The summer transfer window is here, and there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Ronaldo won’t budge, eyes Man Utd exit
Cristiano Ronaldo looks intent on leaving Old Trafford this summer, after talks with Manchester United failed to convince the 37-year-old striker to remain at the club, reports The Times.
New manager Erik ten Hag attempted to persuade Ronaldo to reconsider his decision after presenting his project to the Portugal international, but it looks as though United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League remains crucial. Ronaldo still has one year left on his contract.
While reports indicated that United have rejected Ronaldo’s request to be released from his contract, the club have given his representatives permission to explore potential options for a move.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus star scored 18 goals in 30 Premier League games last season and was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the Premier League.
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have all been linked to Ronaldo at some point. However, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo called such a move “practically impossible,” while sources told ESPN earlier this month that Chelsea had ruled themselves out of the running. Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn also said the club are not interested, as Ronaldo would not “fit with our philosophy.”
– ESPN+ guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more (U.S.)
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
– Don’t have ESPN? Get instant access
LIVE BLOG
08.00 BST: Barcelona have beaten Chelsea to the signing of defender Jules Kounde after agreeing a fee of around €55m with Sevilla, sources told ESPN late on Wednesday.
Kounde, 23, was the subject of several bids from Chelsea last summer, and reports suggested he was close to a move to the English side at the end of last week
However, Barca upped their interest over the weekend, with sources telling ESPN that coach Xavi Hernandez’s insistence on signing the centre-back has been key in getting the deal over the line.
It’s the second time during the transfer window that Barca have beaten Chelsea to a player. They also brought in Raphinha from Leeds United after the London club had agreed a fee for the forward.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Barcelona may seek to move on goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen if Frenkie de Jong stays at Camp Nou, according to Cadena Ser. With the 30-year-old reported to earn €7m-per-season, and contracted to have a salary increase next season, the Blaugrana could make Ter Stegen available to reduce their wage bill. The Germany international made 35 appearances in LaLiga for Xavi Hernandez’s side in the 2021-22 campaign. De Jong has been linked with Manchester United but reportedly would only entertain a transfer to Chelsea.
– Manchester City are in search of a left-back and will consider Benfica‘s Alejandro Grimaldo, according to Marca. City are still prioritising Brighton & Hove Albion‘s Marc Cucurella as their top choice but the clubs are £20m apart in their valuation of the player. City will have to compete with Juventus and Newcastle United for Grimaldo’s signature.
– AFC Bournemouth are set to sign Middlesbrough winger Marcus Tavernier, writes The Athletic. An initial fee of £10m has been agreed between the two sides, with £2.5m in add-ons included as part of the deal. The 23-year-old was a key player for the Championship side last season, contributing to 10 goals in 44 appearances.
– Chelsea will allow Hakim Ziyech to leave for a transfer fee of £8m, reports the Daily Mail. The 29-year-old attacking midfielder is keen to make the switch to AC Milan, but the player will have to take a salary reduction to move to the San Siro.
– Georginio Wijnaldum is one step away from joining AS Roma, according to Rudy Galetti. It is reported that Jose Mourinho’s side have made strong progress during negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over a loan move that includes an option to make it permanent. Discussions will continue this week over how much of the 31-year-old midfielder’s salary will be covered.
