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Transfer news and rumours today: Neymar to MLS, Romain Esse to Crystal Palace

Transfer news and rumours: Neymar to MLS, Esse to Crystal Palace
© Imago
Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer news and rumours, including Neymar's potential move to join Lionel Messi in MLS and Romain Esse's switch to Crystal Palace.

Neymar has reportedly entered talks with American side Chicago Fire over a possible move to MLS.

The 32-year-old has spent an injury-riddled 18 months at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where the former superstar has spent plenty of time in the medical room.

The Brazilian has managed just seven appearances for the Middle East giants since the high-profile switch from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023.

The attacker has featured in only two matches for Al-Hilal during the 2024-25 campaign, both of those appearances arriving in the AFC Champions League Elite.

According to talkSPORT, Neymar could be exiting the Saudi Pro League following a painful 18 months at the PIF-backed club.

The report claims that American outfit Chicago Fire have opened talks over a potential deal to bring the superstar to MLS for the 2025 campaign.

It is understood that the wages on offer for Neymar at Chicago could rival the amount that Lionel Messi is being paid at Inter Miami currently.

However, Al-Hilal are supposedly keen to keep the 32-year-old on their books until the summer at least, and potentially towards the end of the calendar year.

Millwall's Romain Esse on January 4, 2025© Imago

Millwall star Esse to complete Palace medical?

Focusing on the English game, one of the second tier's brightest sparks looks set for a lucrative move to the riches of the Premier League.

As per transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Millwall and Crystal Palace have agreed a deal for the switch of Romain Esse to Selhurst Park.

It is understood that the Eagles will pay around £14.5m for the talent, who has netted four goals in 24 Championship appearances for the Lions so far this term.

The report states that all terms are agreed between the clubs, with talks over a transfer across capital battlelines starting two weeks ago.

It is believed that the signing will be announced on Palace's end once Esse has successfully completed a medical, one which will be undertaken on Friday.

The 19-year-old was left out of Millwall's squad for their FA Cup success over Dagenham & Redbridge earlier in the week, with Lions boss Alex Neil citing transfer rumours as the reason for the attacker's absence.

Crystal Palace's Odsonne Edouard pictured on August 18, 2024© Imago

Palace receive MLS bid for forward?

Finally, the arrival of Esse could signal the end of Odsonne Edouard's association with Crystal Palace, who have reportedly received a favourable offer from America for the striker's services.

According to Sky Sports News, Atlanta United have submitted a £15m bid for the Frenchman, who is currently on loan at Premier League strugglers Leicester City.

Edouard has not featured for the Foxes since the arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy into the managerial hotseat in December, making the matchday squad just once.

Atlanta have also approached Middlesbrough over the signing of Emmanuel Latte Lath, with the MLS side lodging an eye-watering £18m bid.

It is understood that the Georgia-based club will not sign both Edouard and Latte Lath during this window, but the Americans are planning the capture of Miguel Almiron from Newcastle United.

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Written by
Carter White

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Millwall's Romain Esse on January 4, 2025
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Al-HilalAl-Hilal15131148143440
2Al Ittihad15131137112640
3Al Quadisiya15101422111131
4Al-Nassr1585229141529
5Al-AhliAl-Ahli158252314926
6Al ShababAl Shabab158252215726
7Al Khaleej157262119223
8Al-TaawounAl-Taawoun156451815322
9Al Riyadh156451920-122
10Damac155372226-418
11Al Ettifaq155371623-718
12Al Kholood154471927-816
13Al RaedAl Raed154291926-714
14Al Orubah1541101133-2213
15Al Okhdood153391824-612
16Al Fayha152671225-1312
17Al WahdaAl Wahda153391935-1612
18Al Fateh1513111235-236


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