Transfer Talk: De Bruyne to join Ronaldo at Al Nassr?

The summer transfer window has closed throughout Europe, but there are still moves in the works and plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

Posted Wednesday, October 25, 2023 by ESPN

TOP STORY: Saudis want to talk to De Bruyne

Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr have contacted Kevin De Bruyne's agent in the hope of setting up a meeting with the Manchester City midfielder, according to Rudy Galetti.

The journalist referred to this as an evolving situation, with Al Nassr hoping to explain their sporting project to the 32-year-old in detail.

De Bruyne is undoubtedly one of the most talented players Man City have had within their ranks, recording 96 goals and 153 assists while winning the Champions League, five Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, five League Cups, a UEFA Super Cup and various individual awards.

However, questions have begun to emerge about the Belgium international's future at the Etihad.

His injury record is a large factor in that, with the midfielder currently missing due to an issue that forced him off 23 minutes into the Citizens' Premier League opener against Burnley.

If those doubts continue, then it is likely that outside interest in the midfielder will increase, especially as his current contract expires in the summer of 2025.

Al Nassr have already shown their ambition when it comes to transfers with the names they have brought in including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Seko Fofana, Aymeric Laporte and Marcelo Brozovic.

PAPER GOSSIP

- Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has spoken glowingly about midfielder Joshua Kimmich amid interest from Barcelona, reports Sport Bild.

"Joshua Kimmich has been playing in his ninth season ... which puts him in the proud territory of club greats such as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer," he said. "Of course we want to see him play for us for as long as possible and will convey this to him in the contract discussions."

- Leonardo Bonucci is not happy that he was on the bench for Union Berlin's 1-0 loss to Napoli on Tuesday, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report says Bonucci joined the club to play Champions League football and that the centre-back will clarify his situation with Die Eisernen boss Urs Fischer on Wednesday.

- AC Milan and Internazionale are both interested in Salzburg striker Roko Simic, reports Calciomercato. Some Rossoneri scouts watched on as the 20-year-old faced Inter in the Champions League on Tuesday, receiving a yellow card and playing 71 minutes in his side's 2-1 defeat at the San Siro.

- Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg remains a priority for Juventus in the January transfer window, reports Calciomercato. They are also looking at Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips and could ask the Premier League champions for a free loan with the option to make the deal permanent.

- Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier has signed a new contract that will keep him with the club until 2027 and includes a release clause, reports Christian Falk, who adds that this comes despite concrete interest from Brentford and Everton. Liverpool have also scouted the 21-year-old, who has scored six Bundesliga goals so far this season.

- An unnamed Ligue 1 club and Saudi Arabian side Al Riyadh are interested in Qarabag winger Abdellah Zoubir, reports L'Equipe. The 31-year-old Frenchman has been with the Azerbaijani club since leaving Lens in 2018 but has a contract that is set to expire in the summer of 2024.