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LIVE! Transfer news and rumours: Spurs sign Dragusin, Sancho completes Man Utd loan exit
Radu Dragusin signs for Tottenham on January 11, 2024
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole’s live coverage of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the world of football on Thursday, January 11.
Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today’s transfer rumours and done deals.
Today’s key events
Jadon Sancho leaves Manchester United on loan to Borussia Dortmund
Spurs complete Radu Dragusin signing
Eric Dier leaves Tottenham for Bayern Munich
Chelsea recall David Datro Fofana from Union Berlin loan
Napoli turn attention to Arsenal, Chelsea defenders
Saudi clubs eye double Liverpool raid
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Brentford sign Turkish youngster Yunus Emre Konak
Brentford manager Thomas Frank celebrates after the match on October 21, 2023
Brentford have completed the signing of highly-rated midfielder Yunus Emre Konak from Turkish Super Lig side Sivasspor.
Konak, who turned 18 on Wednesday, has signed a contract until the summer of 2029, with an option to extend by a further year.
Brentford director of football Phil Giles told the club’s website: “Yunus is an exciting young player and we are very happy to have managed to bring him to Brentford.
“He’s a player that likes to be aggressive, close players down, win tackles, and get the ball back for his team.
Click here to read the full story.
5mo ago
Welcome!
Good morning and welcome to another day of transfer news and rumours!
Before we get started with a look at all of today’s biggest transfer talk, let’s first have a quick recap of what happened yesterday.
Yesterday’s top stories
Jadon Sancho leaves Manchester United on loan to Borussia Dortmund
Spurs complete Radu Dragusin signing
Eric Dier leaves Tottenham for Bayern Munich
Chelsea recall David Datro Fofana from Union Berlin loan
Napoli turn attention to Arsenal, Chelsea defenders
Saudi clubs eye double Liverpool raid
Click here to read full details of all yesterday’s transfer news and rumours
5mo agoRUMOUR
Man City ‘relaxed over Haaland future amid Real Madrid reports’
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland celebrates after the match on November 28, 2023
Manchester City reportedly remain relaxed over the future of star striker Erling Haaland despite interest from Real Madrid.
A recent report claimed that Los Blancos could sign the Norwegian for around €100m (£86.1m) due to the alleged terms of a release clause in his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been strongly linked with Haaland for some time, even before he joined the Citizens from Borussia Dortmund in July 2022, as they continue their hunt for a long-term successor to Karim Benzema, who joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ittihad last summer.
However, according to The Sun, Man City remain confident that Haaland is happy at the club and is settled with Pep Guardiola’s side for the ‘foreseeable future’.
Click here to read the full story.
5mo ago
Dragusin agent sets sights on future Real Madrid move after Spurs switch
Radu Dragusin signs for Tottenham on January 11, 2024
The agent of Tottenham Hotspur’s latest signing Radu Dragusin has claimed that he sees the defender securing a future move to Real Madrid.
Spurs announced on Thursday evening that the 21-year-old has completed his transfer to North London from Serie A side Genoa for a reported €25m (£21.5m) plus potential add-ons.
Dragusin has penned a six-and-a-half-year deal which will keep him at Tottenham until 2030, and the defender has become the club’s second signing of the January window after Timo Werner, who has joined on loan from RB Leipzig.
The Romania’s agent Florin Manea has admitted that he was in disbelief when Tottenham’s new No.6 turned down the chance to sign for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in order to finalise his transfer to Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Click here to read the full story.
5mo agoRUMOUR
Burnley ‘pushing to sign Chelsea’s Fofana on loan’
Burnley are reportedly closing in on the loan signing of Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana.
During the summer, the Blues allowed Fofana to link up with Union Berlin – who were then participating in the Champions League – on a season-long loan deal.
However, the first half of the campaign did not work out for all parties, with the Ivorian scoring just twice from 10 starts and six substitute outings in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
Although the two strikes in question came in his most recent five outings, Chelsea announced on Thursday that they have recalled Fofana from his stint in the German capital.
Click here to read the full story.
5mo agoRUMOUR
Transfer rumours: Dybala to Villa, Sensi to Leicester, Samardzic to Brighton
Aston Villa have reportedly enquired about a possible transfer for Roma playmaker Paulo Dybala.
The Argentine is currently in the middle of his second season with Roma after joining the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.
Despite struggling with injury issues during his time in the Italian capital, Dybala has established himself as a key player in Jose Mourinho’s side, scoring 24 goals and providing 14 assists in 56 competitive appearances.
While he may be regarded as one of Roma’s most prized assets, Dybala is being linked with a move to the Premier League.
Fenerbahce complete signing of Leonardo Bonucci
Coventry sign midfielder Victor Torp
“We’re delighted to welcome Victor to Coventry City. He is a player who brings to us creativity and athleticism,” said manager Mark Robins.
“He will need a period of adjustment but we are confident that he will adapt to the intensity and demands of training and the Championship.
“We look forward to working with Victor and him continuing his footballing development with us.”
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Tottenham’s Eric Dier joins Bayern Munich on loan
Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that long-serving defender Eric Dier has joined Bayern Munich on loan for the rest of the season.
The 29-year-old departs the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following a nine-and-a-half-year spell in Spurs colours, and Bayern have announced that his transfer also includes the option for another year.
Dier – whose contract at Tottenham expires in the summer window – reunites with former Spurs teammate Harry Kane in Bavaria and leaves the Lilywhites immediately after the signing of Radu Dragusin from Genoa was confirmed.
“This move is a dream come true for me, because as a child you want to play for a club like Bayern one day. Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world and has an incredible history,” Dier told the official Bayern website.
Spurs sign Radu Dragusin from Genoa
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of defender Radu Dragusin from Genoa on a long-term contract.
The 21-year-old has put pen to paper on a six-and-a-half-year deal in North London, which will keep him at the club until 2030.
Dragusin, who is understood to have rejected offers from Bayern Munich and Napoli in favour of a move to Spurs, has been handed the number six shirt, most recently worn by Davinson Sanchez.
The Romania international could be in contention to make his debut for Ange Postecoglou’s side when they visit Manchester United on Saturday.
Josh Gordon returns to Walsall
“I’m looking forward to it,” Gordon said.
“I want to come out here, get games and hopefully do what I did last season – score goals and enjoy my football. It’s a club close to my heart so I’ve always been looking out for the results.
“I’ve been speaking to the head coach for a while. I’ve played with him, I know what he’s about so when we had a conversation, it just felt right for me to come here and enjoy my football, which is what he wants me to do.
“I want to score goals and help us get to where we want to get to.”
Manager Mat Sadler added: “We’re looking forward to having Josh working with us. There were multiple clubs in for him in a very tight market for strikers, so we’re really pleased to get it over the line.”
“I know Josh well; I know his strengths and I know what he will bring to the team.
“He fits the profile of someone who I want in the dressing room, in the environment but also in terms of work rate, desire, honesty, and willingness to put a shift in.
“I’m looking forward to working with him from this side of the fence as opposed to being a player with him.”
James Belshaw joins Harrogate on permanent deal
“I have some unbelievable memories at this football club from my first time here. I sat down with the manager after the Notts County game and discussed the possibility of coming back on a full-time basis.,” he told the club website.
“The move was something that I was keen to do. After that, there was a lot of conversations taking place but my side of it was straight forward. I am absolutely buzzing to be back.”
Manager Simon Weaver added: “I am delighted to get this deal for Belly over the line. The fans have made their feelings clear for a number of weeks now so I’m sure they will be equally pleased.
“He has returned a better player than he was in his first spell and I think that comes from the experience he has gained at this level and the level above. He is like an outfield player in terms of his ability with the ball at his feet.
“I know the lads in the changing room really like him so this signing adds even more of a buzz around the club.”
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Morecambe sign Joe Adams on loan from Wigan
“I’m really looking forward to it, it just came about the last couple of days, I was told the loan was a possibility and when it got done, I was buzzing,” he told the club website.
“I’ve been on a few loans which were four or five games each, they were good experiences but here, a proper loan until the end of the season, I’m looking forward to it.
“I’d say my best position is a number 10; I’ll run all game, make runs in behind and I like to get on the ball as well. I’ll take people on and hopefully get some goals and assists.”
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Tottenham’s Djed Spence joins Genoa on loan
“Djed Spence has joined Serie A side Genoa on loan for the remainder of the 2023-24 season,” read a statement from the club.
“The 23-year-old full-back spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Championship side Leeds United, where he made seven appearances.”
Confirmation of Radu Dragusin moving in the opposite direction is expected soon…
Sevilla, Everton ‘remain locked in battle for Hannibal Mejbri’
Sevilla and Everton are reportedly going head-to-head for the signature of Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, with the Tunisia international preparing to leave the Red Devils on loan.
The 20-year-old’s contract at Old Trafford has been extended until June 2025, and he been regularly involved with the first team this season, featuring on 11 occasions in all competitions.
Man United head coach Erik ten Hag is said to be a huge admirer of Hannibal, but it has been decided that he needs regular football in the second half of the season to continue his development.
Sevilla continue to be heavily linked with the midfielder, but it is understood that Everton are attempting to hijack the move, with Toffees head coach Sean Dyche keen on him.
Click here to read the full story.
5mo agoRUMOUR
Tottenham ‘remain determined to sign Gallagher this month’
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly still keen to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher before the January transfer window closes for business.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have brought in Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig for the second half of the campaign, while a deal for Genoa’s Radu Dragusin is close to being completed.
A new number eight is believed to be Tottenham’s final January target, and according to The Independent, Gallagher remains at the top of the London club’s wishlist.
The report claims that the Spurs head coach wants ‘a running midfielder’, and Gallagher is viewed as the ideal acquisition, with the North London outfit been given encouragement that an offer in the region of £50m would be accepted by their capital rivals.
Click here to read the full story.
5mo agoRUMOUR
Chelsea ‘view Evan Ferguson as long-term transfer target’
Chelsea are reportedly determined to bring Brighton & Hove Albion centre-forward Evan Ferguson to Stamford Bridge, but the Blues will face a host of competition for his signature.
Ferguson, 19, is viewed as one of the best young talents in the Premier League, and he has scored six times and registered one assist in 24 appearances for the Seagulls this term.
Manchester United and Manchester City are believed to be huge admirers of the Republic of Ireland international, but Brighton are in a strong position when it comes to his future, with his contract due to run until June 2029.
Ferguson penned a new deal at the Amex last November, and it is believed that Brighton will not consider offers of under £100m for the forward due to his potential.
Click here to read the full story.
5mo agoRUMOUR
Man United to reignite Brobbey interest this summer?
Manchester United could reportedly move for Ajax forward Brian Brobbey during this summer’s transfer window.
The 20-time English champions were linked with the Dutchman during Erik ten Hag’s first transfer window as head coach, with the striker playing under the Man United boss in Amsterdam.
According to The Mirror, Ten Hag remains keen on the 21-year-old, and the Red Devils could reignite their interest this summer, with a forward addition seen as a priority for the club.
Man United are still said to have full confidence in Rasmus Hojlund, who has six goals for the club this season, but reinforcements will be needed, as Anthony Martial is set to leave on a free transfer.
Click here to read the full story.
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Stranraer sign Aiden Gilmartin on loan
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Kwadwo Baah returns to Watford early after Burton Albion loan
“Watford and Burton Albion have agreed to the early end of the loan of young winger Kwadwo Baah,” read a club statement.
“He returns to the Hornets after 21 appearances for the Brewers, and having recently picked up a hamstring injury.
“The 20-year-old scored twice during his spell with Burton.
“Baah had joined the Sky Bet League One side on a season-long loan in August.”
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Brentford sign Yunus Emre Konak
Brentford director of football Phil Giles said: “Yunus is an exciting young player and we are very happy to have managed to bring him to Brentford.
“He’s a player that likes to be aggressive, close players down, win tackles, and get the ball back for his team. He has a lot of development potential still, especially on the offensive side of the game, and we look forward to working with him on all aspects of his game.
“Our recruitment team did a fantastic job to enable us to move quickly and secure his signature. We look forward to working with Yunus and, hopefully, he can progress into the first team in due course.”
5mo agoRUMOUR
Arsenal ‘considering January move for Martin Zubimendi’
Arsenal are reportedly considering activating the release clause in Martin Zubimendi’s Real Sociedad contract before the January transfer window closes for business.
The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Real Sociedad over the last 18 months, with Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal all said to be keen on the Spain international.
Zubimendi has a contract with his Basque side until June 2027, but his release clause is believed to be as low as €50m (£43.6m), and according to Sport, Arsenal are considering activating the buy-out fee to sign him before the end of the winter market.
The report claims that the Gunners are willing to meet the release clause, with Real Sociedad signalling that he would not be allowed to leave for less.
Click here to read the full story.
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Josh Thomas returns to Swansea from Port Vale loan
“Swansea City striker Josh Thomas has returned from his loan spell at Port Vale with immediate effect,” read a statement from the club.
“The 21-year-old scored three goals in 15 appearances for the Valiants, with two of those coming during their historic run to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
“Thomas joined the Swans at the age of 12 and has worked his way through the ranks, signing a first professional contract during the 2020-21 campaign.
“The Wales Under-21 international caught the eye with his goalscoring exploits during pre-season, and has been in the senior matchday squad on a handful of occasions.”
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Kilmarnock extend Gary Mackay-Steven deal
“Kilmarnock FC are delighted to announce that Gary Mackay-Steven has extended his contract with the club,” read a statement.
“The winger featured four times for us during a busy festive period and has now penned a deal until the end of the season.
“The 33-year-old Scotland international has strengthened the squad during his month at the club so far and will continue to do so for the rest of the campaign.
“Keeping his No 39 jersey, Mackay-Steven links up with the squad ahead of next Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie with Dundee.”
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Ajax recall Kian Fitz-Jim from Excelsior loan
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Fulham’s George Wickens joins Ross County on loan
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Plymouth sign Darko Gyabi on loan from Leeds
“I have been aware of Darko’s qualities for a number of years after his performances as a young player in the England pathway,” said manager Ian Foster.
“He played an age group up in the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina which shows his qualities and he has great ability to link the play from midfield to attack. He has the athleticism to drive forward both with the ball and without it, and also has a real knack of arriving into the box late.
“Alongside that he is also a lovely character and personality so he will fit in really well within the group. He was so excited to join and couldn’t get down here quick enough. I am equally excited about seeing him in an Argyle shirt.”
Director of football Neil Dewsnip added: “Darko is a player we have been aware of for some time and ever since Ian was appointed, we have been keen to secure his signature.
“He is someone who Leeds paid a significant fee for which shows the talent he has, and it is now up to him and us to help him showcase that at Championship level.
“I am delighted he decided to come to Argyle as he had a number of options to choose from, but again this signing emphasises that we have created an environment here where players can develop, flourish and grow.”
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Carlisle sign Harry Lewis on permanent deal
Continuing the flurry of goalkeeping moves…
“We’re delighted to have got this over the line,” said manager Paul Simpson.
“Harry is a player we looked at before he made the move to Bradford but we weren’t able to make it happen at that time.
“He had a good loan spell up in Scotland and has played over 100 first team games, so he’ll be a good addition to our squad.”
5mo agoDONE DEAL
Chelsea’s Jamie Cumming joins Oxford on loan
“I knew there was a possibility of coming here after they had played the two cup games,” he told the club website.
“They’ve got a really strong team who are up there challenging in the playoff places, and the facilities at the Training Ground are great. After speaking with the gaffer, it was an easy decision to make the move.”
Manager Des Buckingha
