Karim Benzema, Gio Reyna highlight latest round of soccer rumors and news

The January transfer window is one of two chances a year for teams across Europe and all over the soccer world to add players to their roster to help them strengthen weak areas on the field in hopes of securing titles.

Europe’s big-league windows opened on January 1 or January 2, 2024, and run through February 1, 2024. On the state side, Major League Soccer transfer window remains open until April 2024.

Here are the biggest moves and rumors across the soccer world during the January transfer window.

2024 January transfer window rumors and transactions

Karim Benzema interested in Saudi Pro League exit

According to ESPN, 36-year-old French striker, Karim Benzema, has reportedly expressed his desire to explore other options outside of Saudi Arabia. He is reportedly disgruntled with his time at the Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad, which he joined this summer. Benzema had signed a three-year deal worth £258million in the summer and has already scored nine goals and provided five assists in 15 appearances for Al Ittihad this season.

Although there are no specific details available on the clubs interested in him, the Premier League's Chelsea and Arsenal are rumored to be linked to his possible exit from Al Ittihad.

Benzema won his first Ballon d'Or in 2022 after an outstanding 2021-22 season, helping Real Madrid clinch both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League titles. He beat out Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Robert Lewandowski for the honor.

USMNT Gio Reyna to Real Sociedad?

It has been reported that Real Sociedad is interested in Gio Reyna, an American midfielder with Dortmund who may make a move from the Bundesliga to La Liga. Reyna, who has progressed through the Dortmund academy, is not getting the game time he expected, and so a separation could be beneficial for both parties.

Chelsea interest in 16-year-old Estevão Willian

According to Diario Sport, Chelsea is reportedly interested in Estevão Willian, a 16-year-old winger for Palmeiras, and is willing to pay the €60 million release clause in his contract. Willian, who is nicknamed "Messinho," has caught the eye of the Blues, and if the deal goes through, he will not be able to move to join Chelsea until he turns 18 in 2025. PSG, Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United have expressed interest in the young Brazilian star, but the release clause amount has caused pause in their pursuit of him.

Manchester United, Arsenal eyeing Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee

The Telegraph has reported Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee. Zirkzee's inclusion in the Gunners' squad could help them regain their position in the Premier League title race. So far this season, Zirkzee has scored seven goals in 19 Serie A games for Bologna.

Newcastle interested in Paulo Dybala

According to Milan paper Corriere Della Sera (h/t New Telegraph), Newcastle United is reportedly interested in signing Roma forward Paulo Dybala. Dybala has a €13m release clause in his Serie A contract but it is only valid until Jan. 15 for a move outside of the league. Newcastle is showing interest in making a deal for the Argentine international star.

USMNT Zack Steffen back to MLS

Zack Steffen has returned to the United States after a deal was agreed between the Colorado Rapids and Manchester City. This deal could be beneficial for Steffen as he is currently second choice goalkeeper at Manchester City behind Ederson, and moving to MLS could provide him with the necessary exposure to get back on the national team roster. Steffen was left out of the USMNT squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Suárez heads to Miami

Luis Suárez terminated his two-year contract with the Brazilian club Grêmio to join his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba at Inter Miami. Suárez has signed a one-year contract with Miami, which will bolster the team's roster with another star.

Paris Saint-Germain agreed to $22.1m deal for Beraldo

São Paulo's defender Lucas Beraldo joined PSG in a transfer worth $22.1m this winter. The Brazil under-20 international was rumored to be linked to Liverpool before PSG's announcement of securing the deal with the star. PSG has not been shy on the focus on rebuilding a different team after the departure of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Sergio Ramos and Mauro Icardi.

Paris Saint-Germain sign Goncalo Ramos

The Portuguese striker, Goncalo Ramos, has joined PSG on a season-long loan with an option to buy, leaving Benfica. Ramos made his debut for Benfica in 2020 and recorded 41 goals and 16 assists in 106 appearances with the club. Ramos is considered a rising star in Portugal and helped his team reach the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup by scoring a hat-trick.

United’s Van De Beek transfers to Frankfurt

Donny van de Beek, a midfielder for Manchester United, has been transferred to Eintracht Frankfurt for the remainder of the Bundesliga season, according to a memo released by United. Frankfurt has agreed to pay a minimal fee to obtain a loan for the Dutch midfielder, who has only played in two games this season for United. Since joining from Ajax in 2020, Van De Beek has made 62 appearances for United and scored two goals.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: January transfer rumors roundup: Latest on Benzema, Gio Reyna and more