The coronavirus pandemic made the transfer market unlike any before it, but there was still plenty of action on Deadline Day. With the window closed across the major leagues in Europe, you can check out the latest major completed transfers across the globe.
TOP STORY: Barca planning Dembele exit in January
Barcelona still need to ease the pressure on their wage bill, which is why Sport is reporting that Ousmane Dembele will leave the club in January.
The departure of the France international is seen as the key to the Catalan club’s rebuilding plans this winter. Dembele was close to signing for Manchester United in the summer, but the two clubs ran out of time to get the deal over the line. Now, Barca are looking for the next best solution.
Dembele is not in boss Ronald Koeman’s plans and with only a year and a half left on the player’s contract, the club are keen to recoup as much as they can on the whopping €105 million (plus €40m in add-ons) they paid out three years ago. Barca bosses are believed to be willing to accept €50 million for his services.
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11.10 BST: talkSPORT radio is reporting that West Ham United have had an offer of £13m for Bournemouth striker Joshua King rejected, with the Cherries far from happy that the player has agreed personal terms before the two clubs have managed to thrash out a fee. Looks like the Hammers will now have to pay a premium.
10.22 BST: Another player who might make a move from the Championship to the Premier League before the end of the week is Ismaila Sarr of Watford. The forward has been linked with both Liverpool and Manchester United through the summer, but the Sun on Sunday says that Crystal Palace are ready to make club-record £30m offer. That might not be enough to land their man, so Brentford’s Said Benrahma remains the backup option.
09.30 BST: The chase for Swansea City defender Joe Rodon is set to hot up ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline between the EFL and the Premier League. The Star on Sunday says that Tottenham Hotspur hope that Gareth Bale will persuade his Wales teammate to chose them, while the Sun on Sunday says that Leicester City are also interested but might not want to do a deal until January.
PAPER ROUND
Juventus plotting Alaba move
The summer transfer market recently came to a close, but Juventus are already plotting their next moves in January, and key to their plans is Bayern Munich stalwart David Alaba.
That’s according to Calciomercato, which reports the Bianconeri are ready to move for Alaba, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Bayern have not yet offered the Austrian a new deal, so Juve will hope to land Alaba in January with minimal upfront fees.
Juve know they’d be getting a hugely experienced player in Alaba, 28, who can play in multiple positions. He could provide an alternative to Alex Sandro, play in the centre of defence or as a full-back. Alaba would cost the Italian club around €8m in wages per year.
Depay hoping for Barca move in January
Memphis Depay could yet seal his dream move to Barcelona, according to an interview with the Lyon playmaker in Dutch newspaper AD.
Depay’s move to Camp Nou failed to materialise this summer, but with his contract running out at the end of the season, he believes he’ll be in demand for a cut-price fee when the winter window opens.
Depay admitted that he’s focusing on Lyon in the short term, but that he’ll be considering his future in the new year. The 26-year-old could be the perfect fit for Barcelona, but he is sure to attract other interest too.
Tap-ins
– Liverpool could be weighing up a move for Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland to strengthen the backup to Alisson, reports The Mirror. Adrian has been shaky at best in his deputy role at Anfield and with the domestic window open in England until Oct. 16, Butland could be on board with Liverpool by the time the international break finishes.
– West Ham United are in advanced talks to sign Brentford winger and Algeria international Said Benrahma, according to Sky Sports. The clubs are in advanced talks over a deal worth around £30m, though Crystal Palace are also said to be interested. Benrahma was part of Brentford’s push towards the Premier League in 2019-20, and became a target for several top-flight clubs as a result.
– With the departure of defender Dayot Upamecano looking increasingly likely, RB Leipzig are already looking to add to their squad, according to Bild. RB Salzburg midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai looks to be at the top of their list in a deal that could top €25m. Szoboszlai is being targeted by a number of top European clubs, but Bild believes Leipzig’s talent for nurturing young players could prove crucial. Leipzig are also believed to be casting their eye over 18-year-old defender Josko Gvardiol from Zagreb.