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Welcome to the latest edition of the Transfer DealSheet, your weekly guide to what is happening in the summer transfer window.
Every week, our team of dedicated writers, including Adam Leventhal and David Ornstein, will take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on, the players who could arrive and the ones who are on their way out across the Premier League and beyond. You can read last week’s edition here.
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The information found within this article has been gathered according to The Athletic’s sourcing guidelines. Unless stated, our reporters have spoken to more than one person briefed on each deal before offering the clubs involved the opportunity to comment. Those responses, where they were given, have been included in the Transfer DealSheet.
In this edition, we look at the England international striker who is worth keeping an eye on this week, the reason why some Premier League teams are moving slower in the market while others are speedily making sales and purchases, and the Barcelona forward being targeted by a Premier League club.
Our aim is to bring you analysis you can trust about what is happening at Europe’s leading clubs and the latest information we’re hearing from across the market. Ornstein, our leading transfer reporter, will also deliver his one to watch here each week.
This article is very long but very detailed, so please enjoy it all — or search for the club or player you want to read about.
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David Ornstein’s One to Watch: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
It is the final week before the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR) window closes. The deadline for fixing issues on a PSR front is June 30.
Top-flight clubs are allowed to lose £105million ($133m) over a three-year accounting period.
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One team with PSR issues to resolve are Everton. As previously reported, word from Goodison Park is that their PSR hole is relatively small, but it still needs to be filled before Sunday. Not doing so would put them at risk of a further breach.
Selling Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has struggled for consistency in front of goal (below), would address their problem and Newcastle United have been in talks, but the proposed deal is now in doubt.
It is unclear whether other interest will materialise, but this is a departure that Everton are open to sanctioning before the cut-off.
Why Premier League clubs might be interested in Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin closed the 2023-24 season well, scoring four times in seven matches. He made 32 Premier League appearances last season, his most in the competition since 2020-21.
Calvert-Lewin’s biggest strength has been his success in the air, with the 27-year-old winning 41 per cent of his 12.8 aerial duels per 90 minutes in his eight seasons in the top flight. He has a catalogue of great headed goals across his 213 league appearances.
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At Everton, Calvert-Lewin has also learned to put in the hard yards defensively, averaging 1.9 interceptions and 2.5 recoveries per 90.
In attack, he has averaged 2.2 shots per 90 in the Premier League and got 45 per cent of these on target — respectable given he has often had to work with limited service. However, while he often troubles goalkeepers, he has also struggled to finish chances with regularity (54 goals from an xG of nearly 70), and this was evident last season.
The teams interested in him may need to move to a two-man strike system to get the best out of Calvert-Lewin, who scored 16 league goals for Everton playing alongside Richarlison in 2020-21.
Anantaajith Raghuraman
What we’re hearing
- Alfie Gilchrist will leave Chelsea on loan this window, with Serie A side Como — managed by Cesc Fabregas — interested in him. Preston North End are among the other clubs keen (Simon Johnson)
- Chelsea are in advanced talks with the representatives of Marc Guiu, the 18-year-old Barcelona striker who has a €6m release clause in his contract (Simon Johnson, Pol Ballus and Laia Cervello Herrero)
- Aston Villa have surpassed their requirement to sell players for PSR compliance and will now begin to make tactical improvements to their squad (David Ornstein)
- Everton are closing in on the signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille, but a deal is not done. The former Sheffield United attacking midfielder is on the cusp of a return to England after a season in Ligue 1 in which he played 30 times, scoring three goals (David Ornstein and Patrick Boyland)
- Leeds have been tracking Canada international Liam Millar. The 24-year-old left-winger is coming off his best season on loan with Preston and is a regular starter for Canada. There is one year left on his deal with Basel but with a release clause in his contract a move seems all but a sure thing (Joshua Kloke and Nancy Froston)
- Ipswich are interested in signing both Hull City defender Jacob Greaves and Panathaniokos striker Fotis Ioannidis, but the Premier League newcomers are yet to formalise approaches for either at this stage. Greaves is being monitored by a number of clubs after strong performances for the last couple of Championship seasons. Greek international Ioannidis scored 23 goals in 44 appearances last season (Adam Leventhal)
- A deal between Leeds and Real Betis over the permanent transfer of Marc Roca is progressing. The 27-year-old midfielder spent last season on loan in La Liga with Betis. This followed just one season playing for Leeds as they were relegated from the Premier League in 2022-23. He is likely to be the first permanent departure of the summer at Elland Road, although it is expected both clubs will wait for his loan to expire at the end of June before finalising the move (Nancy Froston)
- West Ham are due to announce the signing of former Sheffield United keeper Wes Foderingham later this week. The 33-year-old has agreed a two-year deal on a free transfer and is undergoing a medical with an official announcement to follow (Adam Leventhal)
- Celtic’s Rocco Vata is being monitored by a number of English and European clubs. The 19-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the month but a new contract is on the table for him to remain at Celtic Park. Championship side Watford are one of the clubs that hold an interest in the Republic of Ireland midfielder (Adam Leventhal)
- Peterborough United are engaged in negotiations with an unnamed Premier League club over the transfer of central defender Ronnie Edwards. Edwards, 21, has one year remaining on his contract. Peterborough are hopeful of concluding a deal and won’t stand in the way of the England Under-20 international if their valuation is met by the club in active negotiations or others that have expressed interest (Adam Leventhal)
Arsenal
What has happened this week?
Arsenal confirmed goalkeeper Karl Hein has signed a new contract with the club. Arsenal’s attempts to keep 19-year-old winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, however, proved unsuccessful. Other than that, it has been a quiet week at Arsenal.
Why are Arsenal moving more slowly than last summer?
Partly because Arsenal are not under pressure to do deals before Sunday’s PSR deadline. Given their significant expenditure last summer, in accounting terms it may suit Arsenal for their transfers to take place from July onwards.
Similarly, the framework for the deal to sign David Raya from Brentford permanently is agreed, but both clubs agree it is more beneficial for the deal to proceed once Euro 2024 is over.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Central midfield is a major focus for Arsenal in this window. The Athletic has reported on Arsenal’s interest in deep-lying midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Joao Neves, but the club are also open to adding a No 8 if they can identify a suitable player. The market for this position, however, is not replete with options. Zubimendi’s reputation continued to rise last season, with Real Sociedad’s play revolving around the 25-year-old.
Arsenal would like to add a specialist left-back but any such deal would most likely require one of their existing options to depart.
Having missed out on Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal are open to alternative additions to their front line. Nico Williams and Pedro Neto are of long-term interest, but there are obstacles to both deals. In Neto’s case, his injury history is a major concern. Williams has professed his loyalty to Athletic Bilbao, and would be expensive: his €58million (£49m; $62m) release clause would need to be paid in one go. The 21-year-old recently signed a new contract with Athletic, and earns a good salary which would need to be improved upon.
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Arsenal accept they will most likely need to sign at least one goalkeeper in addition to Raya.
Which players could be leaving?
Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah are all potential departures this summer.
The injury sustained by Kieran Tierney on international duty with Scotland is a substantial blow to Arsenal’s hopes of recouping a significant transfer fee for the left-back.
James McNicholas
Chelsea
What has happened this week?
It has been another busy one with the club’s decision to pull out of a deal to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace, before he opted to join Bayern Munich, causing the biggest stir. Chelsea were given permission by Crystal Palace to talk to the 22-year-old the week before.
While cautiously optimistic about their chances, Chelsea did not believe they were favourites because they were aware of three to five other clubs, including Bayern, who were also keen. Chelsea’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League put them at a disadvantage, but Olise’s wage demands were also a decisive factor. The cost of the transfer was deemed to be too high.
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It is the latest sign Chelsea will pull out of deals if they do not meet their valuation. They offered €7million plus add-ons for Sport Recife right back Pedro Lima but Wolves gazumped them this month by bidding €10million and including a 12.5 per cent sell-on clause.
They remain active in the market. An offer of €32.5million plus add-ons was made for Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion. It was rejected. Other attacking players are being targeted.
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Chelsea have agreed a £19million fee for Aston Villa’s academy prodigy Omari Kellyman. That should be officially completed shortly. Negotiations also began with Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino.
Importantly, the first significant sale is close to completion. Aston Villa are buying left-back Ian Maatsen for £37.5million.
Does the interest in Omorodion and Duran mean Chelsea will go for a striker this summer?
This has always been part of the plan because Chelsea want competition for Nicolas Jackson — but the club now see the aim as being a bit less specific. Chelsea are targeting one or two attacking players rather than committing to a central striker.
Head coach Enzo Maresca prefers to play with just one centre-forward and there are others already in the squad who can also lead the line, such as Christopher Nkunku.
What players are they looking at?
Chelsea are in advanced discussions with the advisors of Barcelona striker Marc Guiu. The 18-year-old has a €6m release clause in his contract.
The club are wary that Barcelona could still offer Guiu a new deal or that other teams may attempt to buy him. However, they have spoken to his representatives on more than one occasion and feel they have put themselves in a strong position. He is being seen as a Chelsea acquisition rather than one for Strasbourg, who are in their multi-club model and already used as an alternative venue to develop players.
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There are five to seven players under consideration for the attacking positions. Lille’s Jonathan David is admired, as reported by The Athletic. Jhon Duran is still on the wishlist, although interest has cooled.
Another bid for Omorodion has not been ruled out, but Chelsea are wary of Atletico’s valuation being higher than what they paid Villarreal for Jackson (just over €35million) last summer. Hoffenheim’s Maximilian Beier is not considered one of the front runners either.
Chelsea have all but ruled themselves out of buying Spain international Nico Williams too. The total cost of the deal is regarded as too expensive.
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Boca Juniors are prepared to sell defender Aaron Anselmino for around £20million. Chelsea are in talks but over a lower sum.
Which players could be leaving?
Chelsea are aiming to complete 75 per cent of their ins and outs within the next few weeks. Maatsen’s departure to Villa is just the start. Striker Armando Broja is the next situation to keep a close eye on. He has been away at Euro 2024 with Albania but, now that their tournament is over, the striker can sort out his future.
Everton and Wolves are among the clubs interested, plus teams abroad playing in the Champions League. Chelsea value the 22-year-old at £35million. It is expected Everton will have to sell Calvert-Lewin (see One to Watch, above) to buy.
With Chelsea boasting strong midfield options, Cesare Casadei’s departure is a possibility. Chelsea rate the 21-year-old highly but will understand if he requests to move on. He has enjoyed positive loans at Reading and Leicester City so will still command a fee higher than what Chelsea paid. There is interest but Chelsea have not received a bid.
Defender Alfie Gilchrist is going to be loaned out. One of the clubs who are keen are Serie A side Como, who are managed by former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard visited Chelsea’s training ground last month. Championship club Preston like him too.
Simon Johnson
Liverpool
What has happened this week?
Liverpool target Leny Yoro informed Real Madrid that he wants to move to the Bernabeu. The 18-year-old French centre-back is happy with the personal terms on offer but a fee has yet to be agreed between the clubs as Lille hold out for around €60million.
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Senior Anfield figures have long since expected the European champions to win the race for his signature. Liverpool regard Yoro as a unique market opportunity given his age, talent, potential and contract situation (he only has one year left). They want to be at the front of the queue if the switch to Real falls through.
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With Joel Matip having left as a free agent, Liverpool will continue to consider defensive options but insist signing another centre-back is not a necessity.
There’s plenty of interest from across Europe in Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton, who shone on loan at Hull City in the Championship last season.
RB Leipzig, Sevilla, Feyenoord and Eintracht Frankfurt are among his suitors. The 21-year-old is valued by Liverpool at around £20million. Morton’s focus is on impressing new manager Arne Slot when pre-season gets underway at Kirkby next week.
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Liverpool are still waiting on third-choice goalkeeper Adrian to decide his future.
The 37-year-old, who is a free agent this summer, has held talks with Real Betis about a possible return to his former club. There’s also been interest from another top-flight Spanish club, and there is also the offer of a one-year extension on the table from Liverpool.
Is it a waiting game until Slot starts pre-season?
The ongoing European Championship and Copa America means many players are focused on performing for their national teams and their futures will only be decided after their involvement has ended.
Slot has inherited a squad packed full of talent but there are still areas that require reinforcing.
The first wave of players will return to Kirkby for the start of pre-season next Monday. It’s a clean slate for everyone, with Slot keen to assess them in the coming weeks.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Another centre-back would certainly be useful given Matip’s departure and Ibrahima Konate’s issues with fitness and form, but the challenge is finding the right player at a suitable price.
They are also interested in adding a wide attacker to increase their options in that department, but Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is not under consideration. On the left side, they are already well served with Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota. Liverpool are planning for the new season with Diaz, despite interest from Barcelona.
The No 6 position may also be addressed.
Which players could be leaving?
As reported in the DealSheet last week, Caoimhin Kelleher and Diaz remain part of Slot’s plans for next season and only offers above £25million and £50million respectively could make Liverpool reconsider.
Sepp van den Berg and Morton are set to join up with their team-mates for pre-season despite interest. They will be given a chance to impress.
James Pearce and Andy Jones
Manchester City
What has happened this week?
Not a lot. It was pointed out that Savio’s move is still expected to happen because City are buying him from sister club Troyes, who are not in the Champions League, and the move was agreed before UEFA updated its regulations on transfers relating to clubs in the same group.
Jean-Clair Todibo cannot move from Nice to Manchester United because they are linked by INEOS, are both in European competition and no agreement was in place before those rules.
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Joshua Kimmich, a target for City whose Bayern Munich contract expires in 2025, said on Friday: “My focus is solely on the European Championship, and after that there will be a conversation.”
What is the plan with Savio?
Girona, where the 20-year-old spent last season on loan, had been hopeful of keeping the winger for another year but they are not expecting that to happen.
That does not necessarily mean he will be part of the City squad next season, though, as the Premier League champions are still expected to run the rule over him during pre-season before deciding what is best for his immediate development. That could involve another loan, just not to Girona.
What positions/players are they looking at?
City have been looking at goalkeepers, although that picture changed slightly, with Stefan Ortega signing a new deal a fortnight ago and questions about Ederson’s future.
Midfield reinforcements are possible, with Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes a top target, but City are unlikely to pay his £100million buy-out clause.
Michael Olise was an option, though the Crystal Palace player is set to join Bayern Munich, and talks have previously taken place about RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo but it was not considered a particularly urgent discussion.
Which players could be leaving?
Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne are the subjects of speculation, which is nothing new, particularly for Bernardo. He rejected a move to Saudi Arabia last summer and would be expected to do so again, although he remains open to an exit and does have a buy-out clause in his contract.
De Bruyne left the door open to a move to Saudi Arabia a fortnight ago but since then, Euro 2024 has taken centre stage and there have been no further developments. De Bruyne’s City deal expires next summer and the club are unlikely to enter contract discussions in the immediate future.
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Julian Alvarez has been linked with Bayern Munich, PSG, Chelsea and Arsenal, and then there is Ederson, who has interest from Saudi Arabia.
Sam Lee
Manchester United
What has happened this week?
It was a relatively quiet week at Old Trafford, except for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s new minority shareholder responsible for football operations, ruffling a few feathers.
The petrochemicals billionaire, based in Monaco, said he understands why Manchester City are taking legal action against the Premier League regarding associated party transaction rules. He also said he is not a proponent of the ‘anchoring’ plan, which would link spending to the revenues of the club that finishes at the bottom of the table.
“What would anchoring do?” Ratcliffe told Bloomberg. “The last thing you want in the Premier League is for the top clubs to be unable to compete with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG.
“We’ve got more accountants than we’ve got sporting people at Manchester United. If you’re not careful, the Premier League is going to finish up spending more time in court than it is thinking about what’s good for the league.”
Is there any further news on the Zirkzee move?
United remain in talks with Joshua Zirkzee’s representatives and the club’s interest is advanced.
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The 23-year-old forward is one of several candidates as the club seek to sign someone who can provide competition to Rasmus Hojlund.
Zirkzee, who plays for Serie A club Bologna, has a €40million release clause that should make any club-to-club talks more straightforward. Discussions with Bologna would still be needed, while his salary and agent commissions are other factors United are considering.
Zirkzee, who was a late call-up for the Netherlands’ European Championship squad, is wanted by several clubs. He has options, including staying in Italy, with AC Milan also trailing him.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Ten Hag wants to strengthen his defence. United bid £35million, plus £8m in add-ons, for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. This offer was deemed unacceptable by Everton, who are using the deals for Harry Maguire and Wesley Fofana as a marker. They were both sold for more than £75m.
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Personal terms with Branthwaite, 21, are unlikely to be an issue, but there is plenty of work to do with Everton.
United, however, are not all in on Branthwaite, with French club Lille’s Leny Yoro seen as a cheaper option. Yoro, 18, is highly rated and admired by several clubs, with Champions League winners Real Madrid at the front of the queue to sign him.
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One player United are unlikely to go for is Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo. The French side are owned by Ratcliffe’s INEOS, making any deal problematic.
Although he did not mention Todibo’s name in his interview with Bloomberg, Ratcliffe said UEFA informed them they “can’t sell to Manchester United”, but that they could sell him “to another Premier League club”.
Which players could be leaving?
Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood are likely to leave, with Sancho and Ten Hag falling out last season.
United value Sancho at around £40million, which effectively rules out Borussia Dortmund’s chances of retaining his services permanently after he joined them on loan in January and helped them reach the Champions League final.
The club are also working to sell Greenwood, who spent last season on loan at Spanish club Getafe. United are working towards a permanent sale but it is worth noting that the 22-year-old being reintegrated into the first-team squad at Old Trafford has also not been ruled out.
If no side can meet United’s asking price, Getafe are keen to take Greenwood back on loan for the 2024-25 season.
Dan Sheldon
Newcastle United
What has happened this week?
Quite a lot, without anything being concluded. Most pressing is Sunday’s PSR deadline and Newcastle’s need to bring in funds to avoid a sanction.
One of Newcastle’s better options for avoiding a PSR breach would be selling Yankuba Minteh. Newcastle have fielded enquiries from across Europe and are most satisfied with the package offered by Lyon, but the 19-year-old has yet to agree to move to Ligue 1. Talks have taken place with Everton but it appears unlikely Minteh will be going to Goodison Park given a lack of an agreement, even if ideally he wants to play in the Premier League in the future.
Minteh has agreed personal terms with an unidentified club, with Roma, Marseille and Borussia Dortmund also among those linked. The Athletic has confirmed Dortmund and Roma’s interest. Despite the interest, Minteh could yet stay in Newcastle this window.
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Newcastle’s pursuit of Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin has stalled, despite discussions taking place. During talks over Minteh, Newcastle also held conversations about the 27-year-old England international.
Although linking the two deals would have been complex from a PSR perspective, negotiations over separate transfers have taken place but no resolution has been reached.
Newcastle have also had a player-plus-cash offer rejected by Wolverhampton Wanderers for Max Kilman, the centre-back. Elliot Anderson, the academy graduate, was floated as a potential part-exchange element of a transfer, though Eddie Howe would prefer to keep the 21-year-old midfielder.
An ambitious bid for Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise also appears to have failed, with Bayern Munich set to be the winger’s destination. Newcastle were among the clubs granted permission to speak with Olise.
Will Newcastle have to sell any key players?
That is unclear, although there is optimism that Newcastle can extract a significant enough fee from Minteh alone to satisfy PSR by Sunday. However, until any Minteh deal is concluded, they must explore alternatives.
While Newcastle may not have to offload other players, at least not this week, they will do so as the window progresses to help their future PSR situation, free up space in their wage budget and bring in funds to reinvest in the squad.
Callum Wilson is highly likely to leave. Miguel Almiron, Sean Longstaff and Kieran Trippier‘s futures are uncertain given their contractual statuses and ages.
There is no desire to lose Bruno Guimaraes, whose £100million release clause is expiring, or Alexander Isak, and Newcastle should be under no financial pressure to sell either if the Minteh deal proceeds. Newcastle have not received a concrete offer for Guimaraes or Isak and would not welcome any.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Their priorities are goalkeeper, centre-back, right-winger and a forward.
Calvert-Lewin, who Newcastle also attempted to sign two years ago, emerged as a key striker target, though they have back-up options at home and abroad. Whether Newcastle look to revive a move for Calvert-Lewin later in the window remains to be seen, but they are expected to seriously consider alternatives.
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Another defender is also needed, despite Lloyd Kelly having already agreed to join from Bournemouth on a free transfer, given Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are sidelined for most of 2024. Newcastle want a right-sided centre-back who can be a long-term successor for Fabian Schar, with Kilman among their targets, even though he is left-footed.
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Newcastle opened negotiations with Burnley for James Trafford, the goalkeeper who was in England’s preliminary squad for the Euros, earlier this month, but the deal is yet to substantially progress. While Newcastle are thought to value the 21-year-old at £15m to £18m, Burnley are said to be holding out for around £20m.
Howe is keen to bolster Newcastle’s right-wing berth, with much of their budget expected to be spent on that position. While Newcastle appear to have missed out on Olise, Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen and Leeds United’s Crysencio Summerville are among other options discussed.
Which players could be leaving?
Wilson, 32, is attracting interest from the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League. He is entering the final 12 months of his deal, has struggled with injuries and is a high earner, so he is expected to depart if Newcastle sign a striker, such as Calvert-Lewin. Wilson is back on Tyneside and preparing to return to pre-season training next month.
Almiron may also leave if a right-winger joins and Martin Dubravka is set to be made available, given Newcastle’s interest in bringing in a new goalkeeper.
Newcastle hope to offload Ryan Fraser, with the 30-year-old having agreed a deal with Southampton, though the details must be finalised with his current club. Isaac Hayden is available.
Chris Waugh
Tottenham Hotspur
What has happened this week?
Last week, The Athletic reported that Tottenham are interested in Leeds United’s 18-year-old midfielder Archie Gray. They have also admired Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher for a long time. They are not close to signing anybody though.
The biggest news this summer has been the departures of Ryan Sessegnon and Tanguy Ndombele.
Why have Tottenham been quiet this window?
Tottenham have no PSR troubles — they are just waiting for the right opportunity. They have also revamped their recruitment structure over the last 12 months and this will be the first summer window with technical director Johan Lange in charge.
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The other factor to consider is that the Copa America and Euro 2024 are taking place, which means targets might be too busy focusing on their national teams to seriously think about switching clubs.
What positions/players are they looking at?
They need cover for first-choice full-backs Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro.
Richarlison is attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League and will need to be replaced if he leaves.
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Which players could be leaving?
As previously reported, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is expected to leave. He made 36 top-flight appearances last season but he only started eight.
Hojbjerg has started both of Denmark’s matches at the Euros and was the man of the match in their 1-1 draw with England. He completed 83 passes, won six tackles and made three interceptions — all more than any other player.
Spurs will be hoping the 28-year-old can help Denmark progress to the knockout stage and boost his price in the process.
Jay Harris
Barcelona
What has happened this week?
Marc Casado is expected to renew his contract until 2028. The 20-year-old will be part of the first team structure from next season and will reinforce the defensive pivot position in the team, something Barcelona have needed since the departure of Sergio Busquets. This defensive pivot position is one that the club will be looking to the market to reinforce as a priority.
There is interest in Nico Williams. He is a signing that would excite the fans, especially because of his standing on and off the pitch with Lamine Yamal, as shown during Euro 2024. Williams, 21, is in no rush to make a decision. He signed a contract extension at Athletic Bilbao in December and remains happy at the club. Last season, he was a constant threat, frequently driving down the left wing and supplying his team-mates from the byline (below).
It was reported Hansi Flick has asked the club to bring in Jeremie Frimpong, who he has followed this season at Bayer Leverkusen and who he likes for his new project.
Are Barcelona any closer to moving players out of the door?
Sources close to the club who, like all spoken to for this section, have been kept anonymous to protect relationships, warn Barcelona will not be able to make big moves and the squad will be very similar to last season if big sales are not made.
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Sporting director Deco is meeting with agents and players asking them to bring offers to help with finances. According to club sources, Barcelona are working to sell players for the value of €20milion before the end of the month. Deco plans to sanction departures with a formula whereby the club would still have some control over them. The players closest to being sold are Mika Faye, 19, for whom the club hopes to get around €20milion, and Alex Valle, 20, who spent last season on loan at Levante.
Faye could go to Porto and for Valle, there has been interest from abroad, including from Premier League clubs. If no firm offer comes in, Barca could be open to extend Valle’s contract. There could also be news this week with Marc Guiu. The Barcelona Athletic centre-forward, 18, has a €6milion release clause and has received interest from Chelsea. Given Robert Lewandowski is a fairly immovable player in his position, Guiu would not be averse to a move.
What positions/players are they looking at?
The club is still on the lookout for a defensive midfielder but, for now, the names that have come up that have interested the club are more wide players.
Such is the case of Williams, RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo — in whom the club is showing regular interest — or Frimpong.
Which players could be leaving?
Apart from Faye and Valle, Oriol Romeu and Marcos Alonso are closest to the exit. Romeu could return to Girona, who sold him just a year ago to Barcelona.
Sergi Roberto is waiting to find out what his future will be. His contract expires on June 30 and he only has a verbal pre-agreement that includes a clause stating that if in mid-August the club are not able to register him with La Liga for financial reasons, he will leave as a free agent.
Sources close to the player say he has never considered leaving Barcelona and this is the first summer he is listening to offers. Although his intention is to continue and the board has always told him that he will continue, he sees it as complicated with the economic situation at the club.
Laia Cervello Herrero and Pol Ballus
Real Madrid
What has happened this week?
The biggest news is captain Nacho Fernandez‘s imminent move to Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah. After 23 years at Madrid, he will spend at least two years at the club coached by former Real player Michel. He signed his contract to join Al Qadsiah on Monday.
As previously reported on The Athletic, another Saudi side, Al Ittihad, were in talks with the 34-year-old defender but negotiations slowed.
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The captain’s contract was due to expire on June 30 and according to the club, Nacho has been relaying every step to president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez. However, it is expected he will not be the only Real defender to announce his departure in the coming days or even hours…
If Canada are knocked out of the Copa America, will Madrid move for Alphonso Davies?
According to sources at Madrid, who like all of those spoken to about Madrid have been kept anonymous to protect relationships, there are serious doubts that the club will splash out this summer for the Bayern Munich and Canada international left-back.
The club have a conservative spending policy and in the case of Davies, his contract expiring in 2025 is a factor. The Athletic has reported Real had an agreement in place for Davies to arrive this summer or next. But talks between Bayern and the player over a renewal have continued.
The latest developments indicate Bayern have given up on the idea of renewing the 23-year-old for the time being and are beginning to contemplate taking the risk of keeping him until his contract expires when he could leave for free.
What positions/players are they looking at?
The only name on the table to replace Nacho is Leny Yoro, according to sources at Madrid. Madrid could make moves once the departure of their captain becomes official. Lille’s 18-year-old centre-back is being watched by a host of clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, the player’s priority is to play for Madrid and he has made this known to them and the other pursuers. This news has not gone down well at Lille, who would like to take the lead in the negotiations and who have not received direct contact from Madrid.
The ball is in the player’s court. He has been under pressure in recent days and will have to decide whether he can wait until 2025 to leave.
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Following the policy initiated years ago with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger, one issue raised by Madrid during the talks has been whether Yoro should join as a free agent.
The other option is for him to leave this summer for a fee, but Madrid are not prepared to bid for him. That is why it has been so important to know what the player’s intentions are, as he would be valued at between €50million and €60m.
Which players could be leaving?
Joselu is likely to leave Madrid this summer. He has informed the club of his intention to leave the club, despite an initial belief that he would stay.
The striker has an offer from Qatari club Al Gharafa which would improve his salary. Madrid had an option to buy him for €1.5million from Espanyol and are trying to figure out how to help him move while making a profit on the deal after his great season. He showed his penalty-box threat as he scored 17 goals, including 10 in La Liga (below).
Carlo Ancelotti was happy with his contribution and did not expect him to leave, but the arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick change his options.
Rafa Marin is more than likely to depart. According to sources close to the negotiations, the 22-year-old central defender is on track to join Napoli with small details to be made official. Real will keep an option to buy the player in the future — as they have done in other recent cases such as Alex Jimenez when he left for AC Milan last summer.
Andriy Lunin‘s situation is still under consideration. According to sources close to the negotiations, the ball is in Madrid’s court, who had everything in place to renew the Ukrainian goalkeeper until 2029. As The Athletic has been reporting, the goalkeeper’s future is up in the air and he could be sold or loaned out. News is expected this week.
Guillermo Rai
MLS
What is happening with Thiago Almada?
Thiago Almada, the league’s marquee young star, is subject of talks for a potential move within the ownership group Eagle Football Holdings. It owns Brazilian side Botafogo, where Almada would initially go, as well as Lyon and Crystal Palace, two options for the Argentinian World Cup winner to then move to.
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It’s a complicated move and it isn’t done yet. The initial talks with Atlanta United are over a deal worth around $20million and, while strong financially, falls short of previous hopes for both fee and destination.
Almada, 23, was signed by Atlanta for a league-record fee of $16million in 2022. From the day he signed, the view was to excel and develop in America before heading to Europe. There were talks over the winter of whether or not Almada would set a new league record for outbound transfer, surpassing Miguel Almiron’s move from Atlanta to Newcastle for $27million.
The expectation was it’d be a Champions League club in Europe, with Napoli, Atletico Madrid and more being linked with Almada, rather than going to Brazil initially.
Could Cincinnati sign Weston McKennie?
FC Cincinnati has launched an ambitious chase for Weston McKennie. Is this real?
Well, the interest is real. The 25-year-old looks set to leave Juventus this summer. Cincy also hs the financial backing to make it happen if they can convince McKennie to join. Finances would be a key part of any potential deal, with the expectation that McKennie would become among the highest-paid players in MLS if he returns to the country from Europe.
McKennie was a product of the FC Dallas academy and because Dallas offered him a professional deal – which he turned down – Dallas own his MLS rights. Cincy would have to acquire them from Dallas. Dallas is aware of Cincy’s interest but the two sides haven’t struck a deal yet.
What else is happening in MLS?
Aidan Morris is on the verge of completing his transfer to Middlesbrough from the Columbus Crew for around $4million. Morris, 22, played his final match for Columbus this weekend before departing to complete his move.
Same for New York Red Bulls midfielder Frankie Amaya, 23, who also played his final game for his club this weekend before a move to Liga MX’s Toluca. The initial fee will be around $3.5million plus add-ons.
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Lyon have launched a bid to sign Canadian breakout star Moise Bombito, 24, from the Colorado Rapids. Any deal for Bombito would surely surpass the Rapids’ club-record outbound sale, which currently stands as Sam Vines’ 2021 transfer to Royal Antwerp for around $2million.
As for replacements, the summer transfer window in MLS doesn’t open until July 18, but clubs are pushing to get deals over the line as soon as possible so players are available to debut immediately.
St. Louis City are on the verge of signing German attacking midfielder Marcel Hartel, 28, on a free transfer after a career year with St. Pauli, leading the club to win the 2. Bundesliga with 17 goals and 13 assists last year.
Austin FC have signed 29-year-old Ukraine international center-back Oleksandr Svatok from Dnipro.
Tom Bogert
(Top photo: Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton)