It’s moving week on a number of significant moves in the transfer window.
Darwin Nunez’s imminent move to Liverpool, which could be confirmed in the early part of the week, will be the first of a week when firm indications about the intentions of some of the big close season movers will be revealed. Here’s what we expect to happen.
Darwin Nunez (Benfica to Liverpool)
After Manchester City brokered a deal for Erling Haaland, it was critical that Liverpool responded. By taking Nunez, widely viewed in scouting circles as the next player in a big European league most likely to step into the elite bracket, they have done that.
A deal is at an advanced stage and sources in Portugal /claim it will be wrapped up with a medical in Madrid on Monday after an agreement of a fee of £64million was brokered with Benfica. i understands an announcement could come as early as Monday afternoon if all goes to plan. Julian Ward, Liverpool’s sporting director, had spent the weekend in Lisbon negotiating a deal which could rise as high as £85million if appearance and performance clauses are met.
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Liverpool’s front three has propelled them to trophies and unprecedented heights in recent years but signing Nunez is part of the recognition that evolution is necessary. There may not be a bigger deal – in terms of price or significance – all summer.
Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona to Manchester United)
It is ridiculously early to be criticising Manchester United for ponderous dealings but Erik ten Hag needs a statement signing at some point in the close season.
De Jong represents just that – ticking the box of someone who can fit into his desired way of playing while also improving his squad instantly. Barcelona need to sell to finance their own rebuilding and there is a very willing buyer.
In Spain, they feel it is only a matter of time.
Richarlison (Everton to Spurs)
It will be a transformative close season at Goodison Park, where the realities of the Frank Lampard revolution are that funds need to be raised to take a scalpel to a squad that isn’t fit for purpose.
i understands the Toffees want Hull City forward Keane Lewis-Potter, who has excelled for England under-21 alongside Anthony Gordon, but that kind of move would require serious finance. And given Everton’s precarious tip-toeing around Financial Fair Play regulations the reality is they may have to listen to offers for some of their best players.
Richarlison, though, feels like somewhere to build a team around. The noises from Goodison Park are that it would require a huge fee, and Spurs have not yet formalised their interest.
Any deal feels a fair way off but we can perhaps expect developments over the next seven days.
Sven Botman (Lille to Newcastle)
The presence of newly-installed Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth in Llanelli over the weekend was no coincidence. With Sven Botman starring for the Netherlands under-21 side, it was a sign that the Magpies are serious about finally securing a player who has been their priority defensive target for seven months.
Milan have matched them along the way but Newcastle sources were growing increasingly confident that this week would see movement.
Moving for another young player whose stock is high would consolidate a Newcastle approach which is very different from the policy of signing tried and trusted megastars that was assumed when the Saudi PIF assumed control.
James Tarkowski (Burnley to Everton)
Having agreed terms and a contract length with the Toffees, Tarkowski’s move should finally be rubber-stamped in the early part of the week.
It is a move that makes sense: Everton desperately need to stiffen up their back line and Tarkowski needs a platform to try and lever his way into the England team before November’s World Cup.
Saido Mane (Liverpool to Bayern Munich)
The word from Germany is that Bayern Munich will return this week with a more substantial offer for Mane, who is rated by Liverpool at the £40million mark.
It would be quite a moment if the Reds accepted the offer, undeniably their biggest recruitment gamble of an era where their boldness has paid off spectacularly. Mane’s attitude to a new deal and Liverpool’s reticence to sign up a 30-year-old to a long-term deal points towards movement in this one.
Given Mane’s importance, his ability and how few signs there are of him slowing down, Liverpool are taking a risk. This week could offer clues as to what comes next.
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