While fans may be hoping for immediate January reinforcements, reports suggest the Blues are instead taking a more measured and strategic approach. According to The Standard, Chelsea's key priorities lie further down the line, with major recruitment plans centred on 2026 rather than the upcoming winter window. The club are particularly keen to strengthen two crucial areas: central defense and central midfield.
15-year-old forward JJ Gabriel is catching a lot of attention after his brilliant form for the Manchester United U18s this season. According to The Sun, Barcelona are reportedly mounting a serious attempt to lure him away from Man United and into their famed La Masia academy. The Spanish club's interest shows how highly Gabriel is regarded across Europe, but United remain hopeful his immediate future is still at Old Trafford.
It must be noted that after unsuccessful pursuits of Luis Diaz and Nico Williams, Barcelona signed Rashford on a season-long loan last summer. The 27-year-old arrived eager to revive his career in Spain and has since impressed under Hansi Flick. His adaptation to the coach's style has been smoother than expected. His pace, off-the-ball movement, and link-up play have added much-needed variety to Barça's attack. So far, he has produced three goals and five assists, showcasing flashes of the dynamic player he once was
Barça have been monitoring the Tijuana attacking midfielder's progress for some time, and a source told ESPN that Mora has "strong potential and really interesting characteristics." However, the same source also acknowledged that "at 16, Mora may still need some room to grow" to know if he can succeed at a big club. Madrid share the same opinion with a source telling ESPN that it is still premature to know whether Mora "will become a top player" that can fit in at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Ünal is able to play as a left-back or as a wing, two positions where the club could potentially use some long-term prospects: Bayern are among several Bundesliga clubs who have sent scouts to watch Hertha and Germany U17 talent Yunus Ünal (17), who plays mainly at left-back but can also play on the wing. Ünal's contract at Hertha expires next summer.
I was 16 years old, and the 2003 Under-17s World Championship was my showcase, my time to announce myself to the world, Mikel tells FourFourTwo. Because I had an amazing tournament, the whispers started. Everybody started to know about this wonderkid called Mikel all the agents and all the clubs started looking for me. One agent showed up inside our team hotel and was asking everyone: 'Where is this kid?'
