The summer transfer window is open across Europe, and there is plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: De Bruyne, Ederson could leave Man City
Manchester City could lose midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and goalkeeper Ederson this summer, according to Sport, with clubs in Saudi Arabia showing interest.
It is reported that the duo could depart the Premier League champions, despite their importance to Pep Guardiola. Ederson joined the club in 2017 and has been vital for City, however, the report reveals that Al Nassr are keeping tabs on the Brazilian. The report says that City consider back-up keeper Stefan Ortega a more than adequate replacement should the 30-year-old depart.
The possible exit of De Bruyne, however, likely represents a more significant worry to the Premier League outfit. The Belgium international has reportedly garnered interest from Al Ittihad, where negotiations have begun. It has been widely reported that the 33-year-old has been a target for clubs in Saudi Arabia for over a year and, with a contract expiring in 2025, City could be receptive to parting ways with the playmaker this summer to ensure he does not leave as a free agent next year.
De Bruyne joined City in 2015 and has accumulated over 350 appearances for the Citizens, but with his contractual situation at the club unclear, a deal could be on the cards this summer, making the midfielder the latest star to join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the Saudi Pro League.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Manchester United are closing in on securing a deal for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, suggests Nicolo Schira. It is reported that United have prepared a contract for the 24-year-old that will see him stay at Old Trafford until 2029. De Ligt previously worked under United manager Erik ten Hag when the pair were at Ajax Amsterdam.
– Manchester City will rival Liverpool for the signature of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, per Football Insider. It is reported that City could allow Jack Grealish to leave the club this summer, with Gordon identified as a potential replacement for the 28-year-old. Gordon notched 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions for Newcastle last season, attracting significant interest in the process. The report suggests that whilst City and Liverpool hold an interest, Newcastle’s high demands could prove to be a stumbling block, with the Magpies seeking an initial fee of £80m, which could rise to £100m with add-ons.
– Portland Timbers are on the cusp of signing New Zealand international Finn Surman from Wellington Phoenix, according to FTBL. Such is the perilous financial state of clubs in the A-League, the 20-year-old defender is reportedly set to join Phil Neville’s MLS outfit for a nominal fee in the coming days.
– West Ham United rate winger Jarrod Bowen at £100m amid interest from Newcastle United, reveals Football Insider. It is reported that Bowen does not have a release clause in his contract with West Ham, which leaves the east-London outfit able to demand a hefty fee for the England international. Whilst the 27-year-old is understood to be of significant interest to Newcastle this summer, West Ham’s valuation could make a deal difficult to strike. The report indicates that Bowen is also happy at the club and has no intentions of departing, which suggests that a deal is unlikely to materialise.
– Al Shabab have joined another Saudi Pro League club to begin talks with former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, reports Rudy Galetti. The 33-year-old has gone a year without a club, following his release from Manchester United in July 2023. The goalkeeper spent 12 years at Old Trafford but he could not agree upon a new deal with the Red Devils. It is reported that De Gea is evaluating his options with the Spaniard in little rush to finalise a move to a new club.
