Our transfer expert Graeme Bailey gives us five players to watch heading into the final weeks of the 2024 football transfer window.
Conor Gallagher – Chelsea
It’s a strange one. Chelsea academy graduate Gallagher does not want to leave the club, nor does his manager Mauricio Pochettino want him to leave – yet there is still a chance he could go.
Chelsea’s hierarchy see the sale of Gallagher as pure profit; he is a home-grown and that adds invaluable money to the bottom line. Will The Blues go against their manager, squad and fans by letting the England international leave? Well, it is possible.
Tottenham love Gallagher and would gladly take him during this Premier League winter transfer window. If he was available, they would make their move. However, as it stands, it seems like he is going to stay. Watch this space.
Kieran Trippier – Newcastle United
The popular Newcastle full-back has just been named North East Player of the Year and has been a key part of the rebuild under the PIF banner at St James’ Park.
However, like others, Newcastle are struggling with the Financial Fair Play rules and they could now be tempted by letting Trippier out and then investing elsewhere. Eddie Howe could allow the 33 year old to leave, safe in the knowledge that 21-year-old Tino Livramento (viewed by many on Tyneside as his long-term replacement) is already more than capable to step in and replace Tripper at right back.
But is there interest? Yes, and some very big names. I am told by some very reliable sources that both Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are in the market for a right-back and Trippier is emerging as an option. He has the added experience of playing on the continent, following his spell with Atletico Madrid.
Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City
We have known for a long time that Kalvin Phillips was set to leave Manchester City in the January football transfer window, it’s just a question of who Pep will allow him to be sold to.
Newcastle United are firm favourites to land him, but as it stands, their talks with City have reached a stand-still. If he does not end up on Tyneside, there are options elsewhere with West Ham United and Crystal Palace willing to take him to the capital. Similarly, European heavyweights Juventus, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have all expressed an interest. Phillips, who needs first-team football ahead of Euro 2024, has a big decision to make.
Karim Benzema – Al-Ittihad
We have seen Jordan Henderson stamp his feet and get his way with a move away from Saudi Arabia, but is the same thing happening with Karim Benzema? Possibly, but the French legend is on a different pay-scale to Henderson – only Cristiano Ronaldo is paid more. The Frenchman is reportedly being paid £1.5 million a week by his Saudi club, and it is an eye-watering amount of money to walk away from. A rift between Benezema and Al Ittihad head coach Marcelo Gallardo doesn’t look like being resolved anytime soon, but him wanting a move isn’t that simple.
His former club Real Madrid are said to hold an interest, whilst possible loans to the Premier League with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been mentioned. Similarly, a move back to French side Lyon has also been suggested, but it looks a tough deal to do at this stage.
Emile Smith Rowe – Arsenal
Smith-Rowe is a real forgotten figure at Arsenal, and has barely featured this season for Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta. Dubbed the ‘Croydon de Bruyne’ by Gunners fans after breaking into Arsenal’s first-team squad as a teenager, he now looks sure to leave North London by the end of the Premier League winter transfer window.
West Ham United have thrown their hat into the ring already, but I’m told there are plenty of clubs monitoring the situation for a versatile midfielder. His wages wouldn’t be an issue, and with age on his side the 23-year-old will be highly applying to a host of managers in the top-flight.
Prices are correct at the time of publication, but can fluctuate. Please Gamble Responsibly.
Please note that the information provided in this article is for entertainment purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any action you take upon the information on this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our article. We do not encourage gambling and remind you to gamble responsibly.
Supercharge your bets with kwiff.
By Graeme Bailey
