Lookman set to stay at Atalanta as January exit looks unlikely
A short-term move for Ademola Lookman is not considered a real possibility at the moment. Despite early interest from Turkey - including Galatasaray - the winger has rebuilt a positive atmosphere at Atalanta after a difficult summer marked by tensions with the club and his former coach, Ivan Jurić.
With Jurić’s dismissal and the arrival of Raffaele Palladino, the situation has clearly improved, and there are currently no active or advanced talks for a January transfer. Lookman is fully focused on his season in Bergamo and is also preparing for his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, which has now been officially confirmed.
Because of this, clubs interested in him are expected to restart discussions only after the AFCON, when the picture for the second half of the season becomes clearer. Both Atalanta and Lookman remain calm about his future.
The Nigerian international is under contract until 2027, and neither side feels pressure to change the current status quo. For now, all signs point toward Lookman staying in Serie A, continuing his key role under Palladino and postponing any major decisions until after the international tournament.
European and Saudi clubs circle as Malacia pushes for January move
Manchester United are preparing for a possible January exit for Tyrell Malacia, with the Dutch full-back determined to find regular minutes ahead of the next World Cup. Despite returning to the bench recently - even if just for a match against Brighton - he has still not played a single minute this season, and both the club and the player now see a winter solution as the most realistic option. Malacia’s contract runs until June 2026, allowing him to sign a pre-contract with another club soon.
But the 26-year-old wants to leave already in January to avoid losing another six months of his career. Interest around him is strong and continues to grow. In the last few days, Saudi clubs have made concrete inquiries, showing serious ambition in the race. Before that, Feyenoord had explored a return to the Netherlands, keeping a close eye on Malacia’s situation. Several European teams are also in the mix. From Spain, clubs have gathered information, while in Italy, two sides have taken clear steps: Real Betis, who are assessing options for the left flank, and Fiorentina, who asked for a six-month loan.
For Fiorentina, however, a loan would require Malacia to extend his contract with Manchester United until 2027 — a scenario really unlikely at this stage. With January approaching, competition for Malacia is heating up: the defender hopes to choose a club that guarantees playing time and helps him relaunch his career at the highest level.
Top Italian and English clubs join Atletico Madrid in race for Eguinaldo
Interest in Eguinaldo, the 21-year-old Brazilian winger/striker from Shakhtar Donetsk, is rising quickly across Europe. While Atletico Madrid were the first major club recently linked to him, they are now far from alone: important teams from both Italy and England have entered the race and are following the player with growing attention. Eguinaldo has impressed again this season in Ukraine.
With 3 goals in just 333 minutes in the Premier League - the last of which was in Saturday's resounding 0-6 victory against Obolon - he has shown strong efficiency, speed, and the ability to attack space with confidence. His performances confirm what many scouts already believed, that he is one of the most promising young attackers currently playing in Eastern Europe.
His contract with Shakhtar runs until June 2028, giving the Ukrainian club a strong position in negotiations. However, several clubs have already begun collecting information ahead of a possible move next summer.
In Italy, AS Roma and Torino were among the first to follow him closely during the last transfer window, and both clubs remain seriously interested. In England, top teams have also sent scouts to watch him, attracted by his pace, technical skills and goal instinct. With Atletico Madrid, leading Italian sides and Premier League clubs all in the mix, competition for Eguinaldo is intensifying. If he continues to perform at this level, the summer market could bring a major opportunity for the young Brazilian.
Big English and Spanish clubs move for Swansea’s Harlan Perry as contract talks remain open
Harlan Perry’s impressive season with Swansea City U21 is drawing serious attention from abroad, and the Welsh club now faces the real risk of losing one of its most talented academy players. The midfielder will turn 18 on November 28, yet Swansea still have not offered him a professional contract. This uncertain situation has opened the door for top English and Spanish clubs, who are already making moves and gathering information. Inside Swansea’s academy, Perry has long been viewed as a standout prospect.
He has won the club’s Player of the Year award for four consecutive years, something extremely rare for a youth player and a sign of his long-term consistency. Coaches describe him as one of the biggest talents to emerge at Swansea in the last decade.
On the international side, Perry has already earned caps with Welsh youth national teams, continuing to impress with his technique, work rate and personality on the pitch. His recent performances at the youth level have strengthened interest, with several major clubs ready to continue discussions soon.
If Swansea do not secure his first professional deal quickly, they risk losing a midfielder who many believe could become a key player for club and country in the coming years.
AS Roma strongly interested in Schalke defender Mertcan Ayhan as competition grows
AS Roma are showing a strong and concrete interest in Mertcan Ayhan, one of the most promising young centre-backs in German football. The 19-year-old Turkish defender, who also holds a German passport, is under contract with Schalke 04 until June 2028, with an option for one extra year.
There is no release clause, meaning Schalke are free to negotiate, and they are open to considering offers starting from €8 million. Roma have been following Ayhan for several months and are now seen as one of the most active clubs in the race.
However, competition is rising fast. Galatasaray have been monitoring him for a long time, and other European clubs are also collecting information ahead of possible summer moves. During the last transfer window, Freiburg tried to sign Ayhan after being impressed by his development, but Schalke decided to keep him due to his rapid growth.
That choice has paid off: Ayhan has been one of the best performers in Bundesliga 2, helping Schalke climb to second place as they fight for promotion back to the top division. With his strong physical presence, composure on the ball and maturity beyond his age, Ayhan is now considered a rising defensive talent in Europe - and the battle for his signature is only just beginning.