Cavan Sullivan Could Attract Real Madrid and Barcelona Interest Before Man City Move

Cavan Sullivan’s long-term pathway could yet bring him onto the radar of both Real Madrid and Barcelona, despite the United States international having already agreed to join Manchester City in 2028. Elsewhere, Arsenal are weighing up a January approach for Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi, while Bayern Munich are assessing Benfica defender Tomás Araújo as they review Kim Min-Jae’s future.

Sullivan’s development draws Spanish interest

Sullivan, 16, has continued his rapid rise with Philadelphia Union after first breaking into MLS at the age of 14. The attacking midfielder has returned six goals and five assists across 23 league matches this season, form which earned him inclusion in Mauricio Pochettino’s latest United States squad.

Manchester City hold an agreement for Sullivan to arrive when he reaches 18 in 2028. Real Madrid and Barcelona are nevertheless watching his progress, with both clubs potentially prepared to revisit the situation should his route into City’s first team not develop quickly.

Barcelona are also monitoring Espanyol forward Roberto Fernandez. Hull City, Como and Fiorentina have been credited with interest in the same player, while Barça are in advanced discussions with Raphinha over a new deal. The Brazilian’s existing contract is due to run until 2028.

Arsenal assess January forward options

Arsenal’s interest in Kroupi is expected to depend on the 20-year-old completing his recovery from injury. Bournemouth could entertain bids above £80 million for the forward, who scored 13 times in 35 appearances last season as the club secured European football for the first time.

The London club already have Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres among their central attacking options, but are looking across the front line following the departures of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

• Liverpool have begun preliminary discussions with representatives of Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara over a possible January transfer.
• Liverpool may also permit Wataru Endo to leave during the winter window, with the midfielder set to enter the final six months of his contract.
• Chelsea do not intend to sanction Estevao’s exit amid claims of Liverpool interest valued at £100 million.
• Manchester City and Atletico Madrid have contacted Bayer Leverkusen regarding playmaker Ibrahim Maza, who is also being followed by Arsenal and Manchester United.
• Leeds United are not rushing to activate their €23 million option to buy Eintracht Frankfurt loanee Jean-Matteo Bahoya.

Bayern’s centre-back plans remain linked to Kim talks

Bayern are considering Araújo, 24, as a potential defensive addition from Benfica. The Portugal international is thought to be available for about €40 million, although any move is connected to the outcome of discussions involving Kim.

Kim, 29, has two years remaining on his Bayern contract, which expires in 2028, and the club are planning renewed negotiations over an extension. Bayern had been open to a sale in the summer if a suitable proposal arrived, making the fresh contract talks a notable change in direction.

Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle is expected to have the final say on whether Dan Burn receives an extension. The defender’s present agreement is due to end next summer.

Everton, Villa and Cincinnati monitor squad situations

Everton could allow Tyler Dibling to leave on loan in January after the winger struggled to establish himself in David Moyes’ plans. The 20-year-old, signed from Southampton for £40 million in 2025, has not made a Premier League appearance this season. Everton’s priority remains his development, though any temporary departure would likely follow efforts to reinforce an already thin squad.

FC Cincinnati have reached an agreement with former Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia. The 27-year-old left Old Trafford as a free agent during the summer and has been training with the MLS club. A contract through to the middle of 2027 is envisaged, including an option for another year, after Malacia declined opportunities in Spain and Brazil.

Aston Villa have played down uncertainty surrounding Alejandro Garnacho, amid questions over whether the winger’s permanent move to the club will proceed next summer.