With transfer windows now open across Europe, clubs are finalizing their rosters. What insights are ESPN reporters gathering on potential moves?
We’ll provide you with the latest updates and analysis on significant transfer news every Friday through September.
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Liverpool is still active! How many more signings can they make before the deadline?
There’s still plenty to be done Mark Gaehe as Liverpool seeks new players. Crystal Palace has held onto their center-back, valued at over £40 million, despite Liverpool’s hesitance to meet that asking price. Personal terms aren’t a problem.
Tottenham Hotspur is also showing interest in the England international, making it uncertain whether he might opt to switch clubs if discussions with Liverpool stall. Palace is motivated to secure Gehi’s commitment but the player hasn’t shown interest in new negotiations yet. – James Ollie
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Liverpool has invested heavily this summer but lost several players, thus still requiring reinforcements. In ongoing talks, the Premier League champions are addressing their center-back depth through a £26 million deal for 18-year-old Giovanni li from Parma, which could be announced shortly.
On the offensive side, Liverpool is in pursuit of another top striker. They are keen on Newcastle United’s Alexander Isaac, who might be tempted to join if Liverpool presents a more enticing offer. Manager Arne Slot admits Liverpool needs at least one more forward, indicating a busy close to what has already been an eventful transfer window. – What Lindop
1:20
Lawrence: Isaac seems likely to stay in Newcastle
Gab Marcotti and Julian Lawrence discuss Alexander Isaac’s future at Newcastle.
Manchester City got a head start but remains linked to top talent. What’s next?
Manchester City aims for a quiet finish to the transfer window, although that might not happen. They are eyeing Tottenham winger Survine and Galatasaray’s goalkeeper Ederson, with Pep Guardiola intent on retaining both. However, if they depart, it will challenge the club’s decision-making.
Should either player leave, it could prompt City to pursue Real Madrid’s Rodrigo and Gianluigi Donnarumma, who’s set for a move from Paris Saint-Germain. City is prepared to act swiftly if necessary during the final week of the window. – Rob Dawson
Donnarumma offers a different goalkeeper profile and acts as a backup for Ederson. City is looking into alternatives for Savinho, considering players like Xavi Simons. His agent is in talks with them, and they view the 22-year-old as a feasible option. RB Leipzig values the midfielder at approximately €70 million but would likely accept around €50 million with bonuses.
Guardiola also has his eye on Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, a 23-year-old ready for a major move, although he has yet to receive any offers. City admires his versatility for attacking midfield roles and anticipates a transfer fee between €50 million and €60 million. – Julien Lawrence
1:06
Did Donnarumma need to play in the UEFA Super Cup final?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens debate whether Gianluigi Donnarumma should have participated in the UEFA Super Cup final after his tumultuous situation at the club.
What’s happening with Chelsea, world champions?
Currently, Christopher Nkunku is among the pivotal players expected to head to Bayern Munich. Chelsea is looking to offload several players following significant summer investments, and while Nkunku is deemed surplus, manager Enzo Maresca may reconsider if the situation changes. However, valuation remains a challenge.
Back in January, Nkunku had conditions for an agreement with Bayern, but the fee could not be settled. Chelsea is reportedly asking for around €50 million, while other clubs like Manchester United express interest in players like Garnacho and Leipzig’s serious inquiries regarding Simons. Chelsea hopes to reduce its squad size before making further moves. – Ollie
What are Manchester United’s next steps after signing Benjamin Sesco?
The actions Manchester United take before the transfer window closes will rest on the departures of Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia. If they can negotiate a good fee rather than resorting to last-minute loans, it will enable further recruitment in midfield. United is focused on acquiring a vibrant, energetic midfielder, particularly interested in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Valleva, though that deal appears difficult. – Dawson
1:11
Will Man United meet Carlos Valleva’s Brighton review?
Gab & Juls discuss Manchester United’s interest in Carlos Baleba.
With the World Cup nearing, could USMNT’s player be on the move?
There were expectations this summer that AC Milan would part ways with US International Yunus. His value has dipped recently, with the new sports director Igli Tare seeking a midfielder to fulfill a deeper role, indicating that Musa lacks the necessary traits. Possible destinations include Nottingham Forest and Naples, should Milan’s €30 million asking price be met. Sources suggest Musa may stay, as he recently started the Serie A season under manager Max Allegri.
Earlier reports indicated Villarreal had signed a backup USMNT player from Orlando City SC, Alex Freeman, but multiple sources have disputed this. Orlando would prefer retaining Freeman for the season and may extend his contract under the U-22 roster rules. A potential compromise may see him transfer while being loaned back to continue gaining valuable playing time ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Freeman’s current contract runs until the end of 2025, with an option for 2026.
2:43
Is PSV the ideal club for PEPI to establish himself as USMNT’s No. 9?
Mauricio Pedroza and Janusz Michalik discuss Ricardo Pepi’s future at PSV.
U.S. goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, following Cardiff City’s relegation to League One, needs to secure a new club before the World Cup. Sources indicate he may be eyeing MLS, but options in the UK Championship and previously in Belgium are also possible.
MLS teams are inquiring about Griffin Yow, a midfielder for KVC Westerlo and U-23 international, with St. Louis and DC United expressing interest. However, securing a deal could be challenging as Westerlo is seeking less than $1 million for Yow, who no longer qualifies as an U-22 player. There’s also the added factor that if Yow remains in Belgium for two more years, he could gain Belgian citizenship, easing potential transitions to other European leagues. The local transfer window in Belgium offers extra time for moves within the country, allowing for transactions to professional leagues. – Jeff Carlyle
What other notable deals are in progress?
– Atlético Madrid continues to look for further signings, but there are reservations about securing ideal players. Their latest acquisition, Giacomo Raspadori, is thought to enhance their offense, but they feel additional options are still needed. Overall, coach Diego Simeone and his staff are happy with the club’s summer transfer activity, having brought in seven first-team players. – Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faiz
– Nottingham Forest has finalized a €30 million deal for forward Arnaud Kalimuendo, who netted 17 goals in League One last season. Other Premier League teams, such as Leeds United, were interested, and despite offers from German clubs, he chose to move to Forest. – Lawrence
– Forest is also pursuing another young talent, The diruns are stacked, who turned down a second bid from Strasbourg for €31.3 million, which was still below the €40 million they sought. They expect Forest to make another offer. – Lawrence
– Amin name is in the closing stages of negotiations with a Premier League club for a move from Bayer Leverkusen. Other clubs like West Ham, Wolves, and Sunderland showed interest, but he turned down a move to Cherry. – Lawrence
– Timo Werner might be headed to Lyon, following his return to RB Leipzig after a loan spell. Having only managed one goal and three assists last season, he doesn’t fit in with the German club’s future plans. Lyon is seeking at least one new forward and is considering a loan option with an eventual purchase option. – Lawrence
– Wales international Jordan James is likely to leave Stade Rennais. The 21-year-old’s debut season saw him start only 14 league matches, leaving him out of manager Habib Bay’s future plans. A loan to Parma with an option to buy is currently in discussion between the two clubs. – Lawrence
– Real Madrid is negotiating with Getafe striker Jose Juan Macias for a potential loan move to Pumas, who recently added Aaron Ramsey and Keylor Navas to their roster. Both parties are discussing terms, with expectations high despite Macias being sidelined for the entire year. – Fernando Villa
– Cruz Azul could soon lose key defender Gonzalo Rain, as negotiations with Inter Miami have advanced, and sources report that a deal is nearing completion. Rain has expressed eagerness to join the team with Lionel Messi. – Víctor Díaz and Javier Rosas
This news is crucial for soccer fans as it highlights the frantic activity in the transfer window, showcasing potential shifts in team dynamics and player movements. These decisions not only affect the teams involved but can also change the trajectory of leagues and international competitions as they gear up for the upcoming season.
