Football Espana

The expectation is that the summer transfer window will be busy for Real Madrid, with plans for signings and exits. In the latter category, the likes of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger feature prominently, and another that could end up leaving the Bernabeu on a permanent basis is Endrick Felipe.

Since joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 from Palmeiras, Endrick has struggled to make a significant impression. The vast majority of his 40 appearances have come as a substitute, and in that time, he has scored seven times. This season, he only featured in three matches, which is why he was sent on loan to Lyon during the winter transfer window.

Endrick has impressed for Lyon, and Real Madrid have been following his progress in France. They aren’t the only ones, with TEAMtalk (via CaughtOffside) reporting that Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also have a firm interest in the teenage striker.

The two North London clubs believe that an opportunity to sign Endrick could present itself in the summer. There is no easy way into the starting line-up for the Brazil international, who has to compete against Kylian Mbappe and Gonzalo Garcia for minutes as a number nine.

Real Madrid stance on Endrick is very clear

Despite this, Real Madrid have made it clear that Endrick will be returning in the summer from Lyon, and that there are no plans to consider another exit – whether that be another loan or a transfer. They are counting on him, and with Xabi Alonso no longer at the club, the likelihood is that he will feature more than he did during the first half of the season, especially if Alvaro Arbeloa stays in charge.

Arsenal and Spurs may well move for Endrick, but the chances of Real Madrid or the player himself agreeing to a deal is very slim.

Real Madrid could see multiple prominent players leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the season. David Alaba is almost certain to depart, and joining him could be Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger.

In Rudiger’s case, he will have the chance to prove his worth between now and the end of the season. Real Madrid officials are concerned about the number of injury woes he has sustained over the last 12 months, and if he fails to recover from these, it would be no surprise if he was not offered a new contract.

If this proves to be the case, Rudiger would have no shortage of offers from other top European clubs. Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are both monitoring his situation at the Bernabeu, while Tottenham Hotspur are already thinking about signing him as a free agent, according to TEAMtalk (via ED).

Spurs are fearful of losing star defender Cristian Romero, who has been strongly linked with a summer move to Atletico Madrid or Barcelona in recent weeks, and they see Rudiger as someone that could replace the Argentine – especially given that he can be signed without a transfer fee.

What should Real Madrid do regarding Rudiger?

It has been an extremely difficult season for Rudiger, who has managed only nine appearances across all competitions since August. Real Madrid are right to doubt his fitness, and if he fails to recover from these woes that have plagued him in recent months, it would make no sense to keep him around – even if his experience is invaluable.

The next few months are crucial for Rudiger, who would prioritise staying at Real Madrid over all other options. He’s back fit now, so he could soon make his return to the line-up under Alvaro Arbeloa, who could call upon him for this weekend’s match against in-form Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu.

Villarreal will bid farwell to on-loan Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon at the start of the January transfer window. The Israeli forward is packing his bags for a move to Serie A, and the Yellow Submarine have agreed to terminate their agreement for Solomon six months early.

The 26-year-old arrived at La Ceramica on transfer deadline day, as Villarreal looked to strengthen their squad going into the Champions League. However he has failed to make the desired impact, appearing 11 times for 358 minutes. He did grab one goal and four assists in that time, including a crucial winner against Sevilla, but three of those assists came against lower league Ciudad Lucena in the Copa del Rey.

Solomon to leave for Fiorentina

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs and Fiorentina have agreed on a loan deal for Solomon until the end of the season. His loan move at Villarreal will be ended, and it seems none of the three parties were looking to stand in the way of that happening.

With Villarreal now out of the Champions League (they play out the final two games of their schedule in January with nothing on the line), and out of the Copa del Rey, Marcelino Garcia Toral will have less need for a larger squad in the second half of the season.

🚨🟣 EXCLUSIVE: Fiorentina reach verbal agreement to sign Manor Solomon, here we go!

The winger is set to leave Villarreal with loan move to be interrupted and new transfer to Fiorentina from Tottenham.

Deal agreed today. ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/wXe38orfJD

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 31, 2025

A controversial stay in Spain

It was no secret that Barcelona needed to get a number of players off their books during the summer transfer window, given their well-documented financial woes. However, they did not end up needing to make a major sale, with the only notable exit being Inigo Martinez’s move to Al-Nassr.

However, that did not stop interest from other clubs in Hansi Flick’s players. Fermin Lopez was wanted by Chelsea, while Marc Casado was also linked with a Premier League move – and as it turns out, another Barcelona star could have headed to England too.

As per Sport, Ronald Araujo attracted a lot of interest during the summer transfer window, with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus making moves to sign him.

Araujo had considered leaving Barcelona back in January, but in the end, he signed a new long-term contract. His desire is to become a massive success in the Catalan capital, which is why he communicated to Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs and Juventus that he had absolutely no intention of joining any of them.

Interest still remains despite summer rejection

Araujo may have turned down all offers in the summer, but at least one club are not giving up their pursuit. Liverpool see the Uruguay international as an ideal replacement for Real Madrid-linked Ibrahima Konate, so there is a chance that they return to the table in 2026 if he were not to sign a new contract.

Araujo had a difficult first few weeks of the season, but recently, he has upped his performance levels. He is not a guaranteed starter for Flick, as was shown by his benching for the midweek showdown against PSG, but equally, he is valued incredibly highly by the Barcelona manager, who is among those that want him to remain at the club for years to come.

Atletico Madrid are hoping to make one more signing before Monday’s deadline, but for this to happen, they need to sell someone. And a leading candidate in this regard is Conor Gallagher.

Gallagher arrived at Atleti last summer in a big-money move from Chelsea, but he struggled to hold down a regular starting spot during his first season at the RiyadhAir Metropolitano. And with a host of new signings having joined during the current transfer window, it is far from certain that he will manage to do it during the 2025-26 campaign too.

This has led to reports that he could return to England, with former club Crystal Palace keen on re-signing him. However, they are not alone, with CaughtOffside reporting that Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United also in the race for the 25-year-old midfielder.

Atleti want £45m to sell Gallagher before Monday’s deadline

Spurs are believed to be leading the race to sign Gallagher, having held a long-term interest in his services. Man United are monitoring the situation, while Newcastle and Crystal Palace are also eyeing moves. But it will not be easy for any to get a deal done as Atleti are reportedly asking for £45m.

An offer in the region of £35-40m is said to be being prepared by Spurs, who are aiming to test Atleti’s resolve. Officials at the RiyadhAir Metropolitano know that the sale of Gallagher would open the door to signing Nico Gonzalez from Juventus, who would be the final piece in Diego Simeone’s puzzle in attack.

It remains to be seen whether Gallagher does leave Atleti before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. Any deal would need to be favourites for Los Colchoneros, as they would not have much time left to use the money raised from the sale.

There are only four days to go until the summer transfer window closes, and there is still plenty of uncertainty surrounding Barcelona. Their inability to register the likes of Wojciech Szczesny and Gerard Martin has led them to consider selling the likes of Marc Casado and Fermin Lopez – and in the case of the latter, he could be on his way to the Premier League.

Earlier this week, Chelsea submitted an opening offer of €50m for Fermin, who has been studying a contract proposal from the Premier League side. And while that was turned down by Barcelona, it has since been reported that they are prepared to go up to €65m.

However, this is nothing compared to what fellow Premier League side Newcastle United are willing to pay, with El Chiringuito reporting that the St James’ Park club are willing to reach €100m, while Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be considering Fermin as an option.

Offer would far exceed Barcelona’s asking price for Fermin

If this offer were to be officially submitted by Newcastle, there is little doubt that Barcelona would accept. They are believed to be asking for €70m to let the 22-year-old midfielder leave, so this would be way in excess of this.

However, it would also be less likely that Fermin would be open to joining – at least compared to Chelsea, although he would likely receive more playing time in Eddie Howe’s squad. And this could be a key factor as to whether the Spain international would be willing to leave Barcelona in exchange for a move to the north East of England.

Newcastle, who will host Barcelona in the league phase of this season’s Champions League, will have the money to spend on Fermin, given that they are now expected to sell Alexander Isak after signing Nick Woltemade as his replacement. However, it would be unlikely that they offer €100m, given the reported asking price.

Real Madrid will not be overly busy for the remainder of the summer transfer window, which closes on Monday evening. However, they do have multiple plates spinning, and one of them involves Nico Paz.

Paz, who had an excellent first season at Serie A side Como following a €6m move from Real Madrid last summer, has attracted significant interest in recent weeks, and the latest has come from Tottenham Hotspur. The 21-year-old is wanted by the Premier League giants after they missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, and earlier this week, they presented a €70m offer to sign him.

However, both Real Madrid and Como are determined to block a deal from happy, with Los Blancos’ intention being to re-sign him in 2026 using their buy-back clause. However, their resolve will be tested one last time.

As per MD, Spurs are readying one final offer for Paz, expected to be in the region of €75m. Real Madrid will again seek to stop any deal from happening, although it will be easier said than done.

Why do Real Madrid want to re-sign Paz next summer?

Paz had a fantastic debut campaign at Como during the 2024-25 season, and this has seen him attract interest from several clubs. However, Real Madrid’s control over his future means that they are in the driving seat, much to the frustration of Spurs.

Real Madrid see next summer as the ideal time to bring Paz back to the Santiago Bernabeu, and despite the presence of fellow attacking midfielders Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Diaz, he is expected to be a player that is counted upon for regular minutes.

Paz’s return could see one of those players leave next summer – most likely Brahim, although he is currently a leading option on the right wing for Xabi Alonso. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether there is any change in his situation in 2025.

Como playmaker Nico Paz continues to impress in Serie A, and Real Madrid have no intention of letting their iron grip on the Argentina international loosen. Tottenham Hotspur are the latest side to pursue the 20-year-old, but will need the green light from Los Blancos if they want to bring him in.

Spurs have been trying to get a deal done for Manchester City’s Savio Moreira, but with Pep Guardiola’s side keen to hold on to him, have moved for Paz. Real Madrid considered the idea of re-signing Paz this summer, with an €8m buyback clause in his deal, but opted against it after signing Franco Mastantuono for €45m. Following on from interest from the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Inter, Spurs have reportedly made a €70m bid for Paz.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham bid worth €70m package for Nico Páz has been turned down tonight.

Páz wants to stay at Como with view on Real Madrid future + Real were gonna match any proposal in any case.

Real have €10m buy back clause in 2026 but will compensate Como in future. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/8eaCZihgDq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 24, 2025

Spurs have €70m Nico Paz offer rejected

According to Fabrizio Romano, Como have rejected a €70m offer for Paz, who they signed 50% of his rights for €5m just last summer. He is keen to remain at Como this season, feeling it is his best path to returning to Real Madrid next summer. Los Blancos have a buyback option of €10m next summer, but would be willing to work out more compensation with Como down the line.

Real Madrid must give green light to deal

On the other hand, Marca paint something of a different picture. They say that not only do Real Madrid have their doubts over whether a €70m offer really did arrive from London, but that any deal will require the approval of Real Madrid. Given their buyback options, which remain active for the coming three summers, and his desire to return, Los Blancos are in the driving seat.

Paz could well have returned to the Bernabeu this summer, and had Paris Saint-Germain not made a firm move for Mastantuono, then he may well have done so. With Arda Guler already in the squad though, Xabi Alonso would have had three players of similar ilk in his squad this season.

Girona have had a quiet summer so far, but that will change in the final days of the summer transfer window. The sale of Miguel Gutierrez to Napoli, coupled with the impending departure of Ladislav Krejci to Wolves in a deal worth €35m, means that the Catalans will have money to spend – and some of it could go towards a familiar face.

The last 12 months have been disappointing for Girona, who have failed to build on their third place finish in the 2023-24 La Liga campaign. They narrowly avoided relegation last season, so a reaction will be needed in 2025-26 – although that did not start well as they lost 3-1 last weekend to Rayo Vallecano.

That match showed that signings are desperately needed, and one area that is to be addressed is left wing. And as it turns out, a return for Bryan Gil could be on the cards, with Nil Sola reporting that Girona have reignited their interest in the Tottenham Hotspur player.

Gil has no future at Tottenham, who are looking to move him on before the summer transfer window closes. A return to Spain has been speculated upon, and it could now happen with Girona.

Girona eyeing loan move with a view to free transfer in 2026

As per the report, Girona want to re-sign Gil on loan, with a view to signing him on a permanent basis when his Spurs contract expires next summer. The Premier League side will be prioritising a sale now, although that could be tricky to get done – especially since the 24-year-old is said to be very interested in a return to Montilivi.

It remains to be seen whether Gil does return to Girona by the end of the summer. He was somewhat underwhelming during his time at the club last season, although he should be able to improve if he gets settled in Catalonia.

Real Madrid could be set for receive a vast amount of money between now and the end of the summer transfer window, should Rodrygo Goes leave for the Premier League. And more could arrive courtesy of Nico Paz.

Last summer, Real Madrid sold Paz to Serie A side Como, where he was a standout performer. And although they have decided against triggering his buy-back clause for 2025, they will have the option to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabeu for a reduced fee in both 2026 and 2027.

However, it turns out that they may not get that chance. Paz has attracted interest from a number of clubs in recent weeks, and he could now be on his way to the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur.

As per ED, Spurs are interested in signing Paz as an alternative to Eberechi Eze, who has opted to sign for north London rivals Arsenal. The 21-year-old is on a shortlist that features the likes of Maghnes Akliouche and Morgan Rogers, as well as former Girona player Savinho.

Real Madrid would receive 50% of the transfer fee

As part of the deal that saw Paz head to Como, Real Madrid inserted a 50% sell on-clause, meaning that they will be entitled to half of the transfer fee if the Argentina international joins Spurs this summer. However, this would mean that they would lose control over his future, which would be a significant blow.

Real Madrid would welcome any fee received from Paz’s sale, although it could be more worth it to bring him back to the Bernabeu in 2026 or 2027. However, Xabi Alonso already has a number of attacking midfield options at his disposal, and these were added to over the summer when Paz’s compatriot Franco Mastantuono completed his big-money move from River Plate.