all competitions and has also provided 28 assists.

Ridiculous output for such a young player. 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/1cB5lqRAx4

— Squawka (@Squawka) November 27, 2019

Not only does he put the ball away, the 5'11" star terrifies defenders with his searing speed and trickery. Under the guidance of Klopp, it'd be easy to see him thriving.

Liverpool are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand on Manchester City. If Sancho was to arrive midseason, he'd give their push for major honours in 2020 a huge boost.

Marco Silva has confirmed Manchester United's long-rumoured interest in Everton star Richarlison, but the forward has reportedly decided against moving away from Goodison Park. 

According to Andy Hunter of the Guardian, Richarlison could sign a new five-year contract with the Toffees ahead of Wednesday's Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield.

Silva, who is under pressure as Everton manager after a poor run of results, said it is crucial the Toffees keep hold of players like Richarlison:

"I believe it is not just Manchester United [who are interested]. I believe it is some more. As a club, we have to keep our best players. Unfortunately we did not keep one of them in the summer [Idrissa Gana Gueye], but to keep growing and going in the right way we want our most important players, our best players, and we should keep all of them. Then we can keep growing. We don't see other clubs who want to grow selling their best players. That is what we should do."

Everton go into Wednesday's meeting against table-topping Liverpool sitting just two points above the relegation zone in the Premier League:

Matchweek 14 ✅
Matchweek 15 ⏳ pic.twitter.com/ZQengQd5bc

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 3, 2019

Silva has overseen a run of just two wins in 10 league games despite spending over £100 million on signings in the summer.

The Portuguese manager is now in his second season in charge at Goodison, but he has failed to live up to expectations.

Last term, despite similarly high outlays on the likes of Richarlison (£40 million) and Yerry Mina (£27 million), the Toffees failed to trouble the European places as they finished eighth.

Silva, 42, now looks to be on borrowed time:

Winnable games coming up for Everton?

Or have the fans run out of patience with Marco Silva?#MOTD2 pic.twitter.com/TXi6OAb5bo

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 2, 2019

Given the profile of the club and the money they have spent, as well as the fact teams like Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are faltering this season, Everton should arguably be fighting for the top four.

Instead they are in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.

If Richarlison signs a new deal, though, it will be a rare piece of good news for Everton and Silva.

The 22-year-old Brazil international has scored 17 league goals since joining the club from Watford in the summer of 2018, more than any other Everton player in that period. 

Barcelona youngster Riqui Puig said on Monday he is not considering leaving Barcelona and wants to stay at the Camp Nou. 

The 20-year-old has been linked with leaving the club on loan in the January transfer window to gain more game time but wants to stay with the Catalan giants, per Juan Jimenez and Jonathan Meaney at AS.

"At all times I have said that I want to stay at Barca. ... At the moment I'm not considering leaving the club and everything is going very well. I'm going to stay here.

"Some manager has talked to my father, but they have not made it very clear what they want to do with me. The club has always trusted me a lot, they want me to triumph here and they see me as an investment."

Barcelona's director of youth football Patrick Kluivert has advised Puig to go out on loan. He told Albert Roge and Tomas Andreu at Sport that "it's better for Riqui to go out on loan to play at a different level." 

Puig is widely regarded as one of La Masia's most promising talents. He made his debut for the first team in their 4-1 win over Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey in December 2018 and went on to make two La Liga starts against Celta Vigo and Huesca:

Great pass from @RiquiPuig... but Santamaria denies @Dembouz ! 👏📛 #HuescaBarça pic.twitter.com/a7W9BHczeO

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) April 13, 2019

However, he has not managed a first-team appearance for Ernesto Valverde's team in 2019-20, although he has continued to impress for Francisco Javier Garcia Pimienta's Barcelona B team:

⚽💥 @RiquiPuig pic.twitter.com/BcZazNIiOn

— Barça Atlètic (@FCBarcelonaB) September 14, 2019

He also caught the eye in a fund-raising friendly against Cartagena in November:

⚽️ @RiquiPuig's passing skills! 💫#CartagenaBarça

LIVE STREAM: https://t.co/F5eawXMZfR pic.twitter.com/Hf3EQy3CmO

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 13, 2019

Segunda Division side Las Palmas had been linked with a move for the youngster. Yet president Miguel Angel Ramirez has ruled out bringing Puig to the club in January, per Sport.

Puig has bags of potential and talent but is struggling for game time with the Barcelona first team due to the fierce competition for places in midfield.

However, that could all change when the transfer window reopens in January. Barcelona want to sell Ivan Rakitic and loan out Carles Alena, according to Ben Hayward at the Evening Standard.

If both players were to leave the Camp Nou it would free up space in the first team, which may offer Puig the chance to stake a claim for a place in Valverde's squad.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has moved to quash rumours that Jadon Sancho could leave the club in January.

The Englishman started as a substitute on Wednesday for BVB's UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona, but he came off the bench and scored a classy consolation in the 3-1 loss at the Camp Nou:

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1199805805295546370

Disappointment for Dortmund in Barcelona...

But Jadon Sancho managed to leave the Nou Camp with another beautiful goal for his collection 👌

Such an immense talent 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/mg10Nog9Mm

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2019

Reports emerged afterward that the 19-year-old had been dropped from the starting XI after arriving late for both the pre-match team briefing and training:

Sportschau indicating Jadon Sancho not only was late to the team meeting, but also the team breakfast and training too. #BVB

(Thanks to @Ravenblade86 for the heads-up)

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) November 28, 2019

He has previously been suspended by Dortmund for arriving late back from international duty in October, and he was also substituted after just 36 minutes in their recent 4-0 loss to Bayern Munich.

After the loss to Barca, reports have subsequently emerged that Sancho wants to leave Dortmund in the new year and the German club are prepared to listen to offers, per Miguel Delaney of The Independent.

However, Zorc has now dismissed those claims and said recent issues have been dealt with in-house:

Michael Zorc plays down Jadon Sancho Borussia Dortmund exit: "I think Jadon did a good job when he came in. I don't get the impression that a winter transfer is being planned." #BVB

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) November 29, 2019

While rumours have been swirling around Sancho, and his relationship with Dortmund has been questioned, his form has continued to be impeccable.

The England international has picked up in 2019-20 where he left of last term, netting four goals and providing six assists in 10 Bundesliga appearances:

Jadon Sancho’s Borussia Dortmund career by numbers so far:

• 72 games
• 54 starts
• 28 assists
• 20 goals

San-senational. pic.twitter.com/8LPaWqsLfF

— Squawka (@Squawka) November 27, 2019

While he may not leave in January, it has long been expected the current campaign will be Sancho's last at Dortmund.

Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid are all in the running to sign him, per David Ornstein of The Athletic.  

The prestige of the clubs linked with the winger is an indication of just how highly rated he is across Europe.

It is also another hint that a January exit is unlikely for Sancho, as big-money, high-profile transfers are rarely completed in the winter window due to time constraints and the fact the season is still running. 

Barcelona academy director Patrick Kluivert believes Carles Alena could improve if he left the club on loan. 

According to Onda Cero's El Transistor programme (h/t Football Espana's Colin Millar), Kluivert said on a potential loan move for Alena in January: "Maybe Alena leaving would allow him to return as a better player."

Alena, 21, established himself as a part of Barca's first-team squad last season.

Manager Ernesto Valverde handed him 17 La Liga appearances in 2018-19, 11 of them from the bench.

Compared to the season before, his Spanish top-flight game time increased from 40 minutes to 631 minutes.

In 2019-20, along with Ivan Rakitic in the centre of midfield, Alena has been pushed to the fringes after the summer purchase of Frenkie De Jong and the rise to prominence of Arthur.

The La Masia graduate has not played a minute of competitive football for Barca since he started their opening game of the 2019-20 La Liga season—a 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao—and was hooked at half-time:

btw I don't doubt that this will improve Barcelona, because Aleña wasn't playing well at all, but it's just frustrating because how will the kid develop?

— Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) August 16, 2019

In the Blaugrana's 17 matches since, he has only been included on the bench five times and otherwise been left out of the squad completely.

As such, it would make sense for Alena to complete the season away from the Camp Nou where he can get more game time.

Cadena Cope (h/t Football Espana) reported that Getafe are interested in signing him, and they are likely to be able to offer him the chance to play in the UEFA Europa League knockout stages:

Getafe beat Trabzonspor 0-1 in the Europa League. Group C very tight now - Basel on 10 points, Geta and Krasnodar both on 9, those two meet at the Coliseum in last game https://t.co/hE72hJUleY

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) November 28, 2019

Per Marca's Juancar Navacerrada, Celta Vigo could also enter the race to sign Alena.