Summer’s here and the time is right for the football transfer rumour mill to spin into action, and this year is no exception.
In England, Spurs striker Harry Kane is the annual “will he won’t he?” story as the England captain ponders whether he should leave his boyhood club in search of silverware. This season, he has been linked with Manchester United, FC Bayern, and Real Madrid, and it looks like the Tottenham man may finally leave.
And then there’s Kylian Mbappe. The France megastar and all-time PSG top scorer was within a whisker of moving to La Liga giants Real Madrid last year, and now the question has arisen again.
Mbappe said recently that he would not extend his contract at the Parc des Princes, and that has sent the money men into overdrive in France and over the border in Spain. The French champions will not be happy to see the jewel in their crown disappear with no cash coming in, and so a move over the next few weeks is looking more likely.
Outlets in the La Liga 2023 news have reported that Mbappe has already made an agreement with Real Madrid for 2024, but surely PSG would rather move their star on this year.
Los Blancos may have competition elsewhere in Europe with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp a huge admirer of Mbappe, but the France star grew up a Real Madrid fan, so the Bernabeu appears to be the most likely destination, though rumours suggest the asking price may be as much as €300 million.
This story will continue to gather pace and, here at SBOTOP, we’ll keep you posted as and when the big news arrives.
New contract offer for Dembele
The La Liga 2023 betting odds predict a Real Madrid and Barcelona shootout again next season and, across the El Clasico divide, Barcelona are attempting to trim their squad as well as finding the right blend which will help them to retain their title that they won so impressively last season.
While the likes of forwards Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres may be off the pastures new, Barca head coach Xavi is keen to keep winger Ousmane Dembele at the club. The France star’s return from injury coincided with Barca’s impressive end to the season and striker Robert Lewandowski thrived when Dembele was on the pitch.
The 26-year-old’s contract runs out at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and he has a €50 million release clause in his current deal, so the Barca board is desperate to extend his contract to ward off any potential buyers.
According to the Catalonia media, Dembele is ready to meet the club to try to negotiate a deal as he is happy at Barcelona and enjoys playing under Xavi. Negotiations between Dembele’s agent and the club have not always gone smoothly, so both parties will be keen to settle the situation quickly as an agreement now would certainly settle the Blaugrana’s front line.
Another area of concern for Xavi is his midfield following the departure of club legend Sergio Busquets, and the Barca fans will be delighted to welcome former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who has left the Etihad following his contract expiry.
Gundogan leaves the Sky Blues on the back of their best ever season, completing the treble with a Champions League victory over Inter Milan.
The midfield ace was in talks with Manchester City last week but has decided to move on, and that is excellent news for the Camp Nou faithful.
Barca still need to make room in their squad, and the arrival of Gundogan has moved the exit of Franck Kessie a little closer. The Ivory Coast midfielder has said he was happy to stay at the Camp Nou to fight for his place, but he now seems open to a move if Xavi tells him his chances will be limited next season.
The former AC Milan star won’t have any problem finding a new club, and he has been targeted by Saudi Arabia side Al-Ahli. If the Middle East does turn out to be Kessie’s preferred destination, then that could mean the Catalans will get a higher price and they will hold out for a fee of €30 million or more.
Assuming Kessie exits, then Barca will be in the market for another middle man. However, having already expressed an interest in FC Bayern ace Joshua Kimmich and Inter Milan star Marcelo Brozovic, they are no closer to finding another big signing, but at least Gundogan is already in the building.
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