Summer Transfers Latest News

The summer transfer window is in full swing as clubs around Europe look to strengthen their squads ahead of next season. We are likely to see the completion of numerous high-profile deals before the transfer market closes for business on September 1 – and this is the best place to keep up to date with all the latest news.

Let’s start off by taking a look at some of the biggest transfers completed so far, before examining some of the clubs who have lost important players – and what they might do in response.

The biggest transfers

Norwegian striker, Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City

For many months predictions were made about where Norway’s star striker would end up this summer, with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain all credited with an interest in the centre-forward.

In the end, it was Manchester City who won the race for his signature, as the Premier League champions triggered the €60m buyout clause in his Borussia Dortmund contract.

Ivan Perisic, Inter to Tottenham Hotspur

Antonio Conte appears to have won his battle with Daniel Levy: Tottenham now seem willing to sign players who can help them to win something soon, even if they are unlikely to be long-term signings.

The 33-year-old Ivan Perisic is coming towards the end of his career, but he is still a fine player who has worked under Conte before. While he is capable of operating further forward, the Croatian will probably be deployed as a wing-back in north London.

Ryan Gravenberch, Ajax to Bayern Munich

One of the hottest midfield prospects in world football will be a Bayern Munich player next season. The German champions, who have won each of the last 10 Bundesliga titles, had been tracking the 20-year-old Dutchman for some time and finally struck a deal to sign him for an initial fee of €18.5m.

Rangy, technically sound and a probing passer, Ryan Gravenberch plays with a maturity that belies his age.

Raheem Sterling, Manchester City to Chelsea

Raheem Sterling spoke last year of his desire to test himself abroad, but he has instead returned to the city he grew up in. With less than 12 months of his Manchester City contract remaining, Chelsea were able to sign a four-time Premier League champions for the sum of €56m.

The England international was somewhat inconsistent last season but he remains a world-class forward on his day. Sterling can play on either the left or right flank and is likely to be one of the first names on Thomas Tuchel’s team sheet this coming season.

Aurelien Tchouameni, Monaco to Real Madrid

Real Madrid had to pay €80m to sign a player who was valued at around half that amount 12 months ago, but this could still prove to be a bargain signing.

Tchouameni was wanted by a host of top clubs around the continent, but the European champions won the race for his signature in June. The 22-year-old should help freshen up Madrid’s ageing midfield.

The big losses

How will Borussia Dortmund cope without star striker?

The now-departed Norwegian scored 86 goals in 89 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, so it is fair to say they will struggle to find a replacement who is just as prolific. On the plus side, BVB have known for some time that the Norwegian would seek pastures new this summer – and their early business has been well received by the club’s fans.

Dortmund have certainly been quick out of the blocks this transfer window, already wrapping up deals for Niklas Sule, Nico Schlotterbeck, Karim Adeyemi, Salih Ozcan and Marcel Lotka. Adeyemi, who scored 23 goals for Red Bull Salzburg last season, will be expected to fill their former striker’s sizable shoes.

How big a loss is Paul Pogba to Manchester United?

The jury is out on this one. Even though his ability cannot be questioned, Pogba did not fulfil his potential at Manchester United. Few supporters were disappointed to lose him on a free transfer, although the club must take a large chunk of the blame for this move not working out.

Juventus have wrapped up a deal to bring Pogba back to the Allianz Stadium, with Angel Di Maria also joining the club on a free transfer. The France international needs to remind everyone how much of a talent he is.

Will Chelsea’s defence be weaker without Rudiger?

Antonio Rudiger’s Chelsea contract expires at the end of June, but the Germany international has already agreed to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Rudiger was one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and Chelsea will miss him next season. An aggressive tackler whose recovery pace allowed the Blues to defend with a high line, Rudiger was also a threat from attacking set-pieces and an excellent ball-carrier.

Is Mane for Nunez a good swap for Liverpool?

A year before his Liverpool contract expired, Sadio Mane decided it was time for a new challenge after seven years at Anfield. The Senegal international spent the second half of last season playing through the middle after Luis Diaz’s arrival on Merseyside. He will be replaced in that position by Darwin Nunez, who cost €75m from Benfica.

The Uruguay international was superb for the Portuguese side last term, scoring 34 goals in all competitions. It will be fascinating to see how he gets on alongside Diaz and Mohamed Salah in Liverpool’s frontline.

Major transfer deals