Juventus
Man United must not think twice about offloading this injury-prone 25-year-old amidst interest from Juventus
Why Manchester United should release Eric Bailly at the end of the season
According to a report from the Express, Manchester United could lose three players to Juventus as the Serie A champions are considering opening talks with Eric Bailly, David de Gea and Nemanja Matic in January.
All three Manchester United players are currently set to be out of contract next summer and Juventus want to take advantage of the situation by considering offering contracts to the trio in January, as they would be free to discuss terms with foreign clubs.
As far as Eric Bailly is concerned, he joined United from Villarreal in the summer of 2016 when Jose Mourinho was in charge. However, the Ivorian has been very unfortunate with injuries managing a total of 50 appearances in the Premier League in the four seasons he has been at Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old is currently recovering from an injury he picked up in pre-season and his involvement this campaign could be limited as he is expected to be out for another three to four months following a knee operation.
Following the big-money arrival of Harry Maguire from Leicester City, Bailly has fallen down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Irrespective of the defender expected to be out until January, the Sun claim United remain committed and want to offer him a fresh contract as they don’t want to lose him on a free transfer.
While the Red Devils want to avoid losing him for free, the report also suggests that they continue to hold the injured centre-back in high regard despite his recent absences.
Truly, when fit, Bailly is the best defender United have, bar Maguire. But the matter of fact is the Ivory Coast international has barely managed to keep himself fit in the last two seasons.
He has managed to start a mere 29 games over the last couple of seasons and with Manchester United struggling for defensive solidity, his constant absence only has made him more of a liability.
Maguire and Lindelof have been first-choice centre-backs under Solskjaer this season with Axel Tuanzebe their back-up. After shipping Chris Smalling out on loan to AS Roma, Solskjaer has not even included Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones on the bench in the first four games of the season thus far.
As for Bailly, he is out injured until the New Year and after he returns he’ll need to prove his fitness.
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Going by his injury record, the former Villarreal man simply doesn’t look like carving a niche for himself at United. The high-intense, physical and forceful nature of the Premier League is proving a bad fit for the Ivorian and even if he is only 25, the long-term signs aren’t promising.
Verdict
Bailly is a good defender but injuries have taken a big toll of his career at United. Hence, it’ll be in United’s best interest to release the tough-tackling defender at the end of this season.
Brighton have rejected three bids from Juventus for Fran Kirby as the Serie A club intensifies their pursuit of the former England international.
Despite the player’s reported openness to a switch to Italy, the WSL outfit remain unwilling to negotiate, viewing the 32 year old as irreplaceable in their attacking ranks.
Italian reporter Mauro Munno claimed that Kirby has given the green light for a move to Juventus, but Brighton are determined to keep their star asset. The club considers Kirby non transferable at this stage of the season, with transfer negotiations showing no signs of progressing.
Why Juventus Came Calling
Juventus are desperate to address their goalscoring problems in Italy. The Bianconeri sit second in the Women’s Serie A behind Roma but have only scored 10 goals in nine games, a record worse than six other clubs in the eleven team league. This defensive vulnerability has left them five points adrift of leaders Roma, despite maintaining the league’s best defensive record.
Kirby presents an experienced solution to their attacking woes. Since joining Brighton in summer 2024, she has scored 11 goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances. While her output is lower than her Chelsea days, when she netted 105 goals in 192 matches, her presence would still significantly boost Juventus’s second half campaign and their upcoming Champions League playoff against Wolfsburg.
Brighton’s Stance Remains Resolute
Brighton cannot afford to lose Kirby given their current injury concerns. Michelle Agyemang’s season ending ACL injury has depleted their attacking options, and losing another key player would seriously damage their hopes of maintaining last season’s top half finish. Manager Dario Vidosic has made clear his desire to keep the experienced attacker at the Amex.
Juventus
Juventus Women Midfielder Elsa Pelgander Joins Djurgarden on Permanent Transfer After Year Long Loan Spell in Sweden
Elsa Pelgander has joined Djurgarden on a permanent transfer from Juventus Women after spending the past year on loan at the Swedish club. The 19 year old midfielder leaves Turin having made eight appearances for the Bianconeri first team across all competitions since joining in January 2024.
Pelgander’s move to Djurgarden was made official on January 3, bringing an end to her spell in Italy. The Swedish youth international also featured in several Primavera matches during her time at Juventus, gaining valuable development experience with the club’s academy teams.
Limited First Team Opportunities
The teenager struggled to break into Juventus’ first team on a regular basis, making just eight senior appearances over 12 months. Her loan move to Djurgarden provided more consistent playing time in familiar surroundings as she returned to Swedish football.
Juventus wished Pelgander well for the future after finalizing the permanent transfer. The club has been active in the transfer market with several comings and goings, including the high profile signing of Switzerland captain Lia Wälti from Arsenal in September 2025.
Return to Swedish Football
The permanent move allows Pelgander to establish herself at Djurgarden after her successful loan spell. The Stockholm based club compete in the Damallsvenskan, Sweden’s top division, where the midfielder will look to develop her career at a higher level than the Primavera.
Juventus Women currently sit in Serie A Femminile’s top positions as they chase domestic and European success. The departure of Pelgander frees up space in their squad as manager Joe Montemurro continues building his team for the second half of the season.
Djurgarden will hope Pelgander can make an immediate impact when Swedish football resumes following the winter break.
Also read: Tottenham Women add attacking firepower with fourth January signing
West Ham is on the verge of signing Juventus defender Estelle Cascarino, who has submitted a transfer request after an unhappy stint in Italy. are set to sign Juventus defender Estelle Cascarino in the January transfer window after the France international handed in a transfer request according to reports.
The 28 year old has 18 months remaining on her Juventus contract after signing a new deal in February 2025 to keep her at the club until summer 2027.
Italian media outlets report Cascarino is unhappy with her position at Juventus as second choice behind Estela Carbonell for a left back role she doesn’t feel suits her best. The BBC has followed up on Italian reports suggesting the deal could be finalized within the next week.
Return to WSL After Man United Loan
The move would mark a return to the Barclays Women’s Super League for Cascarino, who spent six months on loan at Manchester United in 2023 making two appearances. She has also played for Paris Saint Germain, Bordeaux, Paris FC and Lyon since making her France debut in 2017.
Cascarino has struggled with injury in recent months, coming back from an ACL injury in her left knee sustained while on international duty at the end of 2024. Her recovery and desire for regular playing time appear to be driving the transfer request.
Rita Guarino Reunion on Cards
New West Ham boss Rita Guarino was appointed just before the winter break and has previous coaching experience with both Juventus and Inter. The reunion could help Cascarino settle quickly at Chigwell Construction Stadium as the Hammers fight relegation.
West Ham sit second from bottom of the WSL on five points with just one win this season. Despite having the worst goal difference in the league at minus 15, they remain two points ahead of bottom placed Liverpool who are yet to win a match.
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