Transfer News Weekly

PSG decides

K. Mbappé
Forward

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has taken a surprising and significant step by putting Kylian Mbappe up for sale. The young football sensation, who has been an integral part of the team, has been left out of the squad traveling to Japan and South Korea, indicating a notable shift in the club’s approach.

The decision to exclude Mbappe from the touring squad stems from PSG’s desire to have only committed players who genuinely want to be part of the club. The management appears to be disheartened by recent developments surrounding the player’s future.

Reports suggest that PSG firmly believes Mbappe has already reached an agreement to join Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer, which has left the club feeling betrayed. Notably, Mbappe had previously stated that he would not leave PSG on a free transfer, making this perceived betrayal all the more significant.

PSG willing to sell to Real Madrid

In light of the situation, Paris Saint-Germain is now focused on selling Mbappe to the highest bidder. The emotional attachment to the player has seemingly dissipated, and the club is adopting a business-centric approach. PSG’s priority is to secure the best deal possible, regardless of which club Mbappe ultimately joins.

The absence of emotional considerations implies that PSG is willing to engage in negotiations with various potential suitors, including Real Madrid and even Saudi Arabian clubs if they offer suitable terms. Multiple expressions of interest have already been received, highlighting the market’s eagerness to secure the services of the talented forward.

For PSG, this development marks a turning point in their relationship with Mbappe, as they shift their focus toward securing a favorable transfer deal. The situation raises questions about player loyalty in modern football and the challenges clubs face in retaining top talents amidst transfer speculations.

As the transfer saga unfolds, football enthusiasts will closely monitor the developments surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s future. His eventual destination will have significant ramifications not only for the player and the two clubs involved but also for the broader landscape of European football. PSG’s decision to put Mbappe on the market indicates a willingness to make pragmatic choices in the football business, a decision that may have a lasting impact on the club’s squad dynamics and future aspirations.

The situation surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s future at PSG has been shrouded in uncertainty, as clarity was requested from the player by July, coinciding with the team’s first training session back. However, as of now, PSG claims that communication has yet to be received from Mbappe regarding his intentions.

Given the lack of clarity and communication from Mbappe, PSG is left with no choice but to assume that the player intends to leave the club on a free transfer. Consequently, the club must now proceed with their plans without considering Mbappe’s involvement, including their upcoming tour to Japan and South Korea.

In light of this development, PSG has made the difficult decision to put Mbappe up for sale, acknowledging the likelihood of his potential departure. The club is now open to engaging with potential suitors, and it is reported that several interested parties have been eagerly waiting for a decision on Mbappe’s future.

Mbappe’s exit may deal a great blow

The uncertainty surrounding Mbappe’s contractual situation and his potential move to another club highlights the complexities and challenges that clubs face when dealing with high-profile players. This situation is likely to impact PSG’s squad planning, tactics, and overall strategy for the upcoming season, as the departure of a key player like Mbappe would necessitate adjustments in their approach.

For PSG, the prospect of losing a player of Mbappe’s caliber would undoubtedly be a significant blow. His presence and contributions on the field have been instrumental in the club’s successes over the years. However, with no concrete communication from the player regarding his plans, the club is left with no other option but to prepare for a future without him.

The speculation surrounding Mbappe’s future adds an air of uncertainty to the transfer market, with various clubs closely monitoring the developments. The player’s potential availability on a free transfer would undoubtedly attract significant interest from clubs looking to bolster their attacking options with one of the world’s most talented forwards.

As the transfer saga continues to unfold, the footballing world will eagerly await further updates on Mbappe’s situation. His decision, whenever it may come, is likely to have far-reaching implications, not only for PSG and the club he may join but also for the broader landscape of European football.

Uncertainty surrounds Caicedo move

M. Caicedo
Midfielder

Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi has provided insights into the ongoing situation surrounding midfielder Moises Caicedo, who has attracted strong interest from Chelsea. The Seagulls have reportedly turned down two bids from the London club for the talented Ecuadorian international. While De Zerbi expressed his desire to retain Caicedo’s services, he also acknowledged that contingency plans are being made in case the midfielder departs.

Regarding Caicedo’s future, De Zerbi stated that the club is taking a wait-and-see approach to understand the player’s intentions. He reiterated his preference for Caicedo to remain at Brighton but acknowledged that if a transfer were to materialize, the club would need to identify and secure a replacement with similar characteristics and qualities, acknowledging that such players are challenging to find in the transfer market.

As of now, the Ecuadorian midfielder is still with the team, but De Zerbi recognized the possibility of him leaving during the current transfer window. While Caicedo has returned to training after a brief break, he still requires time to reach full match fitness, indicating that he may not feature in the upcoming fixture against Chelsea.

The manager praised Caicedo’s abilities, describing him as a player with exceptional worth and difficult to replace, reflecting the midfielder’s significant impact on the team’s dynamics and performances. Should he remain at the club, De Zerbi has confidence in Caicedo’s ability to handle the situation professionally, emphasizing his strong character and work ethic.

However, the manager also acknowledged the uncertainty of the transfer market and the possibility of a move for Caicedo, which may prompt Brighton to explore potential alternatives to bolster their midfield ranks. The club’s cautious approach to the situation aligns with the unpredictable nature of the transfer window, and De Zerbi and his team must remain vigilant and patient as developments unfold.

For Brighton, the situation surrounding Caicedo’s future represents a crucial moment in their squad planning and ambitions for the upcoming season. Whether they manage to retain their talented midfielder or secure an adequate replacement, their decisions will undoubtedly influence the team’s dynamics and competitiveness in the Premier League.

As the transfer window progresses, the footballing world will closely monitor the developments concerning Caicedo’s future. His potential move to Chelsea or any other club could have implications not only for Brighton’s fortunes but also for the dynamics and balance of power within the league.

Aubameyang bows out

P. Aubameyang
Forward

Mauricio Pochettino’s revamp of Chelsea’s squad continues, as striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang completes his move to Marseille. The 34-year-old Gabon international’s transfer to the French club has been officially confirmed, marking the end of his challenging spell in west London.

During his time with Chelsea, Aubameyang struggled to make a significant impact, managing only one goal in 15 Premier League appearances. His situation worsened when then-manager Graham Potter omitted him from the squad for the Champions League knock-out stages in February.

Having previously played in Ligue 1 for St Etienne between 2011 and 2013, as well as having loan spells with Dijon, Lille, and Monaco, Aubameyang is familiar with French football. His move to Marseille presents a fresh opportunity for him to rediscover his form and showcase his talents in a league where he has previously found success.

Aubameyang’s arrival at Chelsea last September, in a swap deal that saw Marcos Alonso move to Barcelona, was met with hopes of bolstering the team’s attacking options. However, the striker struggled to adapt after the departure of former manager Thomas Tuchel, and it became apparent that his stay at Stamford Bridge would be short-lived.

This transfer follows the departure of other notable players from Chelsea this summer, including Kai Havertz and Mason Mount. Additionally, Romelu Lukaku, who previously wore the supposedly “cursed” number nine shirt at the club, has also left for Inter Milan. The ongoing clear-out is shaping Chelsea’s squad for the upcoming season, with several key players absent from their current pre-season tour of the United States.

For Mauricio Pochettino, the transfer window provides an opportunity to reshape Chelsea’s squad to align with his tactical vision and preferred playing style. Aubameyang’s departure opens up avenues for new attacking options to be explored and integrated into the team’s setup.

As the Premier League season approaches, Chelsea fans and football enthusiasts will closely watch Pochettino’s strategies and the potential arrival of new signings to gauge how they will impact the team’s performance and competitiveness in domestic and European competitions. On the other hand, Aubameyang’s move to Marseille is anticipated to revive his career and potentially provide a positive influence on the French club’s fortunes in the upcoming season.

 

Transfer News Daily

A Mouth-watering deal for Messi

Lionel Messi’s future remains uncertain, even after playing his final game for PSG on Saturday. There are reports suggesting that he has already agreed to move to Saudi Arabia.

According to one outlet, Lionel Messi’s camp has reportedly accepted a £1 billion offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

As Messi concludes his two-season spell at Paris Saint-Germain with the final game, his appearance at the Parc des Princes came after a brief suspension by PSG due to an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia. This incident has fueled speculation about Messi potentially moving to the Middle East once his contract expires at the end of the season. However, Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, has categorically denied these rumors.

Foot Mercato has now released a new report stating that Al-Hilal has overcome a major hurdle by reaching an agreement with Messi’s entourage. The French outlet claims that Messi’s camp has accepted a deal that would see him earn an astonishing sum of nearly £1 billion (€1.2 billion) over two years, equivalent to approximately £500 million per year. This amount surpasses the earnings of Messi’s former Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Hilal’s rivals Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Despite previous reservations expressed by Jorge Messi, Foot Mercato claims that the agent has already agreed to the offer, which would grant him the highest commission from a transfer in football history. Interestingly, this development comes despite Messi’s preference to return to his boyhood club Barcelona, where he achieved tremendous success, winning four Champions League titles and spending the majority of his career. However, Barcelona’s dire financial situation forced him to leave the club.

It is worth noting that two of Messi’s former Barcelona teammates and close friends, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, will also depart the Catalan club at the end of the season. While there have been rumors of the three reuniting at Al-Hilal, Busquets firmly denies that any agreement has been reached. In response to a question about Messi accepting an offer from Saudi Arabia, Busquets stated, “No, no, surely not. I give you my word.”

Tielemans move to Aston Villa confirmed

Aston Villa fans have expressed their praise for the club’s “impressive deal” after securing the signing of Youri Tielemans on a free transfer.

The fans of the Midlands club are currently elated following their qualification for next season’s Europa Conference League. Unai Emery has revived the will among Villa fans, turning the team’s fortunes around in less than nine months since taking over from the dismissed Steven Gerrard.

The former Arsenal manager has further solidified his position in the hearts of Villa fans by acquiring the services of the former Leicester City midfielder. Although Tielemans couldn’t help the Foxes avoid relegation from the Premier League, he holds an exceptional reputation in the division and has previously been linked with lucrative moves to Arsenal, Chelsea, and other clubs.

Tielemans will be Villa’s first signing of the new season, and the passionate Villans’ reactions indicate that the club has started the transfer window with a bang.

“Fantastic piece of business,” expressed one jubilant Villa supporter. “What an amazing signing,” quickly followed another. A neutral fan tweeted, acknowledging the shrewdness of Villa’s business, stating, “Good signing for Villa. Wasn’t long ago he was strongly linked to CL sides.”

“Wow, that’s a very exciting signing for Villa,” wrote a second neutral observer. Among the reactions, one dedicated Villa supporter defiantly taunted fans of the so-called ‘big six’ clubs, stating, “Wow, Villa just robbed the top six.” Despite being only 26 years old, Tielemans brings significant experience to the team.

The Reds loses interest in Sancho

Tottenham are contemplating a £50 million move for Jadon Sancho, the winger currently playing for Manchester United.

The 23-year-old star has faced challenges with fitness and form in the past year, prompting Reds manager Erik ten Hag to send him to the Netherlands for recovery midway through last season, both physically and mentally. While there was initially some improvement following his break, his performances have mostly been inconsistent at best.

As Sancho no longer enjoys an automatic spot in the England squad, with his exclusion from the Euro qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia, other clubs are closely monitoring his situation. Tottenham is one of those clubs, as they aim to regroup and rebuild under newly-appointed manager Ange Postecoglou in his first campaign. Negotiations for James Maddison, the playmaker from relegated Leicester City, began last week.

In addition to their £40 million offer for Maddison, Spurs are now ready to enter the race for Sancho, who has earned 23 caps for the Three Lions. Manchester United, who spent £72.9 million to acquire Sancho from Borussia Dortmund two years ago, are likely to demand close to £60 million for any potential deal. Dortmund has also expressed interest in bringing back the former Manchester City youth product, but only on a season-long loan.

Such a loan arrangement is not favorable for the Premier League giants. Without an imminent takeover on the horizon, Ten Hag understands that he must generate funds to invest in other areas crucial for his team’s progress.

This is why Tottenham believes it is worth testing United’s determination to retain a player who has yet to reach the heights he achieved as a teenager in Germany. Sancho’s most recent opportunity to shine came in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, where United’s Brazilian winger Antony was sidelined due to injury. However, Sancho failed to leave a significant impact and was substituted in the second half of the 2-1 defeat, further raising doubts about his ability to secure a regular spot in Ten Hag’s starting lineup.

Meanwhile, United is actively pursuing a £100 million deal for Tottenham’s captain, Harry Kane, while the North London club has been linked with a move for Harry Maguire, a defender from Old Trafford.

Overhauling the Blues

Country
Founded
1905
Stadium

Reports suggest that more than six Chelsea players have expressed their desire to leave the club during the upcoming summer transfer window.

After a tumultuous season filled with chaos both on and off the pitch, the Blues are bracing themselves for another period of significant changes. The season concluded on a lackluster note with a 1-1 draw against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, May 28.

Former interim manager Frank Lampard, who only managed to secure one victory out of the 11 games he oversaw, has now been officially replaced by Mauricio Pochettino, marking a much-needed fresh start for the club.

However, Pochettino and the board face a challenging task in the months ahead as they seek to unite a squad that has been severely lacking in motivation and confidence. The report suggests that Lampard faced significant difficulties in rallying the team following their Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid.

Under Pochettino’s management, a change in the team’s mentality is expected. The Argentine coach is known for his demanding training methods and has employed various tactics throughout his managerial career to enhance player mindset, such as engaging them in activities like walking over hot coals.

Regarding transfers, it appears that players like Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are unlikely to remain at the club. Additionally, club captain Cesar Azpilicueta may also be on his way out.

Chelsea is reportedly targeting a goalkeeper, midfielder, and striker in the market as they continue their active pursuit of signings. One of their targets is Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte, and there have been rumors of a potential reunion between Pochettino and Harry Kane. The club’s owner, Todd Boehly, has shown no signs of slowing down in terms of investment.

Chelsea are likely to see Mason Mount join Manchester United and Mateo Kovacic join Manchester City.

Both midfielders are approaching the final year of their contracts with the Blues, indicating their probable departure from Stamford Bridge this summer. Mount’s potential availability has attracted interest from clubs such as Liverpool and Arsenal in recent months. As a result, Chelsea has granted City permission to initiate talks with Kovacic, who has expressed a desire to join the Premier League champions despite interest from Bayern Munich and other clubs.

The potential departures of Mount and Kovacic could mark the beginning of a significant midfield overhaul under Pochettino. N’Golo Kante’s contract is expiring next month, and negotiations for an extension are not progressing positively. AC Milan is nearing the signing of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, while Conor Gallagher’s future at the club remains uncertain. Additionally, Denis Zakaria’s loan move from Juventus will not be made permanent.

One player certain to stay is Enzo Fernandez. Sporting Lisbon’s Manuel Ugarte has already been identified as a transfer target, and Pochettino is also interested in recruiting a new goalkeeper and striker.

There are also speculations surrounding the potential departures of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Christian Pulisic, Trevoh Chalobah, Hakim Ziyech, and Cesar Azpilicueta from the club.

 

Chelsea FC New Coach: What can we expect?

Chelsea made its third appointment for a permanent manager inside a year after its declaration of Pochettino on 29 May, 2023. With the season ending in a turmoil at Stamford Bridge that had four managers, £600m spent and a 12th-placed dismal finish, the Argentine knows a lot of work needs to be done. Graham Potter was given the reins to manage Chelsea last September on a five-year deal with the hope of creating a long-term strategy under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake ownership, who made the decision to ditch Champions League-winning Thomas Tuchel after a slightly bad start to the season. After six months and just 29 league goals, the new owners lost interest in the continuity of the contract and a replacement became imminent.

Who Are the Candidates?

At the time Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann, both free agents after their contracts got abruptly truncated by Spain and Bayern Munich respectively, were the initial frontrunners, prior to Mauricio Pochettino’s interview. “Mauricio’s experience, standards of excellence, leadership qualities and character will serve Chelsea Football Club well as we move forward,” said the clubs co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.

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“He is a winning coach, who has worked at the highest levels, in multiple leagues and languages. His ethos, tactical approach and commitment to development all made him the exceptional candidate.” Bruno Saltor took charge of one game as interim  head coach but had little interest in remaining in the role so former player and sacked manager Frank Lampard assumed the role for the rest of the season. Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner was also on the shortlist. Napoli’s Luciano Spaletti was never a likely option with his team closing in – and now winning – a historic Italian league title.

The Declaration

Pochettino emerged as the favorite to permanently succeed Graham Potter following a series of positive talks between the Argentine and Chelsea. The move towards Pochettino was welcomed in the Chelsea dressing-room, with players said to be positive and excited about his appointment. Pochettino’s conversations have focused around fitness concerns, in particular a need for a settled squad in pre-season and a manageable schedule. He has made it clear he is willing to work with current assets whilst also not being afraid to cut players out.

Coaching Style

Pochettino is known to play an attacking style of football and mostly uses a similar formation at the clubs he manages. He gives his squad instructions to build from the back, use a quick-pressing strategy to frighten and unnerve opponents and work the ball into the box. Pochettino has an excellent track record of bonding with and developing young players. If the Blues are to be molded into a real force again the progression of Mykailo Mudryk, Wesley Fofana, Enzo Fernandez, etc will be paramount. 

Previous Appointments

Poch began his managerial career in Espanyol in 2009 with the team struggling to survive relegation. Upon joining Espanyol, his task was to ransom the team from the imminent relegation. He had only recently acquired his UEFA Pro License in December 2008, and aside from a brief stint as the women’s team assistant coach, he had no prior coaching experience. His first match was home with FC Barcelona, coached by Pep Guardiola, in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Espanyol concluded the season comfortably without being relegated. Their most praiseworthy performance was a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the league rivalry, which was their first at Camp Nou in the competition in 27 years. In January 2013, he joined Southampton where he spent just a season before joining Tottenham in 2014.

He led Tottenham to two finals during his years, the Carabao Cup and Champions League final but lost both finals. He was then sacked in 2019 after a poor season. He moved to PSG in 2021 where he won three first major trophies in one and a half years before leaving in 2022.

Managerial Record

Matches                598

Won                      292

Drawn                   129

Lost                       177

Win Percentage     48.8%

Points per game    1.68        

Honors

Chelsea become the fifth club to be managed by new boss Mauricio Pochettino in his 14 year managerial career. Pochettino spent six years managing in the Premier League.

As a manager, he bagged very few trophies; Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions at Paris Saint Germain. He won the Premier League Manager of the Month four times during his years in England and was also given the London Football Awards Manager of the Year in 2018.