All the big names and most tantalising summer transfer deals are filling the European deal columns today, with Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Paul Pogba all on the agenda.
When will Mbappe make a decision on his future? Could Messi head back to the Nou Camp? Could Pogba really stay at United… or take a pay cut.
Here is today’s round up….
Mbappe names D-day
Kylian Mbappe received the Ligue 1 player of the year aways for the third time on Sunday and has made his latest comments about where his future lies.
Real Madrid want to land him on a free transfer and a mega-money contract, but PSG have lured him with signing on fees and a huge deal. Which way will he turn? The French striker said at an award ceremony, widely reported abroad: “will be known very soon, it’s almost done. My decision is made, yes, almost”.
Mbappe is out of contract in a month, and won the French title helping PSG with 25 goals and 17 assists. The smart money is still on a switch to Real Madrid - and Mbappe will make his choice by May 28.
Messi be on the move?
Lionel Messi could follow Kylian Mbappe out of PSG.
That is the claim in Foot National, who has quoted the legend’s father and agent Jorge as saying he wants to return to Barcelona in the future. Spanish paper Jijantes quotes Jorge, as saying: “I hope Leo can come back to Barcelona one day.”
Jorge was in Barcelona with his grandchildren over the weekend. Messi scored just six goals in an unsettled first season at PSG, and his future is not completely certain. In March it was claimed PSG could have a clear out of their biggest stars with the MLS mooted as a destination for the great Messi.
Pogba could stay at Man Utd
Paul Pogba will have to take a pay cut if he wants a move to Juvetus or PSG.
The Manchester United midfielder is reckoned to be negotiating an exit from Old Trafford with new boss Erik Ten Hag staring his work there today. Sky Italia say Pogba’s lawyers are set to meet Juve… and top of the talking will be how much Pogba will be prepared to LOWER his pay demands.
They say Juve’s offer will be lower than PSG’s which in turn is lower than what United have tabled. Juve will push the “sentimental” aspects of a Pogba return. But is there room for sentiment in a contract negotiation these days? Football Mercato say Juve are offering a three year deal, and that PSG hierarchy are split over signing him.
Newcastle eye Bundesliga striker
Eddie Howe will devote much of his budget to landing a goal-scorer for next season and Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic is a candidate, according to Kicker.
Bayern Munich want the 24-year-old Austrian international to replace Robert Lewandowski. He scored six goals in his last 11 Bundesliga games to keep Stuttgart in the top flight. He is available for around €25m because he’s got one year left on his contract.
