Transfer News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      What is the lowest amount spent in a January transfer window?

      by

      THE January transfer window is usually a good time for managers to bolster their squads ahead of the remainder of the season – but 2024 has been a little different.England’s top clubs spent a staggering £815million in the 2023 January transfer window which was almost double the previous year.
      FOLLOW SUNSPORT’S DEADLINE DAY BLOG FOR ALL THE LATEST DEALS
      Chelsea spent big in January 2023Credit: Getty
      Chelsea a large percentage of that expenditure after splashing £195m on just Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk.
      However, spending has significantly dipped this year across all of the top leagues in Europe.
      And SunSport can provide the reasons along with what has been the lowest amount spent in a January transfer window.
      Read more on transfers
      What is the lowest amount spent in the January transfer window?
      Since the introduction of the January transfer window in 2003, the lowest amount spent by Premier League clubs stands at £34.8m during the 2009/10 campaign.
      The 2002/03 season has the current second lowest with a total of £45.9m being spent.
      And unless something drastic happens, the 2024 window will be towards the bottom of the list too as clubs only spent approximately £55m on the morning of Deadline Day.
      Why are teams not spending much this year?
      Teams are reportedly having difficulties spending this year as they are more wary of Financial Fair Play (FFP).
      Most read in Football
      Everton breached the FFP rules and as a result, they were handed a 10-point deduction
      FFP – or Financial Fair Play – is a concept originally introduced by Uefa in 2009, officially to prevent clubs from spending money they could not afford.
      The Premier League introduced its own FFP regulations which came into effect for the 2013-14 season and which, while less stringent than Uefa regulations, they do impact on club spending.
      And under the current Prem “Profitability and Sustainability” regulations, clubs who are constant members of the top flight for a three-year period are allowed total losses of £105m over those three campaigns.
      What are the biggest deals of the 2024 January transfer window?
      Tottenham have been the busiest this January having spent £26.7m on ex-Genoa defender Radu Dragusin and recruiting former Chelsea star Timo Werner on loan.
      Manchester City splashed £12.5m on Argentine midfielder Claudio Echeverri.
      And Aston Villa bought Kosta Nedeljkovic from Red Star Belgrade for £7.8m. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Blackburn forced to pull plug on transfer with player left stranded while flying across the Atlantic Ocean

      by

      BLACKBURN’S transfer deadline day plans were thrown into chaos by a late snag in Adam Wharton’s move to Crystal Palace.The young midfielder spent the day in South London on Wednesday but his £22million switch almost stalled at the last minute.
      Blackburn ace Adam Wharton’s move to Crystal Palace almost stalledCredit: Getty
      Blackburn had to pull the plug on Orlando City star Duncan McGuireCredit: ©Icon Sportswire (A Division of XML Team Solutions) All Rights Reserved
      It has been ironed out now and the deal is expected to be finalised later today.
      However, it meant cash-strapped Rovers had to pull the plug on their own £2m swoop for Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire.
      The striker was en route to the UK when he was informed the deal was off – and is now in England waiting for news.
      Sheffield Wednesday are also interested in signing McGuire.
      Read More on Football
      The 22-year-old’s career kicked off in 2022 when he joined Lane United.
      The USA international then moved to Orlando a year later where he started to turn heads in the MLS.
      The centre-forward has since amassed a total of 15 goals and three assists in 37 appearances.
      The American has also been capped once with the national team.
      Most read in Championship
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      And McGuire’s impressive performances have earned him a place in the United States’ Olympic team playing in Paris 2024 this summer.
      Blackburn are 18th in the Championship table with eight points separating them from the danger zone.
      Sheffield Wednesday are currently in the relegation zone three points adrift of safety. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona ‘line up forgotten boss who last managed 11 YEARS AGO’ to replace Xavi after shock quit announcement

      by

      BARCELONA are being linked with a shock replacement for manager Xavi, according to reports.The legendary Spanish midfielder, 44, confirmed last week that he will leave the Nou Camp at the end of the season.
      Xavi will leave Barcelona at the end of the seasonCredit: AFP
      Barcelona are eight points adrift of LaLiga leaders Girona and out of the Copa del Rey.
      And while they are into the last 16 of the Champions League, Xavi has confirmed this will be his third and final campaign in charge.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is one candidate that has been mooted, although the Gunners head coach was quick to shut down that talk.
      Former Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez is another man being linked with the role.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But Marca are now claiming Barcelona president Joan Laporta has been in touch with former head coach Frank Rijkaard.
      Dutch icon Rijkaard, 61, took charge of the Spanish giants in 2003 after spells with the Netherlands and Sparta Rotterdam.
      He spent five years at the Nou Camp, winning two LaLiga titles and the Champions League.
      When he left in 2008, to pave the way for Pep Guardiola, he went on to manage Galatasaray and the Saudi Arabian national team.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      However, both jobs lasted less than two years and he has not been in work since leaving the Middle East in January 2013.
      Yet a more than decade-long absence from football does not appear to be deterring Laporta – who is optimistic about Rijkaard’s return.
      The Ajax and AC Milan icon previously stated he has “no intention” of getting back into coaching.
      But reports claim he has not “closed the door completely” on management.
      Xavi’s shock announcement that he will quit came after Barcelona lost 5-3 at home to Villarreal at the weekend.
      He said: “I will leave Barcelona in June. We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change.”
      The former midfielder then went on to add: “I took this decision days ago. I already knew it. But it’s time to make it public.
      “I think the players could not free themselves up. I don’t want to be a problem for the club, but the opposite.”
      Xavi, whose contract is up at the end of the season, also said: “You asked me many times that if I’d be the Sir Alex Ferguson of Barca… the truth is that it will never happen here.
      “You guys won’t allow it — being Barca coach is so difficult. You see how they kill you, they criticise you, it affects you.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “It’s a cruel job, it wears you down. In Barcelona you always feel like you’re not valued, you’re mistreated – that’s how the club works. From a mental health level, it’s tough too.
      “I’m a positive guy but the battery levels keep running out — and at some point, you realise there’s no point in staying.”
      Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard could be set for a return to the Nou CampCredit: PA:Press Association More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Chelsea striker nicknamed ‘Little Crespo’ set to be unemployed after ‘forgettable’ 12 months at club

      by

      A FORGOTTEN Chelsea striker is set to be made unemployed after a nightmare 12 months.The flop forward, dubbed ‘Little Crespo’ after Argentine compatriot Hernan, endured a miserable spell at Universidad Catolica in Chile.
      Franco Di Santo is set to be made unemployed from his 11th clubCredit: Instagram @disanto
      And now Franco Di Santo looks on course to mutually agree to terminate his two-year contract just halfway through.
      Di Santo, 34, made a bright start when he joined from Mexican outfit Tijuana at the beginning of 2023.
      He scored on his Chilean league debut in a 3-0 win over Everton then found the net again in his third appearance.
      However, he failed to add to that tally and finished the 2023 season with two goals and two assists in 24 appearances.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Di Santo is no longer part of the manager’s plans – he was left out of the club’s pre-season trip to Peru and trained alone in his final weeks at Universidad Catolica.
      With no suitors wanting to take him on loan, En Cancha reports the three-cap Argentina international agreed to rip up his contract.
      That allows him to join his next club – which will be the 12th of his career – on a free transfer while Universidad Catolica free up his big wages and a spot in their squad for another foreign player to comply with the Chilean league quota.
      Di Santo burst on to the scene in Chile with Audux Italiano before Chelsea snapped up the teenager for £3.4million in January 2008 – plus two goal nets and 40 litres of paint.
      Most read in FootballFranco Di Santo’s Career

      CLUB CAREER
      2006–2008 – Audax Italiano, 61 league apps (14 goals)2008–2010 – Chelsea, 8 (0)2009–2010 – Blackburn Rovers, (loan) 22 (3)2010–2013 – Wigan Athletic, 92 (13)2013–2015 – Werder Bremen, 49 (18)2015–2019 – Schalke 04, 71 (5)2019 – Rayo Vallecano, 6 (0)2019–2020 – Atletico Mineiro, 21 (3)2020–2022 – San Lorenzo, 33 (10)2022 – Goztepe 15, (3)2022 – Tijuana 15, (2)2023–2024 – Universidad Catolica, 20 (2)
      INTERNATIONAL CAREER2006–2009 Argentina U20 25 (5)2012–2013 Argentina 3 (0)
      HONOURS

      Chelsea – FA Cup 2009
      Wigan – FA Cup 2013

      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      However, it did not work out as planned for the prodigy at Stamford Bridge in the famous No9 shirt as he failed to score a single goal in his 16 first-team appearances.
      Di Santo went on loan to Blackburn in 2009-10 and then joined Wigan for three years in 2010.
      He managed 15 goals in 137 games during his time in England before a journeyman career with Werder Bremen, Schalke, Rayo Vallecano, Atletico Mineiro, San Lorenzo, Goztepe and Tijuana before his stint with Universidad Catolica.
      Di Santo struggled to live up to the hype at ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Facundo Pellistri’s agent blasts Erik ten Hag and claims Man Utd manager has ‘not treated player like a professional’

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG has been blasted by Facundo Pellistri’s agent.Pellistri joined United in 2020 for £9million from Penarol and spent two seasons away from the club on loan.
      Erik ten Hag has been blasted by Facundo Pellistri’s agentCredit: PA
      He returned last season under manager Ten Hag but made only 11 appearances, staring just ONCE and failing to score.
      And this term has not been much better having gone goalless in his 14 games in all competitions.
      The winger now looks set join Granada until the end of the season but not before his agent Edgardo Lasalvia took a swipe at Ten Hag.
      In a Spanish-speaking interview with Sport 890, stressing that he was expressing a personal opinion, Lasalvia said: “Whether he returns to Manchester in the middle of the year will depend on the performance he shows.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “If Ten Hag continues, it’s going to be difficult. Ten Hag hasn’t used him, valued him, or treated him like a professional.”
      Just two months ago, Ten Hag said: “For Pelli he has to make a step from a bench player, often having a very good impact, to a starting XI player.
      “We will see how quick that process will go.”
      Pellistri has made nine appearances for United in the Premier League this season, with just one of these being a start.
      Most read in Football
      Credit: The Sun
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      The Uruguayan has appeared a total of 24 times for United, but is yet to score for the club.
      He has been on loan to Alaves twice since joining United in 2020.
      Granada are currently second bottom of LaLiga on 11 points, six points off safety with Celta Vigo sitting in 17th.
      Facundo Pellistri is set to join Granada on loanCredit: Getty More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Arsenal star who Wenger labelled ‘interesting prospect’ completes non-league free transfer after 5 months unemployed

      by

      FORMER Arsenal midfielder Luke Freeman has joined National League side Barnet.The 31-year-old had been a free agent since leaving Luton in August.
      Former Luton star Luke Freeman has joined BarnetCredit: Rex
      However, he sealed a move to the Hive this week following a five-month stint out of the game.
      Upon his arrival, Freeman said: “I’m very delighted (to be here), I’ve been training for the last few weeks now so happy to sign on the dotted line.
      “The most important thing is to be a part of this route to promotion so if I can help in any way then that’s what I’m here to do.”
      Freeman made his professional debut with Gillingham in 2007 after coming through the club’s academy.
      Read More on Arsenal
      He joined Arsenal the following year in a £200,000 transfer at the age of just 16.
      Legendary Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger described the midfielder as “a very interesting prospect” following his arrival in North London.
      He made 29 appearances for Arsenal’s reserves but did not break into the first team before leaving for Stevenage in 2012.
      Freeman also played for Yeovil, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Millwall before joining Luton in 2022.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Freeman made just 26 appearances and scored two goals for the Hatters.
      The midfielder has made 217 Championship appearances and 11 Premier League appearances in the last 16 years. More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Man Utd star on verge of shock England recall denied Premier League transfer return as bid is rejected

      by

      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have failed in a bid to bring Jack Butland back to the Premier League.Nuno Espirito Santo identified the nine-cap former England goalkeeper as the perfect answer to his goalkeeping problems.
      Jack Butland was denied a Premier League return with Nottingham ForestCredit: EPA
      However, Rangers rapidly rejected Forest’s approach.
      And they made it clear Butland is not for sale.
      The 30-year-old keeper has been outstanding since signing for Rangers on a free transfer from Crystal Palace in the summer.
      Since then he has become a huge favourite with Gers fans who would hate to lose their popular No1.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Butland, who spent last season on loan at Manchester United, has kept 18 clean sheets in 36 appearances for Rangers this season.
      His sensational form has seen him emerge as a shock contender for Gareth Southgate’s England squad for next month’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
      It also attracted Forest, who remain unconvinced by their current ‘keeper’s USA international Matt Turner and Greek international Odysseas Vlachodimos.
      Turner did not help his cause by dropping a shocking blunder in the 2-1 defeat at home to Arsenal.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      The American allowed the ball to slide between his legs as Gabriel Jesus put the Gunners in front.
      But Santo appears set to be left disappointed in his pursuit of Butland.
      Rangers boss Philippe Clement has issued a clear hands-off warning and made it clear Forest are wasting their time bidding for his star performer.
      Clement’s side sit second in the Scottish Premiership, five points behind Celtic with a game in hand.

      The goalkeeper could be given a shock England recallCredit: Getty More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      My dad’s a former Premier League star – now I’m making my own way and am on brink of transfer to English football

      by

      SYDNEY VAN HOOIJDONK is on the brink of a move to England.The former Dutch under-21 international is the son of ex-Celtic and Nottingham Forest striker Pierre van Hooijdonk.
      Sydney van Hooijdonk is reportedly close to joining Norwich on loan from BolognaCredit: Getty
      The striker is the son of former Dutch international Pierre van HooijdonkCredit: instagram / @sydneyvanhooijdonk
      According to Sky Sports News, Norwich are in talks to sign the 23-year-old on loan from Bologna with an option to buy.
      Van Hooijdonk was previously linked with a move to Celtic earlier this month, where his dad won the Scottish Cup in 1995.
      He was also tipped as a potential target for Forest last summer after starring on loan at Heerenven.
      During an 18-month spell with the Eredivisie side, Van Hooijdonk scored 26 goals in 54 appearances.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The forward began his career with NAC Breda, where his dad is on the board, before joining Bologna in 2021.
      Van Hooijdonk, who can also play on the left wing, has scored once in 16 first-team appearances for the Italian side.
      His dad was also a striker, scoring 14 goals in 46 caps for the Netherlands.
      The 54-year-old was a member of the Dutch squads for the 1998 World Cup as well as the Euros in both 2000 and 2004.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      He twice tasted relegation from the Premier League with Forest, either side of powering the club to promotion with 29 league goals during the 1997/98 season.
      After leaving the City Ground, Van Hooijdonk had spells in Portugal, Turkey and his native Netherlands before retiring in 2007 aged 37.
      The 23-year-old starred on loan at Heerenveen last seasonCredit: Rex
      Van Hooijdonk was twice relegated during three years at Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty More