TRANSFER MARKET
Osmihen, Mbappe, Muani and 12 other transfers which could shake up football in 2023
Every transfer window is filled with rumours, intrigue and a hell of a lot of money thrown around. Teams are always looking to upgrade and the decisions they make in each transfer window can impact them for years to come. Here are some rumoured transfers which could shake up the European football landscape.
Victor Osmihen to Chelsea
Despite pouring eye-water figures down the drain on ill thought out transfer last year, Chelsea are undeterred from making a big push for Victor Osmihen. And to be fair, Osmihen has all the potential to solve their striking woes. With 26 goals in 32 games for league winners Napoli, Osmihen has proven his quality in Italy’s Serie A. Growing up a Drogba fan, it looks like Chelsea might even be a soft sell for the Nigerian.
Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid
The transfer everyone is watching, Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid has been on the cards for over a year now but the likelihood went up 100% when the French forward dropped the bombshell he wouldn’t be fulfilling his 2023/2025 option. Real Madrid have been circling Mbappe and are reportedly as keen to have him on the books as Mbappe is to be there himself, with the PSG star reportedly seeing Los Blancos as the best place to fulfill his Champions League dream. Will they have the funds though?
Declan Rice to Arsenal
Rice has long been linked to childhood club, Chelsea, but reports suggest Arsenal are well on its way to nabbing current West Ham captain. Arteta is rumoured to be a huge fan of the 24 year old, adding Rice to an already talented Gunners squad could help take them to the next level. It’ll cost them though, with Hammers coach David Moyes telling BBC Sport he believed Rice would be worth over 150 million pounds on the market.
James Maddison to Newcastle United
The Saudi-backed Newcastle have taken huge strides this year, competing with the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool for 4th place in the Premier League. Adding a player of Maddison’s quality to an already talented squad would add goalscoring and depth in what will be a busy 2023/24 seen for the Geordies.
Randal Kolo Muani to Manchester United
The Eintracht Frankfurt striker was inches away from winning France the World Cup back in December, but his late miss hasn’t slowed his league form down at all. With 12 goals and 10 assists this season, it is believed Kolo Muani’s dream move is to play in the EPL – and Manchester United are doing their utmost to ensure he does it in the North. Muani could bring some reliability and stability to their off-and-on and strike force.
Mason Mount to Manchester United?
Given the career Mount has had up to this point, it would seem strange for Chelsea to let him go. Two years removed from a Champions League winners medal and a key member of recent Chelsea squads, Mount has been unable to agree to a new contract in west London. Where he goes is the big question. Manchester United are very keen but were categorically rejected for their 40 million pound offer and will now need to up their offer to nab the midfielder.
Joao Felix to Galatasaray
Despite Felix often looking like the Blues standout player in what has been a tough period for the club, the troubled west London club doesn’t seem keen on keeping the forward – but it could be the price tag. Having recently signed an extension at Atletico Madrid, this transfer would cost Todd Boehly well over $100 million. But Felix seems to be getting chummy with Galatasaray on social media and rumours are swirling the Istanbul table toppers are keen on getting the deal done.
Reece James to Real Madrid
The second young English player linked the Madrid side, this move would be a real blow to Chelsea. When healthy, James has proved to be 1 of the better right-backs in the Premier League, able to contribute in attack and comfortable defending 1 on 1 when needed. Madrid are looking for an upgrade to their RB slot, with Lucas Vazquez filling in and Dani Carvajal perhaps beyond his best.
Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United
Rasmus Hojlund is a name football fans might need to get used to hearing over the coming years, an ascending star of European football, swiftly moving from Copenhagen FC to Atalanta with a year stop at Sturm Graz along the way. 5 goals in 2 games for his national side, Denmark, has solidified Hojlund has a star in the making. Linked to Arsenal and Bayern Munich, it is thought Manchester United have the inside track on the signing.
Jesper Lindstrom to Arsenal
Another young Dane, Lindstrom has been plying his trade for Eintracht Frankfurt for the past two seasons, settling into a starting role this year. Able to play anywhere across the front line, his profile seems a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s team who value positional versatility more than most.
Josko Gvardiol to Manchester City
Gvardiol was close to signing for Chelsea in the summer of 2022, with RB Leipzig nixing the deal at the last moment. Since then it seems Man City have stolen a march on their Premier League rivals and now lead the race for a player some consider to be the best centre back prospect in Europe.
Vitor Roque to Barcelona
Buying talented youngsters from Brazil and developing them into world superstars is a tried and true method for success in football, recently perfected by Barca’s rivals, Real Madrid. This time it could well be the Blaugrana who end up with the next world beater in their squad. Recently linked to Arsenal, Roque is admired by many in European football, but with his heart supposedly set on the Nou Camp, this transfer could solve Barcelona’s need for a long term striker.
Moussa Diaby to Newcastle
Newcastle could well be ready to splash the cash this summer, with the potential for multiple big incomings. Moussa Diaby is reportedly high on their list, the tricky left winger could add real dynamism to their squad. Bayer Leverkusen will be loath to lose the French youngster, whose goals and assists make up a huge part of their attack.
Kim Min-jae to Manchester United
An all-but-done deal by all reports, Manchester United’s defensive ranks could be looking very fresh this year with the addition of Kim Min-jae. After all, the giant South Korean was a huge reason why Napoli won Serie A last season. Composed and technical on the ball and a physical monster off it, The Red Devils may have just found their backline X factor.
Harry Kane to stay?
The bets are off to work out who exactly is going to pick up Harry Kane. The star forward has been heavily linked to Bayern Munchen, Manchester United and Real Madrid, only for interest from all of those clubs to wane once talks began. It seems the price tag for one of England’s finest is a little too rich for most club’s blood at the moment and it looks like he won’t be going anywhere
TRANSFER MARKET
Osimhen Joins Galatasaray Permanently in Record €75m Deal

Speculations about the future of Victor Osimhen have been put to rest as theNigerian striker has completed a permanent move to Turkish champions Galatasaray.
He signed a four-year contract in a deal worth €75 million, the club announced on Thursday.
The 26-year-old forward, who was on loan from Napoli last season, becomes the most expensive player ever acquired by a Turkish club.
Galatasaray confirmed the fee in a statement that also revealed Osimhen’s annual earnings: a net salary of €15 million per season, a €1 million loyalty bonus, and €5 million in image rights.
The club, which has qualified for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, did not clarify whether the €75 million fee had already been paid in full to Napoli or would be settled in instalments, as reported by local media.
However, the Turkish giants disclosed that Napoli will receive 10% of the profit from any future sale of the Nigerian star.
Osimhen’s move marks a dramatic turnaround after a tumultuous 2024 summer at Napoli, where he was sidelined and later sent out on loan.
Speculations about the future of Victor Osimhen have been put to rest
His stint at Galatasaray reignited his form, with the striker netting 26 goals in the Turkish Super Lig last season, helping the Istanbul club secure another league title.
Capped 40 times by Nigeria with 26 goals, Osimhen had joined Napoli in 2020 from French side Lille for a fee close to €80 million, then a record for the Serie A club.
At Galatasaray, Osimhen will form part of a formidable attacking trio alongside Argentine star Mauro Icardi, who is expected to return from injury, and new German signing Leroy Sané, recently acquired from Bayern Munich.
With this blockbuster signing, Galatasaray underlines its ambition to make a serious mark in Europe and dominate domestic football once again.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
TRANSFER MARKET
Another Nigerian, John Ebuka, joins Isaac Savour at Egypt’s Ittihad

Egyptian Premier League side Ittihad of Alexandria have bolstered their squad with the signing of Nigerian forward John Ebuka and midfielder Isaac Saviour as the club continues its aggressive recruitment drive ahead of the new season.
The signing of Isaac Saviour effectively rules him out of the Nigerian squad going to East Africa for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) next month.
Ittihad confirmed on Sunday that Ebuka, 28, has penned a two-year contract following his transfer from Masry.
The move marks a reunion between Ebuka and Ittihad head coach Ahmed Sami, under whom he previously played at Ceramica Cleopatra.
During their stint together, Ebuka netted three goals and registered one assist in 14 league appearances.
Although Ebuka’s recent spell at Masry yielded just one goal in 12 matches after his January move, Ittihad are banking on his overall experience in the Egyptian topflight to boost their attacking options.
The Nigerian striker has tallied 33 goals and eight assists in 114 league appearances across previous stints with ENPPI, Ceramica Cleopatra, and Masry.
Joining him at the Alexandria-based club is compatriot Isaac Saviour, who featured for Enugu Rangers in the Nigerian Professional Football League last season. Details of Saviour’s contract were not disclosed.
Ittihad’s latest signings are part of a broader summer overhaul. The club recently completed a swap deal with Ceramica Cleopatra that brought in Mohamed Toni and Mohamed Metwally “Kanaria” in exchange for Mohamed El-Maghrabi, while Mahmoud Ajeeb and Nour Alaa also joined as part of the arrangement.
Other arrivals at the club include Abdelrahman Boudy, experienced goalkeeper Mahmoud Abdel-Rahim “Genish,” Ahmed Mahmoud, and Mohamed Sami, as Ittihad look to challenge for a higher finish in the upcoming Egyptian Premier League campaign.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
TRANSFER MARKET
Morocco’s Raja Casablanca Eye Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali in Goalkeeper Reinforcement Bid

Moroccan football powerhouse Raja Casablanca are reportedly targeting Nigerian international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as part of their squad overhaul ahead of the 2025/26 season.
According to South African sports outlet Unplayable, the three-time CAF Champions League winners are closely monitoring Nwabali, who currently plies his trade with Chippa United in the South African Premier Division.
The 29-year-old has seen his stock rise significantly in recent months, particularly after his standout performances for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire.
Nwabali played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s impressive run to the AFCON final, winning plaudits for his composure, shot-stopping skills, and leadership between the sticks.
His performance against South Africa in the semi-final — where he saved two penalties during the shootout — earned him continental acclaim and cemented his status as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers.
At club level, Nwabali has been equally influential. Last season, he made 26 appearances for Chippa United and currently serves as the team captain. His leadership and consistency have made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the club’s recent campaigns. However, sources suggest that Chippa United are willing to consider a transfer if a credible offer is tabled. Nwabali is currently valued at €650,000 on Transfermarkt, though his market worth may climb given his international pedigree.
Raja Casablanca, who endured a disappointing and trophyless 2024/25 season in the Botola Pro League, are seeking to bolster their squad as they aim to reassert their dominance in Moroccan and African football.
The club is reportedly prioritizing experienced and battle-tested players, with Nwabali fitting that profile.
Founded in 1949, Raja is one of Morocco’s most storied football institutions. In addition to their three CAF Champions League titles (1989, 1997, 1999), the Casablanca-based club boasts multiple domestic titles and a strong continental reputation.
The potential signing of Nwabali is seen as part of a broader plan to restore the club’s competitiveness ahead of next season’s league and continental campaigns.
If the move materializes, it will represent a major step forward in Nwabali’s career, giving him exposure in one of Africa’s top leagues and the opportunity to compete in elite continental tournaments such as the CAF Champions League.
Neither Chippa United nor Raja Casablanca has officially confirmed the transfer discussions, but insiders suggest talks could intensify in the coming weeks as the Moroccan giants push to finalise key additions before the new season kicks off.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING: At last FIFA’s Axe falls on South Africa!
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Super Eagles Set for Double Friendly Showdown with Venezuela and Colombia in USA
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- World Cup6 days ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- CAF Confederation Cup1 week ago
Asante Kotoko End Kwara United’s Confederation Cup Campaign in Abeokuta
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- World Cup4 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers