The summer transfer window is open for the Premier League and is set to open across Europe soon, and 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: Bayern considering €100m Simons move
Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder Xavi Simons remains high on Bayern Munich‘s short list but would attract a transfer fee of close to €100 million, according to Sport Bild.
Bayern’s new sporting director Max Eberl is very familiar with the 21-year-old having been the person who took him to RB Leipzig, where Simons spent last season on loan, recording 10 goals and 15 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.
Eberl will now hope to resolve the tangle that involves Simons’ current club PSG, his former team PSV Eindhoven — who would be entitled to some of the funds earned from any move up until 2025 — as well as RB Leipzig. Simons has spoken of a “transfer trapeze” due to all clubs involved, while Bayern feel that completing a deal for him would be a real statement for them.
The Dutchman was ranked as the 16th best midfielder in the world in this year’s FC 100 and pairing him with excitement machine Jamal Musiala, also 21, in the heart of their attack would be a big move for the future of the Bavarian giants. Simons is now in Germany for the European Championship, where he played 62 minutes in the Netherlands‘ 2-1 opening win over Poland.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo will be Bayer Leverkusen‘s first option to replace Edmond Tapsoba should he join PSG this summer, according to Foot Mercato. Todibo is also being looked at by Borussia Dortmund, Aston Villa and Juventus, although Juve are also reportedly talking to Bologna‘s Riccardo Calafiori. Fabrizio Romano has all-but ruled Manchester United out of the running for Todibo because of UEFA rules and the complexities surrounding Nice and United having the same ownership.
– Manchester United are not willing to pay Michael Olise‘s €70m release clause, reports Foot Mercato, which adds that this stance damages their chances of signing the winger from Crystal Palace. That point is accentuated by Chelsea being happy to trigger the 22-year-old’s clause with Blues owner Todd Boehly determined to make the club competitive again.
– Bayern Munich and Fulham are getting closer to reaching an agreement regarding João Palhinha, reports Sky Sports Deutschland, although it is stated that there is still not a complete agreement with negotiations ongoing. Bayern are currently offering between €43m and €45m for the 28-year-old midfielder and have reached a verbal agreement with him, with a contract ready that will last until 2028.
– Fabrizio Romano has reported that Aston Villa and Juventus continue to work on a swap deal with Juventus involving Douglas Luiz. United States midfielder Weston McKennie could be out of the deal and Moise Kean won’t be an option, Enzo Barrenechea is a possibility being discussed while Dean Huijsen is appreciated but is also expensive.
– Union Berlin centre-back Diogo Leite is among AC Milan‘s priorities as they look to strengthen their backline, reports Rudy Galetti, who adds that contacts with the 25-year-old’s entourage continue. It will take €18m for Union to begin evaluating any proposals with Bayer Leverkusen also interested.