The football transfer window is usually highly anticipated by many football fans, through a stressful time for clubs, managers and directors of football alike. It is made even harder during a summer where there are international football tournaments.
As such, the 2024 summer transfer window will be no different, especially with Euro 2024 and the Copa America currently in progress. It is often the case that clubs like to do business prior to tournaments because player’s values can sky-rocket after, though it can also provide a stage for some with a lower profile to impress for their country and earn a move to a top club.
While the summer transfer window is yet to really spring into life, we expect numerous clubs to be active soon – it usually just takes one or two big moves which causes a ripple effect. Below, we’ve taken a look at which clubs might be doing the most business this summer.
Liverpool
Many will be watching what the Reds do with interest and it could well be a summer of much change at Anfield. With Jurgen Klopp leaving and Arne Slot coming in from Feyenoord, it is likely he will have an idea of what he wants – it could well be a case of ‘out with the old, in with the new’.
Question marks will linger over talisman Mohamed Salah, entering the last season of his contract. A move to Saudi Arabia could well happen, after a strong pursuit from Al Ittihad who bid £150 million last summer. Fellow veterans, Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk could also attract interest from the Middle East.
It would mean an overhaul is needed and there have been links to Dutch centre-back Lutsharel Geertruida who plays for Slot’s former club, while Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie was reportedly on the radar in January. Certainly, midfield reinforcements are likely – definitely in defensive midfield, with Waturo Endo (signed last summer) understood to have been a stop-gap.
Luis Diaz is being linked to Barcelona, which could lead to a move for highly-rated Spain talent Nico Williams, while there have also been recent reports of Real Madrid’s attacking Turkish gem, Arda Guler making a switch to Merseyside after only one year in the Spanish capital.
Manchester United
Not a summer goes by where Man United aren’t linked to seemingly every high-profile player around Europe. With new shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe having played a major part already in reshuffling board level roles, this new direction could lead to a considerable and targeted recruitment campaign. Everton’s talented centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite continues to be linked, though negotiations have said to have stalled, after the Toffees rebuffed a £43 million plus add-ons opening offer for the 21-year-old.
With Casemiro attracting Saudi interest, it has seen the club move for PSG’s Uruguayan defensive midfielder, Manuel Ugarte after just one season in France following his move from Sporting Lisbon, though an initial offer was turned down.
The Red Devil’s problem for a number of years has seemingly been a lack of identity, caused by signing square pegs in round holes and ageing, high profile players. Considerable surgery to the squad is expected with an emphasis on signing younger players with huge potential.
It will likely lead to an exodus of personnel, with as many as 10 understood to be on their way out. In attack, Canadian international, Jonathan David, who plays for Lille is the latest to be linked and the prolific talent is understood to be available for just £20 million, though has a number of suitors.
Arsenal
The Gunners have made no secret of their ambitions to strengthen having come up short again in the Premier League title race. A striker, midfield partner for Declan Rice, a new winger, centre back and cover at full-back are areas that are said to be being considered.
However, it is understood that a number of outgoings will also happen, which will help to strengthen the club’s spending power.
Having failed with an attempt to attract RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who signed a one-year extension, attention has reportedly turned to lethal hitman Viktor Gyokeres, with a deal said to be imminent.
In his first season at Sporting Lisbon, the Swede has emerged as one of the best centre forwards on the continent and he could be available for a reasonable price. Meanwhile, young Dutch attacker Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna) who has shades of Dennis Bergkamp about him is also on the radar. Signing both would be a major statement.
Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven talent, Johan Bakayoko is reportedly being lined up to provide competition to Bukayo Saka and Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino could be brought in to partner Rice after seemingly failing to seduce his teammate, Martin Zubimendi. Atalanta’s Brazilian lynchpin, Ederson could also be a mouthwatering option.
Tottenham
It was a great maiden campaign for Ange Postecoglu in the Premier League after his appointment as Spurs manager and after some shrewd business last summer, he will be looking to build on that.
Reinforcing their forward line is a priority and they are reportedly close to signing Polish star, Sebastian Szymanski from Fenerbahce, while they could enter into a bidding war with Man Utd for (Jonathan) David. Crystal Palace talent, Eberechi Eze is also said to be under consideratoin, along with Italian centre-back Riccardo Califiori (Bologna), with both likely to command substantial fees.
Chelsea
After spending in excess of £1 billion over the last two years, there will be some intrigue surrounding Chelsea after the appointment of new manager Enzo Maresca. Latest reports have linked the club to Newcastle United hitman Alexander Isak, though it is understood they will have to break the £200 million barrier to seal the deal.
Hoffenheim striker, Maximillian Beier is another name that they are understood to be interested in, with the 21-year-old having had a productive campaign in front of goal last season.
Meanwhile, there are, unsurprisingly more links to South American talent, with Boca Juniors centre-back Aaron Anselmio said to be on their radar, who is highly coveted.
