The Insider - Rudy Galetti: Big Prem trio target Dumfries; Aston Villa, Villarreal want Suleiman; Marseille and Ramaj

The Insider - Rudy Galetti: Big Prem trio target Dumfries; Aston Villa, Villarreal want Suleiman; Marseille and Ramaj

English clubs are still interested in Denzel Dumfries; AC Milan and Villarreal approached Sani Suleiman; Galatasaray weigh-up Mauro Icardi renewal. Here are some of the main stories over the last few days of the transfer market from TribalFootball's transfer expert Rudy Galetti.

Despite undergoing ankle surgery that will keep him sidelined for around three months, interest in Denzel Dumfries remains strong. Several Premier League clubs continue to monitor the Dutch wing-back closely and have recently requested updated information about his condition and recovery plan, with a clear focus on a potential summer move. In recent days, Manchester United, Newcastle and Aston Villa have all confirmed that they are still interested in Dumfries.

These clubs intend to follow his return carefully in the spring, once he is back on the pitch, before deciding on any concrete steps ahead of the next transfer window. His physical strength, pace and experience at the top level continue to make him an attractive profile for English sides.

Dumfries is currently under contract with Inter until June 2028, after signing a new deal in November 2024. The Nerazzurri still consider him an important part of the squad, especially for his contribution on the right flank.

However, Inter are not closing the door to a potential transfer. If a serious and high-value offer arrives in the coming months, the Italian club would be willing to evaluate it carefully. With Premier League interest staying alive despite the injury, Dumfries could remain a key name to watch on the market in the next few months.

Sani Suleiman is one of the most followed young players in Europe, and the interest around him continues to grow. Scouts from AC Milan and Villarreal were once again in the stands for AS TrenčDn’s latest matches, continuing their close monitoring of the 19-year-old Nigerian talent.

As reported weeks ago, Suleiman has been tracked by several major sides, including Chelsea, Tottenham, Rangers and Bayer Leverkusen. In recent weeks, both Milan and Villarreal have joined the race, adding further competition for one of the brightest prospects in Europe. The admiration is not limited to the top-five leagues. Suleiman also has strong followers in MLS, in Sweden, and in the English Championship, where Middlesbrough see him as a possible reinforcement ahead of their push for Premier League promotion in the second half of the season.

Suleiman is under contract with TrenčDn until June 2026, with a two-year extension option that could keep him at the club until 2028. However, unless something unexpected happens, he is widely expected to leave Slovakia already in January to make the jump to a top league.

His performances justify the attention. Once again, Suleiman has been included in the CIES Football Observatory’s list of Top U20 talents worldwide. The 19-year-old ranks 6th globally for successful dribbles and progressive carries across 66 leagues - just behind stars like Lamine Yamal. With such numbers and so many clubs involved, Suleiman is shaping up to be one of the most exciting names of the upcoming transfer window.

Luka Mikulić is becoming one of the most followed young defenders ahead of the next transfer window. The 20-year-old left-footed centre-back of HNK Posušje is now firmly on the radar of Red Bull Salzburg, Empoli and Rakow, with all three clubs showing concrete interest in recent weeks. Empoli have been working actively on the deal and were among the first clubs to move.

The Italian Serie B side has monitored Mikulić several times this season and, after receiving very positive reports from their scouts, officially opened talks with HŠK Posušje. Empoli see the Bosnian defender as a strong investment for the future and are pushing to close the operation quickly. However, the situation is becoming more competitive. Rakow have also shown serious interest and could increase pressure on the player soon, while Red Bull Salzburg have entered the race, adding a new and important option to Mikulić’s future.

Born on May 7, 2005, Mikulić stands 192 cm tall and has impressed with his physical strength, clean defending and excellent game reading. He also holds an EU passport, a key factor that makes a transfer easier. This season, he has played 19 full matches without receiving a single yellow card, earning a call-up to the Bosnia U21 national team. With several clubs pushing and talks progressing, a January move now looks increasingly possible.

Galatasaray are thinking about a contract extension for Mauro Icardi, but the situation has not yet been defined. The Argentine striker, whose current contract runs until June 2026, is considered a true icon by the club and its fans, having enjoyed several successful seasons in Turkey.

Icardi has been one of the key figures for Galatasaray in recent years. His goals, experience and leadership have helped the team win important matches and trophies, making him one of the most loved foreign players in the club’s history. For this reason, Galatasaray are seriously evaluating the idea of keeping him beyond his current contract. At the moment, official negotiations have not started yet. Inside the club, discussions are ongoing, especially about the financial side of a possible renewal. Galatasaray would be willing to offer Icardi a new contract, but on reduced financial terms compared to his current salary.

This is the main point that could slow down the talks. Icardi, who will turn 33 in February, is open to dialogue and does not exclude staying in Istanbul. He feels settled at the club and has a strong bond with the supporters. However, with the chance to become a free agent in the future, he is also ready to listen to other proposals that may offer better economic conditions. The next months will be decisive to understand where Mauro Icardi’s future lies.

Gabriel Ramaj is one of the most interesting young defenders in Italian youth football. The 19-year-old left-footed centre-back, born on 9 February 2006, is enjoying an excellent season with Atalanta Primavera, where he is also the team captain.

His role on and off the pitch has grown quickly, showing maturity beyond his age. Ramaj has stood out in particular in the UEFA Youth League. In this competition, he has shown calmness, good positioning and the ability to play the ball out from the back with confidence. His leadership has been clear, helping Atalanta’s youth team in important matches against strong opponents. These performances have not gone unnoticed. Several European clubs are now following him closely.

Olympique Marseille, Slavia Prague and St. Gallen have all gathered information about the young defender, attracted by his profile and potential. These clubs are known for trusting young players and giving them space to grow at the senior level. Atalanta are well known for developing top talents, and Ramaj fits perfectly into this philosophy. His left foot, physical strength and tactical understanding make him a very modern centre-back. With interest increasing, his situation could move fast. The January transfer window could already bring new developments for Gabriel Ramaj.