Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa are all eyeing up a January move for Bayer Leverkusen’s key midfielder Exequiel Palacios.
According to Team Talk, Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios emerges as a key midfield target for a host of Premier League clubs. Manchester City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are keen on signing him in January, but Bayer Leverkusen may not want to lose such an important player in mid-season.
Exequiel Palacios has made himself an important part of Xabi Alonso’s project. The midfielder has scored twice and assisted two times in eight Bundesliga appearances as he continues to play a solid role in the middle for Bayer Leverkusen.
Leverkusen were fortunate enough to extend his contract until the summer of 2028, which somewhat gives them the power to ward off interest from other sides. Palacios has generated considerable eyeballs ahead of the January window, with a host of Premier League sides planning on approaching him during the winter window.
Leverkusen may stand firm and keep hold of the midfielder, at least until the summer. Alonso remains hopeful of mounting a concerted challenge for the Bundesliga title, and the 25-year-old Argentine international remains a big part of his plans.
Yet, the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are likely to make enquiries, hoping to convince the player to move on in January. Each of those Premier League sides may enter the market for a new central midfielder during the winter market.
Manchester City are not overly satisfied with their midfield signings during the summer. Then there’s the question about Kalvin Phillips, and with an exit in January looking likely, Newcastle United are among those keen on the England international.
Guardiola could sanction the signing of another midfielder in January and may start looking at the 25-year-old Argentine international with his microscopic lens. Newcastle United have a different problem on their hands after they lost summer signing Sandro Tonali to a long ban owing to his involvement in a betting scandal.
Howe might not have thought about a new midfielder, but Tonali’s case might have pushed him towards a new signing. Dani Ceballos emerged as a target, but if Palacios becomes available, then the Magpies might target the 25-year-old Argentine international.
Unai Emery at Aston Villa will also re-think his midfield setup following the unhappiness displayed by Youri Tielemans. The Belgian remains keen on leaving if he continues to spend more time on the bench. Hence, the Spanish manager might look for a new option, and links to Palacios would not come as a surprise.
The ball remains in Bayer Leverkusen’s court for now owing to that new long-term deal. Palacios might show an interest in joining one of those Premier League side, but Alonso’s club might want to keep him at least until the end of this season.
