Transfer News: Messi Could Be Loaned to Barça, Man City Worried About Haaland, Giroud’s Contract Extension, Rashford’s Future at MU in Jeopardy
Here are the latest transfer news : Messi, Giroud, Haaland and Rashford for october 6.
1. Messi Could Return to Barcelona on Loan
According to reports from Catalan press, including Sport, Lionel Messi’s return to Europe is not out of the question. Similar to Zlatan Ibrahimovic or David Beckham’s loan spells at AC Milan, the MLS could facilitate a possible loan move for the Argentine forward to FC Barcelona in January, lasting six months. One condition is that Inter Miami fails to qualify for the MLS playoffs, effectively ending their season. However, this possibility remains unconfirmed by official sources. Messi is currently under contract with Inter Miami until December 2025, making qualification for the playoffs a crucial factor.
2. Manchester United Contemplating Rashford’s Departure
Reports from the Daily Star and the Mirror suggest that Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is considering ending Marcus Rashford’s tenure at the club. Rashford’s form has been lackluster this season, with only one goal to his name so far. Ten Hag is contemplating giving more opportunities to young talents like Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri, and Antony in the first team. If Rashford fails to regain his form, a future transfer may be on the cards.
3. Manchester City Fears Losing Haaland
Erling Haaland’s release clause of €200 million for next summer has put Manchester City on alert. The Manchester Evening News reports that City plans to offer Haaland a new contract to prevent his potential transfer to Spain or PSG. Real Madrid could make a move next summer if they fail to secure Kylian Mbappé. As a result, Manchester City is set to begin negotiations in the coming days to secure their star striker’s future. The club is willing to significantly increase Haaland’s weekly salary, excluding bonuses, to strengthen their bond.
4. AC Milan Considers Extending Giroud’s Contract
AC Milan is contemplating extending Olivier Giroud’s contract, currently set to expire in June 2024, for an additional year. This decision follows Giroud’s impressive performances at the start of the season, despite the anticipated arrival of another striker as the future starting forward next summer. Giroud, who feels comfortable at AC Milan, is open to signing a new contract.
5. Jerome Boateng, who has been a free agent since the end of his contract with Olympique Lyonnais in June, is unlikely to rejoin Bayern Munich despite ongoing discussions.
Jerome Boateng reuniting with Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich seems unlikely. The club’s management has cooled off on the idea due to Boateng’s upcoming trial for alleged violence against his ex-partner in 2018. From a sporting perspective, Bayern Munich is planning to bring back Matthijs de Ligt in central defense, which has also influenced the decision not to sign Boateng.
6. Ancelotti talks Modric’s future at Real Madrid.
The coach of Real Madrid has directly addressed the situation of Luka Modric, who has not been a regular starter since the beginning of the season.
Carlo Ancelotti talks about Modric’s case. The Croatian, who hasn’t been a regular starter this season, remains in the shadows. Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press, saying, « I talk to him every day. He’s not happy, obviously, but he’s still very motivated. Nobody is like him in the locker room; he’s the leader. His importance is maximum. I like him a lot, we all do. »
Despite stiff competition in midfield, Carlo Ancelotti confirms that Luka Modric will not leave during the January 2024 transfer window. Ancelotti stated, « The fact that Modrić is not playing affects us all. It affects me, it affects his teammates, and everyone who loves him. But his motivation has not changed. He is still very important (…) If Luka Modrić leaves in January? Absolutely not. He thinks he’s an important player, and we think the same. He doesn’t want to leave, and we are very happy about that. »