Another week, and plenty more rumours and deals to satisfy us all. With the international matches now completed, England were sensational by the way, the players have all gone off for their Summer holidays. After the longest season in history, their holidays won’t be long as most will be back by the 2nd week of July for pre-season.
That doesn’t stop deals being made between clubs and agents are in overdrive. Saudi Arabia’s march to buy every player on the planet continues, Kante has been sealed, Ruben Neves is expected to sign in the next coming days for a £47m fee. A lot of this is convenient, as Wolves were facing FFP difficulties.
A clutch of Chelsea players are set for the Middle East, inlcuding Eduoard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech, Aubameyang and Romelu Lukaku. The targets are becoming more adventurous, and the ages and profile of the player is becoming more exciting. By moving for players more in their prime, Saudi Arabia could become a disruptor in the market in the longer term.
I am also a boxing fan, and I was hoping we would have seen Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk by now, but because of Saudi money this fight has not been made. This is happening in other sports, and I’m not sure it’s a good thing for sport as a whole. It will be interesting to see who has made the move to the Petro state by the end of the Summer Window.
Could Mbappe be on the move? It is still unlikely at this stage, but with only one year left on his deal, and the optional year held by the player not the club, I wouldn’t rule it out. The player has stated he is not going to extend that, but also he is prone to U-turns. President Macron, whom Kylian is close to has apparently tried to persuade him to stay in France but it looks like he has his heart set on the Spanish goliaths Real Madrid. Whether they have the budget is the thing, they have just shelled out £115 for Jude Bellingham but I’m sure they could rustle a few quid from their luxury sofas if they needed to.
On to the Premier League and the main story of course is around Declan Rice, his favoured move is to Arsenal and they have 2 bids rejected. One at £80m and on at £90m, both structured and apparently with unrealistic bonuses. West Ham have rejected both out of hand, as they are holding out for a British transfer record fee which is the £100m Manchester City paid Aston Villa for Jack Grealish’ services. I think Arsenal are making a mistake by stalling here, as Manchester City are prowling and other clubs are interested.
Arsenal are also bidding for Kai Havertz of Chelsea, a £60m fee mooted. It seems such a strange one for me, but again Bayern Munich are very keen on him too. In my opinion he is one of those players who promises much, but constantly under delivers. Jurrien Timber of Ajax has been subject of a £30m bid too, although competition is expected to be fierce here, with Manchester United very keen (Ten Hag worked with him at Ajax) as well as Romeo Lavia of Southampton, so bids in but nothing signed yet.
Manchester City are close to signing Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea, does this signal the end for Ilkay Gundogan, who was Pep Guardiola’s first signing? They are also in for Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol who I have been keeping an eye on for a few years since his Dinamo Zagreb days and he could be the best defender in the world, that isn’t a joke.
Manchester United are trying to ship out a few players first, Harry Maguire, Jaden Sanchio potentially. Fred has interest from Fulham if a fee can be agreed. Their key target at the moment is definitely Mason Mount, 2 bids have been made, the current one £50m but that is expected to be rejected with Chelsea wanting £70m. The player is set on a move so its just a matter of time. They also want “the next Haaland”, Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta, but that’s a complicated deal, Atalanta are tough negotiators.
Liverpool are still looking for midfielders, James Ward-Prowse has appeared on their shortlist, as well as Kephren Thuram and Manu Kone who looks an exciting young player. No concrete bids on the table as far as I’m aware.
Tottenham’s Son has been subject of a bid from the Middle East and all has gone quiet on the Harry Kane front, looking increasingly more likely to stay at the club. A big boost for them. Harry Maguire has been touted, and I think he has a point to prove, but I don’t think he’s the right fit for Ange Postecoglou’s approach as he loves a high line and Maguire just doesn’t have the pace.
For now the rest of the league are just drawing up their targets, but if there’s any breaking news, we will be on top of it here at Football For Kids. Let us know your thoughts or transfer rumours in the comments, catch you next week!
