The winter transfer window may have closed in Europe's top leagues, but that doesn't mean the transfer gossip has stopped. With the summer looming, clubs are already making moves, discussing potential signings, and negotiating contracts. Let's take a look at some of the latest buzz in the world of football transfers.
First up, there seems to be a stumbling block in Kylian Mbappe's proposed move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid. According to reports, the issue lies in the wages offered by the Spanish club. While it was previously believed that Mbappe would join Real Madrid in the summer, it appears that both parties are still far from reaching an agreement on the details of his contract. Despite this setback, it seems clear that Mbappe is ready to move on from the French capital and has set his sights on joining Real Madrid. However, the current offer from Madrid has left both the player and his entourage feeling underwhelmed.
Madrid's pursuit of Mbappe has been ongoing for some time now. They came close to signing him two years ago, only for the striker to remain at PSG. Although the French club has put an offer on the table for the young star, it isn't a significant improvement on his current deal. PSG, naturally, is hoping to convince Mbappe to stay, but it appears unlikely considering his desire to move on. Liverpool and Arsenal have previously shown interest in Mbappe, but it seems that neither club is willing to break their wage structure for him.
Manchester City, on the other hand, seems to have secured a signing for the summer. They have agreed to sign Sávio from Troyes, a player who had been targeted by Barcelona. The 19-year-old Brazilian is currently on loan at Girona and has yet to play a game for Troyes since joining them for a record fee in 2022. Despite interest from other English and German clubs, Sávio will see out the remainder of the season at Girona, who are currently in the race to win LaLiga, before completing his move to Manchester.
In other news, Christian Eriksen could be on the move from Manchester United in a surprising deal with Galatasaray. According to reports, Eriksen has held talks with the Turkish club and could leave United as early as this week. The Danish midfielder joined United on a free transfer in 2022 and has made over 50 appearances since then, but he has seen limited game-time recently and with the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo, it seems his opportunities will be even scarcer.
Tottenham Hotspur had set their sights on Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly, but he has rejected several offers of a new contract. This has opened the door for Italian and German clubs to swoop in. AC Milan and Juventus are currently leading the race for the defender, but there is also interest from Germany. Bournemouth, however, is keen to retain Kelly, who has been a regular presence with 14 appearances this season and a total of 130 appearances for the club.
Everton, meanwhile, might see key players leaving this summer. Newcastle United is reportedly compiling a dossier on Amadou Onana, and Manchester United is considered the favorites to land Jarrad Branthwaite. Onana, a 22-year-old midfielder, garnered interest in January, but Everton chose to hold onto him due to their precarious league position. Newcastle is now planning a move for him at the end of the season. Branthwaite, a 21-year-old defender, has had a breakout season with Everton, making 26 appearances, and Manchester United sees him as a potential long-term replacement for Raphaël Varane.
Finally, in MLS news, Orlando City SC is closing in on the permanent signing of 32-year-old Colombian forward Luis Muriel from Atalanta. With the MLS transfer window still open, Orlando is aiming to secure an experienced goal-scoring threat from Serie A. Muriel has previously had successful spells with Udinese, Sampdoria, and Fiorentina and can bring valuable experience to the team.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the excitement and speculation around potential signings and moves continue to grow. Football fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting the official announcements and surprises that await us in the coming months.
