The winter transfer window is closed. But even in the transfer-free period, the rumor mill is churning. The March 12 transfer rumours.
Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)
According to various transfer experts, Christopher Nkunku’s move to Chelsea has been fixed for some time. Now Max Eberl has also commented on the future of the Frenchman. “I’m glad that the contract extension worked out for him last summer,” said the sporting director double pass at sports1: “Unfortunately, with him, a top player would leave us.” When asked if the attacker had an exit clause, Eberl replied meaningfully: “Maybe”.
Konrad Laimer and Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig)
With Konrad Laimer, too, the signs are pointing to farewell. The Austrian’s contract expires next summer and then, according to rumours, he could go to Bayern Munich. But Eberl didn’t want to confirm that yet. “If he had made up his mind and he wanted to say that, then he could do it, but that didn’t happen,” said the ex-Gladbacher.
With Dani Olmo, another Leipzig player is regularly associated with other clubs. “We want to extend him, he knows how much we value him,” Eberl said of the Spaniard, who he said had a strong World Cup. Nevertheless, he knows that these services do not make an extension any easier. Olmo’s working paper runs until 2024.
Dujuan Richards (Phoenix All Stars Academy)
The next signing at Chelsea FC! 17-year-old Jamaican Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards has signed a preliminary contract with Chelsea. This was announced by his club Phoenix All Stars Academy Instagram.
“History has been made. The Phoenix All Stars Academy is proud to announce that Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards, who has been with us since he was 12, has signed a preliminary contract with Chelsea FC. He will soon join the play in the Premier League,” announced the Jamaican club. Richards had also reportedly piqued interest from Newcastle United. He completed a two-week trial with the Magpies, but has now decided to switch to the Graham Potter-trained Blues.
Richards cannot officially join Chelsea until November when he turns 18. In order to play in the first team, however, he also needs a work permit. The forward recorded 31 goals and 19 assists last season, attracting attention from the big English clubs.
Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
The transfer rumors about Roberto Firmino pick up speed after his departure from Liverpool. While he has already been traded as a new signing by Spanish and Saudi Arabian clubs, US journalist Tom Bogert is now bringing a new variant into play: MLS club St. Louis City SC are interested in signing the 31-year-old striker.
Firmino’s contract with the Reds expires in the summer. A few days ago he announced that he will leave the club after eight years. At St. Louis SC, a young MLS franchise, Lutz Pfannenstiel is doing development work as sports director. He still knows Firmino from the Hoffenheim times together. In addition to St. Louis, Bogert says Firmino is also said to arouse desires at California MLS rivals Los Angeles FC.
Firmino has made 28 competitive appearances for Liverpool this season. The 55-time Brazil international scored ten goals and five assists. In the meantime, a tendon injury put him out of action.
Manu Kone (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Manu Koné has decided to leave Borussia Mönchengladbach this summer. This is reported by the French TV station Telefoot. Accordingly, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Chelsea are said to be interested in the midfielder. In the past, RB Leipzig, BVB and Newcastle United were also considered candidates. So far, there shouldn’t be a favorite.
Asked about PSG, Koné said: “It’s very flattering. It’s a big club, they play in the Champions League, they have very big players – so you can only improve if you work with them.” Gladbach is said to be demanding around 45 million euros for the 21-year-old. The sports picture recently reported only 30 million euros. Koné’s contract runs until 2025.
Naby Keita (Liverpool)
AC Milan has recently been considered one of the favorites to sign Naby Keïta. But the Liverpool midfielder could be too expensive, like calciomercato reported. Although the former Leipzig player would be available on a free transfer, the potential salary seems too high for the reigning champions. Accordingly, the susceptibility to injury of the 28-year-old also plays a role. Milan don’t want to take the risk. Should Milan say goodbye to the transfer poker, Keïta could possibly return to the Bundesliga soon. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are considered interested parties.
Florian Wirtz (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)
Florian Wirtz is one of the most sought-after talents in the Bundesliga. But will the 19-year-old change this summer? In any case, he doesn’t seem to be in any hurry. “I’m not looking too far into the future yet. The most important things are that I stay unharmed and can develop further,” said the attacking player Picture: “I’m in a good place here in Leverkusen. I know what I have here. I also noticed that in rehab.” Nothing is missing at Bayer at the moment.
Wirtz is still tied to the Werkself until 2027. In addition to FC Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona in particular was last seen as a possible buyer should it be available soon.