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Transfer rumors, news: Premier League clubs eyeing Simons

ESPN

Jan 31, 2025, 12:00 PM ET

Manchester United have already agreed a €60m move to sign Sporting CP full-back Geovany Quenda in the summer, while three Premier League clubs are looking at signing RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons. The Women's Super League window is now closed, while MLS' transfer window officially opens today. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

- Manchester United have already agreed to sign Sporting CP full-back Geovany Quenda as he eyes a reunion with former boss Ruben Amorim in the summer, says A Bola. Quenda, 17, has caught the eye in Portugal and is a perfect fit for the right wing-back spot in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation. Sporting have him on a contract until 2027, which includes an €80m release clause, but the report claims that an offer of €60m was enough to get the deal done.

- RB Leipzig signed Xavi Simons on a permanent transfer from PSG for a fee of €50m fee (plus €30m in add-ons) but Manchester City, Liverpool, and Manchester United are interested in landing him in the summer, reports Bild's Christian Falk. The three Premier League clubs are said to be watching Simons situation closely, given his contract only lasts until 2027, and it is reported that the 21-year-old could be acquired with an offer in the region of €80m. Simons, a standout performer for Netherlands at the last European Championship, is open to another move in the near future.

- Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel is on the radar of Chelsea, according to the Independent. Kobel, 27, has impressed despite Dortmund's poor start to the season, although any move unlikely in January and may wait until the summer. The Blues already have EIGHT goalkeepers on their books -- No. 1 Robert Sánchez and his backup Filip Jorgensen, but then also Djordje Petrovic, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marcus Bettinelli, Lucas Bergstrom, Gabriel Slonina and Eddie Beach -- and young Genk star Mike Penders will join next summer. But a €40m move for Kobel could be an upgrade on all of them.

- Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are already stepping up their attempts to sign a replacement for Neymar and have made a "super offer" for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, says Marca. Rodrygo, 24, has been unhappy at Madrid in recent years and has been linked with plenty of top clubs, but is a favourite of president Florentino Perez, and the player himself is now keen to stay and succeed at the LaLiga club, despite competition for places. The Brazil international has a contract until 2028 and has scored 67 goals and bagged 47 assists in 245 appearances, but an offer of over €100m could tempt Madrid as Saudi Arabia look to make him the face of their league ahead of the 2034 World Cup.

- Barcelona are planning a move for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães, reports TEAMtalk. The Blaugrana are reported to have "reignited" their interest in the 27-year-old, and they are keen to sign him in the summer. It is said that they could look to move on midfielder Frenkie de Jong to help make room for Guimarães, who has contributed to eight goals in 23 Premier League matches this season.

- Arsenal are weighing up whether to make a second offer to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, reports the Daily Mail. Watkins, 29, is a boyhood Arsenal fan and would be interested in making the move to London, but Villa are not keen to let him leave as teammate Jhon Durán is set to join Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr for £64.5m. Sources said that Arsenal made an offer (reportedly around £40m) to sign Watkins earlier this week, but the bid was rejected.

CONFIRMED TRANSFERS

- Neymar has confirmed he is returning to Santos. The Brazilian is flying to Sao Paulo to complete his return to his boyhood club and posted several photographs on Instagram, taken on his private plane, with the message: "After 12 years we are back brother." In a video posted on X, he explained the reason why he has chosen to return as "only Santos can provide me with the care I need to prepare for the challenges I face in the coming years."

- Pablo Gavi has signed a new long-term deal at Barcelona until June 2030. Read

- Paris Saint-Germain have signed USWNT defender Crystal Dunn, 32, on a free transfer after she left Gotham FC earlier this week. Read

- Bayer Leverkusen have signed defender Mario Hermoso on loan from Roma.

- Fiorentina forward Jonathan Ikoné has signed for Como on loan, with a permanent option set at €8m.

- Paulo Fonseca has been announced as the new head coach of Ligue 1 side Lyon.

ICYMI - The WSL window closed yesterday so here's a roundup of the top deals:

- England midfielder Keira Walsh is set to join Chelsea from Barcelona for €550,000, with the deadline-day move set to be announced soon. Meanwhile, Chelsea announced the signing of Netherlands U19 goalkeeper Femke Liefting from AZ Alkmaar.
- Arsenal confirmed the signing of England forward Chloe Kelly on loan for the rest of the season from Manchester City. And City brought in Arsenal defender Laura Wienroither on loan. Read
- Gotham left-back, and former NWSL Rookie of the Year, Jenna Nighswonger joined Arsenal for around $100,000. Read

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN's resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen explores why Xavi Simons could move on in six months' time, having just signed for RB Leipzig.

One of the difference-makers in the German Bundesliga last season, Simons hasn't quite managed to reach the same heights this campaign in a somewhat discontinuous Leipzig side. Even so, the creative midfielder remains among the elite offensive playmakers in the league.

Among a myriad of attacking skills, the 21-year-old predominantly stands out for his high volume of take-ons (aided by excellent balance and a low point of gravity), a quick instinctive football brain -- he is brilliant at setting up and executing swift combinations -- and his ability to finish from the edge of the penalty area.

Usually positioned in free role, tucked in to the left behind the central attackers, Simons represents a constant threat. Always prompt to receive the ball between the lines, the rhythm of the Leipzig attacks tends to immediately gain pace and urgency when he gets on the ball. Being able to turn quickly when in possession adds a notch of unpredictability with his elevated vision and capability to pick the right movement for a well-calibrated pass or a right-footed shot.

Always keen to get on the ball, Simons impulsiveness also makes him a target for a tactical foul -- which has resulted in 20+ fouls won in the Bundesliga this season.

Though he has struggled to make the expected impact in the Champions League this campaign, Simons is still the main creative point of reference in the side. While PSG never really gave him a chance, he starred at PSV Eindhoven -- though many worried whether he would cope with the physical transition from the Dutch league to German football. However, those murmurs were soon silenced as he has proven to have a fine attitude and effectiveness in his defensive work too.

OTHER RUMORS

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Why Marcotti thinks Arsenal should go for Vlahovic over Watkins

Gabriele Marcotti believes that Arsenal should target Dusan Vlahovic instead of Ollie Watkins after they tabled a bid for the English striker.

- Napoli have given up on their pursuit of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho after failing to agree a fee; United wanted €70m and Napoli were only willing to pay €55m. (Area Napoli)

- Rosenborg midfielder Sverre Nypan, 18, is expected to stay at the club for the rest of season despite being tracked by Arsenal and Man City. (Athletic)

- Al Nassr had a second offer of £61m to sign 27-year-old Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma rejected, having seen a first offer of £54m rejected yesterday. (Athletic)

- Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is on the radar of Chelsea ahead of the summer. (TEAMtalk)

- Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins would be open to joining Arsenal this month, but Villa want to keep the 29-year-old and would only consider offers over £60m. (Mail)

- However, if he does leave, Villa would bid to sign Wolves striker Matheus Cunha as his replacement. (Guardian)

- West Ham are closing on an €18m deal to sign Arthur Cabral from Benfica. (Record)

- Celtic wanted to sign left-back Kieran Tierney, 27, this month but Arsenal blocked the move until the summer. (Telegraph)

- AC Milan are edging close to signing Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez for €35m after the Rossoneri made an improved offer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- Spain captain Alvaro Morata could leave Milan just six months after arriving for €13m from Atletico Madrid and is a target of Turkish giants Galatasaray. (Ansa)

- Borussia Dortmund are interested in Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki and the 21-year-old could reportedly be signed for a fee of €22.5m. (Sky Germany)

- Como made an offer worth over €40m to sign 27-year-old left-back Theo Hernández from AC Milan, but he isn't interested in a switch. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- Everton are considering a move for 20-year-old Brighton striker Evan Ferguson. (iNews)

- Newcastle are in talks with 18-year-old Malaga winger Antonio Cordero about a free transfer in the summer. (Mail)

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