We’re about to enter the final month of the transfer window and there’s likely to be plenty of movement before the deadline.
Here are five high-profile transfers we expect to happen before the end of August.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen has made his desire to leave Napoli clear in no uncertain terms. The Italian side has accepted the forward’s wish for a new challenge but negotiations over an exit have not been straightforward.
Paris Saint-Germain looked a likely destination as the French champions look to fill the Kylian Mbappe-sized hole in their attack, but even the big-spending Parisians have been reluctant to meet Napoli’s demands. The Serie A side have dropped the asking price for Osimhen from his £109m release clause but no side has been prepared to match their valuation to date.
???????? Osimhen situation from Tuesday video.
◉ Napoli open to involve Victor in Chelsea talks, revealed here Monday.
◉ Player against loan [without mandatory clause].
◉ Osimhen will NOT cut his salary.
◉ He said yes to PSG but stand-by between club.
???????? Conte only wants Lukaku. pic.twitter.com/Ods3XvqLhd— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2024
Negotiations are ongoing with Chelsea emerging as the new frontrunners. Napoli’s interest in signing Romelu Lukaku as their Osimhen replacement has opened the door for a potential swap deal that could suit all parties.
Osimhen’s unrest in Naples means a transfer would be beneficial for all before the deadline.
Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons has had hit pick of top-level suitors this summer with a Bundesliga battle for his services. RB Leipzig are keen to extend Simons’ loan spell after an impressive campaign at the Red Bull Arena in 2023-24, but face competition from Bayern Munich.
Paris Saint-Germain are willing to sanction another temporary move for the 21-year-old despite his output on loan at Leipzig last season, where Simons scored 10 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions.
318 – Xavi Simons embarked on the most progressive runs with the ball of any attacking player in the last Bundesliga season:
Simons 318
Führich 308
Wirtz 299
Impact. pic.twitter.com/IAIVBOX4iW— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) July 30, 2024
Leipzig look to be nearing victory in the chase for the Dutch midfielder, who is leaning towards a return to a familiar environment.
Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt’s omission from Bayern Munich’s pre-season trip to South Korea is the clearest indication yet that a transfer is imminent.
The Dutch defender fell out of favour last season and is free to leave the Allianz Arena, with Manchester United having had an opening bid turned down for his services. Bayern value De Ligt at around €50m (£42m), a fair price for a player who, despite being just 24, has won league titles in three European leagues and 45 caps for the Netherlands at international level.
???????????? Matthijs de Ligt will not be on board today when FC Bayern departs for Seoul/South Korea at 4:30 PM. As reported, he is set to return to Bayern on August 2.
Noussair Mazraoui, on the other hand, is supposed to accompany the team on their trip.
FC Bayern remain in contact… pic.twitter.com/xbseyma4ZC
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 31, 2024
Erik ten Hag handed De Ligt his break at Ajax and named the defender captain of the Eredivise outfit while still a teenager. A reunion appears probable and the Premier League could be the springboard for De Ligt to get his career back on track.
Nico Williams
A superstar-in-the-making, Nico Williams’ electric performances for Spain helped La Roja to Euro 2024 success this summer.
The 22-year-old’s already growing reputation soared at the European Championship, as he dovetailed with Lamine Yamal in a tournament to remember for the Spanish.
Barcelona have made Williams their top target as they look to reunite that wing pairing at club level, while a release clause in the player’s contract makes Athletic Bilbao powerless to prevent an exit.
Nico Williams shining at EURO 2024 ????????????#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/4akAUSWcxN
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 23, 2024
Barcelona are not alone in their pursuit of Williams, however, with Premier League teams and PSG monitoring his situation. It’s the Catalans in the driving seat, however, in what would be a statement signing for the Spanish side.
Raphinha
Williams’ potential arrival at Barcelona means exits are likely and Raphinha could be a casualty of the club’s summer business.
The Brazil international saw his minutes reduced last season amid the emergence of Lamine Yamal in his preferred position and the signing of another wide player could see him deemed surplus to requirements.
Raphinha retains admirers in the Premier League after two productive seasons at Leeds United before his move to Barcelona, while Saudi Pro League sides are preparing big bids for the 27-year-old.
???????????? Intermediaries have approached again Raphinha this week to understand his availability to Saudi Pro League move in August.
The answer was clear again: Raphinha wants to stay at Barcelona, it’s his priority. pic.twitter.com/edGkI20JeW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2024
Barcelona will entertain offers for Raphinha if suitable bids arrive.
Read – Brits Abroad! Five British footballers who’ve headed overseas this summer
See more – Every Premier League kit released so far ahead of 2024/25
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