Welcome to the fourth edition of The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet for the summer 2025 transfer window.
Our team of dedicated writers, including David Ornstein, will take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on. The mini-window ahead of the Club World Cup closed earlier this month, but the regular summer transfer window opened last week and will now run until September 1.
The information found within this article has been gathered according to The Athletic’s sourcing guidelines. Unless stated, our reporters have spoken to more than one person briefed on each deal before offering the clubs involved the opportunity to comment. Their responses, when they were given, have been included in the Transfer DealSheet.
We aim to bring you analysis you can trust about what is happening at Europe’s leading clubs and the latest information we’re hearing from across the market. This year, The Athletic’s football finance writer, Chris Weatherspoon, will be adding to our analysis of the transfer market.
Last week, we looked at the latest with Nico Williams and his proposed move to Barcelona, the latest on the future of Xavi Simons and Manchester United’s enquiry about Hugo Ekitike. This week, we have updates on Jamie Gittens, Christopher Nkunku, Darwin Nunez and others involved in potential Premier League transfers, as well as the latest across Europe’s top clubs.
This article is long but detailed, so enjoy it all — or search for the club or player you want to read about.
David Ornstein’s One To Watch
A situation that could be resolved imminently features Borussia Dortmund’s English forward Jamie Gittens.
Chelsea failed to finalise a deal with the Bundesliga club for the 20-year-old before the pre-Club World Cup transfer window closed this month.
Talks have continued and there is hope that an agreement can be reached swiftly, despite suggestions that Bayern Munich are also keen on Gittens.
The former Manchester City player favours a move to Stamford Bridge and has remained fully committed to the idea of joining Enzo Maresca’s side. There is already an agreement in place between Gittens and Chelsea, with a seven-year contract ready to go when a club-to-club deal is reached.
Negotiations between Dortmund and their Premier League counterparts have been helped by both teams competing at the Club World Cup in the United States.
Another case to keep a close eye on involves Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez. The Premier League champions are looking to sell and the Uruguayan is keen to move.
Napoli’s interest has been registered and an offer is expected in due course. Liverpool rejected an approach from Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in January worth around €70million (£60m, $81m). The Italian champions are the most serious contenders for the 25-year-old and he is open to moving to Naples.
Nunez’s struggles in front of goal have been well documented for Liverpool, as we can see from his expected goals (xG) underperformance below. But there is no doubt that the 26-year-old is a handful, powerful in his off-ball running to constantly get himself into goalscoring positions, averaging over four shots per game since arriving in the Premier League.
If and when Nunez departs, it may take time before a clear picture emerges of how Liverpool’s front line will take shape.
Their admiration for forwards such as Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is well documented but there is nothing significant in motion at present.
Liverpool have conducted impressive early work this summer, recruiting Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz and agreeing a deal for Milos Kerkez — but that activity is likely to be followed by a pause while they observe market developments.
Whether or not a direct replacement is acquired for Nunez, whose minutes have been limited anyway, buying Wirtz has already changed the attacking dynamic available to head coach Arne Slot, with multiple options and combinations at his disposal.
What else we’re hearing
- Leeds United are interested in Union Saint-Gilloise midfielder Noah Sadiki. Sadiki, a 20-year-old DR Congo midfielder, won the Belgian title with Union last season, qualifying the club for the Champions League for the first time, and was also named in the division’s team of the year. Leeds have not yet submitted a bid, but are among a group of European clubs interested in a player worth an estimated €20m. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor and Beren Cross
- Bayer Leverkusen are negotiating with PSV for Malik Tillman. The U.S. men’s national team attacking midfielder was born in Germany and graduated through Bayern Munich’s academy, before leaving for PSV on loan in 2023 and then joining them permanently for €12million in 2024. Tillman has a release clause in a contract that runs until 2028, and while Bayern also have the right to match any proposal made to the Dutch club, he is not one of their targets. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor
The PSR countdown… time is ticking
As the end of June approaches, so does the 2024-25 accounting deadline for plenty of clubs. Once upon a time, that date mattered little to anyone bar football’s nerdiest observers (you rang?), but the growing spectre of profit and sustainability rules (PSR) has brought June 30 greater prominence.
Five of next season’s Premier League clubs actually have an accounting deadline of either May 31 or July 31. For the rest, The Athletic recently detailed there’ll be less need for a flurry of deals than a year ago, though the transfer heat map might look rather redder around Villa Park this time next week.
There are a few boxes to tick if clubs want to get deals wrapped up before they tip into the next financial year. For Aston Villa, or anyone, to book a deal into this month, they’ll need to ensure — to borrow UEFA’s wording — “all significant conditions for the transfer” have been satisfied — namely, a player’s registration and the ability of the selling club to transfer it to the buyers. To do that, clubs must provide the Premier League with a slew of documents, including the transfer agreement between the buyer and seller, the player’s new contract and international clearance as required.
Adding to the admin, while the whole transfer fee might not be due immediately, there are VAT payments to consider and, where Premier League clubs are the purchaser, they need to pay a four per cent transfer levy straightaway — fail to do that and there’ll be no transfer of registration.
Just agreeing to a deal before the end of the month isn’t enough to ensure it completes in the period clubs need it to.
Chris Weatherspoon
ArsenalHas anything happened over the past week?
The most significant development on the transfers front was the arrival of Martin Zubimendi in London. The 26-year-old Spain international flew in to meet with Arsenal officials and complete the formalities of his €65million move from Real Sociedad.
Despite Zubimendi being linked with a switch to Real Madrid, Arsenal have considered this deal done for several months. Arsenal will pay a fee higher than Zubimendi’s release clause to obtain a more favourable schedule of payments.
Martin Zubimendi is on his way to Arsenal (Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)Will Arteta be desperate for more Arsenal signings?
A challenging start to the fixture list, with trips to Old Trafford, Anfield and St James’ Park before the end of September, will have focused minds. Mikel Arteta will be doubly determined to see his squad substantially strengthened before the start of the season.
Some of Arteta’s favoured targets look likely to be playing their football elsewhere next season. Dean Huijsen has joined Real Madrid, Bryan Mbeumo wants to sign for Manchester United, Nico Williams appears headed for Barcelona, and Leroy Sane is set to join Galatasaray. Arsenal have alternatives, but the pool of options is diminishing.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Aside from the announcement of Zubimendi, Arsenal’s next significant arrival is likely to be goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The 30-year-old Spain international is expected at London Colney this week to tie up his £5m move from Chelsea.
Arsenal are also continuing their efforts to sign a No 9, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres under strongest consideration. They would also like to add a wide player, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon both of interest, and potentially a defender.
Which players could be leaving?
Despite rumours about a potential departure for Gabriel Martinelli, there have not yet been any significant developments regarding his future.
When Andrea Berta took the helm as sporting director, the message to Martinelli was clear: as a valued contributor to the first team, Arsenal expect him to stay.
Martinelli is happy at Arsenal and has two years remaining on his contract, with the club holding the option to trigger an additional year until 2028. Of course, things can change quickly in a transfer window. If an attractive buyer came in for Martinelli at an appropriate price — especially one that enabled Arsenal to land some of their top targets — then Arsenal’s position could shift.
Arrizabalaga’s arrival could mean a departure for 23-year-old goalkeeper Karl Hein. Hein spent last season on loan with Real Valladolid. After impressing in Spain, he is the subject of loan interest from other clubs in La Liga, although Arsenal would also be open to a permanent deal.
Hein at Valladolid last season (Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Thomas Partey‘s contract expires next week and Arsenal have been in negotiations with the Ghana international over an extension, but are yet to find an agreement. Although Partey’s wants to remain in London, he is entertaining offers from elsewhere.
If Partey departs, he will have to be replaced. It’s a tricky proposition: with Partey able to leave on a free transfer, Arsenal may not have the budget to replace him with a player of similar standing. Arsenal are discussing potential alternatives. Lucien Agoume, Sevilla’s 23-year-old French midfielder, is one of the names under discussion.
James McNicholas
ChelseaHas anything happened over the past week?
Mykhailo Mudryk was charged by the English Football Association for violating its anti-doping rules. The Ukraine international was provisionally suspended in December after his ‘A’ sample tested positive. A violation of the FA’s anti-doping regulations carries a maximum penalty of a four-year suspension.
When the news broke six months ago, Mudryk released a statement saying he “never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules”.
Chelsea went into the market wanting a right-footed left-winger anyway, but this has emphasised why they need to get a deal over the line.
Is Gittens the priority for the wing, or would they consider others?
Chelsea have a list of players for the position, so it is not as if Jamie Gittens is their only option. However, they have agreed terms with Gittens over a seven-year contract, making the 20-year-old the most likely addition.
Chelsea are unconcerned by reports suggesting Bayern Munich are a rival for his signature. The question remains whether they can agree a fee with Borussia Dortmund — their last bid of £42m, which was going to be paid in instalments rather than up front, was rejected. Conversations between the two clubs are ongoing.
The Athletic reported this month how Chelsea had made a verbal enquiry for Lyon’s Malick Fofana. They have also admired Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho for some time. Should the Argentinian leave Old Trafford, he would like to remain in the Premier League and favours London as a destination.
Jamie Gittens has agreed personal terms with Chelsea (Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)What positions/players are they looking at?
Apart from a winger, Chelsea’s other main priority is a versatile attacker. They hold an interest in West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro. Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike is also liked, but Chelsea will only make a move if the current asking price of €100m is lowered.
There is nothing in the links for Randal Kolo Muani, who is on loan at Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea have ended their pursuit of Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan after failing to agree terms. A deal for another goalkeeper this summer is deemed unlikely.
Which players could be leaving?
Christopher Nkunku, valued at £65million by Chelsea in January, is liked by Manchester United, and though there has been recent contact, they have prioritised other forward signings, Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo, this summer.
When asked about Nkunku on Monday, Enzo Maresca said: “’Christo’ is our player. He’s doing very well in the last four or five days and he could get some chances.” If any interest were to progress involving United forward Garnacho (mentioned above) or Nkunku, they would be separate deals.
There is a lot of scrutiny on Nicolas Jackson’s future following his red card against Flamengo last week.
Chelsea are not actively looking to sell but they do not regard him in the same ‘untouchable’ bracket as Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, even though he was given a contract extension until 2033 last year.
There is interest from clubs in the Premier League and Saudi Pro League. Suggestions that Juventus and Napoli are keen have been dismissed because Chelsea do not think they can afford the 24-year-old.
Chelsea do not view Jackson as ‘untouchable’ (Warren Little/Getty Images)
Andrey Santos has yet to play a minute at the Club World Cup, but the 21-year-old midfielder is part of Chelsea’s plans. He has only been with Maresca’s squad for a couple of weeks and is still adapting.
Winger Noni Madueke is in a similar position to Jackson — he is not up for sale but a high enough bid would be listened to.
Djordje Petrovic has a gentleman’s agreement with Chelsea that he will be sold if another club agrees to pay £25million for the 25-year-old goalkeeper.
The plan is still to sell several other players, including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka and Armando Broja.
Meanwhile, USMNT international Caleb Wiley is on the verge of rejoining Watford on a season-long loan. England Under-21 keeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe has agreed to spend the 2025-26 season on loan at Bolton Wanderers.
Simon Johnson
How do Kudus, Joao Pedro and Ekitike differ?
These are three attacking players with vastly differing skill sets, but each has one thing in common: versatility.
Enzo Maresca wants players who can play anywhere across the front line, drop deep to link up play and rotate with team-mates to pull apart stubborn low blocks — something that all can offer in different ways.
Kudus is the more explosive of the three, a stocky ball-carrier who likes to drive his team up the pitch with weaving runs. Only Lamine Yamal attempted more take-ons than the Ghanaian last season in Europe’s top five leagues, and as his position map illustrates below, he can translate his punchy attacking play across the width of the pitch.
Ekitike is more of a box presence — only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah took more shots in the penalty area than the 23-year-old across Europe — but he is also elusive when he can drift out to the flanks to dribble. He is a unique profile; tall, slender, but powerful when he gets into his flow, though concerns linger on his consistency in front of goal and sizeable price tag.
Joao Pedro, meanwhile, brings a bit of everything; not as destructive with his dribbling as the other two, but very comfortable dropping deep and creating chances for his team-mates. He works hard off the ball too, spending most of his time in the pockets in the left half-space before timing his runs into the box.
The sheer quantity of attacking talent already at Chelsea is dizzying, but this latest raft of Chelsea targets points to a desire for flexibility across the final third.
Thom Harris
LiverpoolHas anything happened over the past week?
Liverpool wrapped up a record-breaking £116m move for Florian Wirtz that super-charged their summer. The deal with Bayer Leverkusen also set the wheels in motion for a switch in the opposite direction for Jarell Quansah. The 22-year-old centre back is now closing in on a move to Germany for around £30m plus add-ons. A buyback clause has been proposed and could be part of the deal.
Liverpool’s long pursuit of Milos Kerkez also edged towards the final stage as an agreement over the £40m fee was reached with Bournemouth. He is set for a medical this week.
Kerkez flew to the UK on Monday to complete a medical (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Do Liverpool want to make changes up front?
Yes, but moving on Darwin Nunez, who is well-liked at Napoli (see David Ornstein’s One to Watch, above), has to be the priority. In order to justify signing another centre-forward this summer, Liverpool know that fixing up Nunez must come first. Receiving a sizeable fee for the Uruguayan could then help fund the arrival of his replacement.
Elsewhere, moving on Federico Chiesa after a miserable first season at the club should be more straightforward, with interest in Italy growing. Liverpool have made it clear that they want to keep Luis Diaz despite interest from clubs including Barcelona.
What positions/players are they looking at?
With Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong already added, attention turns to the centre-forward position. Liverpool admire Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak but a deal is going to be very difficult given his huge valuation.
Head coach Arne Slot favours a certain type of striker as he looks for a player who works hard out of possession and can often lead the press.
With Quansah set to join Leverkusen, Liverpool also need a new centre-back and are ideally looking for a youngster with the potential to grow.
Jorrel Hato, the 19-year-old Ajax defender who can also play at left-back, is expected to attract strong interest this summer and Liverpool could enter the conversation.
Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace is rated, but with only 12 months left on his contract, any follow-up interest in this window will depend heavily on the asking price. Nottingham Forest’s Murillo is also well-liked but expected to be valued too high.
Liverpool hold an interest in Palace’s Guehi (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Which players could be leaving?
Andy Robertson has interest from Atletico Madrid and is currently weighing up his options with one year left on his contract at Anfield, while Kostas Tsimikas is waiting to see how his opportunities will be affected next season with Kerkez set to join.
Harvey Elliott continues to put himself in the shop window with goals and impressive performances for England Under-21s this summer, while Tyler Morton, Stefan Bajcetic and other Liverpool youngsters are attracting interest. Nat Phillips, meanwhile, has completed a permanent move to West Brom in a £3m deal inclusive of add-ons.
Academy graduate Harvey Davies, 21, is joining Crawley Town of League Two on a season-long loan. The goalkeeper recently signed a new contract. There has been interest in Owen Beck from Premier League, Championship and Scottish Premiership clubs over a possible permanent or loan move for the 22-year-old. The defender still has two years left on his contract and no decision has been made over his future.
Joe Gomez, meanwhile, posted on social media last week that he was proud of his decade at the club before adding that he was “still hungry to keep going”. The 28-year-old remains a part of Liverpool’s plans as they value his versatility.
Gregg Evans and James Pearce
Manchester CityHas anything happened over the past week?
Ilkay Gundogan was linked with a move to Galatasaray — a link The Athletic can verify — but he told the media after City’s 6-0 victory over Al Ain at the Club World Cup that he believes he will stay at the club this summer.
John Stones also told reporters he intends to stay, at a time when manager Pep Guardiola has said City are looking to trim the squad ahead of the new season.
Claudio Echeverri and Vitor Reis could be allowed to leave on loan, although Reis’ position may depend on other movements in the City defence.
Right-back seems to be a position of weakness. Is that the focus now?
Guardiola said during last season that he never would have believed Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly would have ended up playing full-back, and while City have brought in Rayan Ait-Nouri on the left, it is clear there is still business to do on the right-hand side.
They have been linked with Flamengo right-back Wesley, who himself was linked with moves to Brighton and Juventus in the past week, while Newcastle’s Tino Livramento is another target. The 22-year-old is currently with England’s Under-21s at the European Championship and everything suggests Newcastle are desperate to keep him.
What positions/players are they looking at?
As mentioned, right-back is still the obvious gap in the squad. Given Guardiola’s repeated stance this week that they have too many players, moving players is out now appears to be the next focus, having done so much of their business early.
Which players could be leaving?
Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish are the players who find themselves out of the picture, while James McAtee’s future will be decided after he is finished with England at the Under-21 Euros.
That is four potential permanent exits, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to see how Guardiola gets down to his magic squad size.
Grealish is a potential exit for City (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
“We have, right now, too many players, so we cannot go with 26, 27 players this season because there would be more without playing,” said Guardiola. “Step by step, maybe a few players are going to move.
“I would love to have the players that we have now all season. I would love it. I don’t have any complaints about the players, how they behave. The problem is that they will be unhappy during the season. They will be sad, they will be disappointed. I don’t want that.“
City have 32 players in their tournament squad without including the four senior players left at home.
It heightens the odds of some younger players like O’Reilly, Oscar Bobb or Echeverri having to go out on loan for regular game time, but they have all shown they are capable of contributing.
Sam Lee and Jordan Campbell
Manchester UnitedHas anything happened over the past week?
Manchester United have kept in touch with the people who represent Emiliano Martinez, with dialogue since the start of the year. Martinez is of the understanding that any pursuit depends on Andre Onana’s future.
Martinez does not want to go to Saudi Arabia, and would prefer United or another big European club. Aston Villa are yet to receive any direct contact about their goalkeeper, who signed a new contract to 2029 last summer.
Onana has been planning to stay at Old Trafford and, while that could change if there is firm interest in him, there is little movement by United to sell him or buy a goalkeeper for significant money.
According to one source with knowledge of the situation, Onana has been in contact with Bryan Mbeumo as talks over his potential transfer from Brentford continue. Onana and Mbeumo are international team-mates for Cameroon and the pair have spoken about linking up at Old Trafford.
Bryan Mbeumo has spoken with Cameroon team-mate Andre Onana about a move to Manchester United (Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
On Monday, The Athletic reported United have made a second, improved offer of more than £60million for Mbeumo. Their first bid of £45m plus £10m was below what Brentford are holding out for, which is a figure more than the £62.5m price of Matheus Cunha. United are hopeful of a resolution soon, with pre-season training beginning at Carrington on July 7.
Can United function without signing a new striker?
Part of the reason for United pivoting to Mbeumo after missing out on Liam Delap was to get as close as possible to a guarantee of Premier League goals — even though that meant shifting from a recognised centre-forward. Mbeumo’s total of 20 goals from last season placed him fifth in the top scorers’ chart, and he did his best work coming in from the right channel.
But United also see Mbeumo as a player who can, in certain circumstances, go up top. In five seasons at Brentford, he has made 32 appearances as a striker, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists in all competitions from that position. He played there in five games last campaign, scoring against Tottenham, West Ham, Arsenal and Chelsea, but typically playing alongside a strike partner rather than solo, as would be likely in Ruben Amorim’s typical system.
Cunha is also a player with history as the focal point of an attack, spending most of his career there at RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid, and doing so 38 times in three seasons at Wolves, albeit less frequently last term. In 2024-25, he scored twice in six games in that position, starting at Bournemouth and coming off the bench against Tottenham. He featured at No 10, where United are expected to use him, on 24 occasions.
Although, like Mbeumo, he does his most effective actions outside the centre-forward remit — in his case running with the ball from deeper — United see the two players as able to form a carousel in the top position.
There is interest in Rasmus Hojlund from Inter but, should he stay, he would provide a more archetypal Amorim centre-forward. That said, there are people connected to the club who believe a new striker is still essential, even if Mbeumo follows Cunha into Old Trafford.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Evidently, due to the contact with Eintracht Frankfurt over Hugo Ekitike amid Viktor Gyokeres‘ preference for a team in the Champions League, the striker position remains a live issue. Amorim is also believed to want an athletic midfielder.
Which players could be leaving?
Marcus Rashford‘s interview with Spanish YouTuber Javi Ruiz was another indication that his ideal destination would be Barcelona. Ruiz is a Barcelona fan and Rashford said he would “for sure” like to be team-mates with Lamine Yamal in future. “Hopefully, we’ll see,” he said.
According to sources close to the player, Rashford does not feel Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams rules out a switch to Camp Nou, and he talked up the prospect of playing as a No 9. Talks have taken place around a deal but it is felt Rashford’s future might not be resolved until later in the window. United are only looking for a sale at this moment, but it might be a loan agreement closer to deadline is plausible. He is thought to see a move abroad as more appealing than staying in England.
Alejandro Garnacho is open to remaining in the Premier League, with London top of the list. Chelsea hold an interest. He posted a picture of himself wearing Rashford’s Aston Villa shirt on Instagram, aligning himself with another United player who has been told he can find a new club.
A price of £70million has been communicated to suitors, which is too high for Bayer Leverkusen. The German side had been linked, with their head coach Erik ten Hag having brought Garnacho through to the first team while in charge at Old Trafford, but they will not be pursuing an approach at that cost.
Antony is the most advanced when it comes to exits, with Real Betis wishing to turn his loan move into a permanent transfer.
Laurie Whitwell
Newcastle UnitedHas anything happened over the past week?
The transition to a post-Paul Mitchell operation accelerated, with the outgoing sporting director handing over responsibility for transfers to Andy Howe, the assistant head of recruitment, and Steve Nickson, the head of recruitment.
Further reports linking Alexander Isak with a move away from St James’ Park — which, frustratingly for Newcastle fans, are likely to persist throughout the summer — also emerged. However, Newcastle are adamant they will not — and crucially do not need to — sell the Sweden international, who still has three years remaining on his contract.
They have not received an offer for the 25-year-old and intend to open talks with him over an improved deal later this summer.
Those inside Newcastle have reaffirmed their bullish stance that none of their star players will be sold. Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes are integral to Newcastle’s plans as they return to the Champions League, while Tino Livramento is also now deemed a key player who Howe wants to keep.
Is having an outgoing sporting director an issue?
Nobody is pretending the present situation is ideal. Sporting directors are supposed to be long-term appointments, yet Newcastle are looking for their third in little more than a year. Darren Eales, the CEO, is also serving his notice, having been diagnosed with blood cancer.
Mitchell is in the final week of his tenure and will depart on June 30, but he has already been handing over frontline responsibility for the departments he oversees. He is still offering guidance and assistance, but is no longer leading recruitment.
Andy Howe and Nickson have been empowered to deliver the head coach’s search for new additions, with Newcastle having failed to sign a first-XI player for almost two years. Both are experienced operators and stepped up during the interim once Dan Ashworth was placed on gardening leave in February 2024.
Although Eddie Howe would have preferred Mitchell to remain for the rest of the summer window, he has a close working relationship with Andy, his nephew. Andy followed Eddie from Bournemouth and knows what the head coach seeks in a player. The assistant head of recruitment pushed for the additions of Tonali, Livramento, Guimaraes and Gordon, among others.
Jamie Reuben, the co-owner, and Jacobo Solis, the director, will, alongside Eales, also be involved in discussions with clubs, and Newcastle are confident Mitchell has left them with a blueprint for the summer which can ensure the squad is strengthened.
Some figures inside Newcastle expect the market to heat up over the next week or two, given the June 30 PSR deadline and players beginning to return for pre-season training.
Until new signings arrive, the suggestion Newcastle have a strong plan in place will remain theoretical, however, and supporters will understandably remain nervous about the state of flux at executive level.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Newcastle are prioritising a right-sided centre-half, a forward who can play on the right and a goalkeeper, while they may also bring in a striker or versatile attacker. A midfielder could arrive should Sean Longstaff and/or Joe Willock depart.
Brighton’s Joao Pedro is a long-term target, with the forward’s versatility especially attractive. Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo have featured heavily in transfer discussions, while West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus’ name has also been floated.
Elanga of Forest has been discussed (Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Their interest in Marc Guehi remains, following the failed month-long pursuit of the Crystal Palace defender last August. Having missed out on Dean Huijsen, they have a shortlist of centre-back targets. Huijsen’s former Bournemouth team-mate, Illia Zabarnyi, 22, is also highly thought of at St James’ Park, while Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini is liked.
Last summer, Newcastle had an offer rejected for Burnley’s James Trafford and he remains their top goalkeeper target. His price tag has risen following an impressive campaign, in which he helped his club win promotion, and Newcastle are adamant they will not pay excessive fees. They have therefore explored alternatives, with Lille’s Lucas Chevalier among those watched.
Which players could be leaving?
Willock is entering the last two years of his deal and has been linked with a move away. Howe is not actively looking to sell, but Newcastle may have to consider decent offers. There is no desire to lose Harvey Barnes.
Newcastle will consider offers for Longstaff, who is going into the final 12 months of his deal and turned down opportunities to leave in January. Should Newcastle sell the 27-year-old, they can bank “pure profit” in PSR terms. Promoted Leeds United are among the multiple English clubs who are interested.
Howe is keen to keep Nick Pope, even if a rival goalkeeper joins. The 33-year-old has been linked with an exit, but he is still first choice, and Howe wants to increase depth in that department. Pope is settled and happy on Tyneside.
Odysseas Vlachodimos, the backup goalkeeper signed for £20million a year ago who has made only one substitute appearance, is available, with a loan departure appearing most likely, given the PSR hit Newcastle would have to take by selling the 31-year-old Greece international for a low price. Fellow goalkeeper Martin Dubravka’s situation is also unclear, despite the 36-year-old signing an extension in January.
Newcastle will listen to offers for defender Matt Targett, 29, while a resolution is required to 30-year-old midfielder Isaac Hayden’s situation as he is not part of Howe’s plans.
Chris Waugh
Tottenham HotspurHas anything happened over the past week?
Spurs fans heard from Thomas Frank for the first time since he was appointed as head coach. Frank said his intention is to play “aggressive, front-footed football” and he praised the attacking talent within the squad.
Chairman Daniel Levy conducted a rare interview alongside new chief executive officer Vinai Venkatesham. Levy and Venkatesham spoke about Frank’s qualities and referenced his track record of developing young talent.
These interviews have given us an indication of what to expect from Spurs in the transfer window. It seems they will continue to target young players under the age of 23, which is a policy they have pursued since Johan Lange became sporting director in November 2023.
The Athletic reported on Monday that Spurs have agreed a deal worth £5million for 20-year-old Japan defender Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale.
How much money do Spurs have to spend this summer?
Tottenham’s finances will be boosted by competing in the Champions League next season which was their reward for winning the Europa League. They should be able to command decent fees for a few fringe members of their squad, including Manor Solomon, who was a key figure for Leeds United in their promotion from the Championship last season.
There is uncertainty around the long-term future of Cristian Romero. Spurs could set a high asking price for the World Cup-winner if he decides he wants leave this summer.
Richarlison was the subject of interest from the Saudi Pro League last year. The Brazilian is a cult hero but has struggled with injuries. If a decent offer is tabled for Richarlison, Spurs should accept it and reinvest the money into signing a more reliable backup to first-choice striker Dominic Solanke.
Romero’s future at Spurs is uncertain (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)What positions/players are they looking at?
Spurs have lots of options out wide, including Mathys Tel — who joined permanently from Bayern Munich earlier this month — Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson but are keen to strengthen.
They would like to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford but he favours a move to Manchester United. Spurs are interested in signing Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
The Ghana international would be a perfect signing for Frank as he is versatile and capable of playing across the front line.
Semenyo is attracted by the prospect of joining Spurs, but a deal looks to be too expensive. Bournemouth are thought to value the 25-year-old at £70m, which would break Spurs’ transfer record. If Spurs want to compete in the Premier League and the Champions League next season, they need to be bold in this window and act decisively. The best players are never going to be cheap.
Semenyo could cost Spurs up to £70million (Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images)Which players could be leaving?
Romero and captain Son Heung-min have been linked with potential moves. Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur have both entered the final year of their contracts. Frank name-dropped Bentancur in his interview, which might suggest he wants the Uruguay international to stick around.
Bryan Gil and Alejo Veliz need new challenges, while Will Lankshear, Alfie Dorrington, Jamie Donley and Dane Scarlett might all benefit from another loan.
Jay Harris and Sebastian Stafford-Bloor
BarcelonaHas anything happened over the past week?
The signing of Joan Garcia was officially confirmed, while Barcelona have also made significant progress in their most recent transfer target, Nico Williams.
The Athletic reported last Thursday that the Catalans have a verbal agreement in place with the 22-year-old’s camp to join them next season. Barca would need to pay Williams’ €60m release clause in one payment, but that’s not seen as a huge obstacle at the club. Barca are working on offloading players to make enough salary space to be allowed to register the player.
There is another name to keep an eye on: Roony Bardghji. The 19-year-old winger is entering the last year of his contract at Copenhagen and has been identified as an interesting talent for the future. Barcelona and the player’s camp have been in contact over a potential signing.
Will Barcelona push to sign players before they know whether they can register them?
They have already done so with Joan Garcia. Although the club believe they will have no significant problem registering the goalkeeper, with his €3m annual salary far from the top-tier in the club’s salary scale, and they count on having the Camp Nou VIP seating sale money counted in their budget this summer.
Meanwhile, La Liga insists Barcelona are still spending above their salary limit, although they could fix it. “Barca need to do some things to register players,” said La Liga CEO Javier Tebas last week. “It’s not a lot of things, but they know what they need to do in that regard. I am not going to reveal them here”.
Sources at Barcelona say they hope to seal the Nico Williams signing before the start of preseason, which is July 13. If that happens, the forward would be at the club, most likely, before they have completed all the procedures to register players regularly.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Barca’s priority is a left winger – and this is why they are determined to sign Williams now. Once his signing is secured, club sources say there won’t be any other clear target in Deco’s planning – apart from any market opportunity that could arise. Bardghji falls into that category. But the main target was to add a new attacker to bolster the forward line and, after having their initial interest in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz rebuffed, Williams is clearly the top target.
A conversation that will be held for the next transfer windows — definitely not this one — is who will be Robert Lewandowski’s replacement. Within the club, there is an assumption that this will be the Pole’s last season in Barcelona as his contract is nearing its end and Barca are expected to look for his successor.
In Joan Laporta’s mind, there is one standout candidate: Julian Alvarez. Barca’s president has been hugely impressed by the Argentina forward this season at Atletico Madrid, and there is the belief he would be a perfect fit for Barcelona’s style of play.
Barca feel Alvarez could fit with their style (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
As admired as Alvarez is, a deal won’t happen until next summer at least… if Barcelona are even in a position to consider a deal like that.
Which players could be leaving?
Barca expect quite a lot to be leaving. Ansu Fati is the first on the list. Deco admitted last Sunday in an interview with La Vanguardia that they have been in contact with Monaco over a potential loan for Fati.
Inaki Pena, Pablo Torre and Pau Victor are also expected to leave. Then there’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who the club would like to sell after the signing of Joan Garcia in order to spare his salary. People at Barca even admit the club could be willing to let the goalkeeper leave on a free transfer.
Deco spoke about Andreas Christensen too in that same interview: “Christensen? Well, we have five centre-backs at the moment and one would need to leave. There are too many players there. The manager will need to make a decision.”
Pol Ballus
Real MadridHas anything happened over the past week?
Madrid have made three signings — Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Franco Mastantuono — while they failed in an attempt to bring in Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras before the tournament. As new coach Xabi Alonso has said, focus has now turned to the football.
“We are in the Club World Cup and we are not in the phase of how to improve the current squad, but in the competition,” Alonso said on Saturday, when asked about whether his side needed a creative midfielder.
How much will Mastantuono play for Madrid?
While he will need time to adapt once he arrives aged 18 in August — and though he is used to a different style of football than the European game — Alonso wants Mastantuono to be important from the start.
Alonso is a big admirer of the River Plate youngster and played a role in the negotiations to sign him. The plan is for Mastantuono to play as a right winger but also move centrally, like a No 10, during matches. Arda Guler will move back to midfield, as he has done for Madrid in the Club World Cup.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Left-back, with Carreras still the first-choice despite Madrid missing out on him before they travelled to the U.S. The Athletic has reported the club are combing the market for a backup centre-forward in the mould of Joselu; someone who can make an impact in the box and could arrive on a low fee to take on a secondary role.
With Endrick injured, that role is currently being played by academy striker Gonzalo Garcia at the Club World Cup. He took advantage of Kylian Mbappe suffering a fever and Alonso’s confidence to start their opening two games against Al Hilal and Pachuca, scoring the first goal of the coach’s reign against the former and playing a role in their first two goals against the latter.
Before this tournament, Gonzalo was expected to leave to get more playing time, but his priority is to succeed with Madrid and it is unclear whether his performances Stateside could change his situation.
Which players could be leaving?
Rodrygo’s situation is worth paying close attention to. While his father and agent Eric Goes have rejected approaches from Premier League clubs — with Arsenal considering him as one of their targets — what happens at the Club World Cup could play a decisive role in his future.
(Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
After starting the first game against Al Hilal and providing the assist for Gonzalo to make it 1-0, he did not even warm up in the second match against Pachuca, as Gonzalo, Guler, Brahim Diaz and even academy winger Victor Munoz were all given minutes ahead of him.
There could be movement at left-back too if Carreras joins, given one of Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy would possibly leave in that situation.
“I live it pretty quietly,” Garcia said when asked about the reports about Carreras this week. “I don’t know if any deal will happen or not, but I try to do my best every day I put on this shirt and hopefully I can continue to do that for a lot longer.”
(Top photos: Getty Images; design: Dan Goldfarb)