SEVEN AFRICAN TRANSFER RUMOURS TO WATCH BEFORE THE WINDOW SLAMS SHUT ON FRIDAY
Seven African transfer rumours to watch before the window slams shut on Friday
ADAMA TRAORE
Now 24, Traore finally appears to have put the inconsistency of his youth behind him, and is finally realising the potential that set him apart as one of La Masia’s most exciting players of his generation.
He’s stepped up a new gear this term, starring as Wolves came back to defeat Manchester City during the festive period, and is unsurprisingly attracting interest from some major clubs.
The Hispano-Malian wideman has attracted reported interest from Real Madrid and City, among others, and while a summer move appears more likely, could either club push for a deal this January?
ISLAM SLIMANI
During Slimani’s time at Leicester City, it would have been hard to have imagined that, in a year or two’s time, he would be the subject of transfer rumours linking him to Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur.
He managed just eight goals in 39 Premier League games for the Foxes, but has impressed on loan at AS Monaco, demonstrating the form that made him such a lethal threat while at Sporting Lisbon.
At 31, he may just be a short-term option, but after losing Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane, both Prem giants need an in-form striker.
Slimani, with seven in 13 in the French top flight, could be an ideal solution, either on loan or on a permanent deal.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
Another club looking to replace an injured forward are Barcelona, who are looking for goal solutions in Luis Suarez’s abence.
30-year-old Aubameyang would be a lethal option and, with less than 18 months remaining on his contract at Arsenal, the Londoners may struggle to demand a significant fee for him in subsequent windows.
According to The Telegraph, the Gunners want at least $65 million, which, considering his 57 Premier League goals in 91 outings, could represent an astute purchase for Barca.
The reigning Spanish champions may push to get this over the line this week, although Mikel Arteta’s side would be left short up front if they were to cash in on the PL’s reigning Golden Boot holder.
TOM DELE-BASHIRU
During his time in the Manchester City academy, Dele-Bashiru was hailed as the Next Yaya Toure.
However, despite, making his City debut in the EFL Cup in December 2017, and moving to Watford last year to get more playing time, he’s still yet to make his Premier League debut.
At 20, the Nigerian wonderkid still has time on his side if he’s to realise his potential, but he could do with a loan move away from Vicarage Road in order to get the minutes he requires.
Belgium’s Zulte-Waregem has been one mooted destination.
WILFRIED ZAHA
At the time of writing, it looks like Zaha won’t get his dream move away from Crystal Palace during the January transfer windows.
The wideman has suitors—both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are keen admirers—but neither club are currently willing to match the Eagles’ £80 million valuation of the Ivory Coast international.
Could the Londoners lower their asking price before the window closes—they’re unlikely to get that kind of fee in the summer—or could the imminent sale of Christian Eriksen to Internazionale prompt Spurs into a late move?
Bayern Munich made an ambitious loan move for the wideman earlier in the window, and while they was rejected, might the Bundesliga giants try their luck again?
BENI BANINGIME
The Congolese youngster appeared primed to move to Denmark in the summer, but when that move fell through, he was forced to remain at Everton.
Despite the uncertainty at the club during the final days of Marco Silva’s tenure, or the injuries they’ve suffered in midfield, he still hasn’t got his opportunity to build on the minutes he played during the 2017-18 season.
David Unsworth has been overseeing the 21-year-old’s progress in the Toffees’ U-23 team, but Beningime is at a stage where he could do with competitive minutes to take the next step in his career.
KALIDOU KOULIBALY
Earlier in the window, it was reported that Manchester United had made a £64 million bid for Napoli’s Koulibaly, with the Mirror among the sources to have reported that the transfer was a done deal.
That hasn’t proved to be the case, but could the Red Devils get something over the line before 11pm on January 31?
Having missed out on Erling Haaland and Marco Mandzukic, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs a statement signing, and Koulibaly fits the bill.
United’s defence was exposed in recent defeats by Manchester City, Liverpool and Burnley, and the Senegal international could be an ideal option to partner Harry Maguire in the heart of the defence.
Credit to Source: Goal
