Highlights:
- Ronaldo keen on quitting Manchester United the following summer
- Egyptian King Mohamed Salah to stay at Liverpool
- Meymar indicates an inclination to leave Paris-Saint Germain
It’s that time of year when football teams worldwide strive to strengthen their lineups while fans drool over the thought of fantasy squads and dream signings. The 2022–23 transfer season is already proving to be quite the rollercoaster. And there’s still over a month left! Buckle up as we examine what appears to be a turbulent season of signings, releases, and everything that goes with them.
The last week saw several agreements come to fruition and a flurry of rumours fly like wildfire over the internet. This transfer season has kept the viewers on the edge of their seats with more twists and turns than your typical pulpy thriller.
The Ronaldo Dilemma
Cristiano Ronaldo had asked to leave Manchester United should the Red Devils receive a favourable offer during the transfer season, which was huge. The superstar Portuguese player reportedly decided because he wants to play in the Champions League for the remainder of his career. According to the source, Ronaldo thinks he has “three or four years” at the top level to win significant titles.
If Robert Lewandowski decides to leave the team for Barcelona, Bayern Munich is considered to be the favourite. It has also been said that a return to the Italian team Juventus is possible. United, though, has emphasised that he is not up for sale.
As Tyrell Malacia’s transfer to Manchester United from Feyenoord is the biggest news of the previous week, hijacks appear to be the day’s flavour. According to sources, a contract for the left-back had already been reached between Feyenoord and French club Lyon before Manchester United surged in and appeared to be close to signing the player.
The second biggest hijack apparently involved Barcelona outbidding Chelsea for Leeds’ Raphinha. Barcelona has matched the price made by the London club and Leeds for the attacker, which was originally set at €60 million. Meanwhile, according to the Sun, Raphinha is seeking a transfer to Barcelona and has reportedly ordered his agency Deco to thwart Chelsea’s efforts. It should be noted that Raphinha had not yet signed to personal terms with the Blues when Leeds and Chelsea agreed on the first sum. Leeds maintains that they have only so far accepted Chelsea’s £60 million offer.
However, Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, declared on Saturday that Raphinha “wants to come to Barça. Leeds and I are in contact and have chatted. Fabrizio Romano cited him as saying, “What’s there is that there are other clubs that want Raphinha and are making their approaches.”
Manchester United Indicate Intent
The English powerhouse Manchester United was uncharacteristically silent during the early stages of the transfer market, but they have now begun to signal their intentions by confirming the signing of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord, according to Fabrizio Romano. According to reports, United and Arsenal are competing to sign Ajax’s Lisandro Martnez.
Tyrell Malacia will fly to Manchester on Sunday in order to undergo first part of medical tests and then sign the contract as new Manchester United player. ?? #MUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2022
Medical will be completed on Monday as club duties too, Malacia will sign until 2026-option for further season.
In better news, the Daily Star reports that United are close to signing playmaker Christian Eriksen of Denmark, whose short-term deal with Brentford expired this summer.
Another development that may not be as shocking is that Paulo Dybala’s representatives have been contacted by Manchester United to inquire about his potential interest in relocating to England, according to FCInterNews. Dybala might work well in Cristiano Ronaldo’s place, given that they might lose him.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah To Continue With The Reds
The biggest news out of Liverpool this week has nothing to do with getting a brand-new toy; instead, it has to do with preserving an essential object in their festive past. Following Sadio Mane’s departure for Bayern Munich, rumours surfaced that Mohamed Salah would also be leaving. The Merseyside faithful were relieved when their “Egyptian King” decided to sign a new long-term LFC deal on Friday. Although Liverpool withheld information, Sky Sports claimed that the Egyptian international had signed a contract that would last until 2025.
Neymar No Longer With PSG?
According to ESPN, Neymar is considering leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer after learning the club is okay with him going.
Neymar has five years left on a new contract he signed with PSG a year ago after a rumoured provision to extend it until 2027 was supposedly triggered.
ESPN also states that Chelsea and Manchester United, who, according to 90min.com, have been contacted by the Brazilian’s agent, are potential suitors.
Paul Pogba and Ángel Di María
Paul Pogba and Angel Di Mara’s contracts with Juventus will be officially finalised next week, claims Fabrizio Romano. “Allegri wants two elite signings to join as free agents. For Pogba, everything is set; Di Mara needs to review the contracts and announce the new Juve players, he tweeted.
This year saw the conclusion of Pogba’s dismal tenure at Manchester United, while Di Maria left French champions Paris Saint-Germain.