Players on the move: Join Razeen Gutta for a weekly roundup of all the biggest deals taking place around South Africa and Europe.
Just as the Red Devils teenager breaks onto the scene, the eyes of the world fall on him — and that includes Europe’s elite, tempted at the prospect of his prized signature. On a local front, Pirates will continue to search for a shot-stopper until the very end.
Europe
18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho is earning just £7,000 (R140,000) a week at Manchester United; and despite regular appearances in the first eleven, he has yet to sign a new contract with the club.
According to The Independent, talks have been “positive” between the club and player. However, no deal has been signed due to the new proposed weekly wage being in the region of £20,000 (R400,000) – lower than the expectations that the current market has set.
The lack of a contract extension is reportedly keeping other big European sides interested, with Juventus and even Champions League winners Real Madrid monitoring the Spaniard.
Staying in midfield, but moving across the UK from Manchester to their rivals Liverpool, the latest rumours are more focused on outgoings rather than incomings as it stands for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
According to the Daily Mail, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the season. This means that big changes are expected in the midfield department, but most likely only in the post-season summer window as opposed to this month.
One Premier League midfielder who might be on the move this month is England international Declan Rice. The West Ham star has been made the top target of league leaders Arsenal.
According to multiple reports, the Gunners are hoping to secure his services for a fee in the region of £80 million (R1.6 billion) as it stands.
Heading across London to the Gunners’ rivals Chelsea where there is news of potential outgoings.
Following their successful hijacking of Mykhailo Mudryk under the noses of Arsenal, the Blues may have to decide rather quickly who they want to keep and who they are prepared to sell as the squad makeover continues. And the first name on that list is Kai Havertz.
The German striker is one of many attackers in the Chelsea ranks, and Bayern Munich could be keeping a close eye on the 23-year-old if reports from Germany are to be believed.
South Africa
In local news, Kaizer Chiefs defender Eric Mathotho is keen to stay on with the club despite not having signed a new deal as yet.
The 33-year-old’s contract expires in June and he is eligible to enter pre-contract negotiations with other clubs. However, according to Soccer Laduma, Mathotho has asked his representatives to wait on Chiefs before making any hasty decisions.
On the other side of Soweto, Orlando Pirates have put all their energy into searching for a new goalkeeper. According to Phakaaati, scouts have been briefed and a new goalkeeper will be signed if all goes to plan this month.
Siyabonga Mpontshane and Sipho Chaine currently hold the roles behind the sticks for the Buccaneers. However, with the former ageing and the latter still being viewed as a player with work to be done before being the club’s number one, the time looks right for a new addition.
Pictured above: Alejandro Garnacho
Image source: @agarnacho7
