Latest transfer news and rumors: Saudi Arabia losing hope in Salah pursuit

The January window may be closed, but the rumors never stop swirling. Check in every day for all the latest transfer buzz from across the soccer world.

Top story: Salah using Saudi links for contract leverage

The Saudi Pro League is gradually losing hope that it can land Mohamed Salah in the summer. There's a growing belief among clubs in the heavy-spending Middle East nation that the 32-year-old attacker is using them as leverage in contract negotiations with Liverpool. His current deal on Merseyside expires in June.

Al-Hilal haven't hidden their interest in the free-scoring Egyptian and believe he's the perfect marquee name to replace Neymar. The Saudi Public Investment Fund, which backs Al-Hilal, believe a huge outlay to sign the attacker would be recouped due to Salah's marketability. (i Sport)

Other rumors

Feb. 13

Nunez no-no: It's not just Salah who's getting admiring glances from Saudi Arabia. Liverpool insist Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez isn't for sale amid Pro League interest. (Daily Mail)

Vini-Saudi story rumbles on: Vinicius Junior met with Saudi Pro League representatives back in 2023 and is now considering an offer worth $200 million per year to join a club in the Middle East state. (Marca)

TAA olé: Real Madrid are set to increase their efforts to secure Trent Alexander-Arnold's services for next season. The Liverpool right-back will be available as a free agent when his contract expires in June. (The Telegraph)

Finding Nico: Arsenal are the likeliest summer destination for Nico Williams, who has a €58-million release clause at Athletic Bilbao. The Gunners should expect strong competition for the winger's signature. (Fichajes)

Dortmund winger wanted: Borussia Dortmund won't allow Jamie Gittens to leave the Westfalenstadion for less than €80 million following interest from Bayern Munich and Chelsea. (Bild)

United's Lisbon link: Ruben Amorim wants to bring Geovany Quenda, a full-back from his former club Sporting CP, to Old Trafford. The 17-year-old would cost around €60 million. (TEAMtalk)

Mateta drawing attention: Lyon and Atletico Madrid are interested in Jean-Philippe Mateta. Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner wants to keep the striker at Selhurst Park. (Caught Offside)

Insigne digs in his heels: Toronto FC are trying, and failing, to offload Lorenzo Insigne. The Italian rejected TFC's offer to buy out his huge contract and also turned down three approaches from Europe. (GiveMeSport)

Feb. 12

Barca's Swede need: Barcelona hope their relationship with Sporting CP will help seal a deal for Viktor Gyokeres. Should that pursuit fail, the Catalans are monitoring Gyokeres' compatriot, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. (Sport)

Lewy staying put: Despite the plan to find his successor, Barcelona still want to extend Robert Lewandowski's contract until 2026. An announcement will be made in the coming weeks. (Fabrizio Romano)

Pep wants Wirtz: Manchester City tried to sign Florian Wirtz in January and will make another attempt this summer. The German will extend his Bayer Leverkusen contract soon, but a release clause will be inserted. (BILD)

Liverpool's moving pieces: Liverpool, who could sell one of Darwin Nunez or Diogo Jota this summer, are keen on signing Mohamed-Ali Cho of Nice. The 21-year-old, a left-footer, plays primarily on the right wing. (TEAMtalk)

Retegui in demand: Premier League clubs, led by Manchester United and Arsenal, have checked in with Atalanta to ask about Mateo Retegui. The Italy international is the leading scorer in Serie A this season. (Foot Mercato)

Chelsea's next big splash: Chelsea are preparing a €70-million summer bid to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios. The 21-year-old made his Spain debut in November. (Fichajes)

Feb. 11

'Secret' Nunez negotiations: Prior to signing Jhon Duran, Al-Nassr were "very close" to landing Darwin Nunez during the latter stages of the January transfer window after "secret" talks with Liverpool. (Fabrizio Romano)

'Fight' for Huijsen: Manchester United and Real Madrid are ready to "fight" to sign Dean Huijsen this summer. The 19-year-old center-back has been a revelation since joining Bournemouth. (AS)

Man United eye another left-back: Despite signing Patrick Dorgu in January, Manchester United are considering a summer move for Barcelona's Alejandro Balde. The Red Devils are prepared to offer €40 million. (El Nacional)

Kane's release clause: Harry Kane has a release clause in his Bayern Munich contract. It was active during the recent January transfer window and will kick in again in January 2026, when it'll be set at €60 million. (ESPN)

Swap in the works: Juventus boss Thiago Motta wants to reunite with Joshua Zirkzee, who he coached at Bologna. Douglas Luiz could be offered to Manchester United in a potential swap deal. (Tuttosport)

Man City's summer splurge: Manchester City want to load up this summer and are targeting an audacious £200-million approach for Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. (Caught Offside)

New full-backs for Pep: Manchester City's gaze isn't focused exclusively on the Bundesliga. Pep Guardiola is also keen on Serie A duo Andrea Cambiaso and Theo Hernandez of Juventus and AC Milan. (Football Insider)

Chelsea sticking to the plan: Chelsea, who've made a point to scoop up as much young talent as possible, are monitoring Dario Essugo. The 19-year-old midfielder is on loan at Las Palmas from Sporting CP. (Fabrizio Romano)

Newcastle want another winger: Newcastle are preparing a €40-million summer offer for Johan Bakayoko. The Belgian international, 21, continues to impress with PSV Eindhoven. (Tuttosport)

Asensio could stay at Villa: Though Marco Asensio's January loan move to Aston Villa didn't come with a purchase option, PSG are willing to negotiate and sanction a permanent sale at the end of the season. (Fabrizio Romano)

Feb. 10

Jota not untouchable: Liverpool are willing to listen to offers for Diogo Jota because of the Portuguese forward's injury history. Arsenal are among the clubs interested in signing the 28-year-old. (Anfield Watch)

Kelleher's next step: Chelsea and Newcastle are both considering a move for Caoimhin Kelleher, who isn't planning on extending his Liverpool contract because he wants to be a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere. (Football Insider)

Kean a hot commodity: Enjoying the best season of his career, Moise Kean is generating interest from Arsenal and Tottenham. The Fiorentina striker has a €52-million release clause that can be triggered in July. (Nicolo Schira)

Fermin didn't want to leave: Manchester United and Aston Villa were ready with €70-million offers for Fermin Lopez in January, but the Spanish midfielder didn't want to leave Barcelona. (Sport)

Tonali too expensive: Sandro Tonali's agent has rubbished rumors that Italian clubs are interested in bringing the midfielder back to his homeland, claiming that no Serie A teams can afford the 24-year-old. (The Chronicle)

Inter's youth movement: Inter will look to sign young and emerging players this summer to reduce the average age of their squad. Bologna's Santiago Castro, 20, is atop the list of targets. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Feb. 9

Semenyo in demand: Antoine Semenyo, one of the protagonists powering Bournemouth's exceptional season, is catching the eye of England's wealthiest teams. Chelsea are preparing a €50-million offer. (Fichajes)

Mateta in Madrid: Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace. The Spanish club views the 27-year-old striker as a potential replacement for Antoine Griezmann. (TEAMtalk)

Defensive rebuild: Real Madrid want to sign two center-backs in the summer as they look to reload a positional group that's been rocked by injuries. Arsenal's William Saliba headlines the list of targets. (Relevo)

Don't discount familiarity: Liverpool are monitoring Feyenoord defender David Hancko ahead of a possible summer offer. Arne Slot coached the versatile Slovakian international while at the Dutch club. (Caught Offside)

Kolo Muani an instant hit: Juventus are so pleased with Randal Kolo Muani, who has five goals in three games since his January move, that they're already planning talks with PSG to make his loan permanent. (Tuttosport)

Former MVP on the move: FC Dallas and San Jose are in serious talks to sign Luciano Acosta. Should the 2023 MLS MVP depart, FC Cincinnati will quickly make a move for Portland forward Evander. (Tom Bogert)

Feb. 8

Negotiating with Vini: Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid have opened talks to extend his contract, which is currently set to expire in 2027. However, the Brazilian international rejected the club's first offer. (The Athletic)

Liverpool in talks for De Jong: Liverpool have engaged in talks with Barcelona sporting director Deco over a move for Frenkie de Jong. Barca want €40 million for the Dutch midfielder. (El Nacional)

Always have a backup plan: If Manchester United can't land one of Viktor Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen in the summer, they'll consider making a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. (GiveMeSport)

More midfielders for Man City: Despite spending €60 million to land Nico Gonzalez in January, Manchester City are already setting their sights on standout Atalanta midfielder Ederson for the summer window. (Fichajes)

Vlahovic allowed to leave: Juventus are ready to sell Dusan Vlahovic during the summer transfer window. The Serbian striker, who has a contract until 2026, is no longer central to Thiago Motta's project. (Nicolo Schira)

Poor results have consequences: Borussia Dortmund will have to sell Jamie Gittens if they don't qualify for the Champions League. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea are keeping tabs on the situation. (Caught Offside)