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 — who is away this week — 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 assessed the ongoing interest in Nico Williams and discussed Chelsea’s pursuit for a striker.

The information found within this article has been gathered according to The Athletic’s sourcing guidelines. Unless stated, our reporters have spoken to more than one person briefed on each deal before offering the clubs involved the opportunity to comment. Those responses, where they were given, have been included in the Transfer DealSheet.

In this edition, we look at Ivan Toney’s state of play, reveal Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in Euro 2024 winner Nico Williams, and explore David de Gea’s situation — with clubs circling the former Manchester United goalkeeper.

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. Leventhal, one of our transfer reporters, will also deliver his one to watch here this week.

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

Adam Leventhal’s One To Watch: Ivan Toney

As teams start playing their pre-season friendlies, there is a group of players conspicuous by their absence at every major club. These are the ones who represented their countries deep into tournaments. As well as their absence being felt at their existing clubs, their lack of presence is also having an impact in terms of transfers.

One player due to return soon is Ivan Toney, who was part of the England squad that lost in the final of this summer’s European Championship. Toney will rejoin Brentford when they return from a pre-season training camp in Portugal.

While Brentford do not need to sell the striker, the 28-year-old’s contract expires next summer and it would not be ideal for them if he left for free. As a result, Brentford sources, kept anonymous to protect relationships, have said their preference would be to sell Toney this summer for what they regard as fair market value.

Toney played for England at Euro 2024 (Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Last summer, Toney would have been worth between £80million ($103.4m) and £100million ($129.2m) — but his long-term betting ban and injury have changed that. Sources at his club now value him at more than £50million, depending on interest from elsewhere.

GO DEEPER

‘Manchester United paid £64m for Hojlund – Toney is worth more than that’

Brentford do not need to sell Toney. While England international has spoken about wanting a move to a “top club, competing for trophies”, there have not been any formal offers or informal discussions around him on a club-to-club basis.

Toney staying would benefit Igor Thiago, who was signed in February as part of the succession planning. Having the incumbent first-choice striker still in the squad would help Thiago bed-in and limit the pressure on a player with no Premier League experience. But Brentford would be happy to rely on Thiago — he scored twice in Brentford’s first pre-season game against AFC Wimbledon.

Despite the lack of formal interest so far, keep an eye on Toney. Selling him makes sense on a club level, while sources close to the player also regard this as a possible calm before the storm. If one club moves, expect others with an interest in him — Manchester United have discussed a move for him internally — to join the race before long.

Why suitors should not be put off by Toney’s goalless run

Toney ended the 2023-24 club campaign with just four goals from 17 Premier League matches, with all of those coming in his first five games after returning from his lengthy ban. The underlying numbers show, though, that there is more to his drop in output than meets the eye.

Toney missed multiple good chances during the season (symptomatic of Brentford as a whole) and seemed to snatch at opportunities as his goalless run extended, as evidenced by his xG underperformance of 2.0 (after an overperformance of 0.7 in 2022-23 and underperformance of 1.5 in 2021-22). As his shot evolution map shows, he attempted more shots last season, but from further away from goal as Brentford reverted to a more functional style to tackle potential relegation and injuries to key players.

This style also meant Toney’s positioning changed. Brentford stretched oppositions with their switches in 2022-23, with Toney wreaking havoc with his favoured right foot while cutting in from the left half-spaces. However, last season, he was forced to play deeper and occupy more central areas.

This inevitably led to a change in the type and quality of shots he took. His xG per shot dropped from 0.15 in 2022-23 to 0.12. Most teams also marked him more closely in the box and forced him onto his left. This meant Toney took 21.6 per cent of his shots with his weaker foot (up from 14.9 per cent in 2022-23), only 15.7 per cent with his head and 60.8 per cent with his right foot (down from 20.7 per cent and 64.8 per cent respectively in 2022-23).

Toney was also forced to create more openings for himself. He averaged 22.2 carries, 1.4 progressive carries, 1.4 crosses and 17.4 touches in the middle third last season, all of which were higher than 2022-23.

The increased responsibility, Brentford’s playing style and his own lack of composure after several months out all contributed to Toney’s drop in output last season. He certainly has work to do, especially with defences now understanding how to deal with him better, but to discount Toney on the basis of last season would be a tad unfair.

Anantaajith Raghuraman

What we’re hearing

• After a year without a club, David de Gea posted an hourglass emoji on his X account on Saturday. While there was plenty of speculation over what the emoji meant, and The Athletic will not try and turn an emoji into English, sources close to De Gea — kept anonymous to protect relationships — said the former Manchester United goalkeeper had several options on the table this summer. These include a club in Saudi Arabia, one in the U.S. and one in Italy. An English club has also expressed interest, but those sources said the player does not want to return to the country after his 12-year association with United. De Gea expects to have news about his future next week. Guillermo Rai

• Paris Saint-Germain are bolstering their squad after the departure of Kylian Mbappe, with a continued commitment to youth after Luis Enrique’s impressive first season in charge. Attacking midfielder Desire Doue, who currently plays for Rennes, is a target they are pushing to sign this summer. Bayern Munich are reportedly keen on the 19-year-old, but PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is personally involved in his club’s attempts to bring Doue to Paris. PSG are confident but there is currently no agreement between the clubs. Mario Cortegana and Peter Rutzler
• PSG are also interested in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. While several teams, including Barcelona, are interested in the Euro 2024 winner, The Athletic can reveal that PSG are in the race and have already made tentative contact to explore a possible move. Williams has a contract until 2027, which contains a release clause of between €55million and €60m. The 22-year-old scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 La Liga appearances last season. Mario Cortegana and Peter Rutzler
• Romelu Lukaku was left out of Chelsea’s squad for their tour of the US. As it stands, it looks like he will miss out on an awkward reunion with former club Inter Milan, who tried to buy him on a permanent basis last summer only for the player to go cold on the idea. Chelsea and Inter meet at Stamford Bridge next month. Lukaku spent the season on loan at Roma, who have decided against signing him under new sporting director, Florent Ghisolfi, who has to bring down the wage bill Chelsea, however, are still hopeful of striking a deal to sell him to Serie A. A reunion with former Inter coach, Antonio Conte, at Napoli remains on the cards. Napoli are Lukaku’s primary option although a move is contingent on the sale of Victor Osimhen, who has been training with the team at their summer training camp in Trentino. Lukaku has a £38million clause in his contract. Teams without the spending capacity of clubs in the Saudi Pro League are inclined to haggle it down. James Horncastle
• Juventus will review options for midfielder Arthur Melo during this transfer window. The Brazilian, who made 48 appearances on loan at Fiorentina last season, is surplus to requirements but has two years remaining on his contract. Juventus prefer a permanent exit for Melo. He spent the second half of the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Liverpool, making just one appearance. Don’t expect him to turn up on the blue side of Merseyside, though, with Everton distancing themselves from interest when asked by The Athletic. Adam Leventhal
• Trabzonspor are interested in signing Watford captain Wesley Hoedt. The Turkish club have proposed a three-year deal and a fee of €1million. At this stage, the move does not appeal to either the player or meet the expectations of the Championship club, who see him as a key player. Hoedt, 30, has one year left on his contract and will naturally be subject to further interest. However, the Dutchman is not in any hurry to leave. Watford confirmed the arrival of another left centre-back Antonio Tikvic on loan from sister club Udinese on Monday, a signing planned earlier in the year as back-up to Hoedt. Watford have been approached for comment. Adam Leventhal
• Scouts from around the world are at the Under-19s European Championship in Northern Ireland and there are few names that have attracted a lot of attention. Simone Pafundi, who won a senior Italy cap aged 16 in 2022, is through to the semi-finals with his side. The Udinese playmaker — who played on loan at Lausanne last season — is now 18 and contracted until 2026. Another Italian being monitored closely is 16-year-old AC Milan striker Francesco Camarda who scored twice against hosts Northern Ireland during the group stages. Spain & Valencia centre-back Yarek Gasiorowski Hernandis — who has a Polish father and Spanish mother — and France and PSG’s Senny Mayulu, who made 10 appearances for the French champions last season, are also turning heads. Adam Leventhal
• Lyon are preparing themselves for interest in 20-year-old winger Ernest Nuamah. The Ghana international spent last season on loan with the French club — playing 33 times with three goals and two assists — from fellow Eagle Football Holdings club RWB Molenbeek in Belgium, but made the move permanent earlier this summer. Clubs from the Premier League and Serie A are monitoring the situation. Adam Leventhal

What has happened this week?

Arsenal completed the signing of 18-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford in time for him to join the 26-man squad that has gone on tour to the U.S..

The club are also working to complete the signing of Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori for a fee of €45million (£37.9m; $49m). A significant slice of that will be due to Basel: Bologna signed him from the Swiss club last summer for just €4million, with a sell-on clause of between 40 and 50 per cent.

Arsenal are pushing to sign Calafiori (Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

Calafiori has been left out of Bologna’s pre-season training camp in anticipation of a move.

Is this the end for Smith Rowe at Arsenal?

Quite possibly. Arsenal have already declined a bid from Fulham and are fielding interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.

There are players that Mikel Arteta and Arsenal would prefer to sell ahead of Emile Smith Rowe. Arteta remains a huge fan of the player, and the club have not been particularly enamoured with the No 8s available on the market this summer.

The wishes of the player may be the determining factor. If Smith Rowe expresses a firm desire to leave, and Arsenal receive a suitable offer, the club are unlikely to stand in his way.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Arsenal would like to strengthen in midfield and the forward line — although additions in these areas might require departures first.

Which players could be leaving?

Aside from Smith Rowe, Arsenal are open to offers for Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah.

Nelson is wanted by West Ham, while Marseille would like to sign Nketiah. The French club prefer a loan deal, while Arsenal would like an upfront free.

The impending arrival of Calafiori is likely to precipitate some departures in defence. Arsenal would listen to offers for Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Kieran Tierney is also highly likely to leave.

James McNicholas

Chelsea

What has happened this week?

A quiet week on the transfer front was overshadowed by Enzo Fernandez plunging Chelsea into a storm and dressing room crisis as he celebrated Argentina’s triumph in the Copa America.

The signing of Caleb Wiley from Atlanta United on a six-year contract with the option of a further 12 months was completed this week, while work continued on a deal to acquire Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino for £17million plus add-ons.

Anselmino will remain at Boca for at least six months, while the plan for Wiley, who cost around £8.5million ($10.9m), is a loan to Strasbourg.

Would Chelsea consider selling Fernandez?

There is zero suggestion from Chelsea that Fernandez could leave this summer. The 23-year-old has been regarded as a foundational building block at Stamford Bridge ever since Chelsea broke their club transfer record to prise him from Benfica in a £106million deal in January 2023. He is under contract until 2032 and his remaining book value is in excess of £90million, making him very difficult to sell without registering a significant accounting loss.

Chelsea are investigating the video originally broadcast on Fernandez’s Instagram account, in which he and his Argentina team-mates sing what the French Football Federation (FFF) has labelled a ‘racist and discriminatory song’ following Argentina’s Copa America final win over Colombia.

GO DEEPER

Chelsea and the Enzo Fernandez fallout: Anger, apologies and investigations

He could be fined and compelled to participate in educational diversity training. That is far likelier than selling him or seeking to terminate his contract. There was clear damage internally, though. Beyond the public statements of condemnation posted by Fernandez’s club team-mates Wesley Fofana and David Datro Fofana, all six French members of Chelsea’s first-team squad have unfollowed the Argentine on social media. So too has midfielder Romeo Lavia, born in Belgium to parents of African heritage.

Chelsea are not currently looking to sell Enzo Fernandez (Omar Vega/Getty Images)

Fernandez is on holiday after his Copa America exertions, but uniting Chelsea’s squad when he joins the club’s tour of the United States will be a big test of new head coach Enzo Maresca’s man-management skills.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Chelsea are hoping to sign two or three more players, ideally by the end of July but with an acceptance that some business could drag on into August.

Attack remains an area of focus. Chelsea are still assessing their striker options, and continue to monitor Samu Omorodion of Atletico Madrid. Euro 2024 star Nico Williams is high on the club’s list of options to upgrade on the left wing, but Barcelona and PSG are in strong pursuit.

Chelsea are also in the market for a goalkeeper who is a good fit for Maresca’s style of play. Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and James Trafford of Burnley have been ruled out as targets. Denmark Under-21 international Filip Jorgensen is one to watch here, despite only signing a new five-year contract with Villarreal last month. Chelsea made an approach for him on Monday.

Beyond the first team, Chelsea’s aggressive push to acquire the world’s best teenagers continues. They have scouted Gabriel Mec, the 16-year-old winger turning heads at Gremio, and are exploring the framework of a possible deal.

Which players could be leaving?

Djordje Petrovic is emerging as a surprise candidate to be sold only a year after his arrival from MLS club New England Revolution. There are doubts at Chelsea about his suitability for Maresca’s style of football and the club are fielding enquiries about his availability. His broadly positive 2023-24 campaign means there is a good chance he could be sold for more than the €16million (£13.6m, $17.4m) plus €2m in add-ons paid to acquire him 12 months ago.

Another player whose fit with Maresca’s style is less than clear is Ben Chilwell, one of the higher earners in the first-team squad. Chelsea may consider selling him this summer if the price is right, though his injury record over the last three years could negatively affect his market.

Nothing has changed in Conor Gallagher’s situation. A sale or contract renewal this summer remains possible as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal, and he expects to join up with Chelsea’s pre-season tour squad in the United States after a short break following his Euro 2024 campaign with England.

Talks continue with Al-Ittihad over Kepa Arrizabalaga after Chelsea turned down an initial offer from the Saudi Pro League club for the Spaniard earlier this month.

Chelsea are waiting to hear from Napoli regarding Romelu Lukaku. Nothing is close, but the clubs are likely to engage in talks once Victor Osimhen’s future is resolved.

Lens have expressed interest in Malang Sarr, and Chelsea are motivated to get the 25-year-old’s sizeable wages off their books. Only permanent deals will be considered for him, Kepa and Lukaku as the club seek to preserve the full complement of their loan slots for developmental prospects.

Lesley Ugochukwu is earmarked for a loan after being withdrawn from Olympic football duty for France. Harvey Vale has also been left out of Chelsea’s first-team tour squad and the under-21s’ tour of Portugal to facilitate a loan move. Leo Castledine is also expected to depart on loan, despite travelling with the under-21s.

Trevoh Chalobah, who has been left out of the squad for the pre-season tour of the U.S., Armando Broja, Cesare Casadei and David Datro Fofana could all be sold if acceptable offers are received.

Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson

Liverpool

What has happened this week?

The wait for the first signing of the Arne Slot era at Anfield goes on. However, the Dutchman did add to his backroom staff with the appointment of former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga as assistant coach.

Slot, who has been focused on developing the talent he inherited from Jurgen Klopp, is still without 11 senior players as they enjoy some time off following international commitments at the Euros and the Copa America.

Reports in Japan have strongly linked Liverpool with a move for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo. Sports newspaper Sponichi claimed that negotiations were “in the final stages” with Liverpool set to pay his €60million release clause. However, senior sources at both Liverpool and Real Sociedad have dismissed those suggestions. Kubo has flown out with Real Sociedad to Japan before Thursday’s friendly against Gamba Osaka.

Liverpool had previously registered their interest in Leny Yoro, but they didn’t table an offer for the young defender before his move from Lille to Manchester United.

Anfield chiefs were told Yoro wanted guarantees about playing time and they weren’t in a position to provide that given they already have four senior centre-backs.

Are there concerns over Alexander-Arnold’s future as Real Madrid links continue?

The ongoing speculation around Alexander-Arnold is inevitable. Every top club in Europe will be keeping a close eye on developments now he is in the final year of his deal at Anfield. There has to be a degree of concern when you have a scenario where someone so gifted could potentially sign a pre-contract agreement with a club overseas in just over five months.

Liverpool are desperate to avoid that and sorting out Alexander-Arnold’s contract is a priority for new sporting director Richard Hughes. The club’s vice-captain is on holiday after the Euros and he is looking forward to working with Slot when he reports back to Kirkby in early August.

The prospect of losing such an asset for nothing next summer is unthinkable for Liverpool fans and the situation needs to be resolved quickly.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Liverpool have been considering defensive options after the free-agent departure of long-serving Joel Matip. As well as a centre-back, a holding midfielder and an attacking wide player have also been discussed. However, considering they have a youthful squad with potential, this was never going to be a busy summer.

Much depends on who steps up during pre-season and what gaps still need to be filled as Slot assesses the squad he inherited. They will also need to react in the market depending on what happens with outgoings.

Which players could be leaving?

Centre-backs Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio are expected to leave. The duo have found themselves training with the under-21s rather than Slot’s senior squad during pre-season.

Williams, 23, is attracting interest from Turkey as well as a number of League One clubs, while there is interest in Koumetio from Scotland and France.

In the continued absence of captain Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate following their involvement at the Euros, Slot has Jarell Quansah, Sepp van den Berg, Nat Phillips and Amara Nallo as his centre-back options.

Phillips is likely to leave Liverpool this summer (Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Phillips, who was the subject of a £4million bid from Turkish club Trabzonspor, is likely to depart later in the window. Liverpool have turned down offers from German sides Mainz and Wolfsburg for Van den Berg, who is also admired by PSV Eindhoven.

It remains to be seen if a club will test Liverpool’s resolve to keep £25million-rated reserve goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who is desperate to become a No 1 after a long stint as Alisson’s deputy.

Luis Diaz has also been linked with a summer move, but Liverpool have not had any offers for him and are not looking to sell the Colombian.

James Pearce

What has happened this week?

The Ederson hokey-cokey continued, with reports of him agreeing a deal with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr followed by the development that City’s asking price is too high. Ederson is keen to move to Saudi Arabia and would join another club, with Al Ittihad on the scene, but City expect their asking price of around £50million (€59m; $64.5m) to be too much.

That is the case for Julian Alvarez, who was heavily linked with Atletico Madrid, too. Atletico are interested but City want a fee starting at around €70million (£59m; $76m) with another €20m (£16.7m; $21.8m) in add-ons, and that will be too much for the Spanish side.

Kevin De Bruyne was again linked with Saudi, specifically Al Ittihad, but that deal is not expected to go ahead. As much as anything, Ittihad are focusing efforts on a goalkeeper, hence previous interest in Kepa Arrizabalaga and now Ederson.

Savinho’s arrival was finally confirmed, and he says he is happiest on the right wing, which should add balance to the squad. The 20-year-old looked promising for Brazil during the Copa America but he is being given a rest after that tournament and will not join up with the squad until August, after the pre-season tour.

(Michael Regan/Getty Images)

How big of an arrival is Savinho?

The winger was impressive last season on loan at Girona and will add a new dynamic on the right, in the way Jeremy Doku has done on the left. As with Doku, there will be a period where the dribble-heavy wingers get used to what City’s style of play demands, while City will also adapt to the more direct threat than they have been used to in the post-Raheem Sterling years.

Being happy to play on the right means Doku and Jack Grealish can continue to battle for the spot on the left, while Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden are freed up to play central roles as and when needed.

GO DEEPER

Savinho to Manchester City: The Athletic 500 transfer ratings

What positions/players are they looking at?

The news in the last week is City are not looking to buy anybody until players leave. That does not rule out arrivals but it does calibrate expectations. Although there is interest in Ederson and Alvarez, if clubs cannot match City’s asking price, they will not leave.

De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva are expected to stay and so if a new midfielder is to arrive — City still like Bruno Guimaraes at Newcastle and Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich — then Matheus Nunes may be the domino to fall first if a Saudi club comes in for him.

Kalvin Phillips has interest from Premier League clubs but a loan is most likely.

Which players could be leaving?

There is uncertainty around Kyle Walker — City would step up interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong if he leaves — but the expectation is that few, if any, players will depart.

Phillips is a different case as he spent the second half of last season on loan, as is Joao Cancelo, who has been at Bayern and Barcelona over the past 18 months. City do not consider him part of their plans but his exact destination is unclear.

Sam Lee

Manchester United

What has happened this week?

Last week was a fruitful one for United, with the club completing the signing of 18-year-old Leny Yoro from French club Lille in a deal that could be worth €70million (£58.8m; $76.5m). Yoro agreed terms on a five-year deal with an option of a further year and has already made his debut for United, playing against Rangers in a pre-season friendly.

The centre-back only opted to sign for United on Tuesday evening, with Real Madrid also interested, and was described by Dan Ashworth, United’s sporting director, as “one of the most exciting defenders in world football”.

GO DEEPER

How Manchester United beat Real Madrid to the signing of Leny Yoro

United have also been exploring a deal to sign Chido Obi-Martin, a 16-year-old striker whose schoolboy terms at Arsenal expired earlier this month. Obi-Martin has visited Carrington but also has interest from elsewhere and negotiations are ongoing.

United are exploring a deal for Obi-Martin (David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mason Greenwood was sold to French side Marseille in a deal worth up to £26.5million, signing a five-year deal. Greenwood returned to Carrington, United’s training ground, in July to hold talks with the club’s football leadership team to help plan his exit.

United have moved swiftly this window — is that on purpose?

Yes. United’s new football leadership group were keen to hit the ground running and wanted key arrivals in place before the start of the pre-season tour to the United States. They managed to do that in the cases of Joshua Zirkzee and Yoro.

GO DEEPER

Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United: The Athletic 500 transfer ratings

Erik ten Hag’s preference is to begin working with players as soon as possible, getting them familiar with his demands, rather than having multiple late arrivals as it prevents valuable time together on the training pitch.

What positions/players are they looking at?

United still admire Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and won’t rule out a move for either player. Any new signings, however, will now most likely depend on player departures as United need to begin freeing up their finances and squad space.

They also want to begin addressing other priorities, such as central midfield, and have numerous options they are looking at.

There is a long-standing interest in Adrien Rabiot, who is a free agent after his Juventus contract expired in June, with the club contacting his representatives over a potential move in each of the last two summer windows. They have been linked with the 29-year-old this summer but, as it stands, nothing is advancing regarding a potential arrival for the midfielder.

Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is on their list of options, as is Sofyan Amrabat, who spent last season on loan at Old Trafford.

United have informed Fiorentina they won’t be triggering the €20million option to sign Amrabat permanently, although they remain interested in the Moroccan and are willing to discuss different terms as Ten Hag admires the player.

There is scope for United to add to their attacking department before the window closes. Ivan Toney (see One To Watch, above) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been discussed internally.

Which players could be leaving?

Now Greenwood has been sold, attention will no doubt turn to offloading other players as they look to balance the squad and bolster their finances. United’s stance is to listen to offers for everyone and then decide whether to shut them down or entertain talks.

Mason Mount has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, and although United cannot stop other clubs from asking the question about a player’s availability, they are viewing Mount as a new signing.

His 2023-24 season was littered with injury setbacks and there is positivity from within the club about the impact he can have on the upcoming campaign. It is expected Mount will still be a United player after the transfer window closes.

The same cannot be said for Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay. United are willing to consider offers for Lindelof, while McTominay, who is a valued member of Ten Hag’s squad, has admirers of his own. For United to consider selling McTominay, it would need to be an attractive offer.

Dan Sheldon

Newcastle United

What has happened this week?

Eddie Howe has been linked with the England managerial position. Although the FA has not made an approach, the speculation has added to the uncertainty surrounding how the new-look executive structure will function.

Darren Eales, the CEO, said last Tuesday that Newcastle “love” Howe and will fight to retain their head coach. Howe then responded on Friday by stressing his firm desire is to remain at Newcastle but he needs to be “happy” and confident he can operate effectively following the arrivals of Paul Mitchell as sporting director and James Bunce as performance director.

Callum Wilson, meanwhile, has suffered a back injury which not only threatens to rule the striker out of Newcastle’s Premier League opener against Southampton on August 17, but also potentially affects the club’s transfer plans.

The 32-year-old is into the final 12 months of his contract and had been widely expected to depart, but this setback makes an exit less straightforward. Howe has been seeking to sign a forward, but incomings may be dependent on Wilson departing.

What does Howe want to stay?

Howe is not demanding a set number of signings nor stipulating specific targets be brought in. The head coach is not even insisting upon total autonomy on recruitment (he previously held the final say on incoming). On Friday, he admitted “things like that are still being worked on” and he does not know if that remains the case. Howe is seeking a collective approach to transfer business and wants to retain influence while working constructively alongside Mitchell — whose role was described by Eales as being “90 per cent recruitment”.

Howe is receptive to bringing in overseas signings, and those with Premier League experience, believing a blend is necessary, having pushed for Sandro Tonali, Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman. Bunce, meanwhile, has been appointed to the new position of sporting director, partly because of the chronic injury crisis that afflicted Howe’s squad last season. Howe will welcome Bunce’s arrival, again as long as they can work collaboratively and understand the “boundaries” of their respective roles.

Howe spoke about his future on Friday (Martin Keep/AFP via Getty Images)

What Howe also desires is progress in the transfer market. Newcastle are not close to any further additions, with Mitchell still assessing the squad, having only joined on July 4. The sporting director believes Tonali’s return from suspension in late August and Joe Willock regaining full fitness means Newcastle have depth in midfield, for example. That is not a primary area that Howe wants to strengthen anyway, and the head coach would like to see another addition by the end of the month.

What positions/players are they looking at?

A centre-back and a right-winger are Howe’s priorities while recruiting another goalkeeper is under consideration.

Wilson’s injury increases the need for another forward, given Isak is the only fit striker. Howe, Mitchell and Eales are unified in their desire to prioritise quality over quantity, with most additions intended to improve the first XI.

Howe has been keen to bolster Newcastle’s right wing for several windows, with a significant portion of their budget expected to be spent on that position. Having missed out on top target Michael Olise to Bayern Munich, despite meeting his Crystal Palace release clause, Newcastle retain an interest in Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, while Noni Madueke of Chelsea and West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen are among those to have been discussed.

Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin had been a target but, after a deal with Everton collapsed last month, Newcastle turned their attentions to others. Lille’s Jonathan David has been watched for a long time. Newcastle want a right-sided centre-back and AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw, a 22-year-old Germany international, and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo are among those tracked. The arrivals of Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy mean the club have five senior goalkeepers and have not yet followed up their interest in Burnley’s James Trafford. Howe will appraise his goalkeepers in pre-season and, with last season’s No 2 Martin Dubravka expected to leave, the recruitment of another has not been ruled out.

Which players could be leaving?

Newcastle are looking to reduce the average age of their squad, with further senior players to depart, though there is no longer a pressing need to move people out for PSR reasons.

Miguel Almiron may leave if a right winger joins, with Saudi Pro League clubs showing tentative interest, while Wilson, Dubravka, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are into the final year of their deals and exits have been explored.

Newcastle hope to offload Jamal Lewis and Ryan Fraser, with the latter having agreed a deal with Southampton, though the details must be finalised with his current club. While Lewis played in Newcastle’s opening pre-season friendly victory against SpVgg Unterhaching, Fraser remains banished from first-team training. Isaac Hayden is also available.

Bruno Guimaraes’ £100million release clause expired last month and Newcastle are keen to keep hold of the Brazil midfielder, while they have no intention of selling Isak. Howe and Eales are adamant Anthony Gordon will stay, despite internal fears that his head was turned by an awareness of Liverpool’s interest.

Chris Waugh

What has happened this week?

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has ended his four-year stay at the club. He made 36 top-flight appearances last season but started only eight times. As previously reported, the 28-year-old midfielder was free to find a new club this summer and he is set to join French side Marseille on loan with an obligation to buy, working under former Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

The total financial package will be worth €20million. It represents decent value for the Denmark international, who had entered the final 12 months of his contract. Ange Postecoglou prefers to work with a small, tight-knit squad and Hojbjerg’s departure means Tottenham will have sold or released five players, including Ryan Sessegnon and Tanguy Ndombele, in this window. More are set to follow.

Has pre-season led to any changes in plans?

Tottenham’s pre-season victories over Hearts and Queens Park Rangers revealed a lot about the composition of Postecoglou’s squad. With first-choice centre-backs Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin still on holiday after representing their countries at major tournaments, midfielders Archie Gray and Oliver Skipp have been filling in for them.

Defender Ashley Phillips, 19, who spent part of last season on loan in the Championship with Plymouth Argyle, played in the second half of both games and was mainly surrounded by academy talent. It would have been beneficial for Phillips to feature in the first half to build relationships with Pedro Porro, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr.

Reguilon will not travel with Tottenham for their pre-season tour (Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images)

Postecoglou might feel he needs a fourth senior centre-back and then Phillips can pick up playing time in cup competitions. Destiny Udogie is still recovering from undergoing surgery on his left quadriceps in April. Sergio Reguilon has been training with the first team but was not involved against QPR or Hearts and is not travelling with them on tour to Japan and South Korea.

It means Jamie Donley, who primarily played as an attacking midfielder for Tottenham Under-21s as they won the Premier League 2 title last season, has been covering Udogie at left-back. It is an area Spurs need to look at in the market unless they are considering giving Djed Spence a second chance.

What positions/players are they looking at?

A lot of Tottenham’s business this summer will depend on who they sell. Richarlison is attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League and would need to be replaced if he left.

Spurs have admired Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher for a long time but Postecoglou has a lot of options in central midfield including Sarr, Bissouma, James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Which players could be leaving?

Spence’s last official game in a Tottenham shirt was in an FA Cup third-round tie against Portsmouth 18 months ago. Since then, the defender has spent time on loan at Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa with mixed success so it was a surprise to see him feature against Hearts and QPR.

He scored and provided an assist in the 5-1 victory over Hearts, which prompted praise from Postecoglou. If Spence impresses on the pre-season tour, maybe he can secure a place in the squad. The 23-year-old’s ability to cover left-back and right-back would be invaluable.

Emerson Royal has featured in pre-season but he is expected to leave. Tottenham received a €10million offer from AC Milan for the Brazilian which was deemed too low. Royal has been included in Tottenham’s squad for the pre-season tour to Japan and South Korea. Reguilon’s lack of game time indicates he is still surplus to requirements despite a solid six-month loan spell with Brentford. Both Reguilon and Bryan Gil have not travelled as they bid to secure a move elsewhere.

Jay Harris

Barcelona

What has happened this week?

Barca officially brought Thiago Alcantara into Hansi Flick’s technical staff and the club presented its new 125th-anniversary kit, while in terms of renewals, the club extended the contract of La Masia product Guille Fernandez.

With the European Championship over, rumours of Barcelona’s interest in Nico Williams have grown.

Sources close to Dani Olmo, kept anonymous to protect relationships, have also suggested Barcelona are pushing more heavily to sign the midfielder. His club RB Leipzig are under no pressure to sell, but they would let Olmo go for the right price — a package worth at least €60million. The Spain international has also suggested gently that it might be time for a new challenge after four and a half years in Leipzig.

Are Barcelona any closer to solving their wage cap issues?

Club sources are optimistic the club can adhere to the 1:1 rule this summer, referring to them being allowed to spend all extra revenues they generate on improving the squad. Both the club and La Liga believe Barcelona are better off financially than they have been in recent years.

“This year, of all the last years, is the one in which it is easiest,” La Liga president Javier Tebas said in an interview recently. “Barcelona know what they have to do to incorporate players, they know the financial fair play, they dominate it well. They are coming out of their complicated economic situation and we are going to see if they solve those few issues they have to add the important additions they are hoping for.”

Barcelona’s summer plans have been impacted by Araujo’s injury (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

However, the big player sale the club needs to make to register players or sign new ones does not seem to be coming. Ronald Araujo could have been that big sale as he is one of the most marketable players, but his injury could be a setback in sporting and financial terms.

Joan Laporta has said in recent interviews that he is optimistic and expects good news soon but there is still no official word on their end-of-year results after the financial year concluded on June 30. There is a lot of uncertainty regarding next season, with the club needing to push forward with transfers to put together a solid team.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Their priority remains to bring in a left winger and a defensive midfielder.

There is a worrying lack of midfielders for pre-season and the start of the season. Pending official confirmation, Frenkie de Jong is out, Pedri is still injured, Gavi is still recovering from injury, Fermin Lopez is at the Olympics (and then has 21 days’ holiday), Joao Felix is no longer a Barca player and Sergi Roberto is out of contract and negotiating with other clubs. Ilkay Gundogan will return this Sunday in time for the pre-season tour of the U.S. While Oriol Romeu is training with the team, he has failed to settle at the club and could be sold.

Marc Casado is the only pure defensive pivot who will go on tour and is expected to be with the team next season. The addition of another player in this position to make up for Sergio Busquets’ departure a year ago remains a pending task.

Barcelona have shown interest in Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and Joan Laporta said in an interview the club could financially cope with a signing of this calibre. But until Barcelona resolve a €100m hole in their accounts due to their failed ‘Barca Studios’ lever, they are unable to register any new players with La Liga, including several who are already under contract at the club, such as January signing Vitor Roque.

Williams hit it off with a number of Barca players during the Euros, especially Lamine Yamal. They know Williams is a signing that could excite the fans and he provides what the team are lacking on the left side. The player is currently enjoying his holidays and is aware that several clubs are interested in signing him after his superb Euro 2024.

Which players could be leaving?

The lack of available midfielders has resulted in the departures of Romeu and Mika Faye taking longer than expected, while the first player who could announce his departure is Sergi Roberto, who has been negotiating for a month with other clubs.

Clement Lenglet is also one who could leave. Ansu Fati is convincing Flick of his worth in training, but if a big offer comes in, the club could consider selling him.

Laia Cervello Herrero

Real Madrid

What has happened this week?

After months of tracking Leny Yoro, Manchester United took him before Real Madrid could.

It is a major blow for Real, who were counting on the player wanting to join them and until last Tuesday were even willing to wait for him to finish his contract and arrive as a free agent in 2025. He was the big target to reinforce the defence and his decision to move to Old Trafford means they will have to make new plans.

Having missed out on Yoro, who else will they look at?

According to Madrid sources, who will remain anonymous to protect relationships, Yoro was the only player they had made moves for and, therefore, the ‘only name on the table’ in terms of signings. However, sources familiar with Madrid’s recruitment department point out there have been several names under consideration to reinforce the back line.

As The Athletic have already reported, one of those players was from Serie A.

There were internal talks at the club last week about the situation of Al Nassr’s Aymeric Laporte, who won Euro 2024 with Spain. However, the 30-year-old defender is seen as a complicated option by Madrid. Al Nassr sources consulted by The Athletic, who have been kept anonymous to protect relationships, deny any contact between the clubs and explain that, although they believe the agreement between the clubs would be simple, Laporte’s net salary is around €20million (£16.8m) per season, which might be prohibitive for Madrid. Those same people at Al Nassr say Laporte intended to leave last season and was tempted by the idea of joining a club like Madrid, but that finances are a big obstacle to any switch.

Laporte is considered a complicated option for Madrid (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Until an interesting market opportunity arises, Madrid’s idea is to keep the current block of central defenders (Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, who has already recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, David Alaba, who is still recovering from an ACL injury, Aurelien Tchouameni, for emergencies, and Jesus Vallejo).

After the signings of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick (who will be presented at the Santiago Bernabeu on July 27), Madrid’s plan is to keep transfer spending under control.

What positions/players are they looking at?

In addition to the centre-back position, Madrid still have two more fronts open in this summer: goalkeeper and left-back.

The arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga is a possibility, but the departure of Andriy Lunin would have to happen first. The 29-year-old Spanish goalkeeper’s priority has always been to stay in Madrid, but he still has a year left on his contract with Chelsea. Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad are interested and are in talks with him and Chelsea. However, Arrizabalaga is undecided and awaiting news from Real.

Elsewhere, Madrid remain interested in Alphonso Davies. Bayern Munich’s stance is to keep hold of the Canada international, even though it seemed as though he could move this summer. The German club’s honorary president president Uli Hoeness said of Davies on Sunday: “We told him very clearly that if he did not renew his contract, we would let it expire. He is not going to get any more money.”

Which players could be leaving?

The number of arrivals is directly related to the departures. That’s why Lunin’s future is of such great interest. After becoming one of the sensations of last season, the Ukrainian goalkeeper wants to continue in a leading role.

The return of Thibaut Courtois from injury closes the door to Lunin, whose agent Jorge Mendes has been looking at the Premier League among other options. Lunin has a contract until 2025 and was close to renewing until 2029.

That is why Madrid would want a fee if Lunin is to leave this summer, although according to sources in the goalkeeper’s camp, it is complicated because other clubs know Lunin will not play much next season if he stays.

In addition to Lunin, the other big name is Ferland Mendy. Despite the coaching staff wanting him to stay, the French defender has not received a renewal offer and is awaiting the start of talks with the club.

There is also the recent departure of one of Real’s promising youth players, Paulo Iago. The 17-year-old will join Sporting CP.

Guillermo Rai

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