The headline: Thiaw wanted by two giants
Newcastle United central defender Malick Thiaw is being monitored by both Liverpool and Manchester United, according to Caught Offside, but the report is equally firm on the other side of the equation: Newcastle have no intention of selling. Our model rates the German center back at 73 OVR with a market value of €23.5M to €38.2M, and crucially his contract runs to 2029. That is 33 months of security. Any January approach will need to be a serious overpayment just to start the conversation.
Talbi and the Saudi corridor
Sunderland winger Chemsdine Talbi, 21, is close to agreeing a deal with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, per Football Insider. It is another data point in the league’s shift toward signing emerging European talents in their early twenties rather than only household names at the end of their careers. For Sunderland it would mean cashing in on a wide talent while his value is still climbing.
Fulham move to lock down Bassey
Fulham are expected to begin contract talks with defender Calvin Bassey, with Teamtalk reporting Inter Milan are circling the 26-year-old. The timing tells the story: Italian interest has accelerated the English club’s timeline. Expect a renewal offer quickly, because losing a starting Premier League center back to a Serie A giant for a cut price is the exact scenario Fulham’s board will want to kill off early.
Rayan’s clause changes everything
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports Bournemouth winger Rayan, 20, has a £130m release clause that takes effect in the 2027 summer window. Until then the Cherries control the price. After it, the price controls them.
The rest of the day’s board
- Joe Willock, 27: Newcastle will offer a new contract if he keeps performing under Matthias Jaissle, per Football Insider.
- James Rodriguez, 35: the former Real Madrid playmaker is in talks with Serie B side Avellino, managed by Alessandro Nesta, according to Marca.
- Alex Scott, 22: Chelsea are ready to make a January move and are prepared to match Bournemouth's demands, per Teamtalk. We break that one down in full today.
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