Transfer Deadline Day is coming up in just one week, with clubs across Europe scrambling to find the last pieces of their squads. Man City are reportedly set to sign Tottenham striker Harry Kane for a world record fee, while Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe.
The real madrid transfer is a rumor that has been circulating around the internet. Manchester City are also rumored to be signing Kane, but it seems like Real Madrid would have to beat them to sign Mbappe.
The summer transfer window for 2023 officially ends on Tuesday, which means all of the major teams are rushing to plug holes in their squads, find new clubs for peripheral players, or work out the financials to make the season’s biggest acquisition. Where do Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur stand in the Harry Kane saga? Is Chelsea’s buying spree over now that Romelu Lukaku has returned to Stamford Bridge? Can Barcelona’s finances be balanced now that Lionel Messi has left? Will Manchester United, Liverpool, or Real Madrid make any more deals before the deadline on August 31 at 11 p.m.?
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ESPN’s reporters and writers break down the most important movements and questions for Europe’s best clubs, as well as forecasting what will happen in the following seven days.
Arsenal | Chelsea | Liverpool | Manchester City | Manchester United | Tottenham Hotspur | Atletico Madrid | Barcelona | Bayern Munich | Borussia Dortmund | Paris Saint-Germain | Real Madrid
Teams in the Premier League
ARSENAL
DF DF DF DF DF DF DF DF DF DF Martin Overgaard, GK, Ben White, MF MF Aaron Ramsdale Albert Sambi Lokonga is a member of the Lokonga family. DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, Joe Willock, MF David Luiz, MF Guendouzi, Matteo
The most pressing need/decision must be made: Willian, Lucas Torreira, Hector Bellerin, and Sead Kolasinac are among the Arsenal players available at the right price, but Mikel Arteta and the club’s finance staff are unsure what to do with forwards Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Lacazette’s contract expires in June 2023, and he has yet to find a buyer. However, in order to free up money for late reinforcements, the Gunners are willing to sell Aubameyang, despite the risk of losing their most experienced goal scorer.
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Aubameyang, who is 32 years old and earns £250,000 per week on a deal that runs through June 2023, has scored only seven Premier League goals in 2023 and is proving to be a poor value for money. It’s difficult to see where Arsenal’s goals will come from if Aubameyang leaves — his track record indicates teams would have to pay a transfer price in the region of £25 million.
What we believe will happen: Arsenal have given themselves too much work in terms of moving players out and bringing in suitable replacements, but their haphazard start to the season and urgent need for reinforcements hint to a frenzied final week and the possibility of errors.
If Manchester City fail to acquire Harry Kane from Tottenham, Aubameyang, a former Borussia Dortmund striker, may be a last-minute alternative. Because goal scorers are so crucial to a team, they often find new teams in the closing days of transfer windows, thus a deal for Aubameyang might be the major one that defines Arsenal’s window and, possibly, their season. ‘Mark Ogden’
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After Arsenal’s two defeats to start the Premier League season, Craig Burley examines the strain on Mikel Arteta.
CHELSEA
FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, Lukaku, Romelu FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, Fikayo Tomori, FW Tammy Abraham, DF Giroud, Olivier
The most pressing need/decision must be made: After Sunday’s 2-0 victory against Arsenal, Thomas Tuchel declared himself “totally satisfied” with his team, a judgment predicated on the European champions having already addressed their most apparent weakness by acquiring striker Romelu Lukaku for £97.5 million.
Chelsea have a strong defensive record under Tuchel, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy keeping 11 Premier League clean sheets since the German took over as head coach in January, the most in the league, but they are still looking to improve their centre-back alternatives. Chelsea’s first choice remains Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, although they will most likely seek to sell before bringing anybody in. Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid is another player they’ve been watching for a while, but given the squad’s current state, it’s unclear if they’ll pursue a trade.
– Transfer Grades: How do you rate each summer signing? – When does the transfer window shut? – Keep up with all of the major Premier League moves.
What we believe will happen: Offloading players has been tough in this market, as most teams have tightened their budgets in the wake of COVID-19’s financial consequences. Chelsea, on the other hand, is better than most teams at offloading undesirable players, and if they keep up this trend, a late move for Kounde is a definite possibility. However, Kurt Zouma’s future may be in jeopardy. West Ham are still interested in signing Zouma, although he has showed little desire to leave Stamford Bridge so far.
Zouma would like to remain at Chelsea and battle for his place in the team, but the Blues have agreed to a price of about £25 million. The departure of Zouma would provide room (and money) for Kounde. Tiemoue Bakayoko is likely to be loaned out again, this time to AC Milan. James Olley’s quote
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Janusz Michallik evaluates Jack Grealish’s home debut and names his favorite player.
LIVERPOOL
Ibrahima Konate, Ibrahima Konate, Ibrahima Konate, Ibrahima Konate, Ibrahima Konate, Georginio Wijnaldum, Harry Wilson, and Xherdan Shaqiri are notable absentees.
The most pressing need/decision must be made: Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, and Alisson Becker have all signed new contracts in recent weeks, as manager Jurgen Klopp has no significant gaps in his team to address. Mohamed Salah, Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino are all scheduled to meet.
Liverpool have been missing one of their most regular performances in recent seasons since Georginio Wijnaldum’s summer departure to PSG, and a decision may be made to locate a successor. However, Klopp is content to depend on Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, and Curtis Jones to cover the void for the time being.
What we believe will happen: More departures are possible in the last week, with players like Divock Origi, Takumi Minamino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita all possibly available at the right price. Liverpool, on the other hand, are unlikely to make major changes in terms of large newcomers. Liverpool believes their team is capable of competing on all fronts, therefore a calm final week of the window is the most probable result. Ogden, Utah
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As Luis Suarez returns to health, Luis Garcia analyzes Angel Correa’s fast start for Atletico Madrid in LaLiga.
MANCHESTER CITY is a football club based in Manchester, England.
MF, MF, MF, MF, MF, MF, MF, GK Jack Grealish Carson, Scott FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, DF Sergio Aguero Garcia, Eric
The most pressing need/decision must be made: Pep Guardiola claims to be satisfied with his team, but with Sergio Aguero’s departure to Barcelona, there is obviously a need for a striker. City have made no secret of their desire to acquire Tottenham’s Harry Kane, but they must make a decision on his price tag before the deadline. They haven’t made an offer to persuade Daniel Levy to join them, and the ball is ultimately in their court: either they believe Kane is worth £150 million or they don’t.
It’s also worth remembering that in the past, City has dug in their heels, walked away from the table, and waited a year to strengthen, as they did with Rodri and Ruben Dias in 2019 and 2023, respectively.
Dan Thomas is joined by Craig Burley, Shaka Hislop, and others to discuss the most recent news and debate the most important stories. ESPN+ has a live stream available (U.S. only).
What we believe will happen: City expects the Kane drama to go on until the very last minute, and there’s a sense around the Etihad Stadium that it may still be up in the air on deadline day. Tottenham played hardball all summer with Dimitar Berbatov and Gareth Bale before agreeing to a contract, giving City optimism that a deal for Kane is still feasible.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Kane was a Spurs player on Aug. 31 and a City player 24 hours later. City would have to smash the British transfer record twice in the same summer to do this, but with their financial clout, anything is conceivable. Dawson’s words
MANCHESTER UNITED is a football club based in Manchester, England.
FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, DF Jadon Sancho GK Raphael Varane Tom Heaton is a British actor. DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, MF Axel Tuanzebe FW Andreas Pereira Pellistri, Facundo
The most pressing need/decision must be made: United has had a successful transfer season so far, but they are still looking to add a midfielder and a right-back before the deadline. Although the majority of the summer money has been spent on fees for Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, it’s doubtful that both will materialize. There was a chance they’d be able to generate more money by players departing, but that hasn’t occurred.
United would be interested in signing talented Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga for a fair price if the chance arose before the deadline, but the impression around Old Trafford is that he would prefer to go to Spain or remain in France and join Paris Saint-Germain.
What we believe will happen: Things have been quiet at Old Trafford since a deal for Varane was struck, and Solskjaer himself told ESPN in early August that any further signings would be “extra.” The club will not miss out on a fantastic deal in the closing days of the transfer market, but Solskjaer would be content to start the season with what he has. Even if they continue to receive calls from agents and intermediaries, it’s unlikely that United would make any more big acquisitions.
Solskjaer still has a few spots he’d want to improve. The rebuilding will resume next summer if it does not happen now. Rob Dawson’s comment
TOTTENHAM
MF, MF, MF, MF, MF, MF, MF, DF Bryan Gil Cristian Romero is a Spanish footballer. DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, Erik Lamela, FW Toby Alderweireld, FW Gareth Bale is a Welsh actor (end of loan)
The most pressing need/decision must be made: The summer’s longest transfer drama is expected to go down to the wire. Tottenham Hotspur do not want Harry Kane to join Manchester City. To break the deadlock, a massive offer of up to £150 million is needed, but City have yet to demonstrate any inclination to go that far.
City has a habit of leaving things late — Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is also known for last-minute deals — but if Kane is allowed to go, Spurs will need to move quickly on at least two signings to compensate. Prior to allowing Romelu Lukaku to rejoin Chelsea, they were ready to match Inter’s value of Lautaro Martinez, which was £60 million. The asking price has now risen, and there are questions over whether the striker would ever join Spurs. They’re still interested in Wolves winger Adama Traore, and were earlier searching for new centre-back and right-back alternatives as well.
Harry Kane is still a Tottenham Hotspur player, but will he be on September 1? Getty Images/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista
What we believe will happen: The big question is whether City will agree to pay a price that Levy considers reasonable for Kane. However, if the only other similar scenario involving Tottenham is any indication, leaving it till the last week makes a trade for Kane less probable.
Gareth Bale was expected to join Real Madrid in 2013, but the transaction — at the time a world-record €100 million — was only finalized in the closing days of the summer window, while Spurs utilized the summer to recruit seven players to rebuild the squad.
Spurs have made a few noteworthy additions, but they haven’t spent lavishly in a way that suggests they’re going to collect a large transfer fee, a fact that is especially important considering the club’s financial difficulties as a result of the coronavirus. For what it’s worth, when Tottenham’s interest in Martinez was disclosed, club insiders said that the club intended to recruit him to play with Kane rather than replace him. They are also expected to finalize a deal for Pape Matar Sarr, although the midfielder will most likely be loaned back to Metz for the remainder of the season. Olley says:
Teams from Europe
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Alejandro Moreno discusses Barcelona’s 1-1 LaLiga tie against Athletic Bilbao.
MADRID ATLETICO
MF, MF, MF, MF, MF, MF, MF, DF Rodrigo de Paul Lecomte, Benjamin FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, GK Vitolo Machin Grbic, Ivo
The greatest need/decision: Given Atletico’s fragile finances and an already strong team that recently won LaLiga ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona, this was never going to be a busy transfer window for them. Rodrigo de Paul already seems to be a smart addition who will provide much-needed innovation to the team.
The one remaining item of incoming business, which seems to be close to being settled, is a replacement for Luis Suarez, who is 34 years old. On Sunday, coach Diego Simeone seemed uncharacteristically irritated, stating “When we put up a team, we make sure there are two players in each position. Obviously, we need a participant.” In terms of departures, if the appropriate offer comes in from the Premier League, midfielder Saul Niguez would be evaluated. So far, it hasn’t happened.
What we anticipate to happen: According to ESPN, a deal for Hertha Berlin striker Matheus Cunha is “extremely near,” with the Brazil international likely to cost about €30 million. Atletico had previously shown interest in Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic, but had been priced out of the competition due to the Serie A club’s demands, and Rafa Mir, who eventually joined Sevilla.
Cunha’s adaptation to Atletico will be fascinating to watch: Simeone’s track record in molding brilliant creative players to fit his rigorous system and demanding style is, to say the least, uneven. Alex Kirkland, author
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Craig Burley and Steve Nicol talk about Erling Haaland’s potential decision to leave Borussia Dortmund after expressing his dissatisfaction with the squad.
BARCELONA
FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW Memphis Depay DF Sergio Aguero DF Eric Garcia Emerson Royal FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, DF Lionel Messi FW Junior Firpo De la Fuente, Konrad
The most pressing need/decision: Barcelona would still want to sign a new midfielder, another attacker, a backup for left-back Jordi Alba, and perhaps a new centre-back. However, the budgetary truth is that additional additions this summer are improbable, if not impossible.
Coach Ronald Koeman would prioritize the arrival of another striker if money appeared out of nowhere, according to ESPN sources. Despite the additions of Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero (who is out for two months due to injury), Koeman believes there is still work to be done to match Lionel Messi’s production, which was the best in LaLiga last season with 30 goals.
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What we believe will happen: While Barcelona would want to add to their team this week, they will instead focus on lowering their salary bill, since Messi’s departure hasn’t solved all of their financial woes.
Samuel Umtiti and Miralem Pjanic are two high-paid players that are expected to depart. If Umtiti chooses one of the offers he has received from France or Italy, he will be allowed to go for free, while Pjanic would likely return to Italy on loan.
Alex Collado, a youngster, will also be allowed to go, and president Joan Laporta has said that they would consider bids for the majority of their players. However, given the absence of solid interest in Antoine Griezmann, Philippe Coutinho, and Ousmane Dembele at this point of the window, there are unlikely to be any significant transfer payments coming in to help the club’s financial situation. Sam Marsden (actor)
MUNICH, BAYERN
DF DF DF DF DF DF DF DF DF DF Manager Julian Nagelsmann, Dayot Upamecano DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, DF David Alaba Boateng, Jerome
The most pressing need/decision: Bayern’s most pressing requirement right now is to improve the team at center-back and in midfield.
Nicklas Sule started the season as right back, but he isn’t good enough. They need Lucas Hernandez to return to full fitness to join Upamecano, and they need to bring in another alternative before the season shuts, but they still have a midfield problem. Along with Kimmich and Goretzka, they want Marcel Sabitzer of RB Leipzig to provide a very good third option.
Bayern’s most important choice is what to do with Robert Lewandowski’s contract. It is set to expire in two years, but reports that the Poland international is looking for “a fresh challenge” may persuade Bayern to prolong the 33-year-old contract for a few more years.
What we believe will happen: I believe Bayern Munich will sign Sabitzer before the transfer window closes. He only has a year remaining on his RB Leipzig contract and wants to rejoin his old boss at Bayern Munich. The transfer price will be very cheap for a player of his quality, indicating that Bayern will make even more money.
Amine Adli, a promising French striker from Toulouse, is also on his way to Bayern. He is just 21 years old. Corentin Tolisso, a midfielder, will go, but I doubt they will recruit another centre-back. I also believe that throughout the season, they will begin negotiations with Lewandowski and his agent, Pini Zahavi, to extend his current contract and retain him at the club for a little longer. Laurens, Julien
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Alejandro Moreno analyzes Vinicius Junior’s play in Real Madrid’s 2-2 tie with Levante.
DORTMUND, BORUSSIA
GK, GK, GK, GK, GK, GK, GK, FW Gregor Kobel Marco Rose’s manager, Donyell Malen FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, Sancho, Jadon
The most pressing need/decision must be made: After seeing Dortmund play thus far this season under Rose, it’s obvious what they most need: a defense! Axel Witsel, the Belgian midfielder who is filling in at the defense, hasn’t done a very good job so far.
A wide player is also required by the Black and Yellow. Sancho has gone, and despite having a plethora of wingers in his roster, Rose needs a replacement. Dortmund are keen in Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi and feel that a deal for the Champions League champion is realistic.
The most important choice will be what to do with Mats Hummels, rather than Erling Haaland, who will remain for one more season. The 2014 World Cup winner’s contract has one year remaining on it, but he has a provision in it that states if he plays 22 competitive games for the club, his contract will be automatically extended for another season.
What we believe will happen: Dortmund’s transfer window will be fascinating to watch, as they will undoubtedly improve their team. Hudson-Odoi will be signed, most likely on a loan basis. He was interested in entering the Bundesliga a few years back when Bayern Munich pushed for his signing, but Dortmund are hopeful this summer. On the right or left side, he’ll bring a lot of speed, and his presence will have a good impact.
Unless Thomas Delaney’s rumored move to Sevilla occurs, that’s likely the last transaction they’ll make before the transfer window closes. If he departed, Dortmund would replace him, and Camavinga would be one of the targets. Otherwise, they’ll wait until January to determine whether they need to reorganize their roster and make further changes. For the time being, Rose should be content with what he has. Laurens –
SAINT-GERMAIN, PARIS
FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, FW, Achraf Hakimi, DF Lionel Messi, DF Sergio Ramos, goalkeeper Donnarumma, Gianluigi, MF Wijnaldum, Georginio DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, DF, Mitchell Bakker is a writer.
The most pressing need/decision: Right present, Paris’s most pressing need is to trim their team. They had hoped to earn about €180 million through player departures before the summer, but have failed to find homes for peripheral players like Pablo Sarabia, Thilo Kehrer, and Layvin Kurzawa.
The most important choice to make between now and August 31 may be whether to accept or reject any Real Madrid offer for Kylian Mbappe. PSG claim they have not received a formal offer for him and that even if they did, they would reject it. They are certain that he will not go this summer, even if it means he would be able to depart for free when his contract expires in a year. Would the Parisians, on the other hand, be inclined to accept an offer from Real?
What we believe will occur: I believe PSG will retain Mbappe. They will reject any offer that comes their way. Even if it’s just for a season, they want their front three of Neymar, Mbappe, and Messi, and they’ll be active in the transfer market. They’ll be able to sell players like Sarabia and Kehrer, putting much-needed funds into the club’s coffers, while also searching for a final-minute deal.
Very well regarded Camavinga is eager to join Paris Saint-Germain, and both manager Mauricio Pochettino and sports director Leonardo think highly of him. He’d only come if PSG made room in the team first, but with just one year remaining on his Rennes deal, he’d be a steal for €30 million or less. Laurens –
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Alejandro Moreno analyzes Vinicius Junior’s play in Real Madrid’s 2-2 tie with Levante.
MADRID IN REAL LIFE
David Alaba, David Alaba, David Alaba, David Alaba, David Alaba, David Alaba Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, and Martin Odegaard are notable absentees.
The most pressing need/decision must be made: Since the summer of 2019, Real Madrid has not paid a transfer fee to add to their first-team roster. Part of it has been about adjusting to the new, post-pandemic financial reality; part of it has been about accepting that they can no longer compete on an equal footing with the likes of PSG and Manchester City; and part of it has been about saving up for president Florentino Perez’s first-choice, dream signing, Kylian Mbappe.
Given Mbappe’s contractual status, Madrid believes they can make a fair, market-value bid for him because to their financial discipline, which includes money brought in through the departures of Varane and Odegaard this summer. It’s unclear if PSG would be interested in such a deal.
What we believe will happen: Madrid has been very cautious in its long-term pursuit of Mbappe, knowing that even the tiniest mistake might enrage PSG and jeopardize any chance of a deal. Even though the transfer window is closing, they will not want to make any errors at this late stage. If Madrid thought there was a genuine chance of striking a deal for Mbappe, they would take measures to start negotiations; if not, they would prefer to wait another year in the hopes that Mbappe would resist the temptation to extend his contract in Paris, allowing them to sign him in 2023.
In a nutshell, it’s Mbappe or bust. Kirkland’s comment
