Welcome to the seventh 2026 summer window edition of The Transfer DealSheet.

Our team of dedicated writers, including David Ornstein, will take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on in what promises to be an extremely busy transfer window. This includes the players who could arrive and the ones on their way out across the Premier League and beyond in a World Cup summer.

The information in this article has been gathered in line with The Athletic’s sourcing guidelines. Unless stated, our reporters have spoken to more than one person briefed on each deal before offering the clubs involved the opportunity to comment. Those responses, when they were given, have been included.

In this edition, we have David Ornstein’s One To Watch and updates on Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

We aim to bring you analysis you can trust on what is happening at Europe’s leading clubs and the latest information we’re hearing from across the market.

This article is long but detailed, so enjoy it all — or search for the team or player you want to read about.

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David Ornstein’s One To Watch

For the second consecutive World Cup, Morocco caught the eye with a surge to the latter stages.

But at this tournament, a new name rose to wider global prominence in the form of Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The 18-year-old Lille midfielder was already well known by keen observers in Europe and beyond, with a host of top clubs monitoring his progress and determined to prise him from the Ligue 1 side.

However, the tournament served to confirm both his existing level and future potential — in turn, cranking up the interest from those suitors.

Prominent among them are Manchester City, and the 10-time Premier League champions are pushing hard for Bouaddi ahead of him making a decision on his future, which is expected soon.

Lille would consider selling for what they deem the right price, though if a valuation believed to be in the region of €100million (£85m; $114m) proves true, it will be prohibitive to many admirers.

City, Arsenal and Manchester United are some of the teams to have been in contact with Bouaddi’s camp over the past 12 months. Paris Saint-Germain football advisor Luis Campos brought him to Lille in 2021, but they are not a contender this summer.

While there are clubs open to doing a deal now and allowing Bouaddi to continue developing at Lille for another season, it is thought City would rather integrate him immediately — especially given that his area of the pitch remains a key focus for them in the current market.

Following the departure of Bernardo Silva, City have signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116million and considered Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali before he joined Tottenham Hotspur.

Rodri’s terms are due to expire in June 2027 and there has also been speculation over the futures of Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders.

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What Else We’re Hearing

• Manchester United are set to finalise a deal to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa due to the midfielder’s £35million release clause. Tielemans is under contract until June 2028 and Villa have no desire to sell him, having offered him new terms months ago, but they have little choice because of the mechanism. United have identified an opportunity to land the 29-year-old midfielder and, despite interest from elsewhere, he favours a move to Old Trafford. Contact is ongoing between all parties to finalise the transfer, which comes as something of a surprise but would add much-needed quality and experience to an area of the field United have been prioritising this summer. Their pursuit follows United’s decision to abandon a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson at present. David Ornstein
• Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic is one name on Leeds United’s shortlist. The Premier League outfit are keen to add at least one centre-back this summer and the 23-year-old is among those who fit the bill. Elland Road sources, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, say Muharemovic is liked, but no prospective deal has gone further than that. Sources at Sassuolo indicate the club expects it will be difficult to retain the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, especially if Premier League clubs make an approach. Muharemovic is a 6ft 4in left-footed centre-back with a consistent record of blocking shots, making clearances and contesting lots of aerial duels. Leeds lost their first-choice left-footed centre-back, Pascal Struijk, to Brighton & Hove Albion last month. Beren Cross
• Coventry City will complete the signing of 22-year-old Switzerland centre-back Aurele Amenda from Eintracht Frankfurt pending a medical in the next few days, despite a late expression of interest from Crystal Palace. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor

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Arsenal

What has happened this week?

Arsenal completed the signing of former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier. The 26-year-old, who left Leeds when his contract expired at the end of June, has joined on a two-year deal, with Arsenal holding an option for an extra year.

Meslier is anticipated to be the third goalkeeper in Arsenal’s group, behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, should he stay.

If 31-year-old Arrizabalaga is to leave, a fee will have to be negotiated with Arsenal. The contract he signed contained a £5million release clause, enabling him to leave if a club matched the fee Arsenal paid to sign him from Chelsea.

That clause has now expired. However, it is believed Arsenal will not stand in Arrizabalaga’s way if an appropriate offer arrives.

What is the plan behind pursuing Bruno Guimaraes?

Arsenal have a longstanding interest in the 28-year-old Brazil midfielder. The addition of a Premier League-proven player of international calibre would strengthen Arsenal’s already impressive options.

Arsenal believe Guimaraes can be both a partner and a back-up to Declan Rice. Given the lengths to which Rice’s body has been pushed in the last 12 months, having an experienced alternative could be very valuable.

Last season, Mikel Arteta was reluctant to use Christian Norgaard in high-stakes games. There is a chance the former Danish international will leave this summer. Should that prove to be the case, effectively replacing him with Guimaraes would be a considerable step up in quality.

What positions/players are they looking at?

As well as central midfield, Arsenal want to reinforce their attack with a significant addition. Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa appears to be their top target, but Aston Villa are looking for a fee in excess of the £116million Manchester City paid to sign Elliot Anderson. Paris Saint-Germain and France winger Bradley Barcola is also of interest.

In addition, it appears increasingly likely that Arsenal will need a left winger to replace Leandro Trossard. They have established the parameters of a deal for 24-year-old Greece international Christos Tzolis of Club Brugge, and must now determine whether they proceed with the transfer.

Arsenal have also been looking at versatile defenders who can offer options across multiple positions.

Which players could be leaving?

Trossard is closest to the exit. With Belgium out of the World Cup, he has now verbally agreed to join Besiktas. The parties have reached an agreement on a three-year deal, with an optional fourth year, and a package worth around €6.5million per year. The 31-year-old took some time to consider whether the move to Turkey and Istanbul was right for him and his family, but has ultimately given his approval.

An agreement is already in place between Besiktas and Arsenal.

The arrival of Meslier frees up 20-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford for a loan move to gain experience.

James McNicholas

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Chelsea

What has happened this week?

Chelsea sold midfielder Andrey Santos to Manchester United for an initial £48million with £2m in add-ons included. There is also a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

Winger Alejandro Garnacho was given permission to miss the start of pre-season training so a transfer can be sorted out. Chelsea are prepared to sell the eight-cap Argentina international, who wants to leave to get more first-team football.

Jesse Derry has left for Sporting CP on a season-long loan. The 19-year-old winger, who made his first-team debut last season after joining the under-21s from Crystal Palace, also signed a new deal, committing his future to Chelsea until 2032.

Why have Chelsea let Andrey Santos join a rival?

Chelsea do not have a policy that rules out selling a player to any particular club, as shown by Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga joining Arsenal over the past three years. Another example is Mateo Kovacic going to Manchester City in 2023.

Santos wanted to make the move to Old Trafford and Chelsea did not have an issue as long as the price was right.

With no European football, opportunities for Santos to start were going to be fewer. He was named in the starting XI just 13 times in the Premier League last season. While highly regarded, Santos was seen as a back-up for 2026-27 too, especially with Moises Caicedo ahead of him.

Chelsea have made a huge profit on a player who cost them just £10.2million when he was acquired from Brazilian club Vasco da Gama in January 2023, so it is seen as good business.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Chelsea remain in talks with Rayo Vallecano for left back Pep Chavarria. The two clubs have yet to agree on a fee.

The club still intend to sign one or two centre-backs. Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix is a key target, and they remain interested in Como’s Jacobo Ramon, a Real Madrid academy graduate.

They have not ended their pursuit of Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, but there is an acceptance that Aston Villa’s asking price is an issue and that they face stiff competition from other teams, especially Arsenal.

Chelsea are evaluating other attackers. They want a ready-made, versatile forward. Sources in France expect Valentin Barco to join from Strasbourg, although Chelsea have yet to confirm the switch.

Which players could be leaving?

Chelsea have set an asking price of €50million (£43m) for Garnacho and are hopeful his departure can be secured in the next two weeks. Chelsea sources say they have received interest from clubs in the Premier League, Europe and the Saudi Pro League, and believe a club will meet their valuation.

The club have yet to decide which forward out of Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha will be sold. Jackson, who was on loan at Bayern last season, is being taken on the pre-season tour, so he will get a chance to impress.

Marc Guiu is expected to go on loan or leave in a permanent deal before the window closes. The 20-year-old is wanted by teams in England and abroad.

Como are still in negotiations with Chelsea over defender Trevoh Chalobah. They have had two bids turned down. Chelsea are looking for a total sum of £35million.

Nothing has developed regarding Enzo Fernandez or Malo Gusto. Chelsea value them at £120million and £75m respectively. Real Madrid have said they will not make a bid for Fernandez. New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has said he wants the midfielder to stay.

Chelsea are working with the representatives of Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi to find new clubs. Back-up goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is another up for sale, while the plan is to loan Mamadou Sarr to an English club.

Chelsea are also looking to seal the departures of Gabriel Slonina (sale), David Datro Fofana (sale), Kendry Paez (loan), Deivid Washington (loan), Caleb Wiley (loan) and Shumaira Mheuka (loan).

Simon Johnson

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Liverpool

What has happened this week?

The big news in the boardroom was the exit of Michael Edwards, who stepped down as Fenway Sports Group’s (FSG) CEO of football.

Edwards informed the FSG hierarchy of his decision last autumn, and there are no immediate plans to recruit a replacement. FSG president Mike Gordon is set to resume oversight of their football operations.

A number of Liverpool’s non-internationals returned early for extra training under new head coach Andoni Iraola, while those recovering from long-term injuries continued rehabilitation programmes.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister made it to a World Cup semi-final with Argentina, while new signing Victor Munoz remains with the Spain squad as they prepare for a semi-final against France.

What’s Liverpool’s priority in the market right now?

Finding a replacement for Mohamed Salah is key and the sooner Liverpool can do that, the better.

The World Cup has put a chunk of transfer business on hold, so the weeks ahead are expected to be busier, with the tournament coming to a close on Sunday.

Strengthening the forward line is now key, as Salah’s goals will be missed. Hugo Ekitike is also out recovering with an Achilles injury, so the attacking options are light.

What positions/players are they looking at?

PSG’s Bradley Barcola is admired and Liverpool are continuing to monitor his situation.

Other wide players on a list of possible alternatives include Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh, Said El Mala of Koln and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

Liverpool will also consider midfield options as they look to strengthen in that department. A number of young players continue to be tracked. Liverpool expect the arrival of Celtic’s 16-year-old defender Dara Jikiemi this summer.

Which players could be leaving?

All of that depends on the weeks ahead, as Iraola hands every player a clean slate at the club.

Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa are the two senior players who face the most uncertain future, as well as Harvey Elliott following his return from an unsuccessful loan at Aston Villa.

Goalkeeper Armin Pecsi may get a loan move after making his Hungary debut last month. A number of Spanish clubs are interested in Stefan Bajcetic, should Liverpool consider letting him leave this summer.

Gregg Evans

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Manchester City

What has happened this week?

It was another quiet week for City, who signed 20-year-old goalkeeper Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday and then loaned him out to QPR. He was part of City’s academy until moving to Yorkshire in 2021, but has now been brought back in a deal worth £3m plus add-ons tied to City’s success on the pitch, if and when he is part of the squad.

Nathan Ake also completed a £7million move to Fenerbahce.

Why have City brought back Pierce Charles?

It appears to be a case of planning for the future.

Because he immediately went on loan to QPR, City will be thinking about his role in the first team in the coming years. If there is an opportunity for a goalkeeper to join Enzo Maresca’s squad, and he plays well enough, then he would be a good option given his previous time at the club, both in terms of knowing the playing style but also his status as a club-trained player, which is important in squad building.

What positions/players are they looking at?

City were admirers of Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi even before the World Cup, and City are pushing hard for him, as reported by my colleague David Ornstein.

They are big admirers of Chelsea’s Malo Gusto, but his price tag is considered prohibitively high. Unless there is a major change in that regard, City will have to look elsewhere, but there are not too many other options that appeal.

City are also looking for a winger, and will be in the market in other areas depending on which players leave, and there is a lengthy list of possible departures.

Which players could be leaving?

Mateo Kovacic, James Trafford and Nico Gonzalez are considered likely departures. Rodri’s future is up in the air as he has one year left on his contract, while Ruben Dias has had interest from Real Madrid. There is uncertainty around Omar Marmoush and Tijjani Reijnders, and Savinho is another who could leave.

Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish will be moved on if the right options come along, though they would not necessarily need to be replaced, as they have not been part of the squad.

Sam Lee

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Manchester United

What has happened this week?

Manchester United accelerated their midfield rebuild and are now set to finalise a deal for Youri Tielemans. The Aston Villa midfielder’s contract has a £35million release clause.

The swoop for Tielemans followed a decision to abandon the €44.5million (£38m) deal for Atalanta’s Ederson following a second round of medical tests. United may seek to revisit their interest in the 27-year-old later in the window, but do not plan to pursue the deal further at the previously agreed price and structure.

United completed the signing of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, who has joined in a deal worth £48million, with a further £2m in add-ons, signing a five-year contract.

Karl Darlow is close to joining as a free agent. The Wales goalkeeper, who made 24 appearances for Leeds United last season, is expected to join as experienced and homegrown cover for first-choice Senne Lammens.

Man Utd seem to be stocking up on midfielders. Was that needed?

Very much so. Following the departure of Casemiro as a free agent and Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee injury, Kobbie Mainoo would have been their only senior, recognised and available central midfielder heading into the new campaign.

Reinforcements were necessary regardless, however, given Bruno Fernandes’ redeployment as a No 10 under Michael Carrick. United did not even replace Christian Eriksen following his departure last summer.

United decided to prioritise strengthening their attack a year ago instead, but have concentrated on midfield this summer.

After losing out in their pursuits of Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, securing deals for Santos and Tielemans maintains a focus on signing players with experience of playing in the Premier League.

Combined, their fees total £85m — the price Tottenham paid for Fernandes. United were willing to meet West Ham’s demands, but not as a guaranteed fee.

What positions/players are they looking at?

United’s intention has been to sign as many as three midfielders this summer, leaving space for a further addition even after the arrivals of Santos and Tielemans.

Aurelien Tchouameni was considered as a target, and United were prepared to move if they received indications from Real Madrid that a deal would be possible, but the 26-year-old signed a new contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2031 last week, bringing speculation over his future to an end.

Alex Scott, Felix Nmecha, Carlos Baleba and Sander Berge are among the names that United have considered while surveying the market.

United may still seek to strengthen the left-hand side of their attack, with Crysencio Summerville a leading target. Exploratory talks have previously been held with West Ham.

Which players could be leaving?

Any move for a left-winger may hinge on the future of Marcus Rashford, who is expected to return for pre-season following England’s involvement at the World Cup and his summer break.

The 28-year-old is set to be reintegrated into first-team training after Barcelona decided against taking up their €30million (£25.6m) option to buy, although an exit before the close of the window is still possible.

With Darlow set to join, Altay Bayindir is expected to leave in search of first-team opportunities.

Radek Vitek is also expected to depart, either on loan or permanently, for more regular playing time after impressing at Bristol City last season.

Mark Critchley and Laurie Whitwell

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What would Youri Tielemans bring to Man Utd?

Tielemans is one of the Premier League’s best progressive passers, having led the division’s midfielders in lines broken per 100 pass attempts with 18.3.

As the graph below shows, Manchester United leaned heavily on Bruno Fernandes for the same, even after he moved back into the No 10 role after Michael Carrick’s arrival. The other player who helped United’s ball progression, as seen below, was Casemiro, who is now a free agent.

Tielemans profiles similarly to Casemiro in some regards. His passing range is varied and can help open up defensive blocks, while defensively, the 29-year-old makes up for a lack of explosivity by picking his moments to win the ball back. Tielemans’ press resistance will be useful, too, though if used alongside Kobbie Mainoo his defensive capabilities will be tested more than they were at Villa Park.

The Belgium international’s injury record — he was troubled by calf, groin and ankle issues in his three seasons at Villa — will raise some concerns. But if fit, Tielemans solves some immediate problems for United as their midfield revamp continues.

Anantaajith Raghuraman

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Newcastle United

What has happened this week?

The positivity and excitement surrounding Newcastle completing their third signing of the summer has been tempered by Aston Villa swooping in to try and acquire Johan Manzambi ahead of them, and by Bruno Guimaraes, their captain, expressing a desire to join Arsenal.

On Thursday, Newcastle confirmed 18-year-old midfielder Sean Steur’s arrival from Ajax in a deal worth up to £23million. Viewed as a No 6 or a No 8, he will be part of Eddie Howe’s first-team squad, though he requires significant physical development and is not viewed as a like-for-like replacement for the departed Sandro Tonali.

Confirmation of that incoming came less than 24 hours after The Athletic broke the news that Guimaraes, their talisman and skipper, had informed Newcastle of his wish to move to Arsenal, the Premier League champions.

Newcastle say Arsenal have not directly made an offer for the 28-year-old, and whether they will get anywhere close to Newcastle’s valuation of their most important player remains questionable, with the Tynesiders simply unsure how real the north Londoners’ interest actually is.

Regardless, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Guimaraes’ situation is certainly not aiding Howe’s pre-season preparations, which begin at the club’s Benton training centre, rebranded ‘The KNOX’, this week.

On Sunday, The Athletic also reported Villa are progressing with a move for Manzambi. Newcastle have agreed the framework of a deal with Freiburg for the Switzerland international. The club feel financial terms with the player’s side would not have been an issue, but the midfielder did not express a firm commitment to join.

Antonio Cordero, the 19-year-old winger, has rejoined Spanish second-division outfit Cadiz on loan. Harrison Ashby, the 24-year-old right-back, has moved on loan to Luton Town of League One. Mason Miley, the 17-year-old midfielder and younger brother of Lewis, has signed his first professional contract with Newcastle.

This window feels like it is turning into a nightmare. What needs to happen for the vibes to shift?

While it would be premature to describe this summer as a “nightmare” for Newcastle, given the non-internationals are only just reconvening for pre-season training, undoubtedly it has been a testing window.

The club were gazumped on their first-choice attacker option, Victor Munoz, by Liverpool, while Villa are attempting to do likewise with Manzambi, who was Newcastle’s top target heading into the window. Significant groundwork had been put into both deals, especially with Manzambi, including face-to-face meetings with Freiburg, as well as the player’s family and representatives.

Add Guimaraes being unsettled into the equation and, for many supporters, there is a growing fear that, rather than strengthening the squad, it risks becoming significantly weakened come the end of the summer. Gordon and Tonali have been sold, though those outgoings were factored into the blueprint. Losing Guimaraes was not.

Those at the top of Newcastle insist they are not panicked, and they push back against the idea that this window is heading towards a damaging conclusion. Instead, they stress that they have already been pursuing alternatives to Manzambi — just as they did with Munoz, eventually acquiring Bazoumana Toure, and talks regarding other midfielders have intensified in recent days — and that further first-XI signings will arrive.

All three of Newcastle’s summer arrivals so far have been aged 20 or under — goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen is the third — and typify the type of business the club are looking to conclude; replacing wantaway stars with younger, hungrier players on lower wages who can grow with the side.

There is a refreshing and potentially galvanising story to be told about what Newcastle are attempting to do while they are hamstrung in the medium term by UEFA’s financial regulations. But greater clarity and communication on that would better inform supporters who are searching for positivity while they see star players leave, or ask to leave, and key targets head elsewhere.

The only way to change the narrative in the short term is by bringing in further players, particularly if they actually improve the first XI.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Howe wants to bring in two midfielders (should Joe Willock follow Tonali out of St James’ Park), at least one full-back and a goalkeeper. Whether another wide attacker is pursued later in the window remains to be seen.

Manzambi was Newcastle’s priority target, but they have been actively considering others. Botafogo’s Danilo is among those discussed. Danilo, 25, was at Nottingham Forest when Ross Wilson, Newcastle’s sporting director, was an executive at the City Ground.

Another Brazil international, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes, has been mentioned. Auxerre’s Kevin Danois and Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller are also among those watched.

At full-back, 21-year-old Joaquin Seys from Club Brugge was discussed in January. Union Saint-Gilloise’s Anan Khalaili, the versatile 21-year-old right-sided player, has been considered, though Newcastle refute firm interest.

Goalkeeper-wise, Manchester City’s James Trafford, who Newcastle have twice tried to sign, remains the primary target, though firm movement is not likely until after England’s participation in the World Cup. However, Newcastle have been looking at alternatives, and Parma’s Zion Suzuki, the 23-year-old Japan international, has featured during internal discussions.

Which players could be leaving?

Newcastle insist Guimaraes is not for sale, though whether Arsenal seriously test that resolve by making a sizeable offer remains to be seen.

Nick Pope is expected to leave should a new No 1 goalkeeper arrive. Newcastle cannot allow Pope to depart until they have signed, or are confident of signing, a replacement. No firm interest has yet been shown in the 34-year-old.

Willock is available, with the former Arsenal midfielder entering the final year of his contract, though Newcastle have not received any concrete offers.

Jacob Murphy is also into the last 12 months of his deal, and bids would be considered. Despite interest from Manchester United in Lewis Hall, Howe needs to add depth at full-back, not lose another, and Newcastle view the 21-year-old as important to their long-term plans.

Chris Waugh

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Tottenham Hotspur

What has happened this week?

Radu Dragusin completed a season-long loan move to Fiorentina, with an obligation to buy if the Romania centre-back reaches a certain number of appearances for the Serie A club.

The 24-year-old was recruited by Fabio Paratici, who left his co-sporting director role at Tottenham to join Fiorentina as the sole sporting director in February. Dragusin, who made 35 league appearances after joining Spurs in 2024, attracted interest from Italian clubs in January, but Spurs kept him during an injury crisis. Tottenham retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause for the defender.

Tottenham are well-stocked in defence, with the summer additions of Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, and Jan Paul van Hecke strengthening their back line.

The midfield seems to be sorted. What comes next?

Tottenham must now strengthen in attack. After long-term anterior cruciate ligament injuries to Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons, Mathys Tel and Mikey Moore are the only senior left wingers fit and available at the start of pre-season.

Moore ended last season strongly at Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, but he is linked with another loan move away, with Borussia Dortmund among his admirers. Tel is an exciting talent who played an important role in keeping Tottenham in the Premier League, but, at just 21, he lacks experience and consistency. Spurs are targeting a more experienced starting-level player in that position.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Tottenham are in the market for forwards. Left wing is a priority position, with Manchester City’s Savinho a target they have tracked for multiple windows, but they could also strengthen at centre forward.

Richarlison is among the candidates to depart this summer, and Spurs could look to a natural No 9 or a profile capable of playing in several roles across the frontline to replace him.

Which players could be leaving?

Luka Vuskovic is expected to depart for Brighton & Hove Albion after the south coast club agreed a £50million deal to sign the Croatia international centre-back earlier this month. Tottenham will retain a 20 per cent sell-on clause, as well as matching rights, for any future sale of the 19-year-old, who never made a competitive appearance for the north London club.

Captain Cristian Romero is another centre-back who looks likely to be on his way out of Tottenham this summer. He is expected to start in Argentina’s World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday. After losing out on his starting place to Antonin Kinsky, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is also expected to depart.

In last week’s Transfer DealSheet, The Athletic reported Everton are interested in Djed Spence, who made an impressive cameo from the bench in England’s 2-1 win over Norway after extra time in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Elias Burke

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Barcelona

What has happened this week?

Barca agreed a deal to sign Joao Cancelo for €10million from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal — as well as a €22m deal for Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi.

The move for Cancelo was no real surprise. The 32-year-old Portugal full-back arrived on loan from Al Hilal in January and moved ahead of Alejandro Balde for the starting spot at left-back.

The Adeyemi deal was not expected. Barcelona are on the hunt for a new No 9, but the 24-year-old German usually plays as a wide forward, where Barca had already strengthened with the signing of Anthony Gordon.

Meanwhile, Ferran Torres could be on his way out. Barca are open to selling him this summer.

What is the plan for Adeyemi?

The transfer from Dortmund has still not been confirmed, but he is expected to land in Barcelona this week. Dortmund gave him permission to skip their start to pre-season training.

Barca consider the signing a market opportunity. They see him as a mobile, versatile attacker who is also a good presser — a fundamental attribute for manager Hansi Flick’s system.

Adeyemi’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is influential at Barca and brokered the deal. Flick gave it his green light as he likes the player a lot. He included him in Germany’s 2022 World Cup squad.

Given how crowded the wide attacking areas are at Barca — with Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Gordon, Roony Bardghji and Torres — it might be a sign the club is expecting further departures.

There has been noise for a while around Raphinha, but the player has always said he wants to stay. Barca president Joan Laporta said on Monday that the club are not planning on selling him.

The situation around Torres is different, however. The 25-year-old is out of contract next summer, and Barca are reluctant to renew his contract right now, in no small part because it would force them to pay Manchester City another €7-8million.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Barcelona’s main transfer target remains the signing of a new No 9. Their interest in Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is expected to advance following the World Cup, where Alvarez and Argentina have progressed to a semi-final with England on Wednesday.

Any further additions to Barcelona’s back line would likely depend on a departure from that area of the squad.

Which players could be leaving?

As The Athletic has reported, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is close to a loan move to Ajax, and Barca would like to sell 22-year-old midfielder Marc Casado.

The latest development on this front comes with Torres. Spanish media reports have linked him with Paris Saint-Germain. Barca sources believe Atletico could also be interested, but Atletico sources have denied they are considering the player.

Pol Ballus

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Real Madrid

What has happened this week?

The sale of left-back Fran Garcia to Real Betis was the biggest development. Betis will pay close to €4million, while Real Madrid will retain a 50 per cent sell-on clause for the 26-year-old.

It is the fourth departure since the end of last season, following the exits of Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Dani Ceballos.

Meanwhile, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, 26, signed a new contract until 2031.

Will Bellingham’s World Cup form be a boost to Madrid? 

Without a doubt. Bellingham’s start to the 2025-26 campaign was disrupted by shoulder surgery, and he then suffered a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined from February until late March.

He struggled to produce his very best after coming back from that injury. Now, however, there is a feeling among Madrid voices that he is back to his very best. The club’s hierarchy has no doubts that he will be one of the leaders of the midfield under Jose Mourinho this term.

Sources say that with players like Bellingham already in the squad, there is no need to sign another midfielder. Instead, they believe the priority is for the existing group to connect better and perform collectively at the level expected.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Mourinho has become one of the leading voices behind Madrid’s transfer strategy, and the coach would still like to strengthen several positions. These include left-sided centre-back, midfield and potentially the attack.

Sources who have worked closely with the club this summer say Madrid have already changed course once during this window, as they did with the free transfer signing of Bernardo Silva, so they are waiting to see whether their planning shifts again.

Senior Madrid sources have consistently maintained that, while the market remains open, their priority has been to generate departures first.

Which players could be leaving?

Madrid are working on finding a new club for centre-back Raul Asencio. For now, though, the 23-year-old has returned to training and will be assessed by Mourinho during pre-season.

As for midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, his intention remains to stay, although his situation will also be worth monitoring during these first weeks under Mourinho.

Several promising reserve team and academy players are also looking for moves.

Guillermo Rai