The Transfer DealSheet: Latest on Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona and more

Welcome to the latest edition of the Transfer DealSheet, your weekly guide to what is happening in the summer window.

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. In last week’s edition, we looked at Marc Guehi’s situation, Arsenal’s need for sales and Liverpool’s pursuit of Giorgi Mamardashvili.

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, when they were given, have been included in the Transfer DealSheet.

In this week’s edition, we have David Ornstein’s Ones to Watch before Friday’s deadline, why Giorgi Mamardashvili is smart succession planning at Liverpool and the club that have agreed a deal for Scott McTominay.

We aim 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.

This article is long but detailed, so enjoy it all — or search for the club or player you want to read about.

David Ornstein’s Ones to Watch

Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag might have publicly put their past issues behind them earlier this summer, but a lack of involvement for Manchester United so far this campaign speaks for his situation heading towards the transfer deadline.

Sancho has not been named in United’s squad for their first two games and the winger, who spent the second half of last season at Borussia Dortmund, is available to exit Old Trafford.

A permanent departure is United’s preference, but as the market draws towards a close, they may have to sanction another temporary switch.

Juventus are keen on the 24-year-old and Chelsea have enquired to his representatives. There are sure to be other suitors, too.

Separately, Raheem Sterling is not part of the plans at Chelsea and has also yet to feature in 2024-25. After being left out of their opener versus Manchester City, the attacker’s camp called for some clarity on his future.

Sterling’s contract — worth in excess of £300,000 per week — runs until 2027 and he wants to resolve that before holding talks with interested parties about pursuing his career elsewhere.

The 29-year-old was training away from the club last week and has lost his squad number.

There have been reports linking Sterling to the likes of Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester United. Villa, for their part, are not in the frame.

Teams such as Arsenal are sure to carry appeal — given their location, progress and stability, plus how well Sterling knows Mikel Arteta — but that is not to suggest anything is developing.

If no switch materialises, the matter will have to be revisited ahead of the January window.

Chelsea are expecting as many as seven players to leave on a permanent basis (including loans with an obligation to buy) and there will also be regular loans.

They are still pondering options to strengthen in attack, whether it be an established striker like Victor Osimhen or a versatile forward such as Sancho.

There are other potential moves that could yet materialise. Let’s keep an eye on Marc Guehi, who Newcastle are targeting, and whether Kieran Trippier will leave St James’ Park. Might Arsenal sign a winger? Are Liverpool ready to recruit an outfield player? Do Brentford finally sell Ivan Toney? His future may go down to the wire and that would create a lively end to a busy trading period.

What else we’re hearing

• Atletico Madrid are exploring the potential loan signing of Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes. City are yet to receive any offers for the Portuguese or make a decision on his availability ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline. David Ornstein
• Manor Solomon is set to complete his move from Tottenham Hotspur to Leeds United on Tuesday. The 25-year-old winger is joining the West Yorkshire club on a season-long loan, which does not include an option to turn the deal permanent. There was late interest from elsewhere, but Solomon is set to join Leeds. David Ornstein
• Leeds are also interested in Freiburg’s Roland Sallai. They have not made a formal offer for the Hungary international. Adam Leventhal
• Crystal Palace are close to agreeing a deal to sign Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah. The north London club are expected to accept a Palace bid worth £25million plus £5m in add-ons. No problem is anticipated on personal terms. David Ornstein
• Following Burnley’s rejection of Trabzonspor’s bid of €4million for captain Josh Brownhill, Premier League clubs are known to be considering moves before the deadline. The 28-year-old is seen as vital to the setup under Scott Parker as the club aims to win promotion back to the Premier League. Brownhill only has a year left on his contract, so there is a decision to make on many fronts for the player, his current club and potential suitors. Adam Leventhal
• Kepa Arrizabalaga’s move from Chelsea to Bournemouth is set to see Mark Travers head out of the Vitality Stadium. The Ireland international, who spent part of last season on loan at Stoke, still has three years remaining on his deal. Bournemouth will consider options for the 25-year-old goalkeeper. Adam Leventhal
• Brighton have nine players that could leave on loan this week, including Jeremy Sarmiento, who was part of the Ipswich squad that won promotion to the Premier League. Burnley are among the clubs with an interest in the Ecuador international. Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, striker Mark O’Mahony and midfielder Malick Yalcouye are also among the likely candidates to make temporary moves. Meanwhile, the club are open to offers for permanent moves for Mahmoud Dahoud (whose contract expires in 2027) and both Tariq Lamptey and Jakub Moder, who have entered the last year of their contracts. Adam Leventhal

Brighton are open to offers for Lamptey (Masashi Hara/Getty Images)

• Daniel Jebbison will join Watford on loan from Bournemouth after the Premier League club’s Carabao Cup tie at West Ham on Wednesday. As The Athletic reported when the agreement in principle between the clubs was revealed last week, it was always a possibility that the striker would be retained for the cup game before making the switch to the Championship side. Adam Leventhal
• Former Brentford goalkeeper Vincent Angelini is training with Saudi Pro League side Al Riyadh with a view to signing a contract. The 20-year-old left Brentford earlier this summer. Adam Leventhal
• Former Nottingham Forest midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has agreed a one-year contract with Turkish Super Lig side Eyupspor. Shelvey left Forest in January and joined Caykur Rizespor and will now continue in Turkey, with the option of a further year included in the deal if he plays over 20 games. Adam Leventhal

Arsenal

What has happened this week?

Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of 28-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino for an initial €33.5million with a further possible €5million in add-ons. The Spanish international travelled to London over the weekend to undergo his medical and is expected to be announced imminently.

Fabio Vieira was left out of the squad for the Aston Villa game because he is set to rejoin Porto on loan.

Is the focus now on shifting players?

Partly. Arsenal hope to sell Eddie Nketiah. Although a proposed move to Nottingham Forest might have broken down, there is still interest from Crystal Palace and at least one club on the continent.

Other players, such as Aaron Ramsdale, remain available for transfer. Arsenal are prepared to react in response to the market — they know the departure of Ramsdale, for example, would necessitate a signing.

Fabio Vieira is set to rejoin Porto on loan (Warren Little/Getty Images)

What positions/players are they looking at?

Arsenal hope to sign at least one goalkeeper. They would like a replacement for Ramsdale, ideally Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, as well as an experienced homegrown goalkeeper to be third choice.

In an ideal world, Mikel Arteta would like another forward player. Arsenal are however realistic about what might be possible in the remaining days of the window. Long-term target Nico Williams is perceived to be unattainable this time around.

Which players could be leaving?

Nketiah’s situation with Crystal Palace is expected to develop over the coming days.

As for Ramsdale, the situation is anticipated to reach a conclusion before Friday’s deadline. Arsenal’s preference is a permanent deal. If they were to sanction a loan, they would want a loan fee in excess of £5million with an obligatory purchase to follow, which would allow Arsenal to recoup their £30million outlay. Premier League clubs Southampton and Wolves remain interested, as do foreign admirers such as Ajax. Dialogue between Arsenal and interested clubs remains ongoing.

Reiss Nelson has spent the summer exploring a move away, but with Vieira being allowed to leave on loan, there’s now a significant chance he could stay.

James McNicholas

Chelsea

What has happened this week?

Chelsea completed the signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid for a deal of approximately £44.5million ($58m), which included a sell-on fee for the La Liga club.

Joao Felix was signed too late to be included in the squad for the Conference League qualifier against Servette but scored on his debut in the 6-2 win at Wolves. The purchase ensured Conor Gallagher could finally complete his move to Atletico for €42million, which also includes a sell-on clause. The England international featured against Girona on Sunday.

After being left out of the opening Premier League game by head coach Enzo Maresca and excluded from first-team training sessions, Raheem Sterling told the club he wants to leave on a permanent basis. To further emphasise the England international’s dire situation at Stamford Bridge, his No 7 shirt number was given to new acquisition Pedro Neto. He has been keeping fit at home rather than going to Cobham.

Chelsea held talks with Napoli over the sale of striker Romelu Lukaku, with the Italian club’s sporting director Giovanni Manna in London to try to conclude negotiations.

Talks were held with Napoli over Lukaku (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Armando Broja agreed to join Ipswich on loan with an obligation to buy worth £30million. However, the deal has suffered a complication because the striker suffered a foot injury in training with Chelsea. Ipswich are still in talks, but they have also started to look at other options.

Chelsea defender Bashir Humphreys has completed a loan move to Burnley, which has an obligation to buy as part of it. Under-21 midfielder Leo Castledine has left for League One Shrewsbury Town on a season-long loan.

What do Chelsea need to do for the rest of this window to be a success?

The main priority has to be getting rid of the players they no longer want. It is not a healthy environment to have several professionals on site who have no future at the club.

Having high-profile individuals such as Sterling and Ben Chilwell still on the books provides awkward questions for Maresca to answer. The club could also do with getting their high salaries off the payroll.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Maresca has already admitted that of all the positions he wants Chelsea to strengthen this week, it is up front.

The club maintain an interest in Napoli forward Victor Osimhen but have only been prepared to take the 25-year-old on loan up until now. Following reports linking Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli with a huge bid, Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, appeared to suggest he wants to play for a club in Europe. Calenda posted on X: “He is not a package to be shipped far away to make room for new prophets. Victor was elected African footballer of the year, eighth at the Ballon d’Or, he still has so much to do in Europe. There needs to be respect and balance.”

As highlighted above, they are looking at other names. Everton have a long-standing interest in Broja but need to raise funds to buy him. That is one of the reasons Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suddenly come under consideration.

Jadon Sancho will need to accept a significant pay cut if he is to swap Manchester United for Chelsea. Juventus are still regarded as a more likely option.

Which players could be leaving?

Apart from the aforementioned Sterling and Chilwell situations, an agreement with Napoli for Lukaku is very close. There was optimism at both clubs that it could be concluded over the weekend, but Lukaku was still discussing personal terms.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could sign a new contract before joining Bournemouth on a season-long loan.

Crystal Palace want Trevoh Chalobah, but there is a possibility he might stay should Chelsea sell Axel Disasi, who is the subject of interest from Newcastle. The club are wary they will be left with a lack of defensive cover if the latter leaves and they do not acquire a replacement.

Chelsea are prepared to listen to offers for midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka. He has started just four matches in two years but has a release clause in place.

Djordje Petrovic, David Datro Fofana, Angelo Gabriel and Deivid Washington are also available for sale and/or loan.

Academy graduate Tino Anjorin is on the verge of completing a permanent move to Serie A club Empoli. Fellow under-21 midfielder Harvey Vale is likely to be sold, too, with clubs from the Championship and abroad expressing an interest. Alex Matos is another who will leave on loan or be sold. Chelsea value him at £10million.

Simon Johnson

Liverpool

What has happened this week?

Liverpool agreed a €35million deal with Valencia to sign goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Georgia international was given the green light to undergo a medical on Monday.

The 23-year-old will remain at Valencia on loan this season before moving to Anfield next summer. Liverpool No 1 Alisson, who turned down interest from the Saudi Pro League this summer, has given his backing to the club’s succession planning. The Brazilian is under contract until 2027.

There were several outgoings, with midfielder Bobby Clark joining Red Bull Salzburg for £10million.

GO DEEPER

How should Liverpool fans react to the sale of their young players?

Liverpool negotiated a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause and secured a matching rights agreement in the event he leaves the Austrian club in the coming years.

Sepp van den Berg was sold to Brentford for £20m, potentially rising to £25m in add-ons. Liverpool also have a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause.

Forward Harvey Blair, 20, moved to Championship club Portsmouth for an initial fee of £300,000, while defender Rhys Williams joined League Two side Morecambe on loan until January.

It’s been a quiet summer for Liverpool — was this expected?

It was never going to be a busy window. Since taking over from Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot has repeatedly talked up the quality of the squad he inherited.

The Dutchman believes he can help take the club to the next level following last season’s third-place finish by developing the talent already at his disposal. The early signs are promising with two wins out of two.

However, it’s still surprising they haven’t strengthened aside from agreeing the deal for Mamardashvili.

The holding midfield role remains a topic of debate. Liverpool targeted Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi earlier this month and believed the Spain international wanted to complete a £51million switch to Anfield, but Zubimendi turned down the move and Liverpool have so far not pursued an alternative.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Liverpool have enquired about the availability of Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.

The Italy international, who can play across the frontline, has entered the final year of his contract in Turin and isn’t part of coach Thiago Motta’s plans for this season.

Juventus are willing to offload the 26-year-old for around €15million. Senior Liverpool sources, kept anonymous to protect relationships, insist their interest is only exploratory at this stage as they weigh up whether to pursue a deal. Chiesa has suffered from injury problems in recent years but did play 33 games in Serie A last season, scoring nine goals.

Liverpool were interested in Yoro, right (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Liverpool came close to signing a wide attacker earlier in the window. They agreed a £75million fee with Newcastle for Anthony Gordon in late June, with Joe Gomez poised to move in the other direction for £45m. However, those deals collapsed when Newcastle pulled out. Liverpool’s admiration for Gordon remains, but Newcastle are no longer under financial pressure to sell to satisfy the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

Aside from addressing the No 6 role, defensive options have also been a topic of debate internally since Joel Matip left when his contract expired at the end of last season.

Liverpool were interested in Leny Yoro but ultimately didn’t rival Manchester United for his signature when he moved from Lille last month. Yoro wanted guarantees about playing time, while Liverpool viewed him as more of a long-term project.

Which players could be leaving?

Liverpool left-back Owen Beck is set to join Championship club Blackburn Rovers on loan. The 22-year-old academy graduate has previously had loan spells at Bolton Wanderers and Dundee.

Liverpool are also considering interest in fellow youngsters Ben Doak, Stefan Bajcetic and Tyler Morton. That trio all trained at Kirkby on Monday after not being involved in Sunday’s win over Brentford.

Slot has played down talk of Gomez leaving before the deadline and the England international was back in the squad on Sunday after being left out of the trip to Ipswich Town on the opening weekend. It remains to be seen what offers are forthcoming for the club’s longest-serving player this week.

Young Liverpool midfielder James McConnell, who made nine senior appearances in all competitions last season, was expected to go out on loan, but an ankle injury has dented those hopes and he’s now set to stay put.

James Pearce

Is Mamardashvili a suitable replacement for Alisson?

Replacing Alisson, who still has three years left on his contract and is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, is a tough ask, but Mamardashvili is as good a candidate as Liverpool could have got.

The 199cm (6ft 6in) Georgian’s growth has been fast-tracked because of Valencia’s troubles with injuries and finances in the past few years. Mamardashvili was pivotal to Valencia conceding just 45 La Liga goals last season. He had a 74 per cent save rate while facing 3.97 shots on target per game.

His towering figure and lengthy wingspan often enabled him to stop shots going towards the corners, while his reflexes stood out during the league season and at Euro 2024. These two saves against Girona — from Savio and Aleix Garcia — display the same from both open-play and set-piece situations.

Mamardashvili’s passing can improve and given he is only 23, the expectation is that it will. However, he has also rarely played in a possession-oriented system, so perhaps we just haven’t seen the extent of his abilities with the ball at his feet.

Last season, Mamardashvili was regularly required to get the ball up the pitch as quickly as possible, with 74 per cent of his attempted passes going long. However, he still managed an accuracy of 47 per cent and was able to hit the wings as well as central areas in almost equal measure. Mamardashvili’s accuracy when passing into the final third of 24 per cent in La Liga was notably higher than Alisson’s 20 per cent in the Premier League last season.

When he arrives at Anfield next summer, Mamardashvili will likely face a learning curve and might even make a few mistakes with his distribution — just as Alisson did when he joined from Roma in 2018. However, Liverpool have added a potential world-beater (if he isn’t one already) to their ranks and, potentially, succession planned for Alisson.

Anantaajith Raghuraman

Manchester City

What has happened this week?

The headline news was Ilkay Gundogan’s return to the club after a year at Barcelona. There were also reports of a bid worth more than £30million ($39.6m) for Joao Cancelo from Saudi side Al Hilal, although City insisted they had not received any concrete proposals at the time. Since then, though, there has been progress and despite Cancelo preferring a club within Europe, which may yet cause the Al Hilal move to falter, it is progressing.

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The Athletic also revealed City’s interest in Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi as one of two options if they decided to press ahead with plans to sign a striker. On Sunday, David Ornstein followed that up with news that Orri Oskarsson is the other player to have been identified.

On Monday, David Ornstein reported Atletico Madrid are exploring a deal to loan midfielder Matheus Nunes, but City are yet to receive any offers or make a decision on his availability.

Gundogan returned to City last week (Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Is the focus now on a second-choice striker?

According to those familiar with the situation, kept anonymous to protect relationships, following Julian Alvarez’s departure to Atletico Madrid, City had decided to look for available strikers who would bring something to the squad but be happy with a backup role to Erling Haaland.

During August, they narrowed that search down to Kyogo, 29, and Oskarsson, 19, but at the start of last week, they focused on finalising Gundogan’s arrival. By the middle of the week, City had cooled slightly on the idea of bringing in a striker altogether, with Guardiola himself beginning to wonder if one was necessary at all. But any Nunes departure could change things again.

What positions/players are they looking at?

In his press conference on Friday, Guardiola said he did not think City would make any more signings, but did note that nothing can be ruled out, citing Gundogan’s shock return as an example.

Which players could be leaving?

Cancelo is a player that City want to move on and a permanent move to Saudi Arabia, particularly for the relatively large fee given his status in the squad, would be an ideal transfer for the club so that they do not have to keep arranging loans every summer. His contract expires in 2027. Issa Kabore, 23, who spent last season on loan at Luton Town, could also make another temporary move before the window closes.

As mentioned above, Atletico are looking to loan Matheus Nunes. Any offers for Nunes would pose an interesting dilemma/opportunity for Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain. Nunes is unlikely to play too much this season, but even those relatively few minutes would need replacing somehow and that may open the door for a move for Kyogo or Oskarsson, adding depth to the squad in another area, and allowing Gundogan to cover midfield.

Sam Lee

Manchester United

What has happened this week?

Plenty. United agreed a €30million deal with Napoli for Scott McTominay, with the player now to decide if he wants the move and agree personal terms. Should McTominay make the switch, United would have the money to progress negotiations for Manuel Ugarte at Paris Saint-Germain.

United also finalised the permanent transfer of Hannibal Mejbri to Burnley, with the player undertaking his medical on Monday. Before that, United sold Facundo Pellistri to Panathinaikos for a €6million guaranteed fee with up to €2m in add-ons and a 45 per cent cut of any sell-on.

There were also talks about Jadon Sancho’s future, with Juventus registering firm interest and Chelsea linked to an approach.

Manchester United have agreed a deal with Napoli for McTominay (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Is there a real desire to move Sancho on?

Sancho has been available for transfer since the start of the summer, with United initially setting a £40million price tag. An exit was always going to be explored given the way he was exiled from the squad last season. He reintegrated with Erik ten Hag’s first team on the pre-season tour, but his absence from the first two matchday squads of the campaign demonstrated his status in the pecking order.

Finding clubs interested in a move has not been straightforward given Sancho’s salary at United. Juventus opened talks with United last week, but they are looking for a loan move. United want a permanent switch and will only countenance a loan again if it makes sense from a profit and sustainability rules point of view. This means United would be looking for full coverage of Sancho’s salary, plus a loan fee and an obligation to sign him permanently.

Juventus agreeing deals to sign two other wingers is another factor to consider. The Italians announced the arrival of Nicolas Gonzalez from Fiorentina on Sunday in a deal worth €38million and Porto have accepted a loan offer for Francisco Conceicao. Should Juventus manage to sell Federico Chiesa, that may give them the resources to also add Sancho.

The Athletic has previously reported the feeling at United that Chelsea would make an approach and there have been reports of a proposal of a swap involving Raheem Sterling. The Athletic has been unable to substantiate this detail, other than to confirm that Sterling would first need to agree to his Chelsea exit, given he has a three-year deal worth tens of millions of pounds.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Central midfield remains the focus for incomings and talks for Ugarte would be stepped up should McTominay depart. United have to balance their spending to meet regulations.

United had previously halted negotiations for Ugarte, with PSG demanding €60m, and the clubs are not close to a full agreement as things stand. But knowing whether money is coming in for McTominay will give United clarity on how to proceed and discussions could then progress quickly.

Which players could be leaving?

McTominay is the big question. It is not a foregone conclusion he leaves for Napoli, but he is weighing up the proposal. At 27, he may feel now is the right time to make the break from the club he has been at since the age of five, try a new experience in Serie A, and get more regular starts.

Eriksen is available (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

But he also loves playing for United and Ten Hag has major admiration for his application and personality. Christian Eriksen is another who is available, but Ajax have so far said they cannot afford him. Victor Lindelof’s injury hampers his potential departure.

Laurie Whitwell

Newcastle United

What has happened this week?

Nothing material in terms of incomings or outgoings, yet the destabilising theme of this summer window on Tyneside has managed to persist until the last week.

No wonder, then, that over the weekend, Eddie Howe twice described this window as the “toughest” and “most difficult” he has experienced as a manager given the upheaval inside the club, their PSR scramble in June and their failure to strengthen the first XI so far.

Now that sense of uncertainty has infiltrated the dressing room.

Trippier is keen to leave Newcastle (Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Kieran Trippier, captain on the field since signing in January 2022, has been demoted and Bruno Guimaraes promoted. Trippier is keen to depart Newcastle in search of regular first-team football, having been overlooked for Tino Livramento during the opening two Premier League matches, rather than due to losing the armband — that situation is ongoing. Howe is keen to retain Trippier, with Everton among the clubs showing interest, but the 33-year-old’s future is in the balance.

Elsewhere, the Marc Guehi saga has dragged on. Despite fresh dialogue with Crystal Palace, no agreement is yet in place and the 24-year-old captained his side during their 2-0 home defeat to West Ham United on Saturday.

Although the England international remains Howe’s priority target and there is still hope a deal will be concluded, dialogue was initiated with Bayer Leverkusen over Edmond Tapsoba, while there has also been contact with Chelsea concerning Axel Disasi. Guehi, however, is the centre-back Howe wants.

What is the key aim this week?

Howe keeps referring to his desire to bring in players who “improve us” and “help us” — and it is hard to argue that any of Newcastle’s summer signings categorically do so given none are guaranteed starters.

Paul Mitchell, the sporting director, Darren Eales, the CEO, and Howe are unified in their desire to bring in quality additions and not to merely sign players due to short-term positional needs. Yet, with four days remaining in the window, no such significant signings have materialised.

Sandro Tonali may return from his 10-month suspension tomorrow and the bench may already be stronger given last season’s injury crisis has abated, but Newcastle risk assuming a sense of mild stagnation if incomings do not arrive.

Their need for a centre-back is obvious, while Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron are not top-level right-wing options from an end-product perspective, even if both have served the club well.

The message from inside Newcastle is that they will only bring in players they have identified as being better than those they already have, which is why they have pursued Guehi for so long. If they are unconvinced by the potential alternatives, then a deal must be completed for the 24-year-old, though Newcastle must find a way to avoid significantly overpaying and damaging their PSR position.

When it comes to the right-wing berth, Almiron (or someone else) may need to depart before someone can be brought in, especially permanently, but an opportunistic loan signing could offer a fresh dynamic to Newcastle in attack.

Signing a third goalkeeper of the summer is also possible, as curious as that may be, given five shot-stoppers are already on their books, with Burnley’s James Trafford remaining of interest to Howe.

Newcastle must also hold on to their prized assets. Liverpool’s links to Anthony Gordon refuse to go away, while Alexander Isak and Guimaraes must remain. Newcastle’s squad will be stronger if Trippier is convinced to stay, too.

What positions/players are they looking at?

A right-sided centre-half and right-winger have been priorities all summer — yet neither position has been strengthened.

Of the two, centre-back is being given precedence given Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles’ long-term knee injuries. Guehi is the defender Newcastle want — and, crucially, still believe they can acquire — but Tapsoba and Disasi have been floated as potential alternatives. At least some voices inside the club believe it should be Guehi or nobody, though, with a belief that Newcastle need to sign someone who improves their side rather than a stop-gap solution.

A right-sided forward being brought in may depend on outgoings. Newcastle are keen to keep their wage budget as a reasonable percentage of their annual revenue, while PSR concerns have not been entirely extinguished.

Almiron may still be sold, but senior departures in other positions may free space for a winger, too. A loan, rather than a permanent deal, may also be explored, possibly with an option or obligation to buy.

Gordon’s ability to play on the right wing may allow Harvey Barnes to be elevated into the XI on the left, but Howe would prefer another offensive addition.

Howe would like another offensive addition (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Newcastle have watched Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest and have other targets, both domestic and overseas-based. They did hold an interest in Chelsea’s Noni Madueke earlier in the window, but they have switched attention elsewhere.

Talks were held with Burnley for Trafford in June, meanwhile, before Newcastle’s rush to satisfy PSR and their subsequent acquisition of Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest. Despite signing two goalkeepers already this summer, there is a chance Newcastle could reopen discussions with Burnley for Trafford. As of yet, talks have not resumed and there is no guarantee they will, as goalkeeping exits would be required first.

Which players could be leaving?

Moving players out could facilitate further incomings and there is a definite need to sell, as well as loan, those players who are surplus to requirements.

Despite only joining from Forest on June 30 as part of the deal that took Elliot Anderson to the City Ground to help satisfy PSR, Vlachodimos may leave on loan. Newcastle have five senior goalkeepers and while Martin Dubravka had been expected to depart, he missed the Bournemouth draw with concussion.

Vlachodimos was left out of the squad and, with John Ruddy third-choice and Mark Gillespie providing further backup, at least one senior goalkeeper needs to depart. There is interest from Europe, with Belgian side Anderlecht floated as a potential destination.

Trippier’s future is uncertain, while Callum Wilson appears likely to remain on Tyneside now.

Ryan Fraser and Isaac Hayden do not have Newcastle futures and exits, preferably permanent ones, must be found for both.

Jamal Lewis, who spent the 2023-24 season on loan in the Championship with Watford, has been left out of the opening two matchday squads and is available.

Unusually, Newcastle do not have any players out on loan. However, that is set to change, with multiple youngsters expected to head out. Jamie Miley, the 20-year-old elder brother of Lewis, featured regularly during pre-season and is attracting interest from EFL clubs. Alex Murphy, the defender, may also head out if a centre-back is signed.

Chris Waugh

What has happened this week?

Tottenham started their season with that frustrating 1-1 draw at Leicester City last Monday, before returning home on Saturday to beat Everton 4-0.

Away from the pitch, it has been a quieter week. Spurs have been focused on moving on the last few fringe players and youngsters who are not in Ange Postecoglou’s plans. Ashley Phillips joined Stoke City for a season-long loan, having done well at Plymouth Argyle last season, while Manor Solomon has been tying up a loan move to Leeds United. But with most of their ins and outs done, it has been a calm penultimate week of the window.

Could Spurs really give up on signing a midfielder?

Tottenham were certainly looking to sign a midfielder at the start of the window, pushing for Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, but were unable to complete a deal.

During the window, Spurs have focused on other objectives, landing a top-end centre-forward in Dominic Solanke and an exciting winger in Wilson Odobert. Their plans have changed, so adding a new midfielder is no longer a priority.

Odobert joined Spurs last week (David Rogers/Getty Images)

In part, this is because Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have been so impressive, with the two 18-year-olds both part of Postecoglou’s squad, coming on to make their debuts last Monday night. With those two in place, Spurs no longer need to search for one more midfielder.

Which players could be leaving?

With Solomon close to joining Leeds on loan, there are only two senior players left who Spurs are hoping to move on.

First, Sergio Reguilon, the Spanish left-back who has had loan spells at Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford and has not played for Spurs since April 2022. He has been on the market all summer but no deal has been found.

Second is Giovani Lo Celso, who was involved at points last season, but there are midfielders ahead of him in the pecking order. He was spoken of potentially being included in a deal for Jacob Ramsey, but that never materialised.

Then there is Richarlison, who did not start on Saturday even though Solanke was out injured. There has been interest from Saudi Arabia and while Richarlison has said he wants to stay at Spurs, his future is not certain.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Tottenham have got most of their priorities sorted for this window, so they are not desperate to go back into the market in the final few days. That does not mean they will turn off their phones and head off on holiday and you never know what opportunities will present themselves.

It might be they are tempted to make one more signing. To many fans, the squad still looks a bit light in the No 6 position. Perhaps a big-name departure in the last few days will force them to find a replacement, but right now it feels as if the most pressing needs have been addressed.

Jack Pitt-Brooke and Jay Harris

Barcelona

What has happened this week?

I don’t know if you heard, but Ilkay Gundogan left the club. The 33-year-old re-joined Manchester City on a free transfer in a move motivated by Barcelona’s financial situation.

The midfielder was one of the three biggest earners in the squad and the Catalans desperately needed to reduce their wage bill.

Olmo has still not been registered by Barcelona (Manaure Quintero/AFP via Getty Images)

However, that was not enough to see Dani Olmo play in a Barcelona shirt. The club’s latest signing missed Saturday’s game against Athletic Bilbao due to Barcelona’s player registration problems. Hansi Flick said after the Athletic match he hoped Olmo would be available to face Rayo Vallecano tonight. Sources from the player’s camp, kept anonymous to protect relationships, said Olmo did not hide his disappointment after missing his second consecutive game.

Could we see more exits like Gundogan’s to deal with the registration situation?

Yes. Vitor Roque travelled to Sevilla last weekend to seal his season-long loan to Real Betis. The Brazilian striker preferred a move to a fellow La Liga side to help him continue adjusting to the league and Betis made a compelling effort to convince him to join. Roque’s loan, however, won’t help Barcelona’s problems as his salary was not registered with La Liga.

The move that will help is Clement Lenglet’s departure. The 29-year-old defender is going on loan for a third consecutive season, this time to Atletico Madrid. His salary impact for this season was above €16million (£13.5m; $17.9m), so removing a big part of this will ease pressure.

Local reports stated Lenglet had agreed a contract extension for a further year to spread his salary, have a lesser impact on the salary cap and allow Atletico to assume his wages, but when asked about the situation, Barcelona declined to comment.

We’ve also seen the sale of 20-year-old Mika Faye. The defender had an impressive debut season in Barcelona’s second team last season. He was sold to Rennes for €10.3million (£8.7m; $11.5m) just a year after being bought for €1.5m (£1.3m; $1.7m) and without making his first-team debut.

However, Barcelona have said these three moves do not yet allow Olmo to be registered.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Any incomings would not just depend on players leaving, but also on business deals being done.

Barcelona would need to find a solution to their Barca Studios problem and find new buyers or recoup money that has not been paid yet. If that happens, club sources, kept anonymous to protect relationships, say they are looking into two different positions: a left-winger and a defender.

Multiple names have been laid out in local media, but possibly the most realistic option on the attacking front is Federico Chiesa. The Italian winger is out of favour at Thiago Motta’s Juventus and all parties seem willing to explore a deal. Bayern’s Kingsley Coman has been another name reported.

In the defensive department, all eyes are on signing a new full-back. The prospect of Joao Cancelo joining Barcelona again this season has been a theme all summer, especially given the relationship between club president Joan Laporta and Cancelo’s agent Jorge Mendes. But chances of this happening have cooled, with Cancelo looking closer to a move towards Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese full-back wants his future resolved as soon as possible and Barcelona would have to wait until the last minute with a risk of the move eventually collapsing.

The idea of Cancelo rejoining Barcelona has cooled (Masashi Hara/Getty Images)

That’s why Barcelona have turned their eyes to right-back Marc Pubill. The 21-year-old, who was relegated from La Liga with Almeria last season, was on the verge of joining Atalanta, but that deal collapsed. Barcelona are exploring a deal for the defender, who was a starter in the Spain side that won the Olympics in Paris this summer.

Which players could be leaving?

Eric Garcia had a very successful spell with Girona last season and Barcelona’s Catalan neighbours are interested in buying Garcia permanently.

Girona could be willing to spend around €15million (£12.7m; $16.7m), while another loan is not off the table. The 23-year-old, who has not been a starting option for Flick and has only been used as a backup holding midfielder, would be open to it. But Barcelona are also facing a tricky situation in defence. With Andreas Christensen injured, they have only three first-team centre-backs available: Garcia, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez.

But if a deal for Pubill could be sealed, that would give Flick the option of moving Jules Kounde to centre-back in an emergency situation if needed.

Elsewhere, academy full-back Alex Valle, who had a decent pre-season, believes his first-team chances will be limited this season, so has decided to leave on loan. He is expected to spend next season at Celtic.

Pol Ballus

What has happened this week?

Nothing really significant, as has been the case all summer. The injury to Jude Bellingham, who will be out for around a month, has not had any impact on their plans.

The focus has been on transfer business involving academy players. Nico Paz, the most highly-rated jewel from La Fabrica, has joined Como on a four-year contract. Real Madrid have received €6million (£5m; $6.7m) for 50 per cent of Paz’s economic rights. Madrid will have a right of first refusal and buy-back clauses in 2025, 2026 and 2027, ranging from €8m (£6.8m; $8.9m) to around €10m (£8.5m; $11.2m).

Left-back Rafa Obrador (Deportivo de la Coruna) and midfielder Mario Martin (Valladolid) have left on loan for the season. Both of them were on the summer tour with the first team. Central defender Marvel Antolin will also depart on loan — he’s joining Cordoba.

Bellingham is out for a month — will Madrid replace him?

No.

Bellingham’s injury has not changed Madrid’s plans (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

The board and Carlo Ancelotti think the midfield and attack are very well covered in terms of both quantity and quality. In addition, the Englishman is only a short-term absentee.

What positions/players are they looking at?

None.

As manager Carlo Ancelotti has said repeatedly since the tour of the United States, the squad is complete and there will be no more signings. This has also been the message in private from the board.

Alphonso Davies remains a target for 2025 as a free agent if he does not renew his contract with Bayern Munich.

Which players could be leaving?

Brazilian Reinier Jesus is expected to leave. Norwich have shown concrete interest in signing him on loan, but there is no agreement on the terms of the option to buy. Another Championship club is exploring a deal. Some Brazilian clubs are also keeping an eye on his situation and some Spanish teams (including Tenerife or Eibar, both from the second tier) have asked the club about the attacker’s availability.

Raul has asked him to stay at Castilla, who play in the third tier of Spanish football.

There is also a good chance striker Alvaro Rodriguez will leave. Getafe is his most likely destination if it is in the form of a loan. However, other clubs like Real Sociedad have shown an interest that would have an advantage. They would be keener to sign Rodriguez in the way Madrid want to move him on — a sale of a percentage (usually 50 per cent) of the economic rights of the player.

Mario Cortegana

(Top photos — design: Eamonn Dalton, photos: Getty Images)