The Transfer DealSheet: Latest on Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona and more
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Welcome to the third 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.
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.
This week, we look at Manchester United’s ongoing pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite, Arsenal’s new contract for one of their goalkeepers and the latest on Leny Yoro.
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. Our leading transfer reporter David Ornstein will also deliver his one to watch here each week.
Get the latest transfer news on The Athletic…
David Ornstein’s One to Watch: Jarrad Branthwaite
There’s a big pinch point coming on June 30 for clubs who need to deal with issues around the profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR).
Things realistically need to start moving this week if sales are to be made by then and a number of teams find themselves in that bracket.
Jarrad Branthwaite was subject to a bid worth £35million from Manchester United on Friday. Everton viewed the offer for their 21-year-old centre-back, which featured an additional £8m in bonuses, as unacceptable and rejected it.
Everton are among those with financial issues, although word from Goodison Park suggests the PSR hole is relatively small.
Everton rejected a Manchester United bid for Branthwaite last week (Paul Ellis / AFP via Getty Images)
Their preference would be to solve the problem not by selling (nor dropping the asking price for) key players like Branthwaite but through other means, such as trading academy products.
But United’s proposal on the first day of the window, far lower than Everton’s asking price, suggests they believe their Premier League counterparts might have to consider letting him go before the month ends — and that this was merely an opening salvo.
We need to watch whether United come back with an improved approach and how Everton respond. Are they going to hold firm? Is Branthwaite such a special talent that Everton’s valuation of more than £70million will not be reduced?
That figure appears to be out of United’s reach, so do they keep pushing or back off and focus on alternative targets? Will Everton be able to shift someone else or could their stance change?
Is signing Branthwaite a good idea?
While left-footed centre-backs are one of the most precious profiles in European football, Manchester United already have one on their books. Lisandro Martinez has been the most successful signing of the Erik ten Hag-era at United.
So why are they targeting left-footed Branthwaite as a priority? While he has often played on the left, Branthwaite has comfortably and adeptly played on the opposite side too.
Ten of Branthwaite’s 24 starts during his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven during the 2022-23 campaign saw him deployed on the right. Ruud van Nistelrooy, his coach that year, highlighted “touches he has on the left and right in the build-up” in an interview with The Coaches’ Voice.
An analysis by The Athletic in February found Branthwaite was, in fact, one of the most two-footed players in the Premier League. He played 41 per cent of his passes with his right foot.
Branthwaite also compares well with the defender he’ll be replacing, Raphael Varane, both in terms of two-footedness and duel success rate. Winning duels and defending contested possession is critical to the type of transitional style Ten Hag showed a preference towards for much of last season.
Mark Critchley
What we’re hearing…
- Arsenal have convinced out-of-contract Estonian international Karl Hein to stay at the Emirates beyond this summer. The 22-year-old is expected to sign a new contract imminently. The goalkeeper is relatively inexperienced at club level, with a loan move the next step in his development (James McNicholas)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers have reached an agreement with Sport Recife to sign Pedro Lima. The 17-year-old had been heavily linked with a host of top clubs, most prominently Chelsea, who had been pursuing a deal for the right-back. But Wolves have managed to strike a deal with Sport Recife for Lima, in what would represent a major coup for the club. Personal terms are in place on a five-year contract that includes the option to extend by a further 12 months. If all goes to plan he would arrive at Wolves on July 1 to undergo a medical and complete the proposed move (David Ornstein)
- Ipswich are interested in signing Chelsea attacker Omari Hutchinson and have enquired about a fee. The 20-year-old is also attracting interest from other Premier League clubs and teams across Europe. Hutchinson scored 10 goals in 44 games for Ipswich last season as they won promotion to the Premier League (Simon Johnson)
- Fulham have restarted talks with Fluminense regarding a transfer for Brazil international Andre. The west London club are looking for a defensive midfielder after Bayern Munich renewed their pursuit of Joao Palhinha. Fulham have tracked Andre, 22, for more than a year and see him as an ideal replacement. Marco Silva’s side have not yet made an official bid (Peter Rutzler and Adam Leventhal)
- Nottingham Forest are working on a deal with Red Star Belgrade to sign the New Zealand international midfielder Marko Stamenic. Stamenic, who has 14 international caps, would cost around £4.6million after impressing Forest while helping Red Star, or Crvena Zvezda, win the Serbian SuperLiga last season. If everything goes according to plan, he is expected to join Olympiacos on a season-long loan, similar to other arrangements in the Evangelos Marinakis operation, with the Greek billionaire owning both clubs (Daniel Taylor)
- Sevilla announced Sergio Ramos would depart as a free agent on Monday but he has not picked his next club yet. MLS side San Diego FC have held talks with the Spanish centre-back, but the two sides were far apart in contract negotiations. Talks went dead for weeks but, with the official announcement of Ramos departing Sevilla, there will be another discussion between the two parties to see if there is common ground. There is nothing advanced at this moment or likely, unless Ramos’ salary asks have decreased significantly (Tom Bogert)
- Lyon are preparing to listen to offers for central defender Jake O’Brien. Atalanta and one other club made an approach for O’Brien in January and the Italian club are known to have retained an interest. Lyon don’t want to sell and have not set an asking price, but they are aware that the Republic of Ireland international features highly on the lists of clubs in the Premier League and elsewhere in Europe (Adam Leventhal)
- Hibernian are expecting to lose winger Elie Youan after just one season. Clubs from Serie A and Ligue 1 have registered interest in the 25-year-old — who joined from St Gallen last summer — with the Scottish club wanting in the region of £2.5m after he scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions last season (Adam Leventhal)
Arsenal
What has happened this week?
Arsenal’s top target to strengthen their forward line, Benjamin Sesko, has signed an improved deal with RB Leipzig until 2029. It’s a blow to Arsenal, who had positioned themselves as the most attractive destination had Sesko decided to move.
One area where Arsenal may have assuaged their need for reinforcements is in goal. The club have persuaded Hein to stay, and the 22-year-old is expected to sign a new contract imminently. Given Hein’s relative inexperience at club level, it is logical that a loan move will be the next step in his development.
How have Arsenal reacted to Sesko not being available?
Arsenal are not too disheartened by Sesko’s decision. They always knew that there was a strong possibility he would stay with Leipzig this summer. They will continue to follow Sesko and maintain the relationship, as he remains of long-term interest.
Arsenal will continue to follow Sesko despite his new contract at Leipzig (Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
What positions/players are they looking at?
Losing out on Sesko has created a slight shift in priorities. With forwards Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard all currently part of the squad, strengthening midfield is seemingly now the primary focus.
Arsenal need another midfield player to complement Declan Rice. The indications are that Arsenal are leaning towards adding a No 6 rather than a No 8, as they feel there are more attractive options in the market.
Which players could be leaving?
Winger Reiss Nelson has informed the club that he wants to assess his options for a potential transfer this summer. Arsenal are aiming to secure a fee of around £20million including add-ons if they are to allow Nelson to leave.
Arsenal are likely to consider offers for a number of homegrown players this summer, with Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe also contemplating their futures. For Arsenal, their departures would have an added benefit: sales of these academy players would be recorded as “pure profit” in PSR terms.
James McNicholas
Chelsea
What has happened this week?
There have been no new arrivals but Chelsea continue to be active. The biggest stir was caused by Chelsea asking permission from Crystal Palace to agree terms with Michael Olise and more links with Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran. More on that later.
Things can change quickly in the transfer window and there have been a few examples of this. Last week, The Athletic reported that the club were planning for Andrey Santos to be part of the first-team squad next season. That is still the case but they are now also open to the possibility of him going back to Strasbourg on loan, where he spent the second half of last season. This was not the case before. The 20-year-old may take some convincing though.
Wolves agreed a deal with Sport Recife to sign target Pedro Lima on Monday. Lima was earmarked as a BlueCo signing (the company which owns Chelsea and Strasbourg) rather than a specific Chelsea purchase. The plan was for him to play for Strasbourg next season. Chelsea have not given up hope on the 17-year-old, but it appears as though he will be plying his trade at Molineux. They had agreed terms with both Recife and Lima, with Monday’s development taking them by surprise.
Would Gallagher’s exit help Chelsea’s plans?
Should a club meet their £50million valuation then the funds would certainly help with other purchases.
Chelsea are adamant that they do not need to sell players before June 30 in order to comply with PSR for 2023-24. That is not a view shared by all outside of Stamford Bridge, though, and there is optimism among some clubs that Chelsea will be looking to cash in on a few players before the end of the month, meaning a bargain could be had.
Aston Villa are one of the clubs interested in Gallagher, although they will struggle to meet the asking price without selling players themselves first. A swap involving Duran is unlikely.
Gallagher, who is away with England at Euro 2024, has just one year left on his contract. Chelsea have not ruled out offering an extension because they do not want to run the risk of him leaving as a free agent in 2025.
Chelsea could still offer Gallagher a contract extension (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
What positions/players are they looking at?
The priority right now is trying to win the race for Olise. Even though they have got the go-ahead to speak to the 22-year-old, Chelsea know it is far from a done deal.
Chelsea believe another three to five teams are also in the frame. The Athletic reported Newcastle and Bayern Munich have also contacted Crystal Palace, while Manchester United and Manchester City have a strong interest in the player.
He is their main focus right now so the search for a striker has taken a bit of a back seat. They have an interest in Aston Villa forward Duran but it has gone no further than that.
Chelsea have been put off making a move for their former academy striker Dominic Solanke, at least for the time being, because of a £65million release clause in his contract.
Which players could be leaving?
There has been no progress on the list of possible departures, like Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah, provided in previous weeks.
The pursuit of Olise has sparked questions among sections of the fanbase over Noni Madueke‘s future because both like to play on the right flank.
But Chelsea do not see it like that at the moment. Should Olise make the switch, they will regard it as the duo fulfilling the ‘two players for every position’ mantra most leading clubs aim for. Cole Palmer is expected to play more regularly inside in a No 10 role.
With Raheem Sterling earning in excess of £ 300,000 a week, there is an acceptance it will be very difficult to find a club looking to sign him. Sterling is preparing for pre-season under new head coach Enzo Maresca.
Simon Johnson
What has happened this week?
My colleague David Ornstein reported the situation around centre-back Leny Yoro, who is a target for Liverpool as well as Manchester United and Real Madrid.
The Spanish side are seen favourites to sign the 18-year-old, who has one year remaining on his contract at Lille, but Liverpool are actively pursuing a deal for the defender.
The news came as reports were emerging of Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr making contact with Virgil van Dijk‘s representatives about a potential move. Senior Liverpool sources, who asked to be kept anonymous to protect relationships, say there has been no contact from Al-Nassr about any deal.
The Dutch international has one year remaining on his contract but remains a key figure for incoming head coach Arne Slot. However, if a new deal is not agreed he would be a free agent next summer and able to join any team.
Is bringing in Yoro a key part of Liverpool’s summer rebuild?
Liverpool are considering strengthening at centre-back this summer and Yoro is seen as one of the brightest emerging talents in that position.
A deal to secure the youngster is seen as a unique market opportunity and it is no surprise, with Michael Edwards returning, that it is something Liverpool are exploring.
They currently have four options at centre-back. But Van Dijk has one year remaining on his contract and is 33, Ibrahima Konate suffered a huge dip in form to finish the campaign and is not a natural ball player, Jarell Quansah is still young and learning at senior level and Joe Gomez operated at full-back more than centre-back last season.
They are not in desperate need of a new first-choice centre-back but adding depth and reinforcing the positions for years to come is at the forefront of thoughts. Not signing Yoro would not be the end of the world, but it would feel like a missed opportunity to secure a potential first-team player for the next 10 years.
What positions/players are they looking at?
As written above, Liverpool are considering strengthening at centre-back to replace the outgoing Joel Matip and securing the position in the longer term.
The club are also in the market for a wide player. Uncertainty surrounds the longer-term futures of wingers Mohamed Salah, who has one year remaining on his contract, and Luis Diaz who has been linked to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Determining positions of priority will also depend on Slot’s assessment of the squad during pre-season as he gets a closer look at what he is working with. The new head coach may decide that the No 6 position needs to be re-addressed.
Salah has one year left on his contract (Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)
Which players could be leaving?
Liverpool are not in a position where they need to sell. They are aware of Caoimhin Kelleher‘s desire to be a No 1 but will only consider offers of £25million and above because there are few better backup goalkeepers in Europe.
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Barcelona and Diaz reports and rumours continue to swirl but Liverpool are planning for pre-season with him. They would expect a significant fee for the Colombian winger to even consider a sale. The 27-year-old has three years remaining on his current deal and the club would want to make a handsome profit on the £50million they spent on him in January 2022. Last week Diaz stated he was “very happy” at Liverpool in an interview with Colombia’s Gol Caracol.
Sepp van den Berg remains set to join up with his team-mates for pre-season unless a team matches the £20million valuation placed on him. There was contact between Mainz and Liverpool over the German side signing the 22-year-old permanently following a successful loan spell, but the sides are far apart on their valuations.
Andy Jones
Manchester City
What has happened this week?
Michael Olise is attracting interest from a number of clubs, with City among them. The Crystal Palace winger would provide a fine option on the right wing but other clubs, not least Chelsea, are keen to sign him.
It has to be said that City’s general approach when there are several clubs interested is to either get the player to shun all rival bids or simply to walk away from a deal, so it will be interesting to see exactly how keen they and Olise are to make a move happen.
The uncertainty around Ederson’s future continues; there were no major reports to advance his situation but sources close to the player, kept anonymous to protect relationships, had been expecting him to make the switch to Saudi Arabia towards the end of last season. City do want to keep their No 1 goalkeeper, however.
What will they do if Alvarez goes to the Olympics?
City would not stand in Julian Alvarez’s way if he is selected to represent Argentina and, in that scenario, it is unlikely that they would look for a short-term solution to replace him for the first games of the Premier League season.
The men’s gold medal match actually takes place on August 10, the day City take on United in the Community Shield. This means that even if Argentina were to go all the way, the Olympics does not overlap with the start of the Premier League.
Alvarez would be granted two to three weeks off after the competition, if he is selected, especially as he is also in Argentina’s squad for the Copa America. That final will be played 10 days before the country kicks off their Olympic campaign.
There is also a scenario that Alvarez leaves the club permanently before any of this becomes relevant, having attracted interest from several clubs across Europe. He is looking for more regular first-team football and it is believed that a sunnier climate would not go amiss either, with his entire family accompanying him in Manchester.
If he were to leave this summer, then City would try to replace him. If he stays and competes in the Olympics, they would most likely wait for him to return from his break at the end of August/start of September (deadline day is August 30). Which is amusing. because there is an international break in early September, and he would most likely go to play for Argentina again in matches against Chile and Colombia.
What positions/players are they looking at?
City have been looking at goalkeepers in light of the Ederson scenario, and also because there had been uncertainty about Stefan Ortega’s future. As reported in last week’s DealSheet, City had reached an agreement with another goalkeeper to come in and be No 2 in the event Ortega had decided to leave.
Midfield reinforcements are also on the radar; Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes is a top target but as yet there has been no major movement despite him having a release clause that expires in a fortnight, while Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich is also an option.
Savio could be loaned to Girona for another season once his move to City is finalised. There is interest in a right-winger, which is where Olise features in the summer plans.
Savio could return to Girona on loan after his move to City is confirmed (Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Which players could be leaving?
Bernardo Silva’s future is yet again uncertain; he has been keen on a move to Spain for years now but the opportunity has never presented itself. He has family in Barcelona and has been interested in a move to the club in the past but that does not appear to be an option this summer. Reports in France suggest Paris Saint-Germain are not considering a move this time around. Last summer he rejected a huge offer from Saudi Arabia.
Kevin De Bruyne is still of interest to clubs in the Saudi Pro League but international football appears to have taken precedence since he left the door open to a move to the Middle East two weeks ago.
Alvarez has been linked with Bayern Munich, PSG, Chelsea and Arsenal in recent weeks.
Sam Lee
Manchester United
What has happened this week?
Nothing much, just the small matter of Erik ten Hag’s future finally being resolved. After stretching into a third week, United’s end-of-season review eventually concluded that Ten Hag was the best candidate to take the club forward into the new campaign.
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That is despite the United hierarchy reaching a consensus to change manager only last month and talks with two of the potential candidates to replace Ten Hag — Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi — advancing as far as discussing their salary demands.
Elsewhere, teenage winger Omari Forson agreed to join Serie A club Monza as a free agent.
How does Ten Hag staying impact their plans?
The decision to not only keep Ten Hag in place but to also open talks over extending his contract provides some much-needed clarity over United’s preparations for next season.
And although work on the summer transfer market was ongoing throughout the end-of-season review, that clarity was needed sooner or later to give potential targets a fuller picture of what they can expect should they agree to move to Old Trafford.
A more material consequence of Ten Hag remaining in his post is the question of his veto on prospective signings, which is written into his contract and allows the United manager to override the recommendations of the recruitment department.
This is set to be a point of contention in Ten Hag’s contract talks, with United’s new INEOS-led regime keen for the manager’s office to hold less sway over recruitment in the future. It is just one of several factors up for negotiation, however, with compromises to be found on both sides.
(Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
What positions/players are they looking at?
United’s priority position entering the summer window was centre-back and last week, the first concrete steps were taken in the pursuit of Branthwaite.
Personal terms with Branthwaite are not expected to be an obstacle but negotiating a transfer fee is likely to be more difficult, even with the concerns around Everton’s PSR compliance.
United’s opening offer of £35million, plus £8m in add-ons, was deemed unacceptable by the Goodison Park hierarchy, who rate Branthwaite alongside the likes of Harry Maguire, Josko Gvardiol and Wesley Fofana — three centre-backs who were all sold in deals worth at least £75m.
At that price, Leny Yoro of Lille would represent a cheaper alternative. The 18-year-old is being actively pursued by United, as revealed by The Athletic last week, although Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the hunt and there is a belief that Real Madrid are at the front of the queue.
Matthijs de Ligt’s name cropped up last week as a potential alternative to Branthwaite and Yoro.
The 24-year-old is facing an uncertain future at Bayern Munich and captained Ten Hag’s Ajax on their run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. While that history with Ten Hag cannot be ignored entirely, other centre-backs are higher up United’s list of priorities.
Up front, Joshua Zirkzee has admirers at Old Trafford and has emerged as a candidate to provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund.
Ivan Toney of Brentford and Lille’s Jonathan David have also been linked as alternatives up front although interest in Zirkzee is thought to be firmer. AC Milan are also trailing the Bologna striker.
In the academy, United now expect to complete the signing of 16-year-old full-back James Overy, who is set to join as a first-year scholar.
Which players could be leaving?
Jadon Sancho would appear to be the player most directly affected by Ten Hag’s reprieve, although United were willing to listen to offers for the winger even before making a decision on their manager’s future.
Borussia Dortmund are not thought to have the resources to sanction a permanent move at United’s £40million asking price following his loan there last season but Sancho has also attracted the attention of Juventus, who are expected to be in the market for wide players this summer.
Mason Greenwood has also been linked with Juventus amid interest from a number of European clubs, although suggestions that the Serie A side submitted a £40million bid have been played down. Valencia have also registered an interest in the 22-year-old.
Greenwood, who is believed to want to play Champions League football next season, was also the subject of club-to-club contact between Napoli and United last month.
Mark Critchley
Zirkzee thrived under Thiago Motta at Bologna last season, scoring 11 league goals playing as a false nine as they achieved Champions League qualification.
He is tall and strong, but also a fluid dribbler who glides past defenders. He likes to receive the ball with his back to goal or on the half turn, and can spin his marker or bring team-mates into the fold.
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With five league assists last season, he brings much more than a box presence, coming short to drag opposition defenders out of position.
The jump to becoming a regular goalscorer would be considerable but Zirkzee has the potential to start delivering at a more regular rate.
Elias Burke and Mark Carey
Newcastle
What has happened this week?
Newcastle concluded their first signing on Thursday, with Lloyd Kelly agreeing to join from Bournemouth as a free agent on July 1.
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Interest has also been registered with Crystal Palace in Olise, the much-sought-after 22-year-old. Newcastle have long expected Olise to move elsewhere, but would love to acquire him.
The move for Olise underlines Newcastle’s keenness to bolster their right-wing berth, with much of their budget expected to be spent on that position. Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen and Leeds United’s Crysencio Summerville are among other options discussed.
Although Newcastle are working on further incomings, much of their focus is on potential outgoings, given their need to raise funds before June 30 due to a PSR shortfall.
One player who is expected to depart is goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. The Slovakia international is representing his nation at Euro 2024 and, when asked about reports linking him with a move to Celtic, he revealed there “was some truth” in their interest a year ago. For the present window, however, he insists it is only “noise” for now and that he is awaiting concrete offers.
Will Newcastle recruit any defenders beyond Kelly?
It is partly dependent on how far their budget stretches but Newcastle have been looking to sign two defenders.
Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are sidelined for most of 2024. This means that even after Kelly’s arrival, Newcastle only have Dan Burn and Fabian Schar as other senior natural centre-backs for the start of the new season, even if Emil Krafth can also play there.
Newcastle were aggressive in their pursuit of Tosin Adarabioyo but, although they came close to an agreement, the 26-year-old joined Chelsea from Fulham instead.
While Kelly is a positive addition, he is a left-sided defender. Newcastle have been seeking a right-sided centre-half as a long-term successor to Schar for several windows and, following Tosin’s rejection, they are still looking for one.
Tosin’s free-agent arrival would have had a negligible effect on PSR, whereas alternatives are almost certain to carry a transfer fee. The likelihood is that another defender will be signed, but that may come later in the window.
Which positions/players are they looking at?
Newcastle’s priorities are goalkeeper, centre-back, right-winger and a forward, though the latter may require Callum Wilson to depart.
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 progress. While Newcastle are thought to value the 21-year-old at £15million to £18m, Burnley are said to be holding out for around £20m.
Reports in Spain suggesting Newcastle offered €40million (£33.8m/$42.9m) to Valencia for Giorgi Mamardashvili have been denied and, although the Georgian has been watched extensively, the club switched their attention to Trafford once it was confirmed they would not be playing in Europe next season. Another senior, third-choice goalkeeper is also being considered, though claims that Asmir Begovic of Championship club Queens Park Rangers is close to joining have been downplayed.
Claims that Newcastle had bid €15million for Ferran Torres, Barcelona’s former Manchester City forward, have also been dismissed.
Newcastle continue to operate without an active sporting director. Dan Ashworth is still on gardening leave, as his protracted exit to Manchester United drags on, and Dougie Freedman rejected Newcastle to remain at Palace. While Johannes Spors of the 777 stable of clubs is still interested in the post and reached the final two alongside Freedman, a formal contract offer has not yet been made.
Which players could be leaving?
Newcastle need to sell by June 30 for PSR reasons and interest is being fielded in Yankuba Minteh, the exciting 19-year-old, from the Premier League and across Europe.
The Gambia international had been expected to take a look at Minteh during pre-season but the winger appears the most likely asset who Newcastle can offload for a decent return before the end of the month, even if the futures of Wilson, Miguel Almiron, Sean Longstaff and even Kieran Trippier are uncertain. Suggestions of a £40million price tag for Minteh appear extremely ambitious, but a sale in excess of £20m could be achievable.
There is interest in Yankuba Minteh from around Europe (Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images)
Despite social-media rumours about Manchester City exercising Bruno Guimaraes’ £100million release clause, which is active until next week, no club has yet done so. Newcastle have no desire to lose either Guimaraes or Alexander Isak.
Newcastle hope to offload Ryan Fraser, with the player having agreed a deal with Southampton, though the details must be finalised with his current club. Isaac Hayden is available.
Chris Waugh
What has happened this week?
Archie Gray only turned 18 in March but his performances for Leeds United in the Championship over the last year have earned him a lot of admirers, including Tottenham Hotspur.
Technical director Johan Lange wants Spurs to be “a destination for the best young talent” and Gray certainly fits that bracket. The midfielder, who debuted for England’s Under-21s in March, has been tracked extensively. They tried to tempt Gray with an offer just before he signed his first professional deal with Leeds at 17 but he decided to stay at Elland Road. Joe Rodon, who has returned to Tottenham, played with Gray last season while on loan at Leeds.
Gray is of interest to Tottenham (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
The issue is there will be lots of competition for him.
Are Spurs still interested in Conor Gallagher?
Yes, but Gallagher’s priority for the next few weeks is on helping England at the European Championship. He came off the bench in England’s 1-0 win against Serbia on Sunday evening.
Before the tournament, Aston Villa had pushed in front of Spurs by holding preliminary talks with Chelsea about signing the 24-year-old.
What positions/players are they looking at?
The pursuits of Gray and Gallagher, even though they are at contrasting stages of their careers and have different skill sets, underline that midfield is an area Spurs are keen to reinforce.
Other moves depend on which players leave. If Emerson Royal and Djed Spence depart then cover will be needed at full-back. Richarlison has endured a challenging two years at Spurs and could be sold but he would need to be replaced and there are not a lot of top-quality alternative centre-forwards out there.
Which players could be leaving?
Tanguy Ndombele’s contract was terminated by mutual consent last week. It marks the end of an underwhelming five-year relationship which started with flashes of promise but quickly fizzled out.
As reported in last week’s DealSheet, Genoa are weighing up whether to sign Spence permanently after he spent the second half of the season in Italy. As part of the loan agreement, Genoa have an option to purchase at a set price, which is in the region of £8.5million. They have until the end of this month to activate that.
Pedro Porro is the first-choice right-back and in another world, Spence is a capable deputy, but it feels like the best scenario for all parties is a clean break.
Adam Leventhal and Jay Harris
Real Madrid
What has happened this week?
After the announcement of Kylian Mbappe‘s arrival, Real Madrid have not stopped working. They have already secured new contracts for Lucas Vazquez and Luka Modric, although they have not been announced.
The biggest question mark remains whether captain Nacho Fernandez decides to leave. This week, The Athletic reported that Al Ittihad were in talks with the player, although an agreement has not yet been reached, according to sources at the Saudi club and the player.
According to Madrid sources, Nacho still has two weeks until June 30 to decide whether to renew his contract. The player knows that the club would like him to stay, but for the moment he has not communicated his final decision.
Two months ago, Nacho informed the club of his desire to leave, but since then, and despite the fact that he has finished the season with his club, no official announcement has been made.
What would Nacho’s exit mean for plans?
If Nacho does leave, the directors will have to decide whether to turn to this transfer window to reinforce the backline. Both David Alaba and Eder Militao suffered cruciate ligament injuries last season and it remains to be seen whether they will be back to their best.
Only Antonio Rudiger goes into next season without any recent injury problems. Carlo Ancelotti can look at Rafa Marin and Jesus Vallejo in pre-season, although it is unclear whether they will be included in next season’s plans.
In the scenario that Madrid are left with only three central defenders available, another option being considered is the occasional redeployment of Aurelien Tchouameni. This is what was done in the winter transfer window following Alaba’s injury, but this time the club sees Lille’s young defender Leny Yoro as an alternative.
At Madrid’s Valdebebas base, they have known for months that all the big teams have been following the promising French defender, who would have a starting price of around €50million. Earlier this week, the player’s representatives travelled to Madrid and met with the the club’s executives.
Sources close to the player insist that there are other clubs more advanced at this stage, even in direct contact with Lille. However, they do not rule out a move from Madrid at a later stage.
Yoro’s preference is Madrid and that could end up being key, as has happened in other negotiations. But Yoro is not the only defensive recruit Madrid are considering.
Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies remains in the Spanish side’s sights, and after months without making a move, he reappeared in the conversation after the Champions League final.
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Bayern sporting director Max Elberl improved his previous proposal and offered Davies a four-season contract with a salary of between €14million and €16m gross per year, plus a signing-on bonus, a proposal that the Canadian player’s agent accepted.
However, after that, Bayern’s officials decided not to approve the new contract. The Bavarian club’s stance has shifted from “renew or sell” to running the risk of letting Davies escape in 2025 when his contract expires. Madrid could then sign him for free.
The idea conveyed by Bayern to Davies is that, despite this tense situation, they will use him this season, with new head coach Vincent Kompany keen to convince him to extend. The player’s participation as captain at the Copa America could have an impact on what happens this summer.
Which players could be leaving?
In addition to Nacho Fernandez — and although Madrid are not planning to sell — other players could leave.
Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin‘s future is increasingly uncertain. The Ukrainian shone this season after Thibaut Courtois’ long-term injury and was very close to renewing his contract until 2029. However, with the Belgian returning to the starting line-up at the end of the season, the doubts regarding Lunin’s future have been growing.
Voices from his camp describe his situation as “worrying” and do not rule out an exit this summer, either through a sale or a loan deal, if he ends up signing his contract until 2029.
In the event of his departure, Madrid will search the market for a second goalkeeper because Kepa Arrizabalaga will return to Chelsea after his loan. Although Kepa would be open to returning to Madrid, this option has not been considered due to its lack of financial viability. Madrid’s directors have not ruled out looking for a younger option.
As a consequence of the possible arrival of Davies, the future of Ferland Mendy is wide open.
Voices from his camp do not rule out a renewal or him staying until 2025 — when his contract expires and he would be able to move as a free agent — but they recognise the club has not sent them any proposal. They have also received interest from ‘Big Six’ Premier League teams.
Guillermo Rai and Mario Cortegana
What does Leny Yoro offer?
Yoro often played as the last man in Lille’s backline during the 2023-24 Ligue 1 campaign which limited his defensive involvements but he did not commit many fouls (0.7 per 90min). He is cautious in his passing to avoid errors (0.03 per 90 last season), but he can make longer, direct passes when he sees the opportunity.
Despite his age (18), he shows maturity in his reading of the game, spotting danger early, in a similar manner to Van Dijk.
Yoro would suit playing alongside a centre-back who is more adventurous in their passing and carrying while his age means a move to La Liga or the Premier League could aid his development even if he does not immediately go into the first team.
Anantaajith Raghuraman
Barcelona
What has happened this week?
The most important thing that happened this week for Barcelona’s summer transfer plans was another seven days passing without finding the €100million-plus required by June 30 to balance their 2023-24 accounts with La Liga.
Club sources, who have been kept anonymous as they did not have permission to speak for this article, insist that a solution will be found so Barcelona can trade as normal this summer. But as it stands, they cannot even register nine of last season’s squad for the new campaign.
Reminders of this awkward situation were Joao Felix, a loanee last season, saying last week from Portugal’s Euro 2024 camp that he hoped to be back at Barcelona next year, and Brazilian youngster Vitor Roque returning from holidays and working on his own in the club gym last week. At present, neither can be added to the squad for next season.
Has there been any interest in Barcelona’s available players?
Reports from Catalonia last week claimed a €20million interest from Newcastle in Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres, 24, who is with Spain at the Euros. These reports were played down both by Newcastle and sources close to Torres, who asked to be kept anonymous to protect relationships.
Suggestions Torres might move to Newcastle have been played down (Josep Lago/AFP via Getty Images)
There was positive news for Barcelona. Crystal Palace confirmed the signing of 20-year-old centre-back Chadi Riad, who was developed at Barcelona and impressed in La Liga last season for Real Betis. Barcelona will receive just over half of the €17million Palace paid for Riad, due to the complex deal agreed when he left for Betis in the summer of 2023.
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What positions/players are they looking at?
New Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick began work last week but has not yet spoken in public, so his preferred targets are not known. However, Joan Laporta has said they want a new holding midfielder, winger and maybe another defender.
The club president also said he preferred to talk about ‘profiles’ rather than divulge any names. Already circulating as targets are Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and Real Sociedad pair Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino. All would have price tags which put them out of Barcelona’s reach at present.
Betis attacker Ayoze Perez, who scored on his Spain debut before being named in the squad for Euro 2024, is available due to a €4million release clause. The former Leicester and Newcastle player, 30, was mentioned in recent Catalan media speculation but is not currently in Barcelona’s plans.
Which players could be leaving?
Former Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso’s contract ends on June 30, and the 33-year-old has played his last game for Barcelona.
Laporta would like holding midfielder Oriol Romeu, 32, to depart, but the midfielder is considering his options and has a contract until 2026, so no rapid progress is likely.
Frenkie de Jong not recovering from injury in time for Euro 2024 was another blow, as Barcelona might have benefitted if the 27-year-old had starred for the Netherlands, using the tournament as a shop window.
Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo, 25 and Brazil’s Raphinha, 27 could be easier to find buyers for, but any immediate moves are unlikely with both on Copa America duty.
Sergi Roberto‘s contract expires on June 30. Talks are yet to reach any conclusion. Valencia, Porto, Girona and Sevilla have been mentioned as possible destinations for the 32-year-old, but that might be an attempt to aid negotiations over the size and length of any contract at Camp Nou.
Dermot Corrigan
Serie A
What has happened this week?
It is never dull in Naples. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s agent Mamuka Jugeli claims PSG want the 23-year-old. “There’s no interest in Kvara from Saudi Arabia,” he said. “PSG is on him.”
Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has repeatedly pointed out that last season’s MVP in Serie A has a contract until 2027.
But that hasn’t stopped Jugeli from agitating for a move. “We want to leave Napoli but we’re waiting for the Euros to end,” he reportedly told Georgian TV station Imedi. “Our priority is to move to a team that plays in the Champions League. Napoli undoubtedly have big plans with Antonio Conte. I’m sure they’ll qualify for the Champions League and fight for the title again. But this doesn’t mean Kvaratskhelia wants to stay. Staying at Napoli would be the worst thing. Khvicha will lose a year. We’re worried.”
Kvaratskhelia’s father Badri also piled in. He reportedly said: “I don’t want him to stay in Naples. Last year they sacked three coaches and it’s hard to play in a situation like that.”
Napoli, as usual, did not let them have the last word. “Kvaratskhelia is not on the market,” a statement read. “Napoli decide the future of Napoli players not agents or dads. End of story.”
Kvaratskhelia’s future is up in the air (Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Can anyone in Serie A afford Greenwood?
If Manchester United want £40m for Greenwood, they will price him out of the market in Italy.
Such a valuation is beyond what Juventus, for example, would be willing to pay.
Which players could be leaving?
Interest in hybrid centre-back Riccardo Calafiori was already high on the back of his exceptional season for Bologna. His performance for Italy against Albania at the weekend did not go unnoticed either.
A number of Premier League clubs have inquired after him including Liverpool, Newcastle, Brighton and West Ham. Understandably Bologna wish to keep the 22-year-old and can offer him Champions League football next season.
“Our wish is to bring back most of the squad,” Bologna chief executive Claudio Fenucci said. But vultures continue to circle their best players. Joshua Zirkzee, 23, has a €40m clause in his contract. As for Calafiori, former club Basel has a sell-on option of around 40 per cent and 50 per cent.
If Bologna can’t keep him, they must hope his value rises exponentially over the next month. Juventus remain in pole position for his signing. They wish reunite him with Thiago Motta, who left Bologna to become Juventus coach at the end of the season.
James Horncastle
MLS
What happened this week?
The Houston Dynamo acquired Argentine forward Ezequiel Ponce from AEK Athens in a club-record deal, worth around $5million upfront plus more in add-ons. Ponce was the club’s top target as they searched for a new centre forward, a deal they wanted to sort well ahead of the MLS summer transfer window opening on July 18. The 27-year-old will be ready to debut immediately but will have a few weeks of training first.
Atlanta United sold forward Giorgos Giakoumakis, 29, to Cruz Azul in a $10million deal. Giakoumakis had an extremely productive season-and-a-half in Atlanta.
Another outgoing to track is 22-year-old Columbus Crew midfielder Aidan Morris. Middlesbrough agreed a deal worth around $4million for the central midfielder. All that is waiting is for the deal to be finalized. Morris departed the United States U-23 international camp to travel to England to hash out final details, but nothing is signed or done yet.
On Monday, Columbus acquired attacking midfielder AZ Jackson, 22, from St. Louis. The one-time U.S. international is a talented rising attacker who now gets to work under Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy, renowned for his work with young attackers.
What other signings are in the works?
St Louis are working on further summer additions, notably attacking midfielder Marcel Hartel. The 28-year-old attacker had a career year leading St. Pauli to win the 2. Bundesliga, with 17 goals and 13 assists in 33 appearances. St. Louis already officially signed forward Cedric Teuchert ahead of the summer window opening.
Colorado Rapids are progressing in negotiations to sign on-loan forward Rafael Navarro, 24, from Palmeiras. Navarro has 10 goals and one assist in the first half of 2024.
LA Galaxy continue to work on a deal for 35-year-old Borussia Dortmund legend Marco Reus, but he also has offers from Europe and the Middle East.
LA Galaxy are working on a deal for Reus (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Who are the next players to transfer abroad?
LAFC center back Mamadou Fall, on loan with Barcelona’s B team, is nearing a deal to remain at Camp Nou. Sources say LAFC and Barcelona are in talks over a deal potentially in the $4million range including add-ons.
New England Revolution and England youth international midfielder Noel Buck has plenty of interest in England. A deal this summer is possible the 19-year-old. Ditto for United States Olympic hopeful Duncan McGuire, 23, who is gathering interest from Sheffield Wednesday and Serie A clubs after a failed move to Blackburn this winter.
Chicago Fire attacking midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri told media last week that he wants to depart the club and return to Europe, a feeling shared by the Fire. The 32-year-old’s contract is up at the end of the season. A summer exit would suit all parties but if no deal is found, he could stay through to the end of the season.
Boca Juniors had a small bid for Argentine youth international Alan Velasco, 21, quickly rejected by FC Dallas. The bid was $3million with a 50 per cent sell-on clause (total valuation of $6 million) which is nowhere near what would make Dallas consider.
Boca Juniors have now been linked with Thiago Almada as well, with the 23-year-old saying he’s been in contact with Boca president Juan Roman Riquelme.
And finally, former LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond is in advanced talks to return to Watford.
Tom Bogert
(Top photo: Getty Images; design by Eamonn Dalton)
