Winter Transfer Window Heats Up: Jacquet to Liverpool, Kanté to Turkey, Saint-Maximin and Lookman Make Late Moves

France - Ekhbary News Agency

Winter Transfer Window Heats Up: Jacquet to Liverpool, Kanté to Turkey, Saint-Maximin and Lookman Make Late Moves

With just hours remaining until the winter transfer market closes, excitement is at its peak in the world of European football. Clubs are scrambling to finalize last-minute acquisitions and adjust their squads, leading to spectacular twists and turns. At the heart of this frenzy, several names are attracting attention, notably that of young Rennes talent Jérémy Jacquet, whose immediate future seems to be split between the Premier League and Brittany.

The 20-year-old defender has become the subject of an intense battle between two English giants, Liverpool and Chelsea. While the Blues initially took the lead in this case, it now appears that Liverpool has won the race. The Reds are reportedly close to sealing a colossal transfer agreement worth 72 million euros, including significant bonuses (60 million euros fixed and 12 million in add-ons). However, the young French international would not join Anfield immediately. In line with the wishes of Stade Rennais coach Habib Beye and the Breton club, Jacquet is expected to be loaned back to Rennes until the end of the season, allowing him to continue his development in Ligue 1 before making the big leap to the Premier League. This financial operation represents an unexpected windfall for Stade Rennais, which will receive a substantial sum while retaining its key player for the second half of the season's objectives.

In an equally unexpected turn of events, N'Golo Kanté, the experienced French midfielder, could be on the verge of leaving Al Ittihad. After only a few months in Saudi Arabia, the former Chelsea player and 2018 World Cup winner is reportedly heading to Turkey. According to our information, a preliminary agreement has been reached between the Saudi club and Fenerbahçe for a transfer fee slightly below 5 million euros. This sum, though modest for a player of his caliber, likely reflects Al Ittihad's desire to rebalance its finances after massive investments. Kanté is expected in Istanbul in the coming hours to finalize the last details and undergo his medical examination, marking a surprising new chapter in his career.

In France, RC Lens continues to strengthen its ambitions. As reported by Le Parisien and confirmed by RMC Sport, the interest in Allan Saint-Maximin is very real. The forward, who recently left Mexico after denouncing racist acts targeting his children, is in advanced discussions with the Artois club. His arrival in northern France could bring a new offensive dimension to Franck Haise's team, eager to consolidate its position at the top of the Ligue 1 table.

Internationally, Atlético Madrid has officially announced an agreement with Atalanta for the signing of Nigerian international Ademola Lookman. After several twists and turns, the deal is finally unblocked. The attacker has arrived in Spain and still needs to undergo his medical examination before officially committing to the Colchoneros, thus reinforcing the Madrid attack for the second half of the season.

On the Olympique Marseille side, the final hours of the transfer window are particularly busy. The Phocaean club is on the verge of completing not one, but two important deals. An agreement has been reached with Angers for the transfer of Himad Abdelli, a promising midfielder. The operation amounts to just over 2.5 million euros fixed, plus bonuses, for a five-year contract. The player is expected in Marseille this Monday to finalize the procedures. Simultaneously, OM has also reached a total agreement with Zulte Waregem for the transfer of Tochukwu Nnadi. This 22-year-old Nigerian midfielder, who participated in the last Africa Cup of Nations, is also expected on the Canebière in the coming hours for his medical examination. These arrivals demonstrate Marseille's desire to strengthen its midfield and inject new blood into the squad.

Finally, Jérémie Boga, after tensions in Nice and a period of sick leave, has found an unexpected exit route. The player is joining Juventus for the rest of the season, offering a temporary solution to his situation and an additional offensive option for the Turin club. This week also saw the Eagles resolve the Moffi case, a sign that the final sprint of the transfer window is synonymous with strategic adjustments for many clubs.

Ekhbary News Agency