European Football Summer Transfer Window

[IthacaMatt]

Why are Chelsea trying to move Nkunku? I rate him as properly talented from what I've seen.

Yerry Mina is trash. He's fat, slow and has a temper.

Nkunku started out with Chelsea 2 summers ago on their US tour, and was a very effective partner for Nicolas Jackson up front. Nkunku looked like a star in the making. And then he hurt his knee is the last preseason match, and was out for 3-4 months. When he got back, he was rusty, the team was doing poorly, and he didn't get much playing time. Then Pochettino was let go.

Last year, under Maresca, he didn't play the number 10 because Cole Palmer had score something like 30 goals in all competitions the previous year. So Maresca used Nkunku on the Cup teams. They bombed out of both the FA Cup and the League Cup after just a game or two. He played regularly in the Conference League, where he scored a lot of goals, but he was upset that he seldom played in the Premier League. By last winter, his effort when he did get called on was poor. He didn't work hard for the team, so he stopped playing altogether.

He is clearly a talent, but he is rusty, and needs a change of scenery.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Why are Chelsea trying to move Nkunku? I rate him as properly talented from what I've seen.

Yerry Mina is trash. He's fat, slow and has a temper.

Mina had a couple years of injuries at the end at Everton, which carried over to Fiorentina. He played a lot the last 2 years for Cagliari.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Mina had a couple years of injuries at the end at Everton, which carried over to Fiorentina. He played a lot the last 2 years for Cagliari.

Oh I remember him from his time with the bitters. Even pre injuries he was clunky and a liability

 

[Forza Azzurri]

Yeah, it's disappointing when "big clubs" hoover up talented young players and then never give them a proper chance. I see that all the time with Chelsea under the new leadership - buy guys, and then buy replacements before they've even played 10-15 games for the team.

I don't know that it is stockpiling young talent.

Gonzalez was 25, I think, when he moved. Chiesa and Vlahovic were also entering the prime of their careers.

I am honestly not quite sure why so many of these transfers end up not working out at their new clubs.

Love to hear you guys' thoughts on why this happens so much.

MIna never really even played for us. Got hurt in the intl window, missed a ton of time, only played in 3 or 4 games and then left for Cagliari.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Lost a post on a mostly-Chelsea transfer update, as they have moved out a ton of players recently.

• GK Djorde Petrovic to Bournemouth for 25M
• MF Kieran Dewsbury-Hall to Everton for 28M
• Joao Felix to Al Nassr for 45M
• Noni Madueke to Arsenal for 47M
• Kepa (GK) to Arsenal for 6M
• Bashir Humphries to Burnley for 14M
• Carney Chukwemeka to Dortmund (almost final) for 35-40M
• Lesley Ugochukwu (Def MF) to Burnley for 20M

Still possible - Christopher Nkunku 40M, Raheem Sterling 20M, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell (I'll help him pack), and maybe Tyrique George, with so many wingers being stockpiled.

So far, that's 185M in sales, not counting Chukwemeka. They could hit 250-300M if they can move everyone who's no longer wanted.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Benjamin Sesko looks headed to Manchester United, spurning Newcastle, which actually offered around 5M more to sign him, and offers Champions League, where United does not.

Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea is supposedly on their radar, after missing out on Sesko (and Ekitike, and DeLap, and Joao Pedro, and ...)

RB Leipzig contact Liverpool to ask about Harvey Elliott, who they would use to replace Xavi Simons (who seems closer to joining Chelsea).

Aston Villa sign Nice Forward Evann Guessand to bolster their options up front. Ollie Palmer still looking to leave, they say.

Burnley talking to Newcastle to acquire GK Martin Dubravka.

Newcastle trying to approach CB Marc Guehi again, after Liverpool failed to assure him of a starting job.

Guehi is in the last year of his deal at Crystal Palace, and said that he's happy to stay at Palace and run down his contract. He's not moving anywhere that he's not guaranteed to be a starter, to protect his place in next summer's World Cup team for England.

Newcastle also inquiring about Milan CB Malick Thiaw.

Newcastle was just the subject of a very unflattering article on The Athletic, talking about how the Saudi PIF has been very distant for the last 13 months, since forcing Amanda Staveley out of ownership. She and her husband were the glue that kept everyone happy and pulling together.

Now, fans are wondering who's minding the store, after their difficult guy in charge of transfers was fired just before the season ended, leaving the team with no one to negotiate transfers.

West Ham inquiring about Jacob Ramsey, the Aston VIlla MF.

Striker Yoane Wissa has returned to practice with Brentford, but really wanted that move to Newcastle.

Jamie Vardy of Leiceister fame may be headed to Miami to join MLS.

Barcelona have signed six guys this summer, including Marcus Rashford, but will be unable to register them to play in La Liga unless they sell 475 luxury box seats, which will raise about 100M Euro for them. What a mess!

Liverpool's Darwin Nunez to Al Hilal gains momentum, as they open talks with his agent over personal terms.

Everton is feeling out Jack Grealish of City about a move to join them in their shiny new stadium.

Ademola Lookman of Atalanta has skipped the last 2 days of practice, trying to force a move.

Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham all making inquiries about Raheem Sterling.

Sterling did play for current West Ham boss Graham Potter when he was first at Chelsea. They got on pretty well, and West Ham play in the biggest stadium of those 3 teams, probably have the most revenues. So, Sterling would likely have to take the smallest pay cut to go there among those 3 potential landing spots.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Oh I remember him from his time with the bitters. Even pre injuries he was clunky and a liability

People said the same thing about Kurt Zouma. A coach like David Moyes or Nuno Espirito Santo could turn Mina into a capable Premier League defender.

 

[ImperialOrange]

People said the same thing about Kurt Zouma. A coach like David Moyes or Nuno Espirito Santo could turn Mina into a capable Premier League defender.

Really? I always thought Zouma was physically a beast just had occasional mental lapses. Ran well I thought and was built like a brick shite house. Mina was a poor mans Harry Maguire by contrast... fat, slow and clunky.

 

[IthacaMatt]

I think this next week is going to see some big moves come to fruition, because coaches want to get new players in camp before the season gets underway, if they can.

Insane rumor making the rounds is that Harry Kane would like to leave Bayern Munich, now that he's won a championship, and return to the Premier League, and challenge Alan Shearer's record for most goals (I believe he's only 44 away ...).

Kane has watched Liverpool's stuttering move for Alexander Isak, and has apparently decided he'd like to be their number 9. Man, wouldn't that be something!

Manchester United contact Brighton over MF Carlos Baleba.

Leipzig talking to Harvey Elliott's reps before submitting a formal offer to Liverpool. Seems to be progressing.

Inter Milan may turn to Jaden Sancho, if their move for Atalanta's Ademola Lookman falls through.

Everton getting some encouragement from Grealish, talks have begun.

Everton and Nottingham Forest are both talking to Douglas Luiz's camp about bringing him back to the Premier League. He was very good with Aston Villa a couple years ago.

AC Milan turn down 30M bid from Newcastle for CB Malick Thiaw. Milan want to keep the 23 year old.

Lesley Oguchukwu moves from Chelsea to Burnley. Very solid physical defending MF. I thought Chelsea gave up too soon on him.

Sunderland take Chelsea striker Marc Guiu on loan.

Arsenal finalizes its move for Christhian Mosquera from Valencia.

Fulham signs GK Benjamin Lecomte from Montpelier in France. Montpelier were a surprise team a couple years ago in Ligue Un, but were relegated at the end of last season, leading to Lecomte's availability.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Really? I always thought Zouma was physically a beast just had occasional mental lapses. Ran well I thought and was built like a brick shite house. Mina was a poor mans Harry Maguire by contrast... fat, slow and clunky.

I liked Zouma a lot, but he got better under Moyes at West Ham. He was a bit clumsy, and they didn't think he was that good with the ball at his feet.

But like you said, he was a very solid guy, very strong, excellent in the air, and tough in the right way, without winding guys up and getting a lot of cards.

Moyes didn't ask him to do things he wasn't good at. Moyes like defenders who focus on defending. I like that kind of coaching.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Tottenham dealt a blow, as James Madison blows out his ACL in training and will miss most of the season. They quickly made a move for creative MF Nico Paz of Como, but their 40M offer was rebuffed.

Chelsea's Levi Colwill, a rock in their defense, has an injury and will miss some time. They're giving him a scan today.

Brighton tells Man United that they will not sell MF Carlos Baleba this summer.

Nottingham making inquiries about winger Samuel Chukweuze of Milan, who was beaten out by Christian Pulisic, and who Milan is willing to sell.

Yunus Musah may also be on his way out of Milan, with Fulham interested in him.

Liverpool making a run at winger Bradley Barcola of PSG, who is slipping down the pecking order in Paris.

Aging City midfielder Mateo Kovacic may be moving to Saudi Arabia. He was not up to his past levels last year for City.

Fulham and Everton are both asking about Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez.

Wilfred Ndidi moves from Leiceister to Besiktas in Turkiye, having his physical today.

Alvaro Morata trying to get out of his contract at Como in order to go back to AC Milan. Some gratitude, after Cesc Fabregas helped him get his career back on track.

Man United discussing "final details" on Benjamin Sesko joining as their new #9. Alexander Isak is left at the side of the road.

Everton says they will cover all of Jack Grealish's wages, as Tottenham enter the picture, now that James Madison is gone for the year. City must be very happy to move him on.

Darwin Nunez is in the final stages of moving to Saudi Arabia. Liverpool said to want cover for him if he leaves. Haven't they already got that in Hugo Ekitike?

 

[ImperialOrange]

Tottenham dealt a blow, as James Madison blows out his ACL in training and will miss most of the season. They quickly made a move for creative MF Nico Paz of Como, but their 40M offer was rebuffed.

Chelsea's Levi Colwill, a rock in their defense, has an injury and will miss some time. They're giving him a scan today.

Brighton tells Man United that they will not sell MF Carlos Baleba this summer.

Nottingham making inquiries about winger Samuel Chukweuze of Milan, who was beaten out by Christian Pulisic, and who Milan is willing to sell.

Yunus Musah may also be on his way out of Milan, with Fulham interested in him.

Liverpool making a run at winger Bradley Barcola of PSG, who is slipping down the pecking order in Paris.

Aging City midfielder Mateo Kovacic may be moving to Saudi Arabia. He was not up to his past levels last year for City.

Fulham and Everton are both asking about Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez.

Wilfred Ndidi moves from Leiceister to Besiktas in Turkiye, having his physical today.

Alvaro Morata trying to get out of his contract at Como in order to go back to AC Milan. Some gratitude, after Cesc Fabregas helped him get his career back on track.

Man United discussing "final details" on Benjamin Sesko joining as their new #9. Alexander Isak is left at the side of the road.

Everton says they will cover all of Jack Grealish's wages, as Tottenham enter the picture, now that James Madison is gone for the year. City must be very happy to move him on.

Darwin Nunez is in the final stages of moving to Saudi Arabia. Liverpool said to want cover for him if he leaves. Haven't they already got that in Hugo Ekitike?

Nunez move is already completed. LFC got around £46m base rising to £55 lm and he's making 400k/week.

Barcola rumor was strongly and immediately rebuffed. Rio Ngumoha has looked the absolute business in preseason and Barcola would be vying for the same playing time. PSG just fishing for interest I'm sure. Reasonably sure it's Isak or we'll roll with what we've got.

That said, with sales now completed, Liverpool net spend this Summer? £46 m... so Isak doesn't require anymore sales OR perhaps we go back in for another CB. Think Guehi will stay put and go on a free next Summer at this point.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Nunez move is already completed. LFC got around £46m base rising to £55 lm and he's making 400k/week.

Barcola rumor was strongly and immediately rebuffed. Rio Ngumoha has looked the absolute business in preseason and Barcola would be vying for the same playing time. PSG just fishing for interest I'm sure. Reasonably sure it's Isak or we'll roll with what we've got.

That said, with sales now completed, Liverpool net spend this Summer? £46 m... so Isak doesn't require anymore sales OR perhaps we go back in for another CB. Think Guehi will stay put and go on a free next Summer at this point.

Yes, people are very impressed by Rio. ESPN in England called him the most hyped young player of the pre-season. Good for you guys!

Liverpool has done a good job selling, too. They have the 2nd most revenue from sales this summer. And for financial compliance purposes, don't forget that their spend gets amortized over 5 years, while their sales count right now. So they are probably doing very well.

But wouldn't you rather have Harry Kane than Barcola? LOL

 

[ImperialOrange]

Yes, people are very impressed by Rio. ESPN in England called him the most hyped young player of the pre-season. Good for you guys!

Liverpool has done a good job selling, too. They have the 2nd most revenue from sales this summer. And for financial compliance purposes, don't forget that their spend gets amortized over 5 years, while their sales count right now. So they are probably doing very well.

But wouldn't you rather have Harry Kane than Barcola? LOL

I can't stand Harry Kane. Hard pass on that black hole of a me first mouth breathing player.

 

[OrangeFoo]

Yes, people are very impressed by Rio. ESPN in England called him the most hyped young player of the pre-season. Good for you guys!

Liverpool has done a good job selling, too. They have the 2nd most revenue from sales this summer. And for financial compliance purposes, don't forget that their spend gets amortized over 5 years, while their sales count right now. So they are probably doing very well.

But wouldn't you rather have Harry Kane than Barcola? LOL

Kane would not fit into this Liverpool… there is no way Kane and Salah play together. Also for a team that plays lightning quick on the attack not sure how Kane fits in.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Kane would not fit into this Liverpool… there is no way Kane and Salah play together. Also for a team that plays lightning quick on the attack not sure how Kane fits in.

Also Kane doesn't track back or even give token effort to close down the ball in defense

 

[IthacaMatt]

Kane would not fit into this Liverpool… there is no way Kane and Salah play together. Also for a team that plays lightning quick on the attack not sure how Kane fits in.

Kane is not Lewandowski. Kane comes short to get the ball, like Joao Felix just did for Chelsea in the Club World Cup. Kane is a great threat in the air, he can score with either foot, he doesn't "demand" service to be effective, and he is an exceptional rebound / putback / poacher in the box. Let Salah take the penalties. Kane would be exceptional with their attack. They would probably win the next 2 titles.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Also Kane doesn't track back or even give token effort to close down the ball in defense

Well, I agree, he's not great defensively. But he does rate in the 70th percentile of all football players in terms of interceptions. So, he might not run his butt off in the press, but he plays the angles well. That counts, too.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Well, I agree, he's not great defensively. But he does rate in the 70th percentile of all football players in terms of interceptions. So, he might not run his butt off in the press, but he plays the angles well. That counts, too.

By all means, Chelsea can have him! Lol.

 

[Forza Azzurri]

Tottenham dealt a blow, as James Madison blows out his ACL in training and will miss most of the season. They quickly made a move for creative MF Nico Paz of Como, but their 40M offer was rebuffed.

Chelsea's Levi Colwill, a rock in their defense, has an injury and will miss some time. They're giving him a scan today.

Brighton tells Man United that they will not sell MF Carlos Baleba this summer.

Nottingham making inquiries about winger Samuel Chukweuze of Milan, who was beaten out by Christian Pulisic, and who Milan is willing to sell.

Yunus Musah may also be on his way out of Milan, with Fulham interested in him.

Liverpool making a run at winger Bradley Barcola of PSG, who is slipping down the pecking order in Paris.

Aging City midfielder Mateo Kovacic may be moving to Saudi Arabia. He was not up to his past levels last year for City.

Fulham and Everton are both asking about Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez.

Wilfred Ndidi moves from Leiceister to Besiktas in Turkiye, having his physical today.

Alvaro Morata trying to get out of his contract at Como in order to go back to AC Milan. Some gratitude, after Cesc Fabregas helped him get his career back on track.

Man United discussing "final details" on Benjamin Sesko joining as their new #9. Alexander Isak is left at the side of the road.

Everton says they will cover all of Jack Grealish's wages, as Tottenham enter the picture, now that James Madison is gone for the year. City must be very happy to move him on.

Darwin Nunez is in the final stages of moving to Saudi Arabia. Liverpool said to want cover for him if he leaves. Haven't they already got that in Hugo Ekitike?

I thought Morata was owned by Milan and on loan to Galatasary?

 

[IthacaMatt]

I thought Morata was owned by Milan and on loan to Galatasary?

I guess I misunderstood the story. Como is offering to take him back to Italy from Turkiye, where he was on loan from Milan. You're right. Of course you should know. LOL

Como down to final details of Morata agreement with Milan and Galatasaray

Read this news on OneFootball.

onefootball.com

 

[OrangeFoo]

Also Kane doesn't track back or even give token effort to close down the ball in defense

Yeah... this is the main issue. Between Wirtz and Salah you already have two dudes who aren't going be tracking back that much, although Salah does on occasion. If they add someone like Kane the middle of the pitch will be wide open for lightening counter attacks.

If I were Hughes I would focus 100% on the back of the pitch... the last time Liverpool went into the season so light in the back they missed Champions League. The team is one VVD long term injury away from a CB line up of some combo of Robbo, Gravenberch and Endo in games that matter. I really can't believe they are counting on Konate and Gomez to be on the pitch for more than 50% of the matches. I hope the focus on Isak didn't cause them to lose out on Guehi and that kid from Amsterdam that Chelsea just signed.

For all the amazing work they have done I can't believe the CB position has been so neglected so far.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Nunez move is already completed. LFC got around £46m base rising to £55 lm and he's making 400k/week.

Barcola rumor was strongly and immediately rebuffed. Rio Ngumoha has looked the absolute business in preseason and Barcola would be vying for the same playing time. PSG just fishing for interest I'm sure. Reasonably sure it's Isak or we'll roll with what we've got.

That said, with sales now completed, Liverpool net spend this Summer? £46 m... so Isak doesn't require anymore sales OR perhaps we go back in for another CB. Think Guehi will stay put and go on a free next Summer at this point.

Their financial headroom is still large because the sales all hit immediately on this year's books, but the incomings are amortized over 5 years. If you sell even half of what you bring in each window, you are well ahead of the game.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Now that we're back, how about some more transfer news?

Jack Grealish agrees to a loan to Everton. They have a 50M player option, and are covering the bulk of his (very high) wages. Rumors a couple days ago said Grealish was hoping for interest from Spurs, with James Maddison tearing his ACL the other day, but apparently not enough interest on their part to prevent Grealish from taking the Everton opportunity. He will be their talisman this season. They have a solid defense under David Moyes, but really need help in the attack.

Rodrygo's agent continues working overtime. Newest rumor is that Man City might be interested i him. Real Madrid wants around 90M Euro for him.

Four different Italian teams are interested in Man United's Rasmus Hojland. Hojland has said he wants to stay and fight for his place, but was an unused sub in their last preseason match.

People are circling the remaining strikers on the market. Nicolas Jackson wants a move to Newcastle.

Alexander Isak still wants out, but Newcastle have very publicly said they won't sell him to Liverpool this summer. So that one still has some working out to do, and will likely go down to the wire. Newcastle intend to keep him, but Eddie Howe is working hard to keep Isak from thinking that he's bigger than the team.

Newcastle has improved their offer for Yoane Wissa, the striker from Brentford.

Juventus have an agreement to pay 10M to PSG to take Randall Kolo Muani on loan again at striker, but have to sell players first to finance the deal.

Monaco is about to make an offer for Kieran Trippier, the 34 year old Newcastle defensive back.

Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman is off to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Nottingham Forest are looking at Man City youngster James McAtee, who played very well for the England U21's who just won the European Cup, and a deal seems near.

Terrific article in The Athletic over Thomas Muller's move to Vancouver.

Inside Thomas Müller’s move to Vancouver: Details behind the Bayern legend’s shocker

Players of Thomas Müller's renown don't typically wind up in Vancouver. So how did the Whitecaps lure the Bayern and German great?

www.nytimes.com

Newcastle appears to have a deal for CB Malick Thiaw for 35M from AC Milan (who said they wouldn't sell the 23 year old ...).

PSG has an agreement to take Bournemouth CB Illiya Zabarni. Bournemouth has sold a lot of players this summer. I do not expect a great start to their season.

Now that Crystal Palace lost their appeal to get to still play in the Europa League despite financial penalties from UEFA, chairman Steve Parish (not the Grateful Dead's road manager) says that selling Marc Guehi may now have to happen.

They have been trying hard to hold on to their best players, but I would bet that Guehi and also Eberechi Eze may leave before the end of the window. They want 50M for Guehi, despite being in the last season of his contract, and 68M for Eze (his release clause).

Man United try to offer a player plus cash deal to get MF Carlos Beleba from Brighton, but the new approach is kicked back. Brighton is used to getting big dollars when they sell and want 100M for Baleba, which is just too high.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was left out of the Coup de France lineup by PSG, and looks closer to an exit. United is the favorite, although Chelsea remain an outside possibility. Donnarumma is in the final year of his contract, and is only 26 years old.

Tottenham are interested in winger Savinho of Man City, who want 50M for him to leave.

 

[IthacaMatt]

With the season kicking off in mere hours, here is the latest transfer news:

Nottingham Forest with a couple moves to diversify their offense, signing winger Omari Hutchinson (former Chelsea academy product) from Ipswich.

Forest also gets James McAtee, a creative midfielder, from Man City. A couple nice pickups for a team whose offense became too predictable down the stretch last year.

Forest is also getting close to sealing a deal with Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, who scored 18 goals last year. They have also approached Juventus about Douglas Luiz. Lots of interest from mid-table Premier League clubs, but no solid offers yet.

Liverpool sign 18 year old Parma CB Giovanni Leoni. Arne Slot comes out and says they need one more attacker.

Brentford sign Bouremouth winger Dango Ouattara. He had 7 goals and 4 assists lat year, and moves for 43M, a club record for Brentford. Brentford also have interest in Kalimuendo, but are falling behind Nottingham Forest.

Newcastle finally seems to be getting some business done, signing Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa for 43M. What must Unai Emery be thinking? I don't believe they've signed anyone in this window.

Inter appear ready to offer Roma 34M for Manu Kone, a defensive MF.

Marco Silva complaining to the press about Fulham's lack of transfer activity as we start the season.

Yoane Wissa appears on the verge of a move to Newcastle, and will be held out of the squad for Brentford's season opener against Nottingham Forest. Will this mean that Isak leaves for Liverpool?

United's unwanted CF Rasmus Hojland is warming up to a move to AC Milan.

Roma is ready to spend the money, making a 20M offer for Jaden Sancho of Man United. They're also asking about a loan deal for Leon Bailey (Canada & Aston Villa) with an option to buy. They are also interested in Wolves' attacker Fabio Silva, who had 10 goals and 3 assists last year.