European Transfer Round-Up
Transfer Round-Up
This summer’s big move has arguably been completed, as Juventus have caused a huge stir by signing one of the world’s top stars.
Ronaldo heads to Turin
After a couple of weeks of speculation, Juventus have sealed their capture of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid for £99.2m.
Ronaldo, 33, won four Champions League titles in his nine years at the Bernabeu but he hinted following the win over Liverpool in Kiev in May that it might be time to move on.
A return to Manchester United was believed to be the priority, but the Red Devils didn’t enter the race and so the Portuguese is off to Serie A instead. Ronaldo’s new team are 8.50 to win the Champions League next season, as he bids to make it four straight European crowns in his personal collection.
The Ronaldo deal could pave the way for a number of other deals, with two current Juventus forwards now being linked with exits from the Italian champions.
Reds keen on Argentinian star
Liverpool may make a move for Argentine forward Paulo Dybala, with the Reds rumoured to be preparing an £80m bid for the 24-year-old.
Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp is already busy this week as the club are reported to have opened talks with Stoke over a deal for 26-year-old Switzerland playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri, who is understood to have a £13m release in his contract with the relegated Potters.
Making room on Merseyside could be midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, with Klopp apparently having given his approval for the Dutch ace to make a switch to Fenerbahce.
Ronaldo’s arrival in Turin could also spell the end of the line for his former Madrid teammate Gonzalo Higuain, who is being linked with a possible move to Chelsea.
Other transfer news…..
Yerry Mina was almost the villain for England fans in last week’s World Cup quarter-final against Colombia but the defender could well be earning his corn in the Premier League next term as Everton are set to offer £21m for the 23-year-old Barcelona man.
Despite reports in Germany to the contrary, it seems Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski remains keen on exiting the Allianz Arena this summer.
With the Ronaldo money now in, Real Madrid could step up their interest in a player long linked with the Spanish capital. The 29-year-old Polish goalscorer would be a key addition for Madrid, who are 2.30 to reclaim the La Liga crown from Barcelona next term.
Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti knows the ins-and-outs of Stamford Bridge well and he is reported to have put Chelsea’s central defender David Luiz on his shopping list.
Unai Emery remains busy in his restructuring of Arsenal. Portuguese winger Gelson Martins, 23, has been touted for a move to the Emirates Stadium but the free agent is now said to be closing on a move to Europa League winners Atletico Madrid instead.
In a double blow for the Gunners boss goalkeeper David Ospina has emerged as a £6m target for Boca Juniors.
Erling Haaland, the son of former Leeds and Manchester City defender Alf-Inge Haaland, finds his name linked with European giants Manchester United and Juventus this week. The teenage Molde FK striker is a Norwegian U-19 international, though he was born in England. He could be set to Jose Mourinho’s side, with the Red Devils currently 13/2 to displace neighbours Man City as Premier League champions next term.
