Real Madrid drop Konate deal, Chelsea monitor Maignan.
The Athletic reports that Real Madrid have stopped pursuing Ibrahima Konate. Chelsea are monitoring Mike Maignan's situation and prioritizing centre-back Murillo, while Manchester United are tracking Jeremy Jacquet.
Real Madrid have withdrawn from the Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool) deal; Chelsea are closely monitoring Mike Maignan (AC Milan) and planning for Murillo (Nottingham Forest); Manchester United are targeting Jeremy Jacquet (Rennes); Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Gleison Bremer (Juventus). In Spain, Hansi Flick wants Barcelona to add two defenders in January.
Real Madrid have stopped pursuing Ibrahima Konate.
According to The Athletic, Real Madrid have officially abandoned their pursuit of central defender Ibrahima Konate following a period of poor form for the French player. This slump was exposed in Liverpool's 1-4 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, where Konate made a direct error leading to a goal conceded and was subsequently substituted by manager Arne Slot.
With the need for stability in the midfield, Real's withdrawal reflects their low risk tolerance at center-back at a crucial stage of the season.
Chelsea are monitoring Mike Maignan's future.
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are closely monitoring Mike Maignan's contract situation at AC Milan. The London club considered Maignan last summer but withdrew due to his high price, subsequently placing their faith in Robert Sanchez.
In the Premier League this season, Sanchez has started 12 matches and kept 7 clean sheets. Despite showing improvement, internal assessments suggest he is not yet reliable enough to be the first-choice goalkeeper in the long term. If Maignan does not renew his contract with AC Milan, he could become a serious target for Chelsea.
Chelsea prioritize center-back Murillo.
According to Mick Brown, former head of scouting for Manchester United and Blackburn, and sources from Football Insider, Chelsea have placed Murillo (Nottingham Forest) at the top of their January transfer list. The Blues' defense has consistently shown weaknesses, and a central defender is a priority for reinforcement.
Murillo (23 years old) is in excellent form at Nottingham Forest, having played a prominent role in Liverpool's 3-0 victory at Anfield. His young, up-and-coming profile and ability to adapt well to the pace of the Premier League make Murillo a suitable option for the long-term rebuilding strategy.
Manchester United are pursuing Jeremy Jacquet.
Manchester United are continuing their plans to upgrade their central defense for the next two transfer windows, aiming for a long-term successor to Harry Maguire. According to journalist Mark Brus, the scouting team highly values Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes.
The 20-year-old has played all 13 matches for Rennes in Ligue 1 this season, demonstrating his readiness to play at the highest level. With coach Ruben Amorim focusing on rejuvenating the squad, Jacquet brings potential value and room for development.
Tottenham Hotspur is interested in Gleison Bremer
According to Tuttosport and TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur are planning to strengthen their defense by targeting Gleison Bremer (Juventus). The 28-year-old Brazilian center-back has shone in Serie A for several seasons, joining Juventus in 2022 after impressive performances at Torino and quickly becoming a key player.
With a demanding schedule and the need for stability in the final third, a center-back in his prime like Bremer provides immediate reassurance in terms of experience and adaptability to high-intensity play.
Hansi Flick wants Barcelona to sign two defensive players.
According to Spanish media, coach Hansi Flick has suggested that Barcelona add a central defender and a right-back in January. Despite being second in La Liga with 31 points after 13 rounds, one point behind Real Madrid, their Champions League performance has been a warning sign, with only 7 points from 5 matches.
Following Inigo Martinez's departure without a replacement, defensive depth has been depleted; the right-back position has also lacked stability. Flick's request for reinforcements reflects the need for a balance between ball control and defensive solidity.
A remarkable number
| Deal/Club | Highlights | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid – Ibrahima Konate | The pursuit ended after Liverpool lost 1-4 to PSV. | The Athletic |
| Chelsea – Mike Maignan | Tracking the contract; Sanchez 12 games, 7 clean sheets | TEAMtalk |
| Chelsea – Murillo | The top priority; highlight the 3-0 victory at Anfield. | Football Insider, Mick Brown |
| Manchester United – Jeremy Jacquet | At 20 years old, he played all 13 matches for Rennes in Ligue 1. | Mark Brus |
| Tottenham Hotspur – Gleison Bremer | Juventus center-back, 28 years old | Tuttosport, TEAMtalk |
The January transfer market therefore quickly formed its priorities: Real Madrid opted for safety in the center of their defense; Chelsea reviewed both their goalkeeper and center-back positions; Manchester United and Tottenham sought long-term solutions for their defensive systems; and Barcelona needed depth to go the distance in both competitions.
