Manchester United are currently engaged in contract discussions with Bruno Fernandes, amidst reports of a substantial offer from Galatasaray. The Turkish club is said to have offered the 31-year-old a salary of €20 million per year. However, Fernandes has indicated a desire to remain with United and is negotiating a new agreement. His current contract, signed in August 2024, extends until 2027, with an option for an additional 12 months. United are reportedly not open to selling Fernandes, particularly after a release clause, which was only available to foreign clubs, expired earlier this summer. Last year, Fernandes was also the subject of interest from Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
In other transfer news, Liverpool have committed more than half of their £91 million spending this summer to Jeremy Jacquet in February. The departures of Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate, and Andy Robertson have reportedly reduced the club’s wage bill significantly. Despite this, the club maintains that Dutch attacking midfielder Cody Gakpo, who has four years remaining on his contract, is not for sale, even with interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Activity in London and Beyond
Chelsea continues to lead in net transfer spend, with a figure of £207 million. This amount includes fees for Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, and Denner, who were previously announced but signed this summer. The club has reportedly set high asking prices for several players this summer, indicating a need to generate profit from sales. This aligns with a settlement agreement with UEFA, which requires the club to reduce recent losses.
Arsenal, following Coventry City in spending, also sees ongoing discussions around player departures. The champions are expected to have achieved English record revenues last season and were the division’s largest net spenders a year ago. The acquisition of Bruno Guimaraes has pushed their spending into nine figures again, making profitable sales a welcome prospect.
Aston Villa has resumed talks to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, seeking a season-long loan with an option. Bayern Munich reportedly sought a €30 million fee, either as a permanent transfer or as part of a loan option. Villa is also aware of long-standing interest from Al Hilal in Ollie Watkins.
Meanwhile, Manchester City is prepared to pursue a deal for Enzo Fernández from Chelsea, with Chelsea’s sporting directors reportedly engaging agent Jorge Mendes to facilitate an exit for the midfielder. However, City has ended its pursuit of Chelsea winger Pedro Neto due to the club’s high asking price, with Al Hilal now reportedly interested.
Promoted Clubs and Spending Trends
Newly promoted clubs Ipswich Town and Coventry City have each spent over £100 million net this summer. With the addition of Hull City, the three promoted sides have collectively accumulated a significant amount in gross fees for new players. Ipswich’s recruitment of Julio Enciso and Abdoul Ouattara from Strasbourg pushed their spending past the £150 million mark, marking only the second instance of a club reaching this level after promotion.
Coventry’s signing of Taiwo Awoniyi also moved their team past the £100 million mark. This spending includes making permanent moves for loanees Carl Rushworth and Frank Onyeka, and the return of Gustavo Hamer after a three-season spell with Sheffield United.
Newcastle United is among the five clubs that have received more from sales than they have spent this summer, recouping over £200 million. The expected signing of Amar Dedic will bring their gross spending to the third-highest overall. Aston Villa‘s sales have also reached a similar mark.
The Premier League‘s gross purchases are nearing the £2.2 billion mark, with the total net spend for transfers exceeding £850 million. In comparison, Italy’s Serie A, the next highest-spending division, has spent £797 million gross and a significant net amount.
Tottenham Hotspur has accepted an offer from Juventus for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on a loan with an option for a permanent move. Additionally, Richarlison is reportedly open to leaving Tottenham for Everton, though an initial offer from Everton was unsuccessful.
La Liga and International Interest
Barcelona remains in contact with the representatives of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford as they consider a move to bring him to Camp Nou. Jules Koundé is planning discussions with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick to clarify his role for the upcoming season, with Arsenal reportedly interested in the French player.
Moving in the opposite direction, Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres has been identified as a potential replacement for Ferran Torres at Barcelona. Rodri reportedly withdrew from negotiations with Real Madrid after perceiving concerns from the club regarding his playing style’s compatibility with the squad. The lack of contact from manager José Mourinho also contributed to Rodri’s belief that a move to Barcelona would be more suitable.
Mourinho reportedly declined the opportunity to bring Como center-back Jacobo Ramón and Stuttgart midfielder Chema Andrés back to Real Madrid this summer, instead requesting that club officials monitor the two young players for potential moves in 2027.
Liverpool has reportedly agreed personal terms with both Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, who are awaiting a final decision on their futures from Paris Saint-Germain. Barcola was absent from PSG’s loss to Lens in the Trophee des Champions, fueling speculation about his potential departure. Mbaye was also left out of that match and has been linked with an exit, with reports suggesting a transfer could be for a notable sum.
Lewis Hall has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, with talks potentially accelerating. However, Newcastle previously rejected an approach for Hall, who has been valued at a significant amount. United has also shown interest in center-back Kim Min-jae, but the South Korean player has expressed a desire to remain at Bayern Munich.
Reports last week indicated that Jarell Quansah could return to England, with Arsenal reportedly in negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen is said to be hesitant to sell, and it is suggested that a fee considerably higher than the amount they paid Liverpool last summer would be required, with some reports indicating a substantial figure.
Arsenal is also reportedly pursuing Victor Osimhen despite a warning from Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek, who stated he would not approve any transaction that would not benefit Galatasaray. However, a Turkish publication claims Arsenal remains determined to sign the 27-year-old Nigerian player.
The transfer window has two weeks remaining.
Source: nytimes.com