Transfer window update: Benzema to Europe or MLS? Palmer linked with move to Man United?

The winter transfer window is nearing its conclusion across Europe, and transactions are being finalized. What insights are ESPN’s reporters gathering regarding potential transfers?

For one last time this January, we present the most recent updates and information on the most significant transfer stories.

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Karim Benzema’s relationship with Al Ittihad has deteriorated. Is a return to Europe or a move to MLS possible?

Karim Benzema’s contract with Al Ittihad expires in June, and at 38 years old, he was eager to extend his stay at the club. However, negotiations for a new contract soured, leading Benzema to feel undervalued. Sources have informed ESPN that the proposal from the Saudi Pro League, which manages contracts for key players at PIF-owned clubs, would effectively mean the 38-year-old would be playing for minimal compensation.

Benzema declined the offer and has distanced himself from his club’s first team as a result. The former Real Madrid striker is now exploring all possibilities, including a return to Europe or a move to Major League Soccer — Julien Laurens

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is reportedly feeling homesick. Is there a possibility of him moving to Manchester United?

play1:20Rosenior: Cole Palmer is ‘untouchable and happy’ at Chelsea

Liam Rosenior has dismissed speculation linking Cole Palmer with a transfer to Manchester United.

While a move is not imminent, United is aware of his circumstances. They recognize that he is a lifelong United supporter and frequently returns to Manchester to spend time with family and friends. Additionally, they understand that he is a key player for Chelsea and is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033.

United representatives have previously discussed Palmer as a potential future target, but these have been informal conversations, and no specific timeline has been established. Should Bruno Fernandes depart in the summer — which is uncertain — there could be a scenario where Palmer is considered as a replacement. However, even if Palmer expressed a desire to leave — which is also uncertain — the transfer fee would be substantial, and United’s summer transfer strategy is already focused on significantly enhancing their midfield — Rob Dawson

Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with Manchester City this week. What is the latest update?

Manchester City has completed their major signings for January after acquiring Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi. A new right-back is on their agenda for the summer, but Trent Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to be that player.

Occasionally, City officials will actively dispel transfer rumors, and this is one such instance. They have made it clear that they have no interest in Alexander-Arnold and that there have been no discussions with his representatives regarding a potential return to the Premier League — Rob Dawson

Wrexham is pushing for promotion! Will they make any last-minute signings?

Manager Phil Parkinson aims to enhance Wrexham’s attacking capabilities, and the club is still interested in Angers forward Sidiki Cherif, but the anticipated £19 million fee for the 19-year-old exceeds the Welsh club’s valuation.

As the deadline approaches on Monday, Parkinson has stated that his main goal is to “streamline” his squad to avoid having “28-29 players, which is not conducive to training.”

Defender Conor Coady completed a loan transfer to Charlton Athletic on Thursday, following Andy Cannon (Burton Albion) and James McClean (Derry City) out of the Stok Cae Ras this month. Elliott Lee may also depart, and club legend Paul Mullin is nearing a loan move to Bradford City after spending the first half of the season at Wigan Athletic. — Mark Ogden

Liverpool’s Andy Robertson has been pursued by Tottenham Hotspur this month. Is a transfer still possible before the window closes?

play1:04How will Liverpool cope without Jeremie Frimpong?

Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens discuss Jeremie Frimpong’s exit during Liverpool’s 6-0 win over Qarabağ FK.

While it is not impossible, this transfer appears increasingly unlikely to occur this month.

Liverpool engaged in initial discussions with Tottenham at Robertson’s request, but due to limited options in defense, they are no longer in a position to approve his departure.

It seems far more probable that Robertson will remain at Anfield until his contract concludes in the summer — Beth Lindop

What other transfers should we monitor within the Premier League?

Manchester United target Mohamed Kader Meïté is set to join Al Hilal in the coming hours. Rennes has accepted the latest bid of €30 million, plus €3 million in add-ons, from the Saudi Pro League club for the 18-year-old forward. United had been in touch with the French club, but primarily with an eye toward a summer transfer. He will now finalize a contract with Al Hilal until 2029 — Julien Laurens

Brighton & Hove Albion has emerged as the latest English club interested in Reims’ 19-year-old midfielder Patrick Zabi. Two other English clubs and three from Italy are also pursuing him. Zabi has been outstanding in Ligue 2 this season, arguably being the league’s top performer, and Reims is seeking a minimum transfer fee of €30 million. Ligue 1 side Paris FC has already had a bid of €23 million, plus €3 million in add-ons, rejected this month — Julien Laurens

Oleksandr Zinchenko is close to joining Ajax on loan until the end of the season and could finalize his transfer as early as Friday. The defender was loaned to Nottingham Forest last summer, but the arrangement did not go as planned, resulting in just 10 appearances across all competitions. He will now finish the season in the Eredivisie — ESPN NL

Are there any other notable transfers in progress?

– West Ham has included a clause that permits them to re-sign Lucas Paquetá if he departs Flamengo. The Brazil international has returned to his childhood club to finalize a €41.25 million transfer from the London Stadium. However, the east London club retains the option to match any accepted offer for Paquetá while he is at Flamengo — ESPN Brasil

– Orlando City midfielder César Araujo may join Liga MX side Tigres to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the season. Tigres are looking to enhance their roster, and Araujo is becoming a viable candidate — Víctor Álvarez, ESPN Deportes

– Monterrey forward Germán Berterame’s transfer to Inter Miami is still pending, but advancements are being made. Berterame stated on Monday that he would determine his future this week, but he is training separately from the Monterrey first team, leading to speculation among the squad that his exit is imminent. The deal is rumored to be valued at around $15 million — Víctor Álvarez, ESPN Deportes