Barcelona plans to buy Rashford outright, Ten Hag is a candidate for Wolves
Talksport say Barcelona are planning to sign Marcus Rashford permanently if wage terms are agreed; Wolves are considering Erik ten Hag; Napoli are pushing for a loan move for Kobbie Mainoo in January.
Barcelona are pushing ahead with plans to buy Marcus Rashford outright after his loan ends, while Erik ten Hag is on the shortlist for the Wolves head coach position. In Serie A, Napoli are “speeding up” to loan Kobbie Mainoo in January. Three moves at once could shake up the personnel axis in England and Europe in the middle of the season.
Barcelona and the Rashford problem: long-term contract depends on salary
According to Talksport, Barcelona have planned to sign Marcus Rashford (28) on a long-term basis after his loan contract expires, on the condition that the English striker accepts the salary offered by the Catalan team (Source: Talksport).
For Barcelona, this is a structural decision. A permanent signing would cement the centre-forward/left-sided forward role for the next phase, while also providing a springboard for the younger crop of players. On the other hand, a move away from Old Trafford could end an iconic era for Rashford – something Manchester United will certainly have to consider from a dressing room and rebuilding perspective.
The key to the deal lies in the salary agreement. If agreed, the deal could create a domino effect in the market, accelerating plans to replenish the attacking ranks at both ends of the bridge.
Napoli promote borrowing Kobbie Mainoo: increase steel in midfield
Teamtalk say Napoli are “actively pushing” for a loan deal for Kobbie Mainoo (20) in January (Source: Teamtalk). For the Serie A champions, this is a proactive move to add dynamism and control in midfield.
For Manchester United, letting a talent as talented as Mainoo leave – even temporarily – is a matter of balancing the player’s need for regular playing time and squad depth. This decision could have a direct impact on rotation plans and midfield structure.
Wolves consider Erik ten Hag for head coach position
The Athletic reports that Erik ten Hag is one of the leading candidates being considered by Wolves to replace Vitor Pereira (Source: Athletic). Although no final decision has been made, this is an option that could reshape Wolves' playing philosophy during the season.
Wolves’ expanded selection criteria reflects a preference for stability and a clear long-term vision. The Premier League is not unfamiliar to Ten Hag; the key is the fit of the current personnel model and the level of support for a rebuilding path.
Other notable moves in the market
- Niclas Fullkrug considers leaving West Ham:The 32-year-old striker's agent told the TOMorrow Business Podcast that the move was "perfectly logical", opening up the possibility of a new destination at the end of his career (Source: TOMorrow Business Podcast via Athletic).
- William Saliba and the attraction of Real Madrid: The 24-year-old centre-back admitted the prospect of moving to Real Madrid was “very appealing” before signing a new contract with Arsenal in September, reflecting both the attraction of Los Blancos and the player's determination to stay (Source: Sports Illustrated).
- Newcastle target Ederson: The I revealed that "The Magpies" have put Atalanta's 24-year-old midfielder, Ederson, on the list of long-term replacement targets for Joelinton, in order to maintain the steel and stability of the midfield (Source: The I).
- Liverpool pursue Ian Subiabre: The Anfield team joined the race to recruit the 18-year-old winger of River Plate, a prominent young talent in South America at present (Source: Fichajes).
- Chelsea and Man United compete for Vitor Roque's signature:Mundo Deportivo says two English representatives are interested in the 20-year-old Brazilian striker from Palmeiras, promising a fierce competition in the market (Source: Mundo Deportivo).
- Oriol Romeu returns to Southampton: Sport confirmed that the 34-year-old midfielder will reunite with his old team after reaching an agreement to terminate his contract with Barcelona, a return that will revive his career (Source: Sport).
- Jonathan David finds a way out at Juventus: After a difficult start, Sky Sports said the 25-year-old striker could leave Juventus in January; Tottenham and Bayern Munich are keeping a close eye on him (Source: Sky Sports).
- De Rossi leads the race for the Genoa hot seat:Football Italia says Daniele de Rossi is a strong candidate after Genoa sacked Patrick Vieira, promising a new project on the coaching bench (Source: Football Italia).
Overall impact
Three key axes – Rashford’s future, Mainoo’s loan plans and the Wolves job – could soon shape the trajectory of the mid-season transfer window. For big clubs, getting the strategic pieces together quickly can create an immediate competitive advantage and reduce the risk of falling out of step at a crucial stage of the season.
