Welcome to the latest edition of the Transfer DealSheet, your weekly guide to what is happening in the summer window.
Our team of dedicated writers, including Adam Leventhal and David Ornstein, will take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on, the players who could arrive and the ones who are on their way out across the Premier League and beyond. In last week’s edition, we looked at Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s situation and Manchester United’s interest in Noussair Mazraoui.
The Athletic’s sourcing criteria have been followed in the collection of the data used in this story. Unless otherwise noted, our reporters have spoken with multiple people who were briefed on each proposal before making an offer.Together with the rest of our dedicated writing team, Adam Leventhal and David Ornstein will take you inside the market to dissect the moves that are being considered, the players that could arrive, and the ones that are leaving for the Premier League and beyond. In last week’s edition, we looked at the circumstances surrounding Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Manchester United’s interest in Noussair Mazraoui, giving the clubs concerned a chance to respond. The Transfer DealSheet has those answers in it, when they were provided.
The Athletic’s sourcing criteria have been followed in the collection of the data used in this story. Unless otherwise noted, our reporters have spoken with multiple people who were briefed on each proposal before making an offer.Together with the rest of our dedicated writing team, Adam Leventhal and David Ornstein will take you inside the market to dissect the moves that are being considered, the players that could arrive, and the ones that are leaving for the Premier League and beyond. In last week’s edition, we looked at the circumstances surrounding Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Manchester United’s interest in Noussair Mazraoui, giving the clubs concerned a chance to respond. The Transfer DealSheet has those answers in it, when they were provided.
Our goal is to provide you with reliable insight regarding the goings-on at Europe’s top teams as well as the most recent news we are receiving from the industry.
Enjoy reading this lengthy yet comprehensive piece, or look up the team or player you are interested in learning more about.
David Ornstein’s One To Watch
After visiting the United States for the preseason, Liverpool has already returned. On Sunday, they play Sevilla at Anfield in a preseason match that will, fortunately for the supporters, feature only well-known players.
Despite not having welcomed a new player since taking over as Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot has maintained his composure.
However, Slot used Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch in the No 6 position during their tour — in which Liverpool won all three of their games. Despite Slot praising Gravenberch’s performance in the friendly against Manchester United, Liverpool have now identified a target in that position.
With Liverpool searching outside of the Premier League for a specialist No 6, it is important to monitor that situation this week.
They are now pushing forward with a signing for that function, having rejected bids for Endo this summer due in part to the competitive market for that position.
What else we’re hearing
- Brighton are interested in Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley. Brighton would not have a problem agreeing personal terms for the 23-year-old, but no fee has yet been agreed between the two sides. Denmark international O’Riley began his senior career at Fulham before a season and a half at MK Dons. He joined Celtic in January 2022 and has won the Scottish Premiership three times since his arrival. (Peter Rutzler and Andy Naylor)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers want €10million for Daniel Podence. The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Olympiacos, while there is interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia. Podence would be open to a move. Wolves are yet to receive an offer from anywhere and they have been impressed by his conduct in training and around the club — it is now a possibility he could stay. Steve Madeley
- The former midfielder for Liverpool is currently evaluating his possibilities for returning to the Premier League with Besiktas and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Turkish team is willing to sell as they reorganize their roster and reduce their payroll. Everyone wants to work things out peacefully so he can go back to the UK. Clubs are now examining the conditions of a possible loan or permanent agreement. Adam Leventhal
- Tim Ream, a defender for Fulham, was given authorization on Monday to go to the US in order to finalize his transfer to Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer. For a while now, negotiations between Charlotte and Fulham have been progressed; in June, The Athletic revealed that an agreement was almost reached. Ream did not go to Portugal last week with the Fulham team as part of their pre-season preparations. But Ream’s departure was made possible when the west London team announced on Sunday that they had signed Villarreal central defender Jorge Cuenca for €6.7 million (£5.8 million; $7.3 million). His nine-year stint at Craven Cottage will come to an end when he completes the transfer and passes a medical. Rutzler Peter
- Lorient have made Jean Victor Makengo available for transfer after their relegation from Ligue 1 last season. The former Udinese midfielder joined the French club last season and they will now review options for a departure via loan or permanent transfer for the 26-year-old. He is contracted until 2027. Adam Leventhal
- Midfielder Amir Richardson is expected to draw more attention, and Stade Reims is ready for it. The international player from Morocco may now continue forward despite losing to Spain 2-1 in the Olympic semi-finals. Among the teams that have kept a close eye on the 22-year-old’s development and are thinking about a move is Leicester. Richardson is valued by Reims at approximately £13 million, and Serie A teams have expressed interest in moving forward with a transfer already. Adam Leventhal
What has happened this week?
The last squad of players to compete at Euro 2024 has started training again. William Saliba, David Raya, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Aaron Ramsdale have returned to Arsenal ahead of their friendlies against Lyon and Bayer Leverkusen.
Arsenal successfully sold Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham for a potential £34 million sum. In addition, they turned down another offer from Marseille for Eddie Nketiah.
Do Arsenal look short in any positions after pre-season?
Arsenal appears to be in good numerical form. The problem can be more related to dependability and quality. If Declan Rice is not going to play holding midfield for the team, Thomas Partey and Jorginho might need some reinforcement from a younger, more athletic player.
Another potential area to explore is backup for Bukayo Saka. Fabio Vieira played that role during the U.S. tour but is not a natural wideman.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Central midfield remains a focus. Arsenal hold an ongoing interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
Mikel Arteta holds a great deal of admiration for the 28-year-old, but Arsenal is still considering their possibilities in the midfield market. The Spanish international is eager to join Arteta if a deal can be made, but he has an offer to stay with Sociedad.
Attacking reinforcements would most likely depend upon further outgoings.
Which players could be leaving?
Players seeking regular first-team football include Aaron Ramsdale and Reiss Nelson in addition to Nketiah. It is anticipated that they will be granted permission to depart from Arsenal before to the window closing. In order to rebalance the roster with the purchase of Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal might consider selling a defender.
Goalie Karl Hein, who inked a new deal earlier this summer, is anticipated to go on loan. These talks have started now that Raya and Ramsdale are back in training, with League One Charlton leading Barnsley in a battle to sign Hein.
James McNicholas
What has happened this week?
This week has been dominated by the club’s attempt to resolve Conor Gallagher’s future at Stamford Bridge, with the midfielder now looking to finalise a move to Atletico Madrid.
Gallagher turned down a third contract offer from Chelsea on Wednesday, which would have paid him the same as teammate Enzo Fernandez.
Gallagher, however, refused to accept the terms of the agreement, since it only meant an additional two years with a one-year option to extend. Some of the reasoning behind the club’s offer and the player’s decision to decline came from uncertainties about how much he would play under head coach Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea denied rumors that he had been expelled from the team, but they did state that they could not afford to let him to go as a free agent when his current contract expires in the summer of next year. Gallagher, for his part, did not make such a threat.
An approach was made by two Premier League clubs who wish to remain anonymous, but it did not go any farther than that. Gallagher was forced to make a decision on whether to sign a new contract to stay or to sign with Atletico. The La Liga team gave Gallagher until Sunday’s finish of play to make the decision, and he consented just in time. Atletico has been investigating other midfield options than Gallagher, and it is unclear if a trade would materialize.
Although they had previously declared Victor Osimhen to be unattainable, Chelsea unexpectedly decided to reenter the competition for the Napoli striker earlier in the transfer season.
Will Chelsea replace Gallagher or are they happy with their options?
When it comes to Chelsea, you never say never, but it would be unexpected if they added another midfield player.
As Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who cost £30 million to acquire from Leicester City, joined last month, Gallagher’s position in the team is effectively taken.
Andrey Santos’ return to Strasbourg for the duration of the season is a hint that Chelsea has too many options in this area.
Chelsea had originally considered including him in the team for this season, but they concluded that, with so much competition ahead of him at Chelsea, he would be better suited playing on a regular basis in France.
What positions/players are they looking at?
In this sense, nothing has changed. It is still one or two attacking players that matter most. A few months ago, Osimhen was removed from the wishlist since he was thought to be too costly.
As longtime supporters Paris Saint-Germain refuse to meet Napoli’s asking price, Chelsea has initiated negotiations with the Serie A team on a loan agreement that includes a buyout option.
Prior to the Gallagher situation being public, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid were corresponding on Samu Omorodion, the teenage striker who showed great promise. Atletico’s position on selling Omorodion has loosened in light of the Alvarez events, and Chelsea is now pursuing the transaction. Their negotiations over Osimhen, which are anticipated to go on, are not related to the agreement for Omorodion.
Regarding Gabriel Mec, a Brazil Under-20 international, Chelsea and Gremio are still in negotiations. The club has refuted reports originating from Brazil that a deal of £20.5 million plus add-ons was agreed upon, deeming them premature. The teenager will reach 18 in 2026, and Chelsea does not plan to pay that much for him.
Additionally, they are in talks with Genk, a Belgian club, regarding 18-year-old Mike Penders, the goalie. He will return to Genk on loan for at least one season, barring a price agreement.
Which players could be leaving?
Chelsea has a huge roster. The intense desire of Napoli to sign Romelu Lukaku is linked to their chase of Osimhen. The Belgium international still has two years left on his Stamford Bridge deal, but neither he nor Chelsea are interested in playing for the team in the future. Chelsea has included a £38 million release clause to his contract.
Trevoh Chalobah is aware of his low standing in the team after being kept out of Chelsea’s preseason tour to the United States. Although he is not interested in leaving, it is more likely that he will given the amount of interest from Premier League and international clubs.
The departure of Andriy Lunin, a goalie Chelsea has been interested in, may determine whether or not goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga returns to Real Madrid, where he played on loan last season.
With the signing of Filip Jorgensen, goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is for sale, and several clubs in Europe have expressed interest in him.
There are concerns regarding Ben Chilwell’s fit with Maresca’s playing style, thus Chelsea may think about moving him for the right price. His pay and cost are a barrier to overcome.
Chelsea will sell Armando Broja, Cesare Casadei, and David Datro Fofana if they receive reasonable offers. Many younger players, such as Alfie Gilchrist, who is set to sign with Sheffield United, Harvey Vale, Alex Matos, and Leo Castledine, are also awaiting the completion of loan transfers.
Simon Johnson
Liverpool
What has happened this week?
Fabio Carvalho scored in the team’s last two momentum-boosting friendlies against Manchester United and Arsenal.
The 21-year-old has had a really positive preseason, starting all three of the friendlies on the U.S. trip. Southampton made a £15 million offer for Carvalho, which Liverpool turned down.
They place a far higher importance on the adaptable attacker, who has primarily played as a left winger under new head coach Arne Slot, and they will not allow him to go on a temporary basis again.
In addition, Liverpool is taking its time deciding what to do with Bobby Clark. Last season, the youthful midfielder made 12 appearances and broke through into the starting lineup. An ailment to his back kept him out of the U.S. tour.
A £6 million bid has been turned down by Red Bull Salzburg, who are currently led by former assistant manager Pep Lijnders of Liverpool. The 19-year-old has a roughly £12 million market value. The Championship is also quite interested in loaning him money, which seems like the most likely course of action.
Additionally, it was disclosed that at the end of June, a deal was almost finalized to acquire Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £75 million and Joe Gomez for £45 million.
Due to issues with profit and sustainability (PSR), Newcastle had to sell. However, the transaction was canceled when Elliot Anderson’s £35 million sale to Nottingham Forest and Yankuba Minteh’s £30 million move to Brighton & Hove Albion provided them with the necessary £60 million before the PSR deadline.
Why is No 6 a key position in this window?
Liverpool has employed Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch in the No. 6 position during the three friendlies that have been played while on tour. The latter two were far more at ease than Endo, who was having difficulty adapting to Slot’s more measured possession-based strategy.
When asked directly if he intended to bolster his midfield with a holding player, Slot responded, “I think Ryan (Gravenberch) did pretty well in that position (against Manchester United), and we have other options as well.”
“The best way to judge it is when we have all the players back and we still haven’t, but a club like Liverpool always keeps its eye open to see what’s available, players who can strengthen the squad and that is what we — Richard (Hughes) mostly — but me as well are looking to do. That is not particular to one position. We constantly evaluate the squad.”
Since Fabinho’s form declined, supporters have not stopped debating who should be number six. Although there is room for improvement, Alexis Mac Allister appears well suited for the position in Slot’s system, which calls for a controller rather than a destroyer. Thus, it makes sense that Liverpool is looking outside of the Premier League for a new No 6.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Liverpool is still interested in Anthony Gordon, despite rumors that the winger’s head had been turned when a possible trade was being explored earlier in the summer.
Newcastle does not want to sell one of their important players, though, given they are not under FFP pressure this summer. To reward the 23-year-old for his performance from the previous season and to fend off interest, they are also planning to start negotiations on a new contract.
Since Joel Matip left, Liverpool has been thinking about defensive possibilities. There have also been talks about recruiting an attacking wide player and a holding midfielder.
Which players could be leaving?
Interest is growing in a number of Liverpool’s players and decisions will be made on their futures in the coming weeks.
Departures in terms of sales will depend on how big the offers are. Liverpool has turned down proposals for Bobby Clark, Nathaniel Phillips, Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg, and Endo, and the team is sticking to its valuations.
It remains to be seen if teams make counteroffers that Liverpool is willing to accept. Others that are drawing attention are Tyler Morton and Ben Doak.
Gomez is not being actively pursued by Liverpool for sale. Although he is still in Slot’s plans, the adaptable defender is interested in other teams besides Newcastle.
It is anticipated that center backs Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio, who were excluded from Liverpool’s preseason trip to the United States, will move on.
Andy Jones
What has happened this week?
Julian Alvarez’s transfer to the Spanish capital was discussed by City and Atletico Madrid, despite the fact that their respective valuations were very different. Atletico value the Argentine at an initial €55 million plus bonuses, even if no bid was made; nonetheless, City is hoping for much closer to €70 million up front with bonuses on top. Although Atletico Madrid is now Alvarez’s preferred team, Paris Saint-Germain is also a possibility; according to certain rumors, they have made more generous salary and transfer offers.
Apart from that, not much is happening. Although it has partially quieted the gossip mill, Pep Guardiola has stated on a few occasions that City will likely only buy if someone quits. This does, however, open the chance that they will join the market if Alvarez leaves.
Will City give youngsters opportunity rather than doing business?
In general, yes, as players like Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb are anticipated to play in more games this year. It is an intriguing subject with regard to Alvarez specifically, as it might provide an opportunity for James McAtee, who Guardiola has stated will be in the team this season.
The 21-year-old, who has played on loan at Sheffield United for the previous two seasons, impressed during preseason play. If City decides not to sign an Argentine, if they are unable to come to an agreement on a replacement, or if they want to reallocate the funds elsewhere in the team, Alvarez’s exit might propel him even higher up the ladder.
What positions/players are they looking at?
City attempted to recruit Bruno Guimaraes, but they were unwilling to pay Newcastle’s asking price since they knew they needed a holding midfielder to relieve some of Rodri’s workload.
With Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, McAtee, and their options on the wing, they might decide that if funds from any Alvarez sale become available, they should either pursue an alternative at the back of midfield or return to Newcastle with a larger offer for Guimaraes, though it is unlikely if it is more about value than money.
Which players could be leaving?
Everything is peaceful except for Alvarez. As was mentioned in the Transfer DealSheet a few weeks ago, City believes that few, if any, of its players will be leaving, and De Bruyne and Bernardo are expected to play for City in the upcoming campaign.
It appears that Ederson is in the same boat. It may even be the case for Alvarez, but there are at least ongoing conversations to change that.
Matheus Nunes was mentioned as perhaps moving to Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the summer, but it does not seem like much has changed on that front thus far.
Sam Lee
Manchester United
What has happened this week?
United have seen a joint bid for Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt rejected by Bayern Munich, to the surprise of people connected to the proposed deal. But United are expected to return given the German club made both players available at the start of the summer.
The injuries to Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund have become clearer. United expect Yoro to miss three months with a metatarsal fracture and Hojlund six weeks with a hamstring issue.
West Ham are continuing talks with United over Aaron Wan-Bissaka, although a fee has yet to be agreed.
Scott McTominay was offered roughly £20 million by Fulham, but United is holding out for at least £25 million. Sander Berge, who Burnley is willing to trade, is one player that United is investigating for their midfield alternatives.
Will United move to replace Yoro or Hojlund?
Erik ten Hag was emphatic when asked if those two absences affect United’s approach in the market. “No, this will not change anything,” he said. “We have a plan and we stick to the plan.”
De Ligt and Mazraoui were obviously part of the plan, though, and United moved on with a formal offer for both players. Bayern is holding out for more, perhaps in De Ligt’s case because they believe Yoro’s absence makes United need to add a center-back. With Will Fish out due to a knee injury, United’s defense ended the final preseason matchup against Liverpool with Casemiro and Rhys Bennett.
The starting lineup for the game was Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans; Harry Maguire was left out as a precaution. Although Lisandro Martinez is back at Carrington and should be available, United’s depth in that area is limited without Yoro.
Regardless of Hojlund’s injury, United intended to pursue a center-forward should they make a significant trade at the end of the window. There was discussion about two names, Ivan Toney and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but nothing further has happened. Given that Joshua Zirkzee is now practicing with the club, Ten Hag stated he might play either Bruno Fernandes or Jadon Sancho up front.
What positions/players are they looking at?
The 26-year-old Berge has surprised everyone by emerging as a midfield alternative for United, and club representatives have gotten in touch with his camp. Despite being demoted with Burnley in the previous season, the Norway international excelled in a number of categories, such as pressed pass accuracy and dribbles. Despite making the error that allowed Antony to score United’s goal, Berge had a fantastic game at Old Trafford the previous season.
He is 6ft 5in (195cm), but according to the Premier League hit a top speed of 35.90km/h, the 10th fastest of all players last campaign.
Berge made 37 appearances last term. United are looking at a new No 6 and held talks over Manuel Ugarte, but Paris Saint-Germain would want around €60million and as things stand United are pursuing other targets.
Which players could be leaving?
Right-back Wan-Bissaka’s exit contains the key. West Ham has demonstrated a willingness to pay United’s £18 million asking price and give the player a salary that is competitive with that of the team’s highest earners. However, talks are on at United to reach a financial settlement for the 26-year-old to leave. The total deal has not yet been decided upon, but United wants to add this possible contribution to West Ham’s transfer fee.
Wan-Bissaka is also of interest to Inter in a potential swap deal with Denzel Dumfries, which is still a live situation, although Ten Hag’s apparent preference for Mazraoui is a factor.
Wan-Bissaka left the game against Liverpool in South Carolina in the 83rd minute, after being poked in the eye and possibly having a dead leg, but he is not hurt, so a move is not impeded. United needs to sell him immediately in order to recover a sizable fee because his contract ends in the summer of 2019. He has not been given new terms since joining the team in 2019.
Laurie Whitwell
Newcastle United
What has happened this week?
Newcastle traveled to Tokyo for two preseason games in oppressive heat. The club’s new sports director, Paul Mitchell, intensified their efforts in the transfer market by accompanying the first team to Japan and meeting frequently at their Hilton Hotel base with chief executive Darren Eales and head coach Eddie Howe.
As a result, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace agreed to an initial £10 million cost for Denmark Under-21 striker William Osula, and negotiations over Marc Guehi, the center-half who excelled for England at the European Championship, were initiated. Newcastle has now made a first-round offer for the defender.
Though Howe thinks Osula, 20, is a player who can grow at St. James’ Park, signing Guehi would be a declaration of purpose. Osula is considered a promising talent. The 24-year-old’s contract expires in 2026, and several of the top teams in Europe have shown interest in signing him.
As The Athletic reported last week, Newcastle are to begin contract negotiations with Anthony Gordon now the winger has returned to training following an extended summer break. Gordon is a target for Liverpool, his boyhood team, and the two clubs held discussions about a potential sale in late June as Newcastle scrambled to raise funds before the PSR deadline.
Although Liverpool’s interest has not diminished, selling Gordon was always a last resort, and they now intend to reward him for his outstanding performance last season. The mindset of the player will be crucial.
How can Newcastle afford players like Guehi?
Let us go back to a little more than a month ago, when Newcastle, who are supposedly the richest football teams in the world and aim to win everything, were struggling mightily and momentarily considering selling their top players in order to close a £60 million shortfall.
One of the peculiarities of contemporary football is that Newcastle is both wealthy and constrained financially because to PSR’s requirements. Another peculiarity is that, on July 1, the calendar was reset, allowing them to spend again after they had sold Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh as the PSR deadline drew near. Guehi is still a costly and challenging goal.
This summer, there will be more departures and compromises as well as balance. Considering Newcastle’s glut of new players since taking over in October 2021 and their struggles with selling, consideration must be given. They vow never to put themselves in a precarious situation like the one they found themselves in a few weeks ago.
When Newcastle signed Alan Shearer for £15 million in the summer of 1996, they broke all previous records and were the first team in history to visit Japan. Howe was questioned in Tokyo about how far Newcastle would have to go before making such acquisitions.
“A blockbuster like that might be difficult,” he said. “The rules have changed with transfers, I hope not permanently. I hope in time we will improve our position to enable us to sign that calibre of player, but that’s currently difficult for us, so we’re navigating a period where we’re having to be very aware of what we’re doing financially and having to plan ahead.”
Newcastle will generate more revenue from sponsorship and commercial opportunities as they expand and get better, which will assist ease this situation. They are in Japan, a lucrative market for Adidas, the company that sponsors their new uniforms, in part because of this. It is still early in these terms.
What positions/players are they looking at?
A right-sided centre-half and right-winger have always been priorities this summer, with Newcastle also seeking cover in attack and another possible addition in goal, which might seem counter-intuitive given the number of goalkeepers already at the club.
During the trip to Japan, Howe was asked about his interest in AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, a player the club had been watching for some time. He responded, “He is a very excellent player,” but at that point, Newcastle was making moves for Guehi. When selling Gordon was being considered, they had also spoken about buying Joe Gomez of Liverpool.
Osula would tick the forward box, leaving right wing as the next big position to fill should Guehi arrive. Howe has been keen to bring in a new face for several windows but has already missed out on his leading target, with Michael Olise instead joining Bayern Munich. They also have an interest in Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest, Chelsea’s Noni Madueke and Nicolas Gonzalez, Fiorentina’s Argentina international.
Which players could be leaving?
Howe is adamant that none of the major ones will happen, which is why Newcastle is acting quickly to lock Gordon down to a longer contract. The gems in the group are Gordon, Alexander Isak, Joelinton, and Bruno Guimaraes, whose £100 million release clause expired in June. However, there is a need to minimize expenses, generate income, and lower the average age of the team.
Although Kieran Trippier, an England player, has been a mainstay for Howe’s Newcastle, a possible move to Saudi Arabia has been discussed for months. The England player turns 34 in September. Another key member of the first team, Miguel Almiron, would see less playing time if a new winger joined.
Callum Wilson was also anticipated to look for a new club this summer, but he will miss the start of the season due to a back injury, making Martin Dubravka expendable. Although Howe values Sean Longstaff’s commitment to the team, a decision must be made about his contract as the midfielder has just one year left to play.
Ryan Fraser and Isaac Hayden do not have a future at Newcastle. Jamal Lewis spent last season on loan at Watford but has travelled to Japan and played, with Howe saying: “Ultimately it will depend on what he wants. He wants to play football and it might be difficult to guarantee him that.”
George Caulkin
Tottenham Hotspur
What has happened this week?
Tottenham Hotspur’s market has been quiet this week. The first team has been in South Korea wrapping up their summer tour, and they will return on Sunday night in time for this Saturday’s last preseason friendly against Bayern Munich.
All that happened last week were a few low-profile departures: academy product Yago Santiago left for Elche and Bryan Gil went back to Spain and to Girona on loan.
Other than that, though, it has been a quiet week, with Spurs supporters left hoping for more support as their Premier League campaign approaches in just two weeks.
Postecoglou wants a striker — who could be of interest?
Ange Postecoglou has been very clear that Spurs are looking for a centre-forward in the market this summer. Richarlison’s return has been patchy since he arrived from Everton in 2022, and even Dejan Kulusevski has been tried as a No 9 in pre-season.
Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth, who scored 19 goals in the Premier League the previous season, is a target for Spurs, although he has a £65 million release clause. Spurs would have paid a club record if they had spent that much money on him.
There has been interest from the Saudi Arabian league in Richarlison, but a move for Solanke would not necessarily be dependent on players going out first.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Tottenham have also been looking at a new No 8, an energetic midfielder to play alongside James Maddison.
They attempted to sign Jacob Ramsey at the beginning of the window, but they were unable to reach a deal with Aston Villa, who ultimately had to sell other players in order to comply with PSR. Postecoglou has always been a huge fan of Conor Gallagher, and Spurs have been monitoring his Chelsea position. However, Postecoglou is leaving Chelsea to join Atletico Madrid.
In the last weeks of the transfer window, it is unclear if Spurs will search for another alternative in this area of the field.
Which players could be leaving?
Tottenham have already made good progress with departures this summer, moving on many of the fringe players from last year, creating room in the wage bill in doing so.
These guys are becoming scarce, while Emerson Royal is still with Spurs and is involved in preseason activities. This transfer window, he has been the target of offers from AC Milan and may depart.
Giovani Lo Celso, who only has a year left on his contract, was considered as a possible makeweight in a deal that was never finalized for Jacob Ramsey.
Jack Pitt-Brooke
