Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid are expected to make a ton of noise this January transfer window, albeit for different reasons, with the three of them aiming to win the La Liga crown this season.
The SBOTOP La Liga 2023 odds are high on both Barcelona and Real Madrid since they occupy the top two spots at 38 points apiece, but the same can’t be said for 2020-21 champions Atletico Madrid, who are at fourth with 27 points.
The Blaugrana, who brought in several players last summer, are aiming to bolster their squad despite facing financial constraints and the possibility of some of their stars departing.
Over in the Madrid region, Real Madrid have emerged as the favourites to acquire one of the top young stars today, while Atletico Madrid have already started their fire sale.
Real Madrid have their eyes on Jude Bellingham, among others
Borussia Dortmund are going to hold talks with Jude Bellingham to discuss his future since he’s arguably the hottest commodity in football right now. It’s an open secret that the 19-year-old midfielder is likely to leave the Bundesliga giants soon, with pretty much the biggest clubs in Europe keen on signing him.
BVB reportedly want at least £120-M for Bellingham, which puts him out of many clubs’ reach. Real Madrid are not one of them, though, and they are apparently in pole position to land the Three Lions standout.
Real Madrid have yet to hold negotiations with Borussia Dortmund, but these two clubs have had a great business relationship these past few years.
Bellingham joining Real Madrid is going to be unfair for the rest of the league since they’re stacked in midfield, which already has the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, Dani Ceballos, and Aurelien Tchouameni.
With Bellingham earmarked for 2023, Real Madrid are also looking ahead to 2024, and they’re linked with the likes of Erling Haaland and Alphonso Davies.
Real Madrid could snap Davies up for a cheaper price since his contract at Bayern Munich expires in 2025. Getting Haaland, meanwhile, is going to be much more complicated for Real Madrid since the Norwegian star has a release clause in his contract with Manchester City amounting to $195-M.
With Karim Benzema getting older, Carlo Ancelotti is looking for his heir apparent, and Haaland is the ideal guy.
Xavi lays out stance on Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay
After rejecting a move to Old Trafford last summer, Frenkie de Jong is claimed to have had a “change of heart,” which angered Barcelona’s top management. Memphis Depay has also been tipped for a return to Manchester United after leaving for Lyon in 2017.
Upon being appointed as Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag wanted to bring in Frenkie de Jong to stabilise their midfield, but instead they got Casemiro – who is not a bad alternative at all.
The Red Devils are desperate to strengthen their attacking options following the abrupt departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Depay could help. However, AS Roma and Chelsea are also linked with the Dutch stalwart.
Despite Barcelona’s predicament, Xavi made it clear that he wants de Jong and Depay to stay and added that it’ll be a “quiet January transfer window” for the Blaugrana.
Meanwhile, Wilfried Zaha is linked with a free transfer move to Barcelona as his current contract expires at the end of this season. He has informed Crystal Palace that he doesn’t want to sign an extension.
No takers so far for Joao Felix
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all held talks with Joao Felix, but there is a major stumbling block in the way of a possible loan move.
According to the latest La Liga 2023 updates, Atletico Madrid reportedly want a $22-M package, which includes six months of wage payments and an additional fee with no option to buy at the end of his loan period. Until Atleti lower their demands, Felix is not going anywhere for the next six months.
Diego Simeone and co. are facing several question marks, not only about Felix, as they don’t have much depth all over the pitch.
Matheus Cunha has completed his loan move to Wolves, and they’re reportedly eyeing Alexis Mac Allister and Caglar Soyuncu.
Mac Allister, part of Argentina’s World Cup winning squad, is not really keen on leaving Brighton soon. However, Soyuncu is ready to leave Leicester City since he has fallen out of favour in Brendan Rodgers’ rotation, having made only one league appearance so far this season.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
