Transfer Rumours: Liverpool & Barcelona fight for Jeltsch, Valverde faces Real call

19 Oct 2026 06:35 BST 3 min read

Transfer Rumours - Finn Jeltsch, Stuttgart — © IMAGO

Matthew Judge | Editor

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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 19 October, including fresh updates on Finn Jeltsch and Federico Valverde.

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Flick wants Barcelona to beat Liverpool to Jeltsch

Hansi Flick is driving Barcelona’s pursuit of highly-rated Stuttgart centre-back Finn Jeltsch, according to Spanish publication SPORT.

Manager Flick wants the Spanish champions to beat Liverpool and Real Madrid to the signing of Jeltsch, who reportedly holds a valuation of €50million (£42.1m).

Jeltsch is developing a reputation as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga having caught the eye for Stuttgart in recent seasons.

The 20-year-old was called up by Germany for the recent international break, though he is still waiting to make his debut for the senior side.

Valverde facing crossroads in Real career

Federico Valverde needs to decide whether his future lies at Real Madrid after reaching a crossroads in his career, according to ex-Los Blancos defender Miguel Torres.

Regarded as one of the most versatile players in the world, Valverde has largely operated alongside Aurelien Tchouameni in central midfield this season.

However, large sections of the Real fanbase believe they are not a natural partnership, with some suggesting Valverde would perform better as a right-back.

Torres - who represented Real between 2006 and 2009 - agrees with that sentiment, arguing Valverde could sparkle as a defender week-in week-out.

In quotes carried by Diario AS, Torres said: “Fede is at a point where he needs to consider the direction in which to take his career.

“I have no doubt that, as a right-back or right wing-back, he could become one of the best in the world. He has an extraordinary opportunity to be a decisive player for many years to come [as a right-back].”

Atletico eye permanent David signing

Atletico Madrid are considering the permanent signing of Jonathan David following his impressive start to the season, according to Tuttosport.

David joined Atletico on a season-long loan from Juventus in September, with the Canada striker failing to make the grade in Italy.

It has been a completely different story in Spain, however, with the 26-year-old recording three goals and two assists in just five La Liga appearances.

And now Tuttosport understands Atletico are weighing up a proposal to turn David’s loan into a permanent signing, with Juventus keen to do a deal.

Bayern hoping to offload Boey in January

Bayern Munich are still planning to sell Sacha Boey in January despite his reintegration into the squad, according to BILD.

The German heavyweights reportedly tried to sell Boey in the summer transfer window but were unable to find a buyer.

After missing out on a summer move, Boey has been brought back into the Bayern fold by head coach Vincent Kompany.

The 26-year-old made a cameo appearance in the 6-1 Bundesliga win over RB Leipzig on Saturday, clocking up 13 minutes at the Allianz Arena.

However, German newspaper BILD understands Bayern are still keen to cash in on Boey when the transfer window reopens in winter.

More Rumours

Napoli would consider appointing Vincenzo Montella if they decided to sack under-pressure manager Massimiliano Allegri. (Calciomercato)

Benfica are weighing up a move to sign Galatasaray defender Davinson Sanchez in the January transfer window. (A Bola)

Benfica are also planning to sell Anatoliy Trubin in January, with reserve team goalkeeper Diogo Ferreira identified as his replacement. (Record)