Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich
There are two discussions revolving around Musiala in Germany: First is he capable of playing in the same national team as Wirtz? Second, should they make an effort to retain him at Bayern or opt for a significant profit by selling him to the Premier League this summer?
The responses are likely to be ‘yes’ and ‘yes’. Musiala, a German international, was raised in England and appears to desire a return to playing in the Premier League. His former club Chelsea is reportedly interested (although the likelihood of him joining them is as low as Joshua Kimmich) along with Manchester City and Liverpool. City appears to be the most suitable choice, with rumors indicating that Guardiola sees him as the future replacement for Kevin de Bruyne.
Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen
“In my childhood, I always aspired to be the best, dreaming of playing for Barça, and that aspiration remains unchanged,” he stated in 2022.
Presumably, he still holds the same ambition in 2024, as recent reports indicate that Wirtz would reject any temptation to follow Xabi Alonso to Liverpool as a long-term successor to Mo Salah and would instead wait for Barcelona.
The only issue is that 20-year-old Wirtz is having a remarkable season (with 20 assists in all competitions, nearing a significant milestone) that has elevated him into the £100m category, and Barcelona no longer possesses the resources to secure such a deal. Bayern Munich could potentially afford Wirtz, but his father and agent appear content to keep him at Leverkusen. This stance might change if Alonso moves to either Munich or Liverpool.
Victor Osimhen – Napoli
A striker with a release clause of £113m, likely to be activated in the summer of 2024, would typically be expected to feature prominently on the list of top goalscorers for that year. However, this particular player has faced setbacks due to injuries and international commitments in Africa.
Despite these challenges, he has managed to score an impressive 11 goals in just 17 Serie A games, while his team, Napoli, has struggled. Nevertheless, it is understandable why clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and others in need of a new striker would turn their attention to players like Viktor Gyokeres and Evanilson, who have release clauses below £100m and offer a more enticing prospect.
Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle United
Last week, Pep Guardiola described him as an exceptional holding midfielder, praising his aggression both on and off the ball. Guardiola’s opinion carries weight, considering his expertise in this position.
It is worth noting that Manchester City had attempted to sign Declan Rice, who has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
City lost Ilkay Gundogan last summer, and neither Mateo Kovacic nor Matheus Nunes has convincingly proven themselves as a long-term partner or replacement for Rodri in City’s midfield. This is where Bruno Guimaraes comes into the picture.
Newcastle has identified him as their most valuable asset as they plan to rebuild their squad after a disastrous season. However, the hefty price tag of £100m limits the number of potential suitors. Apart from City, Barcelona and PSG have also shown interest in acquiring his services.
Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
Vinicius Jnr is arguably the most mistreated player in top-tier football. He has endured appalling racist attacks in Spain, a nation that seems unprepared and unmotivated to address such behavior. In addition to this, there are consistent reports of his lack of discipline both on and off the pitch. Given these circumstances, it is understandable that the Brazilian may be considering leaving Madrid.
It is suggested that Vinicius is viewed as a ‘necessary sacrifice’ for the impending arrival of Kylian Mbappe, as well as the anticipated pursuit of Erling Haaland in the future. Even a player who is starting matches and scoring goals for a team competing for a Champions League and La Liga double could begin to feel restless.
While it is unlikely that he would make a move to Manchester United in a £172m transfer, an enticing offer from PSG, including substantial wages and a prominent status, could tempt him. However, he may recall that a similar move did not yield the desired results for Neymar.