Welcome to the 12th summer 2026 window edition of The Transfer DealSheet.

Our team of dedicated writers will take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on in what promises to be an extremely busy few months. This includes the players who could arrive and the ones on their way out across the Premier League.

The information in this article has been gathered in line with The Athletic’s sourcing guidelines. Unless stated, our reporters have spoken to more than one person briefed on each mooted deal before offering the clubs involved the opportunity to comment. Those responses, when they were given, have been included. Sources were granted anonymity to protect their positions.

In this edition, we have updates on Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

We aim to bring you analysis you can trust on what is happening at Europe’s leading clubs and the latest information we’re hearing from across the market.

This article is long but detailed, so enjoy it all — or search for the team or player you want to read about.

How much has every Premier League club spent this summer on a net basis?

Premier League spending continues to trundle on, with gross purchases among the 20 clubs nearing the £2.2billion ($3bn) mark. The total net spend — fees paid on acquiring players minus sales — for transfers is above £850million.

If that isn’t surprising, perhaps the identity of two of the four biggest spenders might be.

Recently promoted Ipswich Town and Coventry City have each spent more than £100million net. Add in the third side from the Championship last season, Hull City, and the Premier League’s newest clubs have racked up £330m in gross combined fees on new players.

That is only £45million behind what Sunderland, Burnley and Leeds United spent a year ago, even with two weeks of the window remaining. Such indulgence proved pivotal in two of that trio surviving relegation after two consecutive seasons in which all three promoted sides went straight back down.

In Ipswich’s case, survival won’t go begging for the want of trying. Monday’s recruitment of Julio Enciso and Abdoul Ouattara from Strasbourg took spending at Portman Road past the £150million mark, only the second time a club has passed that barrier in the summer following promotion.

The other example was a year ago at Sunderland, and while that also reflects a recent surge in transfer fees, it won’t have gone unnoticed by the promoted clubs that their hefty spending helped produce an impressive season.

As recently as March, Coventry chairman Doug King told the BBC that Sunderland’s approach was “a little bit radical”, suggesting they had “somewhat lost” the identity of what had got them promoted, yet Monday’s signing of Taiwo Awoniyi tipped his own team past the £100million mark. That has, though, come via a mix of both new and old: loanees Carl Rushworth and Frank Onyeka have moved permanently, and Gustavo Hamer has returned to the club after a three-season spell with Sheffield United.

Promoted clubs need to spend more than ever to survive, and everything is relative, but Ipswich and Coventry sitting second and fourth in the net spend table is an eye-opener.

So too is the lack of activity at some of the league’s richest.

Liverpool have spent £91million, though more than half of that was committed in February on Jeremy Jacquet, and the departures of Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson have lopped significant sums off the wage bill.

Even further down the spending table are Manchester United, where net outlay sits at only £44million. That is a marked downturn but like Liverpool, it follows hefty past spending. Within the first two years of Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring a stake in the club, more than £500m went on new players. That has been reined in — United’s net spend in 2025-26 hit a seven-year low, and this summer displays further evidence of a cycle.

Such peaks and troughs remain conspicuously absent in west London, where Chelsea continue to lead the way with a net transfer spend of £207million, albeit around £70m of that relates to Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha and Denner, three players previously announced (and accounted for) but who only signed this summer.

Even so, taking out those fees would still leave them as the division’s second-highest spenders (behind Ipswich, of all teams), and it is little surprise that talk continues around player sales at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have placed high asking prices on several players this summer, reflecting a clear need to sell at a profit: a settlement agreement with UEFA, applicable even in the absence of European competition this season, requires the club to dramatically reduce huge recent losses.

Arsenal are next in line after Coventry, and recent chatter around their own departures is no coincidence either. The champions are expected to have racked up English record revenues last season but were also the division’s biggest net spenders a year ago, at £268million. The signing of Bruno Guimaraes has propelled their spending into nine figures once more, and profitable sales would be welcomed.

Elsewhere, in a return to those cycles, last year’s big spenders Sunderland are the only Premier League club yet to pay out anything, though that is soon to change with the imminent signing of Dayann Methalie from Toulouse. That will still only return their spending to roughly neutral territory; it would be a surprise if more isn’t forthcoming in the next fortnight.

Just five clubs have received more than they have spent, one of them being Newcastle United, even as the expected signing of Amar Dedic will take their gross spend to the third-highest overall. Newcastle have sold more than anyone else this summer, recouping more than £200million. Aston Villa’s sales touch that mark, too.

With two weeks remaining of the window, spending has some way to go to match last year’s record £3.1billion (net: £1.3bn), though there’s little chance of England’s top tier being dislodged by anywhere else. The next highest spending division, Italy’s Serie A, has spent £797million gross and £311m net — or 2.8 times less than the Premier League.

Chris Weatherspoon

What we’re hearing
Manchester United are in contract talks with Bruno Fernandes amid the player receiving a lucrative proposal from Galatasaray. The Turkish club offered the 31-year-old a salary of €20million (£17.1m;$23.2m) a year, but Fernandes wants to remain at United and is in discussions about a new deal. His existing terms, signed in August 2024, run until 2027, with the option of an additional 12 months. Fernandes had a €65m release clause that was only open to foreign clubs earlier this summer, but that has since expired. United are not open to selling Fernandes after the expiration of that clause and maintain they have not received any contact from clubs over the Portugal international. Last year, Fernandes was the subject of major interest from Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Laurie Whitwell and David Ornstein
The situation with Cody Gakpo has not yet developed. While Tottenham remain interested and have spoken to the player’s representatives, there has been no formal negotiation between the clubs, and Liverpool maintain that the Dutch attacking midfielder, who has four years left on his contract, is not for sale. Seb Stafford-Bloor
Aston Villa have resumed talks to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich. Villa still believe they can finalise an agreement for the midfielder, despite interest from Newcastle United, seeking a season-long loan with an option. The Athletic reported last week Bayern wanted a €30million fee, either as a permanent or as part of an option at the end of a loan. Jacob Tanswell
Everton are continuing to sound out right-back targets as they seek to fill the problem position. They hold an ongoing interest in Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz, while Fulham’s Timothy Castagne is one of several other names on their list. Midfielder Tim Iroegbunam’s unspecified injury, meanwhile, is considered minor and not expected to derail a potential move. The 23-year-old, whose deal contains a club option for a further year, has been followed by Hull City and clubs in Italy and Germany. Everton quoted interested parties £20m for Iroegbunam in January. He was bought in 2024 for around £10m and former club Aston Villa would be entitled to 10 per cent of the profit made on any transfer. Patrick Boyland
Ipswich’s €15m offer for Bayer Leverkusen’s Argentinian midfielder Exequiel Palacios has been rejected. The Premier League club are yet to make a second offer, as they consider other options in the market. Seb Stafford-Bloor
Borussia Dortmund have reached an agreement in principle to sign Netherlands international midfielder Joey Veerman from PSV. Veerman completed a medical in Dortmund on Monday and will finalise his move this week. Seb Stafford-Bloor
Milan’s 20-year-old German centre-back David Odogu will spend the season on loan in Toulouse. Odogu moved to Milan from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2025 and made his first-team debut last season. There will be no option to make the move permanent included in the deal. Seb Stafford-Bloor
Aston Villa full-back Triston Rowe is likely to leave before the deadline, with Stoke City and Brest among the clubs interested. Rowe, 19, could leave on loan or permanently, with both clubs, as well as more teams abroad, holding talks to sign the highly rated defender. Jacob Tanswell
Aston Villa right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic is expected to join Rangers on a season-long loan with a £4million obligation to buy based on appearances. The 20-year-old has held talks with Rangers manager Derek McInnes, with the Scottish club having been in contact throughout the summer. Jacob Tanswell and Jordan Campbell
Is keeping Bruno Fernandes the right outlook for Man Utd?

As the outstanding creative force in Europe last season, it would be outlandish for Manchester United to let Bruno Fernandes go now. Time will eventually catch up with the 31-year-old, but his ridiculous numbers from last season suggest that decline remains some way off. Fernandes created four chances per game, more than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues, culminating in a record-breaking 21 Premier League assists.

Alongside his final-third prowess, Fernandes was industrious across the pitch, playing eight passes into the final third per game, more than any other United player. He is the indispensable fulcrum that makes Michael Carrick’s side tick, as illustrated in the graphic below.

Despite his relentless, all-action style, he has proved remarkably durable, featuring in 106 of United’s last 114 Premier League games. Selling him is unthinkable, and United should instead focus on signing players who can ease his creative and physical burden.

Conor O’Neill

Arsenal

What has happened this week?

After seemingly being offered to Manchester United and Chelsea, it has been an eventful week for Myles Lewis-Skelly. He scored in their friendly against Como, celebrating with a heart gesture, and then starred in their Community Shield victory over Manchester City, creating the first goal for Riccardo Calafiori.

Lewis-Skelly is fully focused on establishing himself at Arsenal. He is not exploring or pursuing a move away.

Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli also informed Arsenal he was not interested in joining Galatasaray, after the Turkish club made a €45million offer.

Lewis-Skelly starred as Arsenal won the Community Shield (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Is there any legitimacy to the Osimhen links?

Arsenal and Galatasaray have been in dialogue over several players, principally Martinelli — but there are no active negotiations over a potential transfer for Osimhen.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Arsenal would still like to add a defender and an attacker before the September 1 deadline.

Ezri Konsa has been the top defensive target, but Arsenal are hoping Aston Villa are prepared to compromise on their £60million price tag.

Arsenal have explored alternatives. Their preference is a defender who can play at both centre-back and right-back, hence their interest in Jarrell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen, who have no intention of selling.

Before this summer window, Arsenal made enquiries about Atletico Madrid’s Marc Pubill, but the Spanish club are equally determined to hold on to the 23-year-old.

Arsenal would also like to augment their attack. Their focus has been on the left wing, but there is some flexibility around this should the right forward become available. The club have long-term targets such as Kenan Yildiz and Julian Alvarez, and are waiting to see if the market renders one available. Alternatively, they will have to pivot to alternative targets.

Arsenal’s protracted pursuit of Blackburn Rovers’ 18-year-old striker Igor Tyjon continues. The England Under-18 international declined to sign a professional contract with Rovers, who instead extended his scholarship agreement into a third year. Arsenal made several bids for Tyjon, but Blackburn have been unwilling to sell, leading to a standoff.

Konsa has been Arsenal’s top defensive target (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Which players could be leaving?

Mikel Arteta’s squad selection for the Community Shield gave some indication of who may be surplus to requirements. It was no great surprise that Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson failed to make the squad — they are wanted by Hamburg and West Ham United respectively.

It was more noteworthy that Arteta could not find a place on the bench for Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri or Gabriel Jesus.

Nwaneri’s situation is delicate: Arsenal recognise his talent, but accept his pathway may be congested. Furthermore, his sale would be recorded as pure profit in financial calculations, as academy players have a book value of zero.

James McNicholas

Chelsea

What has happened this week?

Chelsea completed the signing of left wing-back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano in time for the 28-year-old to make his first appearance from the bench in the pre-season friendly win over Real Sociedad on Saturday.

The deadline for Manchester City or any other club to make an official £120m bid for Enzo Fernandez expired at 5pm on Friday, with no offer being made.

Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen joined Strasbourg on loan, while centre-back Benoit Badiashile is moving to Napoli. The defender’s season-long loan is worth up to €4million, plus there is a €27m option to buy next summer.

Forward Dastan Satpaev has been loaned to Championship side Burnley. Before doing so, he signed a six-year deal with an option for another 12 months at Chelsea when he turned 18 last week.

Highly rated academy winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen finalised his Portsmouth loan on Friday and the 17-year-old made his debut against Queens Park Rangers the following day.

Chelsea have signed Chavarria (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

How many players do Chelsea need to sell before the window closes?

The friendly against Real Sociedad provided a big indication. Manager Xabi Alonso named a 24-man squad and yet the number of players omitted numbered well into double figures.

Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, Mykhailo Mudryk, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mamadou Sarr, Jordan Henderson, Emmanuel Emegha, Danny Welbeck, Aaron Anselmino, Marc Guiu, Axel Disasi and Teddy Sharman-Lowe were among those left out.

Then there are the players who are already earmarked to go elsewhere, including Omari Kellyman, David Datro Fofana, Caleb Wiley and Deivid Washington.

Out of those named above, Henderson and Welbeck are summer buys, so they are clearly not going anywhere, and Sharman-Lowe sat out the game with a minor injury. The 23-year-old has been lined up to be the third-choice keeper this season.

Emegha is back in training after picking up a hamstring problem last month, and it has now been determined that he will be part of the squad after some uncertainty after completing his move from Strasbourg. The deal was put in place last September, earlier in the window. But the rest are all up for sale or loan.

Some players from the squad that Alonso selected on Saturday could also leave.

This is not just a case of offloading personnel to raise funds. With no European football on offer, it is important that Chelsea get the numbers down to a manageable size so there are not too many frustrated individuals in the camp due to a lack of minutes.

What positions/players are they looking at?

The focus at this stage is on outgoings for the reasons outlined above. Chelsea have not completely ruled out buying anyone else, although it will depend on who goes, and there is an acknowledgement that it is late in the window.

There have been fresh links with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but as has been consistently reported in the Dealsheet, Chelsea are happy with their options of Robert Sanchez, Mike Penders and Sharman-Lowe, with Gabriel Slonina also in contention for the third-choice keeper position.

Chelsea are happy with their goalkeeping options (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Which players could be leaving?

All the focus remains on the Fernandez saga despite the aforementioned deadline running out on Friday. There is an expectation at Chelsea that Manchester City will still make an attempt to sign him, so what will they do?

The £120m valuation was part of a verbal agreement, made in late May, that has now expired and came out of Chelsea’s respect for the player. The transfers that have taken place in the window since then, such as Elliot Anderson’s £116m move to Manchester City and Sandro Tonali’s £100m switch to Tottenham, mean the market has shifted over the last three months, with transfer fees going up for midfielders.

So even if Manchester City offer £120m now, it might not be accepted for financial reasons, but there is more to it than that.

Chelsea are also very reluctant to help improve a Premier League rival at this late stage of the window, with no assurances of finding a replacement themselves. The priority is strengthening the squad, not weakening it, so it is not a case of looking to get a very high sum to boost the bank balance. Fernandez is still a very valued player, as was shown when he was made captain when coming on from the bench against Real Sociedad.

Winger Pedro Neto has interest but it will cost around £100m to acquire him. Jackson, who is wanted by Aston Villa among a few teams, has a £65m price tag.

Chelsea want over £50m for Delap and multiple Premier League clubs are keen, albeit it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to pay that price. The fee for Guiu has been set at £25m, but a move is not imminent.

Defender Disasi is close to a move to a Premier League club. Chelsea want £25m but may have to settle for a loan with an obligation or option to make it permanent.

Tosin has interest from clubs in England and abroad. Sarr has loan options in England and abroad, likewise winger Mudryk.

Anselmino has been available for loan but could now stay. Kellyman is close to joining Strasbourg on a permanent deal with a buy-back option included.

Kendry Paez’s loan at River Plate is likely to be cancelled. He has interest regarding another loan in England and Europe.

Landon Emenalo is subject to a loan bid from Celtic, while Wigan Athletic have been in talks over a loan deal for Reggie Walsh.

Datro Fofana (permanent), Wiley (loan), Washington (loan or permanent) and Shumaira Mheuka (loan) are also expected to leave before the deadline.

Simon Johnson

Liverpool

What has happened this week?

Liverpool’s owner, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), sold a stake of around 30 per cent to a consortium fronted by Amit Bhatia and including U.S. billionaire and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

New signings Jacquet and Ronald Araujo played their first minutes for the club as Andoni Iraola’s side wrapped up their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win over Como.

The pursuit of new signings also continued as Liverpool discussed a deal for the top target, Bradley Barcola, who sat out of Paris Saint-Germain’s Trophee des Champions defeat to Lens.

Bradley Barcola celebrates for France against Senegal at the World Cup (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

It’s less than a week until the season. Should fans be worried?

Yes, because the attacking areas are still light and Liverpool have not yet replaced their legendary goalscorer, Mohamed Salah.

With the season opener now just five days away and the transfer window coming to a close in a fortnight, time is of the essence.

If a deal can be struck for Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye or both, supporters will start to feel more at ease, especially as the defensive shortage has been sorted, with Jacquet returning and Araujo arriving.

Although Liverpool can still name a strong starting XI, the big concern is the depth of the squad. Iraola has only Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha, and Victor Munoz as realistic forward options, with Lewis Koumas and Federico Chiesa offering the next layer of support.

What positions/players are they looking at?

The wide areas have been a focus all summer and Liverpool are hoping to find a compromise with PSG for Barcola.

The 23-year-old has been high on the list of targets all summer but PSG will have to lower their valuation of around £145million for Liverpool to do business.

Team-mate Mbaye has also been discussed this summer but senior Liverpool figures insist their interest has only been exploratory to date and strongly dismissed suggestions that personal terms have already been agreed with the 18-year-old.

Ibrahim Mbaye dribbles against Belgium at the World Cup (Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Which players could be leaving?

Curtis Jones’ continued absence has raised further questions over the next steps as his future remains uncertain.

Inter want to sign the midfielder, who hasn’t featured for two weeks because of a minor hip injury, but are yet to meet Liverpool’s €40m valuation.

Tottenham continue to show interest in Gakpo, but his future will depend on any incoming business. Elsewhere, Ifeanyi Ndukwe is expected to decide on a loan move this week after weighing up multiple offers. He was given a day off on Sunday.

Stefan Bajcetic is attracting interest in Spain, but Liverpool haven’t decided on their plans for him.

As reported last week, Luke Chambers, James McConnell, Kieran Morrison, and Calvin Ramsay are all likely to leave on loan, but moves for some of those will be decided closer to the deadline.

Queens Park Rangers and Portsmouth are keen on Chambers, Preston North End are among the Championship clubs looking at McConnell, and Dutch side Groningen have asked about taking Morrison on loan.

Other youngsters, including Keyrol Figueroa and Wellity Lucky, may also leave on loan before the end of the window, but Liverpool are still deciding what to do next with Koumas and may keep him around as cover.

Gregg Evans and James Pearce

Manchester City

What has happened this week?

An agreement with Barcelona for Rodri was finally reached on Sunday evening, which should spark a lot of other activity. Chelsea let it be known that any suitors for Enzo Fernandez, including City, had until 5pm on Friday to make their move, and that deadline passed.

Jeremy Doku’s new contract was confirmed, with the Belgian staying at City until 2031, with the option for another year.

Savinho and Tijjani Reijnders missed City’s open training session last Thursday, with Tottenham advancing on a move for Savinho and terms agreed with Al Qadsiah for a move for Reijnders.

On paper, Enzo Fernandez is off the table. How do City pivot?

City still want to sign Fernandez regardless of the deadline, so there is no pivot necessary.

Chelsea insist that a verbally agreed £120m release clause with Fernandez’s representatives is no longer valid, but City consider him a priority target and will attempt to do a deal, but have no intention of paying the £120m and do not want to go any higher.

A deal has been agreed to sell Reijnders (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

What positions/players are they looking at?

City will try to finalise plans to strengthen the midfield, with Rodri and Reijnders likely to leave this week. Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi has been a target all summer, and City are aiming to close an agreement for the 18-year-old.

City had been looking to sign a right-back at the start of the window but were priced out of a move for Chelsea’s Malo Gusto, and had shelved plans to strengthen the position.

They intend to sign a replacement for any player who leaves, which would mean signing a winger if and when Savinho moves to Spurs, but their search for a suitable target is similar to the situation at right-back, with few suitable options identified.

Which players could be leaving?

As well as Rodri, Savinho and Reijnders, Omar Marmoush could leave the Etihad Stadium this summer, as could Jack Grealish.

Sam Lee

Manchester United

What has happened this week?

Details emerged on Galatasaray’s contract proposal to Fernandes of around €20million per year, but the United captain’s desire to stay was reaffirmed. United continue to have contract talks with Fernandes, whose terms run to 2027, although the club have a plus-one option.

Carrick talked to journalists about transfer targets, saying: “There’s one or two areas where we’d like to improve. But we are pretty clear in the messages that we need to keep pushing and there’s certain things that we want to try and do, but it needs to be right.”

Marcus Rashford played his first United game of any kind in 20 months, coming on as a second-half substitute against Ruben Amorim’s Milan. Rashford wore the No 9 shirt, and although these can change up until the eve of the Premier League kicking off, the decision to hand him a major number signified the expectation that he will remain at United beyond the end of the window. United lost the game 4-2.

West Bromwich Albion made an approach to sign 22-year-old Toby Collyer.

Two academy wingers got moves away. Ethan Williams, 20, signed for Peterborough in a deal worth £750,000 plus add-ons and a 50 per cent sell-on clause while Ethan Ennis, 21, joined Stockport County for a lower six-figure fee and a 50 per cent sell-on.

West Brom have made an approach for Toby Collyer (Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images)

United started the window quickly but have slowed down. Why?

Signing midfielders was a crucial aspect that had to be addressed early in the window, and United did that by signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow also joined.

United then decided to take stock and assess options, while seeing how Carrick’s team progressed through pre-season. Certain situations have also needed time to develop, so United waited. But with a fortnight left in the window, and Carrick confirming his desire for more signings, some supporters are calling for United to strike.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Left-back is the main focus, with midfield another area to address. The prospect of a player who can cover both positions holds significant appeal.

Myles Lewis-Skelly starred for Arsenal in the Community Shield in midfield, but first broke into the senior team at left-back. United have been offered the chance to sign Lewis-Skelly through intermediaries and although a deal would appear complicated, the 19-year-old’s display in Cardiff, where he set up Arsenal’s first goal through a brilliant assist, is not necessarily thought to be the end of the matter. Lewis-Skelly himself wants to stay at Arsenal.

United have also strongly considered Lewis Hall, who came through Chelsea’s academy in midfield. Newcastle insist the 21-year-old is not for sale.

Jorge Salinas represents a cheaper plan, possibly indicating United would try to wait until next summer to attempt to sign Hall. Salinas, 19, has a €16m release clause in his Racing Santander contract, meaning a deal could be concluded quickly for the Spain Under-19 left-back.

Club Brugge insist Joaquin Seys, who has been linked with United, will not be leaving.

A striker is on the cards if Joshua Zirkzee departs.

Joshua Zirkzee during the friendly against Leeds United last week (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Which players could be leaving?

West Brom are at an early stage of trying to do a deal for Collyer, although other clubs are interested.

Suitors are expected to make a move for Harry Amass, United’s 19-year-old left-back. Juventus have held talks over Zirkzee.

Laurie Whitwell

Newcastle United

What has happened this week?

Amar Dedic has arrived on Tyneside to become Newcastle’s sixth signing of the summer after a deal worth around £30million was agreed with Benfica over the weekend.

The 23-year-old right-back underwent his medical on Monday and may even be in line to start against Liverpool in the Premier League opener, given Newcastle’s lack of depth at full-back. Lewis Hall will be on the left on Sunday, but Tino Livramento is still returning to full fitness following an operation on his calf in June, meaning Leo Shahar, 19, and Mason Miley, 17, deputised throughout pre-season.

Dedic has only played 10 matches in any of Europe’s top five leagues, which came during a loan spell at Marseille last year. But Dedic has Champions League experience and worked under Matthias Jaissle, Newcastle’s new head coach, at Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg. His ability to operate down both flanks was also attractive to Newcastle, who have only three senior out-and-out full-backs (including Dedic), and it is far from certain that they will acquire another wide defender.

Elsewhere, Newcastle have so far been frustrated in their attempts to add much-needed experience to Jaissle’s side following the sale of Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal. Attempts to lure Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha have proven fruitless, with neither appearing likely to advance at this stage.

The news that Joelinton has been sidelined for at least a fortnight with a muscle injury has further compounded that issue.

Newcastle played three friendlies last week, not winning any of them. The intense friendly schedule Jaissle inherited has not helped as he tries to instil his ideas into the squad within three weeks. “The club knows exactly the needs,” Jaissle said about further incomings at his post-match press conference on Saturday. “There will be some changes.”

Newcastle tried to lure Hojbjerg from Marseille (Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images)

How important is adding experience now?

Absolutely imperative. Ideally, Newcastle hope to bring in a midfielder this week, but as a minimum, one or two experienced players must arrive before the deadline in a fortnight.

While Newcastle planned for the loss of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer, Guimaraes’ departure was not in their blueprint and those three moving on have left a void of players in their prime years. Newcastle’s squad is now largely made up of players in their late teens and early twenties with huge potential, many of whom have been signed this summer, and veterans in their thirties. There are few out-and-out starters left in the happy medium in between.

Dan Burn has been named as Guimaraes’ successor as skipper and Joelinton will be vice-captain, yet figures who take responsibility in the engine room in the manner Guimaraes did are required. Jaissle desires an on-field lieutenant in midfield who can provide a calm head and help guide and nurture the younger players around him. Joelinton is experienced but hot-headed, and it is unclear where he will play in Jaissle’s 4-2-3-1 system, so a deep-lying midfielder is preferred.

With Hojbjerg seemingly having turned Newcastle down and Palhinha appearing likely to move elsewhere, Ross Wilson, the club’s sporting director, is exploring alternative midfield options. Given the dearth of available (and attainable) players in their late twenties or early thirties with Premier League experience at this stage of the window, Newcastle may end up recruiting someone in their mid-twenties instead.

Such know-how is essential because, as talented as Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba appear to be, neither should be expected to play consistently in the Premier League this season. Preferably, any recruit would also offer creativity from deep, given Newcastle need to try to compensate for the loss of creativity and goal-scoring threat that Guimaraes provided in midfield.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Two midfielders may be signed, though bringing in an experienced engine-room operator is the priority in the short term.

Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba is admired and has been mentioned internally. While he would be an exciting addition in many ways, given Manchester United’s interest last year, the Cameroonian is only 22 and may not provide the immediate leadership Jaissle is seeking.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall has also featured during discussions, but Newcastle baulked at the asking price and a move for the 20-year-old seems unlikely. Jaissle is likely to have his own prospective midfield names, too, who were not actively being floated before he was appointed.

Bringing in an additional attacker is something Newcastle are considering, too, now that Jaissle has assessed his squad, while Jacob Murphy may yet depart.

Eddie Howe did not play with a No 10 and so there are few natural second-striker figures within the player pool. Milan’s Christopher Nkunku, 28, who can play across the front line, has been mentioned, though Villarreal’s Georges Mikautadze has not been discussed to date.

Acquiring another full-back appears unlikely at this stage, although ideally Newcastle require greater depth in that position.

Baleba is admired at Newcastle (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Which players could be leaving?

Newcastle are adamant that Lewis Hall will not be moving on, despite interest from Manchester United. The 21-year-old is an automatic starter for Newcastle and Jaissle wants to keep Hall, who the German views as ideally stylistically suited to the football he wants to play.

Nick Pope has been omitted from every matchday squad under Jaissle and the head coach has hinted that the 34-year-old can leave, given Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen are set to be first- and second-choice goalkeepers.

Joe Willock, meanwhile, is likely to leave, with the 26-year-old in the final 11 months of his deal. Besiktas are among the clubs interested, and Newcastle anticipate sourcing a buyer, despite Willock performing promisingly during pre-season.

Newcastle may listen to offers for Murphy, the 31-year-old winger whose deal also expires next June, although he provided the assist for Will Osula’s goal against Strasbourg on Sunday.

Chris Waugh

Tottenham Hotspur

What has happened this week?

The big news this week at Tottenham concerns departures. The headlines were taken by the sale of club captain Cristian Romero to Atletico Madrid after five years at the club. The Romero deal was for roughly €40million.

Djed Spence’s departure was also confirmed this weekend, with the full-back signing for Inter on a permanent deal, for a fixed fee of just under £26m, rising to roughly £30m including add-ons. Spence signed from Middlesbrough in 2022 and became a first-team regular over the last two seasons, playing at right-back and left-back.

There was also a loan to Westerlo for 20-year-old Yang Min-hyeok and a permanent move to Middlesbrough for Ashley Phillips.

Tottenham have also accepted a loan-plus-option offer from Juventus for 29-year-old goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who is expected to return to Serie A after three years at Spurs.

Romero has moved to Atletico Madrid (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

With Spence and Romero leaving, do Spurs need more defenders?

Tottenham are probably still well set defensively, even after the two high-profile departures this week.

At left-back, they have Destiny Udogie and new signing Andy Robertson. At centre-back, the first-choice pairing looks like Micky van de Ven and new arrival Jan Paul van Hecke, with Marcos Senesi and Kevin Danso as experienced alternatives.

Pedro Porro will be the first-choice right-back, although Archie Gray can also play there. With Ben Davies having signed a new contract in the summer, Tottenham have a strong list of defensive options even after Spence and Romero’s departures.

What positions/players are they looking at?

The front line remains the outstanding area of need for Tottenham. They have invested heavily in the defence and midfield but are yet to make any signings of attacking players, leaving them short on fit options.

De Zerbi spoke in Australia in July about his hopes for a “bomba” signing and how Spurs still have to “complete the transfer market”.

Spurs have been interested in Cody Gakpo of Liverpool and Savinho of Manchester City, but with the clock ticking, neither player — nor any other forward — has arrived.

Tottenham like Gakpo (David Ramos/Getty Images)

Which players could be leaving?

Tottenham have made significant progress on departures this week, so there is not an awful lot of work left to do.

There was a lot of interest in Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall this summer, with big bids in July from Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, but the 20-year-old has stayed and has been arguably Spurs’ best player in pre-season.

De Zerbi earlier this summer that Richarlison “sometimes wants to leave”, but he is likely to lead the line when Spurs start their season at Brentford on Saturday.

Mikey Moore was linked with a loan move away, but the 19-year-old has stayed put. And the injury situation in attacking areas means that there could be more opportunities to play this season than might have been the case.

Jack Pitt-Brooke

BarcelonaWhat has happened this week?

Ferran Torres‘ €50million move to PSG was made official. From a financial perspective, the Catalan club regards this deal as highly satisfactory, as it recoups much of the €55m they spent to buy him from Manchester City in January 2022, and he was already in the final year of his contract.

Under the terms of that deal with City, Barca would have had to pay the Premier League club a fee in the region of €8million if Torres had signed an extension at the Camp Nou.

Barca also reached agreement with City over the signing of Rodri in a deal that could be worth up to €76.5million but involves an initial fee of €60m for the 30-year-old midfielder.

Joao Cancelo landed in Barcelona on Monday after having his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal terminated. He will join Barca as a free agent.

Roony Bardghji suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and underwent surgery. The injury postpones any plans to send the 20-year-old out on loan.

Ferran Torres has joined PSG (David Ramos/Getty Images)

Has Torres leaving unlocked the rest of the window?

Shortly after Torres’ departure was made official, agreement was reached regarding Rodri. Torres and Ronald Araujo leaving (on loan to Liverpool) have left money in the club’s coffers and plenty of room for manoeuvre in terms of the wage bill, which was pushing the limits of La Liga’s salary regulations.

This makes it easier for the club to operate during the remainder of the transfer window. Club sources insist that they will not be looking for a centre-back despite Uruguayan Araujo’s departure, and that all efforts will be focused on one position: centre-forward.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Nothing new here; the search is focused on a No 9. Torres’ departure makes this need even more apparent, as Barcelona are now left without any specialists in the position.

The top target — as it has been all summer — is Julian Alvarez. Barca have not yet given up on him, despite Atletico showing no signs of wanting to sell. When Barca said they had bid €100million for the Argentina international in late May, Atletico strongly denied this and reacted with a series of mocking social media posts.

Flick wants an experienced reinforcement in attack. He believes there are already plenty of young players in the squad and that, for a signing like this, he wants someone with a proven track record.

Which players could be leaving?

Tommy Marques is set to join Braga for €10million, while fellow 19-year-old Jofre Torrents is expected to move to Ajax, whose new manager Michel (formerly of Girona) has already taken Marc-Andre ter Stegen on loan for the season.

But one case remains difficult: Marc Casado. The 22-year-old midfielder has not played a part in Barcelona’s recent friendlies and has offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia, but details of his departure are still to be finalised.

Laia Cervello Herrero

Real MadridWhat has happened this week?

The most notable news was the decision that Brazilian striker Endrick will stay, despite rumours linking him with a loan move to Aston Villa and Roma.

The Athletic reported that, despite interest from elsewhere, Madrid, manager Jose Mourinho and the player have opted for him to remain. The Portuguese coach does not see Bernardo Silva or Federico Valverde as regular performers on the right wing, so in addition to Yan Diomande and Brahim Diaz, he wants Endrick as an option for that position as well as at centre-forward.

As was the case last season, Endrick’s situation will be reviewed in January, and a loan will be considered if he has not had regular playing time.

Meanwhile, reserve team striker Jacobo Ortega was announced on Monday as a new signing for Strasbourg. The academy graduate was sold to the French club for around €10million, despite not having made a first-team appearance. Madrid retain a right of first refusal and a 30 per cent sell-on clause for the 20-year-old, who was part of the under-19 team that won the UEFA Youth League last season.

Madrid are planning for Endrick to stay at the club (Jewel Samad/AFP via Getty Images)

Will Madrid make any more signings if they don’t make sales?

The message from the club — which has also been communicated internally — is that someone has to leave in order for further signings to be made.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Mourinho is keen on adding another centre-back and a midfielder, so Madrid are keeping an eye on various positions and players.

One potential longer-term target is Racing Santander’s Sergio Martinez, one of the standout players of the weekend as La Liga returned. He scored a stunning goal against Villarreal in a 2-2 draw on Sunday.

Real Madrid, like Barcelona, have long been admirers of the 19-year-old midfielder, but have been reluctant to pay his €3million release clause and are trying to explore other options for a deal. Should an agreement be reached, the plan would be for Martinez to start with Real Madrid Castilla, the reserve team that plays in Spain’s third tier.

Which players could be leaving?

The Athletic has reported that Madrid and Mourinho are open to Raul Asencio and Eduardo Camavinga leaving, but there have been no concrete moves.

Mario Cortegana