#midfield

#midfield

Ajax are exploring the possibility of signing Manuel Ugarte this month as they look to reinforce their defensive midfield options, according to a report from Mike Verweij via Soccer News. The Dutch giants, currently in the midst of a rebuilding phase, believe Ugarte could offer the strength and energy they have been lacking in the centre of the pitch. Ugarte's situation at Man United has been a point of growing concern.

Things can always get better in football, but in general, things have gone as I'd hoped," he said.

I feel very, very good and the injury is a thing of the past. I've worked hard in training over the last two months and haven't had any problems. Not even in the friendly match during the international break [against Entella] or in the Coppa Italia against Lazio. My leg isn't bothering me anymore and I'm happy about that.

As per Hammers News, Tomas Soucek was expected to start due to Nuno taking the decision to drop Freddie Potts and Soungoutou Magassa to the bench, but in the end, it was previously-outcasted Guido Rodriguez that got the nod, in what has been seen as a clear indication of where the Czech Replublic international stands at the London Stadium. Soucek is now considered to be fifth or sixth choice in defensive midfielder, which indicates that he has little future at West Ham.

No, no, that's difficult... (laughs). It will definitely be a special experience for me to set foot in the stadium again. I grew so much there, I met wonderful people, and I also left so many friends behind.

The January transfer window could decide whether Rob Edwards' side beat the drop, as good signings could provide the boost they need to go on an important run. There are a number of areas of Edwards' squad that need addressed in January, with one of those being midfield especially if Joao Gomes were to leave, which has been rumoured in recent weeks.

This was the summer of 2022, a failed transfer class that also included Sadio Mané, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, and Mathys Tel. At the time Bayern was actually the picture of stability, with a front office apparently fulling backing second-year head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who was heavily involved in the recruitment process alongside sporting executives Hasan "Brazzo" Salihamidžić and Marco Neppe.

The former Schalke midfielder had to work hard to get into the plans of Vincent Kompany and Bayern. Goretzka was told to find a new club last summer, but he decided to fight for game time in Munich. Eventually, Goretzka got opportunities last season, and he made the most out of it. The good form from last campaign has continued into the ongoing season.

The Spanish outfit needs more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and the World Cup winner would be an exceptional acquisition. He will add creativity and control to the side from the deep. Real Madrid are missing a player with his skill set since the departure of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. It will be interesting to see if they can sign the Chelsea player in the coming months.

West Ham United's approach for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos has been complicated by a 42 million bid being rejected; Chelsea considers him a future cornerstone.

Crystal Palace have joined Tottenham in the race to sign English midfielder Conor Gallagher, who left the Premier League for Atletico Madrid in 2024.

Reijnders insists he is willing to play in any position in Manchester City's midfield under Pep Guardiola amid Rodri's injury setback. He scored two goals in a pre-season friendly.