The January transfer window of 2024 proved to be a disappointment for Premier League clubs, as they only spent a modest amount of just over £100 million on new players. This pales in comparison to the staggering £800 million+ spent in the previous year. The cautious approach of clubs can be attributed to the looming profit and sustainability rules (PSR), with Everton and Nottingham Forest facing charges for breaching these regulations. Additionally, the absence of Saudi Arabian investment, which fueled previous spending frenzies, had a significant impact on the transfer market across Europe. However, fans can look forward to a different scenario in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Real Madrid’s Pursuit of Mbappé Reaches a Climax
Sources have confirmed that Kylian Mbappé will finally make a highly anticipated free transfer to Real Madrid when his contract expires this summer. Although this saga has had numerous twists and turns in the past, it appears that Mbappé’s decision to join the Santiago Bernabéu is now set in stone. By moving to Real Madrid, he will forego a substantial bonus payment of around €80 million owed to him by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Frenchman’s arrival will strengthen an already electric attacking quartet consisting of Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, solidifying Real Madrid’s place as one of the most feared teams in the world.
Liverpool Facing Potential Departure of Salah
Liverpool may be bracing themselves for yet another major loss as Mohamed Salah’s future becomes uncertain. Al Ittihad, who placed a bid of €170 million for the Egyptian winger last summer, is expected to try again. Salah will only have one year left on his contract, giving Al Ittihad an advantageous position in negotiations. Liverpool’s last opportunity to secure a mammoth transfer fee for Salah is rapidly approaching. Losing both Salah and long-serving manager Jürgen Klopp in the same summer would undoubtedly spell the end of an era for the club.
Ivan Toney, who has openly expressed his desire to play for a top Premier League side, will likely see his aspirations come to fruition this summer. After serving an eight-month betting suspension, Toney’s determination to make up for lost time will only have intensified. As his contract only runs until 2025, Brentford, who have a history of selling players for significant profit, will likely accept that the time has come for him to leave. The likes of Chelsea and Arsenal are expected to enter the bidding for the talented striker. A standout performance for England at Euro 2024 could further complicate matters, but by September, Toney will likely have found a new home.
Karim Benzema’s Troubled Situation at Al Ittihad
Karim Benzema found himself on the verge of a late January transfer due to his increasingly strained relationship with Al Ittihad. The French striker reportedly trained in isolation after falling out with management and expressed his desire to depart. Despite interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, and his boyhood club Lyon, the astronomical wages he demands (over €100 million per year, tax-free), his advanced age (36), and concerns over his injury record hindered a potential move. While a reconciliation with Al Ittihad remains a possibility, Benzema may be forced to explore a return to European football if the impasse continues.
Victor Osimhen and the Limited Suitors for His Signature
Victor Osimhen has already made a decision about his future, but he has yet to reveal his destination. With a colossal €130 million release clause in his contract, only a handful of clubs can afford to secure his services. PSG, potentially seeking a replacement for Mbappé, and a few top-end Premier League clubs or those from Saudi Arabia are among the limited options. Fortunately for Osimhen, his versatile skillset makes him a valuable asset in any league or team. A move to big-spending Chelsea, who have long been searching for a solution to their striker problem, appears to be the most likely outcome.
As Newcastle United looks to comply with PSR regulations, it is expected that they will have to offload one of their star players in the summer of 2024. Among the potential departures, the most logical candidate is Guimarães. The Brazilian midfielder has made a tremendous impact on the club, propelling them from relegation candidates to Champions League qualification within a short period. With a reported release clause of over €100 million, Guimarães will undoubtedly command a significant fee. PSG has already emerged as a top suitor for the talented midfielder, according to reports from ESPN Brazil.
The Uncertain Future of Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne’s return from injury has reignited discussions about his future at Manchester City. The 32-year-old Belgian midfielder is approaching the final year of his contract, and while manager Pep Guardiola is keen to extend his stay, the decision ultimately lies with De Bruyne himself. Recent reports suggest that the Saudi Pro League is preparing to make a lucrative offer to lure De Bruyne away, providing City with a substantial transfer fee. Given his contract status, age, and recent injury concerns, City might be tempted by such an offer.
The saga surrounding Aaron Ramsdale’s surprise benching at the start of the season has subsided, with Brentford loanee David Raya solidifying his position as the No. 1 choice in goal. The absence of a January move dampened transfer speculation linking Ramsdale with Chelsea and Newcastle. However, come the summer transfer window, this topic is expected to regain traction. Ramsdale cannot afford to continue in a situation where he lacks playing time. Unfortunately, there is a general scarcity of goalkeeper vacancies among England and Europe’s top clubs. Ramsdale may need to wait for an injury or look to a club lower in the hierarchy to secure regular playing time. Additionally, his chances of becoming England’s No. 1 goalkeeper seem slim under the current circumstances.
PSG’s Search for a Replacement for Mbappé
With time to prepare for Mbappé’s departure, PSG will need to identify a suitable replacement. While they already possess talented forwards such as Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Marco Asensio, and Lee Kang-In, PSG’s history suggests that they will look to sign a marquee star to fill the void left by Mbappé. Although the likes of Marcus Rashford and Manchester United have been mentioned as potential targets, sources indicate that PSG is most interested in acquiring Rafael Leão. The Portuguese forward has a release clause of €175 million, but negotiations could lead Milan to accept a lower fee for his services.