UIMSA Press

SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW 2023 ROUND-UP PART 1

UIMSA Press

Club football has been on hold and it has been a busy number of weeks since the summer transfer window opened in Europe, and all over the world. It is necessary to bring our football lovers the happenings in the market as the preparations for the next season which kick-starts mid-next month, get underway.  

There have been a lot of interesting transfers happening across Europe and other parts of the world, especially the Saudi Professional League side. So many rumours have been revolving around some big-name players and quite a number of big clubs have recruited new stars to bolster their squads, while others leave. In this comprehensive round-up, we bring to you some of the most intriguing transfers and rumours making the rounds in the world of the round leather game. So let’s delve into it properly!

MBAPPE TRANSFER DILEMMA

Perhaps the most talked about rumour in the market is Kylian Mbappe’s state of crossroads, with every big club desperate to secure his signature. Mbappe, having to choose between prestige and money, is one of the most interesting events of the current transfer window. PSG, who are currently in desperation mode, are forcefully putting him on sale against his intentions of completing the year term as stated in his contract. Al Hilal, standing like a lion waiting to pounce, offered a mouth-watering deal with a  total earning of €700 million annually. However, he rejected negotiations with the Saudi side. With everything still hanging in the air as of the moment, where do you think the star will later end up?

JUDE BELLINGHAM (Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid)

Owing to his stellar performances for Borussia Dortmund last season, which culminated in him being named the Bundesliga Player of the Season; Jude has been on the radar of the Spanish giants, the Los Blancos. The English youngster has agreed to a six-year contract and has completed the signing for Real Madrid, thus officially becoming a Madrista. The deal was completed around mid-June with an agreement to pay an initial fee of €103 million. 

There were speculations earlier that the 19-year-old youngster would join the Reds at Anfield, but Liverpool could not pursue the midfielder because they missed out on Champions League qualification. With Madrid adding another young talent, it is safe to say that the future is bright for the Spanish giants.

DECLAN RICE (West Ham to Arsenal)

Arsenal beat Man City to secure the signature of Declan Rice. The English record deal should perhaps be the biggest signing in the transfer market so far, as it is worth a whopping 105 million pounds plus add-ons. The contract has a length of five years,  including the option to extend by a year. Rice was an engine in the midfield for The Hammers last season, as he captained them and led them to win the UEFA Conference League and was consequently named the best player of the tournament. It is no doubt that based on his previous achievements, he is certainly going to be an important addition to the Gunners’ squad. Arsenal have been spending big as Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber have also joined Arteta’s side ahead of the 2023/2024 season.

DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI (Liepzig to Liverpool)

With the departure of Henderson and Fabinho almost a certainty, Liverpool needed to bolster their midfield ranks. The Argentine world champion, Alexis Mac-Allister was the first signing from Brighton for a fee of 35 million Euros. The Merseyside-based club then went on to break the bank on the 22-year-old Dominik Szoboszlai by triggering his release clause of €70 million from RB Leipzig, thus securing his signature. Szoboszlai has been exceptional right from his time in the Austrian Bundesliga as an attacking midfielder, winning multiple titles and accolades in the process.  Converting Trent Alexander Arnold to a midfielder in partnership with a  multifunctional Dominik who can play as an 8 and a 10 and Mac Allister can potentially revive Liverpool’s formidable midfield. They, however, still look forward to signing a holding midfielder.

ANDRE ONANA  (Inter Milan to Man Utd)

Andre Onana has replaced the departed legend, David De Gea, who was Manchester United’s mostly trusty shot-stopper for 12 seasons. Onana has signed a 5-year contract with the Red Devils with an option to extend for a year for €51 million plus €4 million add-ons, based on an agreement with his former club, Inter Milan. The 27-year-old goalie has reunited with his boss Erik Ten Hag after he worked with him at Ajax. The deal has gotten a lot of people talking, as Inter signed him on a free transfer from Ajax and sold for a whopping 51 million Euros. 

Having worked under Erik in the past, the boss knows him well, and he (Andre) is expected to understand his roles perfectly. He normally plays out from the back, taking some risks and he is also comfortable on the ball. He was outstanding in Inter’s last season, taking them to the UCL final and also winning the Coppa Italia and SuperCoppa Italiana.

SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE (Villareal to AC Milan)

Our own Samuel Chukwueze has completed a big move to the Rossoneri side from Villareal for €28 million plus add-ons till June 2028. Being one of the best performers for Villareal last season with 24 G/A, he is one of the most sought-after talents with some big teams competing for his signature. Links with Premier League teams like Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle were reported, however, Milan won the race for the signing of the talented 24-year-old. 

AC Milan have earlier signed Christan Pulisic and are looking to build up a super attack as they already have Rafael Leao. Chukwueze has chosen shirt number 21 and undoubtedly, his move will be worth it if he can reach his full potential at the Italian side.

RUMOURS

OTHER DONE DEALS

Moshood Sifiq

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