Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Bologna director Marco Di Vaio has revealed that they are free to set any price tag for Joshua Zirkzee and that they won’t entertain his January departure.

Bologna Exec Clarifies on Zirkzee and Thiago Motta

December 28, 2023 Enrico Passarella Bayern Munich, Bologna, Bundesliga, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Bologna director Marco Di Vaio has revealed that they are free to set any price tag for Joshua Zirkzee and that they won’t entertain his departure in January: “We haven’t received any phone call for him. In any case, we wouldn’t even listen."

Inter need to negotiate some more with Club Brugge to sign Tajon Buchanan, who might end up replacing Denzel Dumfries given the challenging extension talks.

Inter Already Preparing Succession Plan on Right Wing

December 28, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Inter need to negotiate some more with Club Brugge to sign Tajon Buchanan, but his arrival doesn’t seem in jeopardy, and they are thinking long-term about their right flank, as the future of Denzel Dumfries is uncertain given the seesawing extension talks.

Roma is further weighing whether to sign Leonardo Bonucci considering the protest by their fans, while a second addition to their squad could hinge on Renato Sanches.

Roma Buy Time on Bonucci, Renato Sanches Closer to Exit

December 28, 2023 Enrico Passarella Bundesliga, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Italian Football, Ligue 1, Premier League, PSG, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market, Union Berlin, West Ham

Roma is further weighing whether to sign Leonardo Bonucci considering the protest by their fans, while a second addition to their squad could hinge on Renato Sanches. The Giallorossi are seriously considering sending him back to PSG early because of his injuries.

Juventus have overtaken Bologna to acquire Vasilije Adzic from Buducnost Podgorica, while Milan are likely to hold off Manchester City for Matija Popovic.

Juventus and Milan Tipped to Sign Two Slavic Starlets

December 28, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Bologna, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Manchester City, Premier League, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Juventus have overtaken Bologna in the duel to acquire Vasilije Adzic from Buducnost Podgorica, while Milan are likely to hold off Manchester City to put Matija Popovic under contract. The Bianconeri needed to raise their previous offer to be successful.

Napoli and RB Leipzig announced the Elijf Elmas transfer before the start of the January window, and the Azzurri reignited the interest in Lazar Samardzic.

Napoli Step Up Samardzic Pursuit After Selling Elmas

December 28, 2023 Enrico Passarella Bundesliga, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Lazio, Napoli, RB Leipzig, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market, Udinese

Napoli and RB Leipzig announced the Elijf Elmas transfer even before the formal start of the January window, and the Azzurri have reignited their interest in Lazar Samardzic to replace him. The midfielder wouldn’t have been available for the final match of 2023 anyway.

While Milan have been looking for a defender in recent weeks, they might soon receive a bid for one of their own, as Bayern Munich are eyeing Tomori.

Milan Vastly Lead Serie A in Days Missed Due to Injury

December 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Milan have been by far the Serie A side most hit by injuries this season. They recently lost Fikayo Tomori, who has joined fellow center-backs Malick Thiaw, Pierre Kalulu, and Mattia Caldara on the shelf. The first three all suffered serious thigh problems. Since July 1st, their players have missed 800 days.

Juventus might ultimately stand pat if they don’t find a strong midfielder for cheap and simply adapt Kenan Yildiz to the position.

Yildiz Agent Dishes on Recent Goal and Juventus Future

December 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Hector Peris Ros, the representative of Kenan Yildiz, addressed his break-out goal and his Juventus plans in an interview: “He came here to score in that fashion, and especially win titles, the Golden Boy and the Champions League with the Bianconeri."

Inter have long set their sights on Piotr Zielinski, Mehdi Taremi, and Tiago Djaló to strengthen their squad without paying fees in 2024.

Inter Eager to Complete Trifecta of Bosman Transfers

December 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Ligue 1, Lille, Napoli, Porto, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Inter have long set their sights on Piotr Zielinski, Mehdi Taremi, and Tiago Djaló to strengthen their squad without paying fees in 2024. Their plans won’t be rushed. The Pole seems destined to leave Napoli and they are leading Juventus in the race.

Napoli ended a secondary transfer saga right after deadline day in Saudi Arabia, as Matteo Politano has officially prolonged his contract until 2027.

Napoli Winger Politano Draws Attention of Saudi Side

December 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Napoli, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Matteo Politano is having his best campaign since joining Napoli, but his future is uncertain since his contract expires in 2025. The talks to extend it haven’t advanced much. He’s receiving interest from Saudi Arabia and Al Shabab in particular. They are led by an Italian director, Domenico Teti.

Considering the issues and doubts concerning other names, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is back to being a primary target for Juventus.

Tottenham Midfielder Roars Back in Juventus Search

December 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Serie A, Tottenham, Transfer Market

Considering the issues and doubts concerning other names, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is back to being a primary target for Juventus. He’s unhappy with his playing time at Tottenham. The Bianconeri aim to get him on an initial loan. The deal could envisage a €30M obligation to buy.

Inter went full-steam ahead on Tajon Buchanan after Juan Cuadrado opted to have surgery due to an Achilles’ injury. The deal is almost done.

Inter on the Brink of Signing Buchanan from Club Brugge

December 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Inter went full-steam ahead on Tajon Buchanan after Juan Cuadrado opted to have surgery due to an Achilles’ injury. Despite some hurdles, they should be able to seal the deal in a hurry. President Steven Zhang has okayed a small extra budget. He could arrive permanently.

Napoli were already searching for a center-back beforehand, even more so following Natan’s shoulder injury, as he'll be out for a while.

Napoli Rekindle Their Efforts to Find a New Center-back

December 27, 2023 Enrico Passarella Borussia Moenchengladbach, Bundesliga, Calciomercato, Genoa, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Transfer Market

Napoli were already searching for a center-back beforehand, even more so following Natan’s shoulder injury. The talent is undergoing further tests but might be sidelined for up to two months. They were considering partying ways with Leo Ostigard, who hasn’t won over Walter Mazzarri, but they might just add.

Author: Enrico Passarella