The transfer windows across Europe are now open, and as the final days approach, speculation about potential trades is heating up. What updates are ESPN reporters sharing about upcoming transactions?
Every Friday until September, we will keep you updated with the latest news and insights on major transfer developments.
Transfer homepage | Completed transactions | Men’s grades | Women’s grades
Juventus Eyeing Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford: Can They Land Them Cheap?
It seems highly unlikely for Juventus to acquire both players due to various factors. Their financial situation isn’t strong, which means they are currently focused on handling striker Dusan Vlahovic’s situation. Vlahovic may need to make significant salary concessions, but he has no real reason to do so and could opt to leave on a free transfer next year.
Jadon Sancho faces a similar dilemma, as he too has only a year left on his contract and his high wages aren’t justified by his recent performances. It’s tough to imagine a permanent transfer to Juventus given the financial implications—if he wanted a long-term deal, it would require a substantial pay cut, something he previously avoided at Chelsea. A potential six-month loan deal could be on the table, with United subsidizing part of his salary, but this would likely come later in the window. Additionally, Juventus is already well-stocked with wingers.
As for Marcus Rashford, Manchester United has him locked in for an additional three seasons. A permanent transfer seems dubious, especially as he temporarily filled in for Randal Kolo Muani, who is currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. Any possibility of a transfer would rest on United covering a significant portion of his wages, which also seems unlikely at this point in the transfer period. – Gabriele Marcotti
Will Luis Diaz Remain at Liverpool or Join Bayern Munich or Barcelona?
This summer, Liverpool has held firm in keeping Diaz off the market. The Colombian enjoyed a successful season, playing a key role in their Premier League triumph.
Recently, Liverpool rejected bids from both Bayern and Barcelona, including a €67.5 million offer from the latter on Tuesday. However, if a significantly improved offer comes in, Liverpool’s stance may be tested. The club will need to ensure they can replace him before the September deadline, especially since Diaz has only two years left on his contract and no negotiations for an extension appear to be in the works. – What a Lindop
2:37
What does Hugo Ekitike bring to Liverpool?
JanÅge Fjørtoft Analysis on Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike’s future.
Are Liverpool’s Premier League Champions on the Hunt for a Striker, Eyeing Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike?
After signing four major players this summer, including a £100 million acquisition of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool is now focusing on finding a new forward. With Darwin Nunez likely to depart, the team is exploring Newcastle United’s star striker Isak’s availability.
Isak has long been on Liverpool’s radar, but Newcastle has shown no intention of letting him go this summer. The Reds are now also considering Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, having opened negotiations earlier this week.
The deal isn’t finalized yet, but Ekitike, who has attracted interest from both Newcastle and Manchester United, appears to be heading toward Anfield. – Lindop
Will Joao Felix Depart Chelsea? What Lies Ahead?
Felix’s valuation remains at £36 million with Chelsea, where he has a six-year contract that earns him £6.5 million annually. For Chelsea to avoid a financial loss, they would need to invest around £755 million in transfer fees and wages to sign the 25-year-old forward, which seems unlikely.
Interest from Felix’s former club, Benfica, has been reported, but Chelsea acknowledges they need to manage their budget for next season. (Of course, unless Mendes can broker a deal with a Saudi club like he has done before.) – Marcotti
Could USMNT Star Christian Pulisic Leave AC Milan Due to Saudi Interest?
Saudi club Al Nassr is looking to sign AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic, but Milan has yet to receive an official offer. Pulisic, who opted out of the US Gold Cup, has impressed during his two seasons at San Siro since his transfer from Chelsea in 2023.
At 26 years old, and with no new contract agreement in place with Milan, Al Nassr sees Pulisic as a potential offensive partner for Cristiano Ronaldo. While Milan is aware of Al Nassr’s interest, they have not received an offer yet. – Mark Ogden
Manchester City: Early Transfer Activity—What’s Next?
Manchester City has confirmed that Nico Gonzalez is not available for transfer, as he remains a part of Pep Guardiola’s plans for next season. Having signed him for €60 million from FC Porto, City is keen to keep Gonzalez despite his limited playtime.
While there are rumors that Ilkay Gündogan might leave, City is also informing potential buyers of young left-back Nico O’Reilly that he is off the market for now.
Midfielder James McAtee is still likely to depart, though City expects to receive offers between £20 million and £25 million. The club, however, values McAtee highly, close to the £40 million received for Cole Palmer’s move to Chelsea. – Rob Dawson
What Else is on Real Madrid’s Agenda?
Despite Real Madrid’s busy transfer period—acquiring Dean Huissen, Trent Alexander Arnold, Franco Mustantouno, and Alvaro Carrera for a total of €2 million—the squad still shows some weaknesses.
Currently, the message from the club is that they won’t be making any further signings unless players leave. Forward Rodrigo and midfielder Dani Ceballos are the most likely candidates for departure, especially with new coach Xabi Alonso in charge and seeking a fresh start. Should any of them leave, Real might reconsider adding to their squad. – Alex Kirkland
Lucas Vazquez bid farewell to Real Madrid on Thursday, expressing a desire to continue his career in MLS, although he hasn’t received any offers yet. There has been interest from Saudi Arabia, but he remains open to options, including Serie A teams monitoring Luka Modric’s potential move to AC Milan.
There are also whispers about Ceballos possibly leaving this summer, with Real Betis showing interest, though negotiations may be complicated due to salary constraints. – Rodra
2:14
Does Tottenham need Morgan Gibbs-White?
Gab Marcotti and Rob Palmer debate whether Tottenham requires Morgan Gibbs-White.
Are Any Other Notable Transfers in the Works?
– Ademola Lookman is rumored to be on the move if a €50 million offer comes in. Otherwise, Atalanta may have to negotiate a new contract to maintain his valuation, which could be costly. While there’s talk of interest from Inter Milan, they may not pursue him at that price. Atalanta aims to move him if possible but has already reported that Mateo Letegui is on the way to Al Cadosia for €70 million.
– Confirmed by sources, Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo de Paul will soon join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami on a loan deal with an option to buy in 2026. Atletico has added new midfielders this summer, but De Paul’s role last season was significant, and they’re still looking to strengthen.
– CESC Fabregas is tracking the situation of young Real Madrid academy defender Jacobo Ramón. Meanwhile, Real Betis, Valencia, and Rayo Vallecano are interested in Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic, who is coming off a loan spell with Las Palmas. Wolverhampton Wanderers are also keen on Getafe midfielder Christus Uche.
– Keelanabus‘s transfer from Newell’s Old Boys to Pumas is complicated. He’s indicated a preference for the Liga MX team, but Newell’s is demanding $5 million, while Pumas offered only $1 million. Other options for Pumas include Mexican legends Guillermo Ochoa, Esteban Andrada, and David Ospina. – Fernando Villa, ESPN Deportes
– Cruz Azul is working to facilitate striker Giorgos Giakoumakis‘ departure to make room for Luca Jovic. Charlotte FC from MLS is reportedly interested in signing Giakoumakis, who previously played for Atlanta United. – César Caballero, ESPN Deportes
– Club América received a €7 million offer to sign Brian Rodriguez from Al Rayyan in Qatar. Sources confirm that Rodriguez is considering the offer, but Club América is reluctant to accept the proposed amount. Rodriguez, 25, remains under contract with the Eagles for another year. – Víctor Díaz, ESPN Deportes
—
### Fan Take
This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the dynamic shifts within major clubs during the transfer window, impacting team strategies for the upcoming season. The potential movement of key players could reshape leagues and offers exciting narratives for fans to follow.
