We are into the final month of summer transfer activity for European soccer clubs with less than two weeks to go until some domestic seasons start. A few big names are coming onto the market with most international tournaments now over so get ready for a busier period than most of this window so far. Making the headlines this weekend are Xavi Simons, Weston McKennie, Federico Chiesa and Olympique de Marseille with even bigger names and deals expected to materialize soon.
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Let’s get to the transfer moves:
Biggest transfer stories of the day
Xavi Simons rejoining RB Leipzig
One of this summer’s big names does look like he will be making a move this window but it is not the permanent switch that many — including the player himself — had expected. In the end, the least complicated option for the Netherlands international will be to go back on loan to RB Leipzig where he excelled last season simply because Paris Saint-Germain and PSV Eindhoven’s agreement which saw him return to Paris last summer is too complicated for a permanent deal right now. Bayern Munich and multiple Premier League clubs were keen on the 21-year-old but are now turning their attentions to Desire Doue of Stade Rennais who had been expected to join PSG. Simons could be back on the market next summer as there will be no purchase option in the deal taking him back to RBL.
Juve tell Chiesa and McKennie to go
New Juventus boss Thiago Motta has made some strong decisions in his first few weeks as the new Bianconeri boss and one of those has been to indicate which players he can deal without for the future. On that list are both Federico Chiesa and Weston McKennie with the USMNT star joined by Wojciech Szczesny, Mattia De Sciglio, Arthur Melo, Filip Kostic and Daniele Rugani. “Chiesa and all the other players not called up for today’s game are not part of the project,” said Motta over the weekend. “We have been clear with them, they have to find new solution and new club as soon as possible. The decision has been made.” Chiesa has already been linked with Inter, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa while McKennie was also touted to be a makeweight in the Douglas Luiz move before the Villans opted for Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior.
OM add Cornelius and eye Carboni, Moukoko and Sildillia
In a surprise development, the busiest club in European soccer in terms of transfers appears to be Marseille with a number of deals getting done or in the offing. Roberto De Zerbi is stamping his mark on his new squad with Derek Cornelius checking in form Malmo on a four-year contract. Things could get even more interesting in the coming days, though, with Valentin Carboni set for his medical with an initial loan deal with an option to buy despite a pre-move contract extension with Inter and a buy-back fee just in case the Nerazzurri want him back. Also edging closer to a Stade Velodrome move could be Youssoufa Moukoko who wants a loan move from Borussia Dortmund which could include a purchase option. With Niclas Fullkrug also moving on to West Ham United, Maximilian Beier could be BVB’s replacement for the Germany international once he joins the Hammers. Elsewhere, Les Phoceens are also in talks with SC Freiburg for Kiliann Sildillia who has been in strong form with France at the Olympic men’s soccer at the Paris Games.
Rumors to watch
These moves may not be imminent, but there’s a lot of transfer fire in all the smoke these players and teams might be blowing.
City’s Alvarez wanted by PSG and Atleti
Although Pep Guardiola is dismissing all talk of Julian Alvarez leaving Manchester City this summer, Atletico Madrid and PSG are reportedly keen to sign the Argentina international if he decides to push for a move. Alvarez’s agent is due in Europe this coming week for talks with the Premier League club and the player could be tempted despite Guardiola’s attempts to shoot down interest.
“Nothing to say [on Atleti links]. He is our player and he is coming back soon. When he comes back I will hug him and congratulate him on the Copa America and we will talk about the Olympics,” Guardiola said.
Italian giants Milan are said to be offering Spurs just over $16 million plus potential bonuses for Emerson Royal with Tottenham locked in talks which are close to reaching a conclusion. The deal could get done in the coming days and the Premier League side are assessing new right back options.
Best of the rest
Your daily quick hitters.
- Nicolas Pepe joins Villarreal: Hey, remember him? That is correct — the former Arsenal man has joined the Yellow Submarine on a contract until 2026 with the La Liga outfit.
- Man United continue pursuit of Ugarte: The star PSG defensive midfielder is still on the radar of Manchester United as the Red Devils look to solidify the middle of the park. The Uruguayan international is one of the best in his position, but after just joining PSG before last season, could he really already be on the move?
