PSG Talk

Milan Škriniar’s standing at Paris Saint-Germain appears to be waning, with manager Luis Enrique leaning on Willian Pacho and Marquinhos as his go-to center-back pairing.

This shift has fueled speculation about Škriniar’s future, with whispers growing louder that the defender could leave the club in the coming weeks. Despite attracting interest from several clubs over the summer, Škriniar chose to remain at PSG.

However, as the January transfer window looms, his future remains uncertain. According to CaughtOffside, Škriniar could be available for €35 million in January, with two Premier League sides emerging as contenders for his signature.

Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on the Slovakian international amid uncertainty surrounding Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schär. The Magpies view Škriniar as a shrewd, cost-effective option to strengthen their defensive ranks.

Tottenham are also in the race, eyeing Škriniar as a reliable backup to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. However, negotiations may prove tricky, as manager Ange Postecoglou views Škriniar more as a rotational option than a first-team regular.

PSG are moving with a sense of urgency to offload veteran

Journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu reports that PSG have received formal offers for Škriniar from clubs in England, Italy, and Galatasaray. The French giants are eager to offload the defender during the January transfer window, citing his substantial salary as a financial strain on the club.

🚨🇸🇰| PSG have received official offers from England, Italy & Galatasaray for Milan Skriniar.

PSG want to part ways with Skriniar immediately due to his high salary being a burden for the club – Skriniar will make the decision on the club he joins this January. ✈️👋… pic.twitter.com/RvLhPW7cTz

— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) December 31, 2024

The decision now rests with Škriniar, who will choose his next destination in the coming weeks. PSG Inside-Actus reported on Monday that PSG’s time with Škriniar may be coming to a close.

Škriniar has struggled to secure a consistent spot in Luis Enrique’s starting XI and hasn’t fully adapted to the Parisian setup. With clubs such as Galatasaray showing interest, a winter departure now seems likely.

The Slovak international is said to prefer a return to Italy, though his potential suitors are widespread, including Juventus, Napoli, Al Nassr, Everton, West Ham, Bayern Munich, Sporting Lisbon, and several Saudi Arabian teams.

Paris Saint-Germain appear to be preparing for a significant defensive overhaul as uncertainties continue to mount at the back. With Milan Škriniar possibly on the move and Presnel Kimpembe still working his way back to full fitness, the club is actively seeking new defensive options.

With Marquinhos now in his 30s, PSG seem focused on injecting youth into their defensive ranks. The club reinforced their backline in 2024 with the arrivals of promising young center-backs Lucas Beraldo and Willian Pacho.

However, reports suggest PSG aren’t finished with their defensive reinforcements just yet. Last summer, the club made a late push for Tomás Araújo, though the move ultimately fell through before the transfer window closed.

According to Foot Mercato, sporting advisor Luis Campos has recently engaged in discussions with representatives of RC Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov. While talks are ongoing, no formal offer has been made for the player.

Are more Premier League clubs keen on Abdukodir Khusanov?

The Chronicle reports that Newcastle are eyeing a move for Khusanov but will face stiff competition from Manchester City, Tottenham, Leicester City, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

🚨 Newcastle United are interested in £25M-rated Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, but face competition from Manchester City, Tottenham, Leicester and Wolves.

(Source: Chronicle) pic.twitter.com/mmph4IQJRF

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 30, 2024

TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey reported Monday that Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle have begun negotiations for 20-year-old Khusanov. Both clubs have closely monitored the midfielder, believing he can make an immediate impact in the Premier League.

Khusanov is said to be valued at £25 million, including potential bonuses and add-ons. Championship leaders Leeds United have also expressed interest in securing his signature, but the report suggests Khusanov is uncertain about a move to England’s second tier.

Last summer, Nico Williams of Athletic Club was at the center of transfer rumors, attracting interest from major clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain.

After a standout 2023-24 season, where he made 37 appearances and played a key role in Athletic Club’s Copa del Rey triumph, Williams also contributed to Spain’s success at UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.

This season, the 21-year-old has registered two goals and five assists in 22 appearances across all competitions. According to The Athletic, Williams is becoming increasingly open to the idea of moving abroad.

Barcelona are aware of the conditions for a potential transfer, but the decision rests with Williams, who reportedly has a €58 million release clause.

In the Premier League, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all monitoring him as a summer target. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain remain interested, with PSG having reached out to his representatives last summer.

Joan Laporta offers an honest take on Barclona’s interest in Nico Williams

Club members asked Barcelona president Joan Laporta questions about the club’s current situation. One member voiced concerns about possible registration challenges with Dani Olmo and inquired how the club would have handled registering Nico Williams if they had signed him last summer.

“We never said we would sign him, we said we could make a deal of that magnitude,” Laporta said (h/t Barca Universal). “And we made a slightly smaller operation with Dani Olmo, who cost about €48 million.

“The sporting management thought it was more important to sign Olmo than other players. We have temporarily registered him and hope to do so definitively. There are always doubts about registrations, but in the end, we always manage to register them.”

Paris Saint-Germain could be facing the departure of Milan Škriniar, with Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez still recovering from injuries. Marquinhos, now in his 30s, also means the club may look to add more youthful options to their center-back ranks.

In 2024, PSG strengthened its defense by bringing in promising young center-backs Lucas Beraldo and Willian Pacho, but they may not be done yet, with another defender on its radar.

Over the past few months, several defenders have been linked with the Parisian club. Toward the end of the summer transfer window, they made a move for Tomás Araújo, but the deal ultimately fell through.

Foot Mercato reported last month that PSG’s sporting advisor, Luis Campos, met with the representatives of RC Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, though no offer has been made so far.

Looking to strengthen their defense in the winter, PSG may be ready to seize the opportunity to sign Khusanov, a more affordable option than Araújo. Valued at around €20 million, Khusanov is highly sought after, but PSG will face competition from other clubs.

Newcastle are a serious suitor for Abdukodir Khusanov

GIVE ME SPORT recently reported, citing sources, that Newcastle and Premier League rival Tottenham are interested in winning the race for Khusanov’s signature.

Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell has been impressed with the Lens star ahead of the January transfer window. The report also claims that £20 million might be enough to convince Lens to sell when the transfer window opens next month.

The Magpies and Spurs have been among the clubs most impressed by Khusanov, with representatives from several European teams keeping a close eye on him this season.

Nico Williams was one of the hottest names in transfer rumors this past summer, attracting interest from top clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Following a standout 2023-24 season, where he featured in 37 matches and played a key role in Athletic Club’s 2024 Copa del Rey triumph, Williams also made a significant impact in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 victory in Germany.

This season, the forward has continued to impress, scoring twice and providing three assists in 16 appearances across all competitions for Athletic Club.

According to SPORT, Athletic Club is eager to secure a contract extension for Williams amid ongoing interest from European giants. Barcelona remains in the mix but may only pursue a move if his release clause stays at €60 million.

Manchester City urged to secure Nico Williams

Rodri has encouraged Manchester City to sign his Spain teammate, noting that the Athletic Club star would have no problem adjusting to the English weather.

“Right now, I would take him to [Manchester] City, without a doubt, so that he feels the cold of Manchester, well it’s similar to Bilbao,” Rodri said (h/t GOAL).

With Williams likely to be in the transfer rumor mill again in 2025, The Athletic’s David Ornstein provided the latest information on the Athletic Club standout.

“Williams earns a high salary but the clause is fairly low for a player of this level, so it is probable he will move in 2025 — the bigger question is whether it will be in January or at the end of the season.

“He would prefer not to move in the winter market but you never know. Either way, the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are among those who hold a long-standing admiration.”

This past summer, Nico Williams of Athletic Club was at the center of transfer rumors, with top clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain showing interest.

After an impressive 2023-24 season, where he made 37 appearances and helped Athletic Club win the 2024 Copa del Rey, Williams also played a key role in Spain’s success at UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.

This season, the forward has scored two goals and provided three assists in 16 appearances across all competitions for Athletic Club.

According to recent reports from SPORT, Athletic Club is keen to extend Williams’ contract as interest from other European clubs continues. Barcelona remains a potential suitor, but only if his release clause stays at €60 million.

Is Barcelona out of the Nico Williams race?

With Williams likely to be in the transfer rumor mill again in 2025, The Athletic’s David Ornstein provided the latest information on the Athletic Club standout.

“Last summer, there was major interest from the Premier League but Nico Williams’ heart was set on joining Barcelona,” Ornstein said. “He waited for them and when that did not materialise, he decided to remain at Athletic Club.

“Now it appears Barcelona — with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal doing well — are not there for him, which increases the chances of a Premier League switch and he is more open to that than previously. There is a release clause of around €55million (£46m) and Athletic will only sell if that gets activated, so the fact his contract ends in 2027 is irrelevant.

“Williams earns a high salary but the clause is fairly low for a player of this level, so it is probable he will move in 2025 — the bigger question is whether it will be in January or at the end of the season.

“He would prefer not to move in the winter market but you never know. Either way, the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are among those who hold a long-standing admiration.”

Paris Saint-Germain could be losing Milan Škriniar while Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez have yet to return from injury. Meanwhile, Marquinhos is in his 30s, so the Ligue 1 side could inject more youth into their center-back position.

In 2024, the capital club added two promising center-backs, Lucas Beraldo and Willian Pacho, but the groundwork could only be starting there as another defender is on PSG’s radar.

Over the last few months, various defenders have been rumored to be of interest to the Parisians. In the final hours of the summer transfer window, they went for Tomás Araújo but failed in this pursuit.

Nonetheless, don’t expect PSG to revisit their interest in the SL Benfica standout as they are now keen on a more economical target.

PSG look to Ligue 1 to add more youth to CB position

Foot Mercato reported on Tuesday that PSG sporting advisor Luis Campos has even already met with the entourage of RC Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov without this having resulted in any offer so far.

Looking for a central defender this winter, PSG could jump at the chance. Khusanov would be more affordable than another winter track than insisting on Araújo, who Benfica are reluctant to sell at the moment.

Khusanov, valued at around €20 million, is a player highly coveted by PSG, but they’re not the only ones. In October, TBR Football reported that Premier League sides Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Brentford, Brighton, and West Ham have all watched him this season.

Brice Samba, speaking after the match against OGC Nice (0-0) at the end of September, summed up his young teammate well: “He’s a monster, what he did again tonight. He scares me. No, seriously! For his age, what he does…”

If PSG can land Khusanov, they might have their center-back pairing for the foreseeable future, along with Pacho.

Tottenham center-back Cristian Romero was at the center of transfer rumors in September, with a report linking Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Manchester United to him over the summer.

Recently, TBR Football reported that Tottenham plan to meet with Romero in the coming months to discuss a new contract, given the growing interest in the Argentine.

While Romero is happy at Tottenham, he’s reportedly concerned about the club’s absence from UEFA Champions League football—a point he’s raised over the past six months.

With clubs like Real Madrid and PSG that can offer him consistent Champions League football, Spurs do have a challenge in attempting to keep the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.

What’s the latest on Cristian Romero’s future at Tottenham?

Football Insider reported on Friday, citing sources, that Tottenham will expect a “huge” offer in negotiations for Romero. Nonetheless, these expectations could be lowered if the player doesn’t extend his contract, which runs until 2027.

Tottenham Hotspur center-back Cristian Romero became the focus of transfer rumors in September, with a report suggesting that Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Manchester United had all shown interest in him during the summer transfer window.

While Tottenham didn’t set a specific asking price, Transfermarkt valued Romero at €65 million. Despite the interest from top clubs, Spurs remained firm and made it clear they wouldn’t entertain any offers for the defender.

Additionally, TBR Football reported last week, citing sources, that Tottenham plans to meet with Cristian Romero in the coming months to discuss a new contract due to increasing interest in the Argentine defender.

The report also mentions that while Romero is happy at Spurs, he’s concerned about the club’s lack of Champions League football—a worry he has raised during discussions over the past six months.

What’s the latest on Cristian Romero’s future?

Give Me Sport reports, citing sources, that Real Madrid’s interest in Cristian Romero could be enough to convince him to delay signing a new contract with Tottenham.

This is a significant blow for the north London club, as the La Liga title contenders have been long-time admirers of the defender, with their interest confirmed during the latter stages of last season.

The report also reveals that Tottenham is willing to make Romero one of the club’s highest earners in an attempt to convince him to stay rather than make the move to Real Madrid ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Tottenham Hotspur center-back Cristian Romero was the subject of transfer rumors when a report in September revealed that he caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Manchester United during the summer transfer window.

While there wasn’t a specific asking price, Transfermarkt estimates Romero’s value at €65 million. Despite the interest, Tottenham were firm in their stance, refusing to entertain any offers for the defender.

Moreover, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared an update in September regarding Romero’s future, noting that the player is attracting significant interest.

“Cristian Romero continues to be an important player for Tottenham, and so it’s perhaps normal that we’re starting to see rumours about interest from other top clubs, with some fans asking me if there’s anything to the links with Real Madrid,” Romano wrote in his latest Daily Debriefing column for CaughtOffside.

“However, I’m told that nothing is happening now. Romero’s contract could be a topic in the next months as Spurs of course want to keep him for the long term; but no active talks have started yet.”

What’s the latest on Cristian Romero and his future at Tottenham?

TBR Football reported on Friday, citing sources, that Tottenham plan to meet with Romero in the coming months to discuss a new contract, as they’re noticing growing interest in the Argentine defender.

The report also indicates that while Romero is content at Spurs, he’s worried about their absence from Champions League football, a concern he has voiced during discussions over the past six months.

Furthermore, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan are monitoring Romero’s situation closely, and they are clubs that can all offer regular Champions League football.

TBR Football concludes its report by stating that during early discussions, Tottenham informed Romero that his new contract would place him among Europe’s top defenders. Currently, Romero’s contract runs until 2027, but if he agrees to the new terms, it could be extended to 2030.