It’s been one of the most memorable Summer transfer windows in football history: the rapid emergence of the Saudi Pro League as a viable transfer option for the likes of Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane, Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, and Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson, who are just three of the big names to join Cristiano Ronaldo in making the move from Europe to the Middle East. And that’s not even factoring in the mammoth £100m+ moves for the likes of Harry Kane, Moises Caicedo, and Jude Bellingham.
But there’s still time for some big transfers to unfold before the window shuts at the end of August, here’s the five you need to keep an eye out for!
5) Marco Verratti to Al Arabi
For much of the last few years, Marco Verratti has been second to Mbappe as the most consistent player at PSG: unfortunately, that’s regarding Verratti’s form as well as his time spent on the injury list.
Making the move to the Middle East, the Italian midfield maestro had been tenuously linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, but it’s now widely anticipated that the 30-year-old Verratti will instead ply his trade in Qatar for Al Arabi.
A big money move for one of Europe’s most underrated talents, Verratti’s departure seemingly signals the end of one chapter at PSG, as many of the new transfers and young guard expect to step up and deliver Les Parisiens to glory like Verratti and co did so for years prior.
Read More: Top 5 Premier League Transfer So Far...
4) Emile Smith-Rowe to Chelsea
For a manager dedicated to developing youthful talent and integrating them completely into his squad, it’s a surprise at just how few minutes and opportunities Mikel Arteta has handed to Emile Smith-Rowe compared to many who also ‘broke through’ in the early 2020s.
Once affectionately dubbed ‘the Croydon KDB’, Smith-Rowe’s place in the Arsenal pecking order has drastically fallen: thanks mainly to the presence of Martin Odeegard, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli in the young Englishman’s preferred attacking positions.
It’s unlikely Arsenal and Arteta will want to sell one of their players to a direct rival, but if rumours are to be believed that the Gunners are planning one last clear out of talent, Smith-Rowe could very well be the next young player to line up at Stamford Bridge next season.
🚨 Al-Arabi's offer for Marco Verratti is not enough given PSG's demands. 🇶🇦❌🇮🇹
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 29, 2023
Negotiations are continuing. The Italian still doesn't know where he will play next season.
(Source: @lequipe) pic.twitter.com/LBOwYAEfoR
3) Marc Cucurella to Manchester United
Just how bad is the injury to mainstay LB Luke Shaw for Manchester United to be this desperately scouring the transfer market for a replacement of Cucurella’s calibre?
Having been linked with the likes of Alonso, Reguillon, and Rico Henry already this week, ten Hag nor the Glazers likely won’t receive any extra fan support if they bring in the Chelsea flop, who has failed to impress following his colossal transfer from Brighton last season.
With rumours surrounding Maatsen going to Burnley, and doubts over the full fitness of Ben Chilwell across a 40-50 game season, Cucurella has become a player can’t truly afford to part ways with this at this time, though the prospect of increased game time at Old Trafford might be enough to sway the 25-year-old Spaniard to switch from blue to red for this season at least.
2) Brennan Johnson to Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou hasn’t put a foot wrong yet during his time as Tottenham manager, with Spurs enjoying a fine start to the Premier League season and player harmony at its highest in a long time.
Could a move for the highly-regarded Welsh winger Brennan Johnson be another step in the right direction, or the first misfire of the Australian’s tenure?
Johnson may have proven prolific for Nottingham Forest when they needed him most, but in an ambitious Spurs team with a misfiring Son and Richarlison already up, Postecoglou and co. would need Johnson to hit the ground running to even begin to justify the expected £50m+ price tag.
🚨 Man Utd have submitted proposal to sign Marc Cucurella from Chelsea. #CFC responded, talks ongoing. Offer is initial loan + clubs discussing various parameters around that. #MUFC like 25yo for Ten Hag system; top candidate as things stand @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/QSoDdaayOC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 29, 2023
1) Mohamed Salah to Al Ittihad
In a transfer window that’s seen Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Harry Kane all make groundbreaking moves, this could be the exclamation point on what’s been a seismic Summer transfer period.
In a move in which international press believes is designed to cement Salah as the biggest sporting name in both the Middle East and wider Arabic world, the 31-year-old could receive a salary that eclipses even the biggest names on the scene: including a Mr C Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
In a window which has already seen Henderson and Fabinho make the move from Liverpool to Saudi Arabia, the biggest payday of them all could come at the expense of their very best player. The Egyptian has already conquered England and won all there is to win for his team, but with so little time to find an even half adequate replacement, surely Liverpool aren't mad enough to let Salah go so soon...right?
By Jaspar Shepherdson (@jasparshepmedia on Instagram and Twitter)
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