Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
Motta could take over at Lille
Thiago Motta could be set to take over as Lille head coach, reports Le10Sport.
The Ligue 1 champions are in the market for a new manager after Christophe Galtier departed this week.
Former PSG midfielder Motta has managed PSG’s U-19 side as well as a brief stint in charge of Genoa in 2019.
Man City, Man Utd and Liverpool chase Varane
Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool are chasing Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, reports Sport.
The France international is aiming to leave Madrid this summer and has identified the Premier League as his ideal landing spot.
Varane’s contract with Real will expire at the end of next season.
Galtier closes in on Nice move
Former Lille manager Christophe Galtier is nearing a deal to take over at Nice, reports journalist Saber Desfarges.
Galtier departed Lille this week after leading the club to a Ligue 1 title and has identified Nice as his preferred next destination.
Talks are underway between Nice and Lille over buying out the final year of the coach’s contract.
Wolves expecting Neves sale
Wolves are expecting to sell midfielder Ruben Neves this summer, reports The Athletic.
The 24-year-old joined from Porto in 2017 when Wolves were in the Championship, and has been one of the club’s most vital players since then.
Neves is expected to cost around £35 million ($49m).
Bristol Rovers confirm four signings
Bristol Rovers have confirmed four new signings as the League One side led by Joey Barton starts to build for 2021-22.
Former Fleetwood midfielders Paul Coutts and Sam Finley have joined the club, along with ex-Carlisle captain Nick Anderton and Mark Hughes from Accrington.
Liverpool to sign Konate to five-year deal
Liverpool will sign Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig on a five-year contract, reports ESPN.
The Reds will pay the defender’s €41.5 million (£36m/$51m) release clause ahead of completing the move.
Konate has already completed a medical and will officially join Liverpool after playing in the Under-21 European Championship with France.
Union eye move for Powell
The Philadelphia Union are eyeing a move for Al-Hilal defender Alvas Powell, reports MLS Multiplex.
Powell only joined the Sudanese team in January but is already looking at a move back to MLS.
The 26-year old played with Portland, FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami over seven years in MLS.
Leicester closing in on £18m Soumare
Leicester City are closing in on a deal for Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, reports Sky Sports.
The 22-year-old will join on a fee that could rise to £18 million ($25m).
Bayern Munich want to sign on-loan USMNT teenager Che, confirms Berhalter
U.S. men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter has confirmed that Bayern Munich want to sign on-loan defender Justin Che to a permanent deal.
The 17-year-old has made a major impression with the Bundesliga champions since joining from FC Dallas in February, training with Bayern’s first team and making eight appearances for Bayern II.
Che earned his first senior call-up to the USMNT this month after his displays in Germany.
What was said?
“Justin has incredible potential and made such a great impression at Sabener Strasse that Munich want to keep him,” Berhalter told Sport Bild.
“Bayern are a great club and it is a great sign when those in charge believe in this young player and plan for the future with him.
“It’s a great honour for Justin and a strong symbol for us as a U.S. team. If Justin continues to play at Bayern, it will help him develop and improve the quality of our national team.”
Berhalter speaks out on other Germany-based USMNT stars
In addition to Che, Schalke forward Matthew Hoppe earned his first senior USMNT call-up this month for a friendly against Switzerland.
Hoppe enjoyed a breakout six-goal campaign for Schalke this term, though the Royal Blues finished bottom of the Bundesliga and were relegated.
“Matthew just played a strong season for a young player,” Berhalter said of the 20-year-old. “I really like his development.”
Asked if Hoppe should stay at Schalke as they move to the second division, Berhalter said: “Hard to say. Usually Schalke has to play for promotion and if Matthew plays an important role in this mission, it would be good for his personality and his development.
“If the club managed to get promoted again thanks to his goals, that would be huge for him.”
Berhalter also spoke about teenage Borussia Dortmund star Gio Reyna, saying: “He has integrated well with the national team, has convinced in training and in the games. I am very happy with his development.”
‘Our paths divide here’ – Maldini confirms Donnarumma will leave AC Milan as free agent
AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has confirmed that goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will leave the club this summer as a free agent.
Donnarumma made his Milan debut at age 16 and has established himself as one of the top young goalkeepers in world football after serving as Milan’s starter for the past six seasons.
Now 22, the Italy international is set to have plenty of options as he hits the open market.
What was said?
“He was a protagonist, a leader and often a captain,” Maldini said of the goalkeeper during an interview on the official AC Milan Twitch channel.
“A professional must also be ready to change his shirt,” Maldini continued. “It is increasingly difficult to start a career in one place and finish it there.
“We must thank those who gave so much for Milan and Gigio did it, without ever disrespecting the club. Our paths divide here and I can only wish him the best.”
Who will replace Donnarumma?
With Donnarumma heading for the exit, AC Milan have already identified Lille’s Mike Maignan as their preferred replacement.
The 25-year-old France international has been spotted in Milan this week ahead of a medical, with a move likely to be announced in the coming days.
Milan will pay a reported fee of €15 million (£13m/$18m) for Maignan, who helped Lille to an unlikely Ligue 1 championship this term.
Where will Donnarumma end up?
At just 22, Donnarumma is already considered one of the world’s top goalkeepers and with clubs not required to pay a transfer fee for his services, there will likely be a host of suitors.
Chelsea, Tottenham and Juventus are just a few of the clubs who have been linked with Donnarumma, with further reports stating he has been offered to Barcelona as well.
Donnarumma has made more than 250 first-team appearances for AC Milan and has 25 senior caps for Italy.
Moya to depart Real Sociedad
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT | @M_A_Moya will not continue at the club.#AurreraReala pic.twitter.com/bXQ5R3TDZB
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) May 26, 2021
Conte leaves Inter over dispute with club owners following Serie A title win
Antonio Conte will leave Inter after guiding the Milan outfit to the Serie A crown, the club has announced, bringing the curtain down on a two-year stay at San Siro.
The 51-year-old, previously a Scudetto winner with Juventus as well as a Premier League champion with Chelsea, led the Nerazzurri to a first top-flight title for over a decade in his sophomore season at the helm.
Yet even as the club has marched towards the trophy, friction between the manager and the club’s hierarchy over the future of the team has grown, resulting in Conte’s exit mere days after adding another honour to his repertoire.
Why has Conte left?
Even before the title was assured, Inter’s majority owners Suning Holdings Group and club chairman Steven Zhang had alluded to a financial overhaul in the Nerazzurri’s operations.
Conte was believed to have been adamant about ensuring the nucleus of his squad remained unchanged, with deals for players such as Romelu Lukaku an essential priority.
However, management above him refused to offer such assurances, leading to several no-shows for media conferences from the coach, with assistant Cristian Stellini often deputising for post-match duties.
What has the club said?
In a statement released on Wednesday, Inter announced: “FC Internazionale Milano announces that it has reached an agreement for the consensual termination of Antonio Conte’s contract.
“The whole Club would like to thank Antonio for the extraordinary work he has done, which culminated in winning a nineteenth Scudetto.
“Antonio Conte will forever remain in the history of the Club.”
What will Inter do next?
Simone Inzaghi and Massimiliano Allegri are just some of the names mooted as Conte’s potential replacement, but wth Euro 2020 likely to dominate the off-season for several key players, the club may choose to wait before appointing a successor.
The former has been tipped to leave Lazio and make the move to Milan, while the latter has been out of management since he stood down at Juventus.
Conte meanwhile is expected to be handed a payout of €6.5 million (£5.6m/$7.9m) to cover the remainder of his contract.
Trabzonspor confirm Gervinho and Peres
Welcome to Trabzonspor, Gervinho! 🔥 2️⃣7️⃣ pic.twitter.com/gfWcVtEhfl
— Trabzonspor English (@TrabzonsporEN) May 26, 2021
Boateng not interested in MLS switch as he eyes move to England, Spain or Italy
Jerome Boateng isn’t currently interested in a move to MLS as he seeks to remain at the highest possible level in European football following his release from Bayern Munich.
Goal and SPOX can confirm that reports linking Boateng with a switch to the US are wide of the mark, with the 32-year-old still having designs on working his way back into the Germany national team squad.
Indeed, Boateng, who has won 76 caps for his country, was absent from Joachim Low’s 26-man party for the European Championship this summer, despite having featured prominently for Bayern this season.
What next for Boateng?
Boateng was released by Bayern following the conclusion of his contract at the end of the 2020-21 season, with the Bavarians having secured their ninth Bundesliga title in a row.
Despite the centre-back having played a significant role in Bayern’s success over the years, there would be no agreement over a new contract, with Dayot Upamecano due to arrive from RB Leipzig in the summer.
Reports had suggested that Boateng will head to MLS and continue his career away from Europe.
However, Goal can confirm that the defender is convinced that he can still operate at the top level, with a move to a top-flight club in England, Spain or Italy a possibility.
After spending the last 10 years of his career in his native Germany, it is understood that Boateng would not be interested in moving to one of Bayern’s Bundesliga rivals.
Boateng’s agency, LIAN Sports, are in the process of evaluating several offers, with the player keen to have his next club sorted ahead of a return to pre-season training in the summer months.
He is also seeking a move that will help his chances of regaining his place in the Germany national team.
And his chances may be boosted by the fact that his former club manager, Hansi Flick, will be Germany’s head coach following the European Championship, with Boateng having not featured for his country since 2018.
Boateng’s Bayern career
Boateng enjoyed incredible success following his switch to Bayern from Manchester City back in 2011.
He helped the Bavarians win the last nine Bundesliga titles in a row, including the most recent triumph in the 2020-21 season that saw Boateng make 39 appearances in all competitions.
Bale retirement rumours dismissed
Rumours suggesting that Gareth Bale is planning to retire from football after the European Championship are false, Fabrizio Romano reports.
There had been speculation that the Real Madrid forward was planning on calling it quits, although he is waiting to decide his future ahead of a meeting between Tottenham and the Spanish club.
Wilshere undecided over Bournemouth future
Jack Wilshere has revealed he isn’t sure if he’ll continue playing for Bournemouth, with his short-term deal coming to an end.
The former West Ham midfielder joined the Cherries back in January although was unable to steer them back into the Premier League following their play-off defeat to Brentford.
Wilshere wrote on Instagram: “Thank you to everyone at Bournemouth for the last five months. My team-mates, all the staff and especially the fans. You were amazing last time and continued to support me this time.
“Being honest, I don’t know if this is the end. The coming weeks will tell. Unfortunately we didn’t reach our goal of promotion but there is plenty of positives and experience to take into next year to get this club back where it belongs! Have a good summer.”
Glasner named new Frankfurt head coach
Welcome, Oliver! 👋🦅
Oliver Glasner is the new head coach of Eintracht Frankfurt, succeeding Adi Hütter. The Austrian signed a three-year contract on Wednesday. ✍️#SGE pic.twitter.com/jSTm94KGzb
— Eintracht Frankfurt (@eintracht_eng) May 26, 2021
Juve chief Paratici to depart after 11 years of service
Fabio Paratici will leave Juventus.https://t.co/NtRBYUMbkv pic.twitter.com/rRco9VzqHp
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) May 26, 2021
Atletico in talks to sign Dybala (Cadena SER)
Juve star touted for Wanda Metropolitano switch
Atletico Madrid are in talks to sign Juventus midfielder Paulo Dybala – according to Cadena SER.
The Italian giants are eager to get the Argentine, who has previously been linked with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, off their books due to his €7 million-per-year wages.
Juve have already proposed a swap deal for Dybala involving Atletico’s Angel Correa, but Diego Simeone is thought to prefer a more straightforward transfer.
Juve ready to offload Demiral
Juventus are ready to offload Merih Demiral in the summer transfer window – as Calcio Mercato reports.
The 23-year-old is unhappy with a lack of regular minutes at the Allianz Stadium and the Bianconeri are prepared to let him go if they receive a suitable offer.
Demiral was restricted to only 24 appearances across all competitions for Juve in 2020-21, including just 15 in Serie A.
Arsenal & Lyon negotiating Paris-Miedema swap deal
Arsenal and Lyon are locked in negotiations over a potential swap deal involving Nikita Parris and Vivianne Miedema – according to The Guardian.
The Gunners are hoping to finalise an agreement with the French outfit as they seek to avoid losing Miedema on a free transfer when her contract expires in 2022.
However, Arsenal will still pursue Parris if Lyon reject the exchange, having seen her win three trophies in France since her move from Manchester City in 2019.
West Ham target Spartak midfielder Kral
West Ham have identified Spartak Moscow midfielder Alex Kral – according to Sky Sports.
The Hammers are one of five Premier League clubs thought to be chasing the 23-year-old, who still has three years remaining on his current contract.
Kral is open-minded when it comes to his future, but could yet decide to remain at Spartak following their progression to the final Champions League qualifying round.
Getafe announce Bordelas’ departure
🗓 Entrenador con más partidos en la historia del Club (212)
👍 83 victorias
⬆ 1 Ascenso a Primera División
🇪🇺 1 Clasificación para @EuropaLeague
🙌 ¡Gracias por todo míster! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/8BfONRdBA4
— Getafe C.F. (@GetafeCF) May 26, 2021
PSV announce Ramalho signing
𝑩𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒎 𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒂𝒂𝒂𝒂𝒂𝒂 🇧🇷😍#VooruitAndré
— PSV International (@psveindhoven) May 26, 2021
‘Koeman might stay at Barcelona beyond 2021-22’ – Dutchman’s job is safe for now, says agent
Ronald Koeman might end up staying at Camp Nou beyond the 2021-22 season, according to his agent Rob Jansen, who says the Barcelona coach’s job is safe for now.
Koeman inherited the managerial reins at Barca following Quique Setien’s sacking last summer, and quickly set about stamping his own mark on a confidence-stricken squad.
The Dutchman was able to deliver Copa del Rey glory in his first season at the helm, but the Blaugrana fell short in the Primera Liga title race and the Champions League, and it has been reported that the club have been considering another change in the dugout.
What’s been said?
However, Jansen has moved to quash the speculation over Koeman’s future after a constructive meeting with Barca president Joan Laporta on Monday.
Koeman’s agent told De Telegraaf: “There was a positive atmosphere during the meeting and I personally left it with a good feeling. There was mutual respect.
“The feeling is even that positive that Ronald might even stay longer (than 2021-22). But we have not got this far yet, more conversations will follow.”
Koeman’s record at Barca
Koeman has already overseen 52 games in all competitions as Barca head coach, recording 34 wins, 10 defeats and eight draws.
One of their most painful losses was inflicted by Paris Saint-Germain, who ran out 4-1 winners in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash at Camp Nou in February.
Barca ultimately exited the competition after a 1-1 draw at Parc des Princes in the second leg, before suffering more heartbreak in La Liga.
Koeman’s men finished third in the Spanish top flight after winning just two of their final six matches – seven points behind eventual champions Atletico Madrid.
Koeman’s assessment of debut season at Camp Nou
Koeman’s salvation came in the form of an impressive 4-0 victory over Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey final, with a Lionel Messi brace and goals from Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann clinching the trophy for Barca.
The Blaugrana completed their campaign with a 1-0 league win against Eibar, after which Koeman insisted he will need to be backed in the transfer market in order to take the team to the next level.
“When we arrived we took the template that was available,” he told reporters. “[Sergino] Dest only came on the last day. For me this squad is not made to have the level that it demands and that we want for Barcelona.
“There are older players with all due respect. And there are young players who have to gain more experience to be better. The project is not done, in one season you cannot do everything.”
Dortmund ‘want Mainz defender St Juste’
Borussia Dortmund are keen to sign centre-back Jeremiah St. Juste from Mainz, claim Bild.
The 24-year-old, who can also play at right-back, was registered as the fastest player in the Bundesliga last season.
He impressed as Mainz avoided relegation and incoming Dortmund manager Marco Rose is reportedly a fan. Bild say St Juste would cost in the region of €15 million.
Barca reach agreement to sign Wijnaldum (Fabrizio Romano)
Liverpool star bound for Camp Nou
Juventus chief Paratici ‘set to depart’
Juventus’ chief football officer Fabio Paratici will leave the club amid a shake-up of the senior hierarchy at the deposed Italian champions, according to reports.
Tuttosport say Paratici, who has been with Juve for 11 years and seen the club win Serie A in nine of those, will be replaced after a disappointing season under rookie coach Andrea Pirlo that saw them lose the league to Inter.
Paratici has been closely involved in managing Juve’s loan system and their youth ranks, including establishing their U23 team who play in Serie C.
Bayern No 2 Nubel to stay
Bayern Munich will not allow reserve goalkeeper Alexander Nubel to leave the club on loan next season, according to Bild.
Nubel, who joined Bayern on a free transfer last summer, has only played four times for the club with Manuel Neuer still the established No 1.
He is reportedly unhappy on the bench, and several French clubs – including Marseille, Monaco and new Ligue 1 champions Lille – are said to be interested, however Bayern want a good quality back-up for Neuer and are not interested in signing another goalkeeper.
Conte to leave Inter despite Serie A triumph (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Having led to Milan club to league glory, the manager is reportedly set to depart
Antonio Conte will leave Serie A champions Inter this summer due to the financial constraints on the club, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Conte took Inter to their first league title for 11 seasons, however the Milan club are in dire financial straits and would not be able to give him any sizable funds to reinforce his squad this summer.
With sales of key players likely and wage cuts possible, Conte will reportedly leave in the next 48 hours, with Max Allegri and Maurizio Sarri among the names linked with the job.
‘Liverpool play better without Salah’
Liverpool play better without Mohamed Salah, according to David James, who has urged the Reds to cash in on their star forward this summer.
The former goalkeeper told Stadium Astro: “The opportunity for Liverpool to maybe cash in on Salah, [Diogo] Jota then naturally fits into that front three, [Roberto] Firmino gets more freedom arguably.
“Then Liverpool have a new dynamic up front rather than what seems to be a reliance, or has been a reliance, on Salah’s goals.”
Mourinho wants to bring Podence to Roma
Jose Mourinho wants to bring Wolves winger Daniel Podence to Roma for the 2020-21 season – according to Calcio Mercato.
The incoming Giallorossi boss scouted the 25-year-old while in charge at Tottenham, and hopes to lure him to Stadio Olimpico in the summer.
Podence still has three years left on his contract at Wolves, but injuries limited his contribution to their latest campaign.
Barca interested in AZ left-back Wijndal
AZ Alkmaar left-back Owen Wijndal is the subject of interest from Barcelona – according to AS.
The Spanish giants are looking at the 21-year-old as a long-term replacement for Jordi Alba, and could launch a summer bid for his services.
Barca will have to sell in order to fund a move for Wijndal, though, with Junior Firpo likely to be the man ushered out the exit door.
Icardi wanted by Serie A trio
Paris Saint-Germain striker Mauro Icardi is wanted by a trio of top Serie A clubs – according to Calcio Mercato.
Juventus, AC Milan and AS Roma are all interested in the 28-year-old, who could be available for around €40 million (£35m/$49m) this summer.
Icardi, who was on Inter’s books before joining PSG on a permanent deal last year, was restricted to just 20 Ligue 1 appearances for the French club in 2020-21 due to injuries.
Stevanovic bids farewell to Partizan
Filip Stevanovic bids farewell to Partizan as he prepares to join up with Man City this summer.
An emotional if slightly heated message after a lack of playing time for the 18-year-old winger during the second half of the campaign.#NXGN pic.twitter.com/jUN1xnn80I
— Tom Maston (@TomMaston) May 25, 2021
Conte mulling over Inter future
Antonio Conte will decide about his future in the next few days. 🔵🇮🇹
Inter want Conte to stay accepting some changes in the team – as they need to sell players for €80m.
Conte pretends a winning project, keeping the best/key players – or he’s gonna part ways with Inter soon.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 26, 2021
Antonio Conte will decide about his future in the next few days. ???
Inter want Conte to stay accepting some changes in the team – as they need to sell players for €80m.
Conte pretends a winning project, keeping the best/key players – or he’s gonna part ways with Inter soon.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 26, 2021
Atletico hope to renew Trippier amid Man Utd interest
Atletico Madrid have offered Kieran Trippier a new contract in an effort to fend off potential interest from Manchester United, who are tracking the full-back, according to The Telegraph.
Trippier’s current deal runs for two more seasons, so an extension would likely lock down the 30-year-old for the majority of his remaining serviceable years as a footballer.
Domgjoni gets three-year deal from Vitesse
Vitesse have signed Toni Domgjoni to a three-year deal with an option for another season, the club have announced on social media.
The 22-year-old midfielder is a product of FC Zurich’s academy.
Luton Town unveil Onyedinma
🗣️ | “I’m really, really happy to have him on board here and hopefully we can kick on with players of the likes of Fred, he’s a great lad."
Big Mick on Fred's arrival 👉 https://t.co/2aRsZ8zUU3#COYH
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) May 25, 2021
Stuttgart forced to sell top scorer
In the wake of pandemic-related financial losses, Stuggart will likely be forced to sell top scorer Sasa Kalajdzic in the coming window, says Bild.
Kalajdzic, 23, found the net 16 times in the Bundesliga this year while contributing five assists.
Cameron receives Kilmarnock extension
✍️ Innes Cameron has extended his contract for two more years at Kilmarnock.
— Kilmarnock FC (@KilmarnockFC) May 25, 2021
Sevilla announce Vazquez departure
📜 REPORT | Franco Vázquez: five years of magic comes to an end. 🎩#WeareSevilla #NeverSurrender
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) May 25, 2021
Roma could activate €2m Gray clause
After only 6 months in Germany Demarai Gray could leave Bayer Leverkusen in the next weeks. AS Roma is interested! And it would be an easy transaction: Demarai has a release clause of 2m€ in his contract – valid only for this summer #TransferUpdate pic.twitter.com/AkYGU0aFTz
— Max Bielefeld (@Sky_MaxB) May 25, 2021
PSV to lure De Jong back to Eredivisie
PSV believe they can convince striker Luuk de Jong to return to the Eredivisie from Sevilla, writes VI.
De Jong enjoyed the two best goalscoring seasons of his career at PSV, scoring 26 league goals for them in 2015-16 and 27 league goals in 2018-19.
The attacker has struggled in Spain with just nine goals in 48 appearances across all competitions this year.
Ter Stegen expected to stay at Barcelona
Marc André ter Stegen is not a target for Borussia Dortmund. He wants to stay at Barcelona – he’s not been told anything about a potential transfer this summer as he’s a key player for Barça. 🔴 #FCB
Borussia Dortmund are in talks to sign Gregol Kobel from Stuttgard as GK. 🇩🇪
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2021
PSG & Atletico in €30m Mukiele chase (Bild)
RB Leipzig could look to cash in on the defender this summer
Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid will battle for versatile RB Leipzig defender Nordi Mukiele, reports Bild.
The 23-year-old French player can operate both in central defence and as a full-back. He made 21 starts in the Bundesliga this past season.
Mukiele is reportedly valued at €30 million ($36m/£26m).
Tapsoba drawing Premier League interest
Several UK clubs are interested in Edmond Tapsoba (also #AFC). The 22-year-old has NO release clause in his contract until 2026. Bayer Leverkusen normally don’t want to sell the centre-back this summer as he is one of the key players. A club has to bid €60m to open talks. ⚫️🔴
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) May 25, 2021
Willian desires Chelsea return (Sky Sports)
Despite being linked to MLS, the Arsenal winger is said to prefer a summer move to Stamford Bridge
Willian desires a Chelsea return as his brief stint at Arsenal already appears to be coming to an end, according to Sky Sports.
The Brazilian has also been connected to Inter Miami of MLS, but joining the Blues would present a greater opportunity to play on big stages. However, Thomas Tuchel’s attacking options are plentiful and the 32-year-old could struggle to find regular playing time over the likes of Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount, among others.