We still have some time before the summer transfer window reopens in Europe, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Barcelona determined to keep hold of Yamal
Barcelona appear set to block any move from Paris Saint-Germain for teen sensation Lamine Yamal, despite some astronomical figures being floated by various outlets.
Marca have reported that PSG are preparing an eye-watering €200 million move after watching the 16-year-old turn in a string of excellent performances in LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League this season.
Foot Mercato, however, says that no offer has been made for the Barcelona teenager yet and that Les Parisiens want to focus on developing the likes of Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé.
Sport have also referenced Marca’s report and have suggested that PSG have asked about Yamal, but have added that the academy graduate is one of the few players within Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona squad who is not available — whether that is for the reported €200m or any other amount.
Barca have given Yamal a contract until 2026, the maximum length allowed for a player his age by Spanish law, and already have a contract agreed for when he turns 18 that will keep him with Barca until the summer of 2030.
Yamal’s release clause is set at €1,000m, which means Barcelona are remaining calm about the situation despite the reported figures. Importantly, Yamal is understood to be keen to stay at Barcelona and succeed with the Catalan giants.
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PAPER GOSSIP
– Mohamed Salah has insisted to Sky Sports that Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool does not impact his own future. “It’s part of life now, that everything moves. Players have left already, very important players. The manager is also very important for the club and is leaving,” the 31-year-old said. “One day I will leave the club, but no [Klopp leaving doesn’t affect my future].” This comes amid Salah having been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
– Brentford will have to lower their demands for Ivan Toney from £100m to £60m to attract interest from top clubs, according to The Mirror. The 27-year-old has been widely linked with Chelsea and Arsenal, but the former face financial struggles while the latter could also look at Napoli‘s Victor Osimhen and Bologna‘s Joshua Zirkzee, among others.
– Juventus technical director Cristiano Giuntoli has had contacts with Mario Hermoso‘s agent about a possible summer move for the Atletico Madrid defender, reports Calciomercato, with the 28-year-old set to be a free agent when his contract expires in the summer. Hermoso’s salary request of €4m-per-year is within the Bianconeri’s parameters.
– Internazionale are looking at right-backs in case Denzel Dumfries moves on during the summer transfer window, says Tuttosport. Bologna’s Stefan Posch, Fiorentina‘s Michael Kayode and Spezia‘s Emil Holm (who is currently on loan at Atalanta) are the trio currently being considered by the Nerazzurri.
– Portland Timbers are nearing a deal to sign Club America forward Jonathan “Cabecita” Rodriguez, according to The Athletic. The 30-year-old would occupy a designated player spot for the Timbers, who have reached an agreement on major negotiation points with Las Águilas, meaning the final details are now being ironed out by both clubs.