Transfer period The Premier League is now open, although a batch of deals have already been agreed for for July 1 – either as free transfers, or when the window opens for some other European leagues.
Manchester City’s £51m deal for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland – One of the best young players on the planet – is the main event, but which other superstars could head to England this summer? Who could leave the Premier League? And who are some of the players who are looking to stay in the country but are moving to another club?
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (US only)
– You don’t have ESPN? Get instant pass
Leaving the Premier League?
Sadio ManeLiverpool striker
The Liverpool striker has reportedly decided to leave this summer, with his contract expiring in 2023, despite his impressive success at Anfield. Mane is 30 years old, so he might consider it time to try one last challenge before the end of his career, and Bayern Munich is the club that leads the race. Liverpool seem to want £40m, but sources have told ESPN that Bayern have so far failed in both bids.
Paul PogbaSM, Man United
The France international midfielder has been at the center of transfer speculation for months, but Man United finally confirmed he will be leaving at the end of his contract this summer. Pogba joined for £89.3m in 2016, but is leaving for nothing, with former Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid keeping watch. His salary will be an issue, but there is little chance of him staying in the Premier League next season.
Bernardo SilvaMan City
Another player with impressive achievements in England, but Silva is said to be eager to move to La Liga, with Barcelona keen to bring the 27-year-old to the Camp Nou. The problem is that the Portugal international’s transfer fee would cost more than £60m, and Barcelona still struggled financially. If Barcelona is a midfielder Frenkie de Jong Added to the mix, then a deal can be struck (although Man United are considering a move to the Netherlands star as well), otherwise Silva may have to stay, as his contract does not expire until 2025.
Mark Ogden provides an update on Darwin Nunez’s transfer from Benfica.
Join the Premier League?
Darwin NunezST, Benfica
Liverpool appear to have dominated the race to sign the prolific Benfica striker, with sources telling ESPN they have made a move for around £75m plus £15m in add-ons. Nunez is only 22 years old, and his 34 goals in 41 games last season made him top of many clubs’ wish list. Man United are still keen, but sources said they have other priorities in midfield so Nunez could make a name for himself at Anfield, where there is another Uruguayan striker, Luis Suarezonce blossomed.
Serge GnabryBayern Munich striker
It’s hard to remember, but Gnabry has played in the Premier League before – he was at Arsenal from 2012-16 and had a horrific loan spell at West Bromwich in 2015-16 before becoming a global superstar in the Bundesliga. Unable to agree the terms of a new contract, the 26-year-old winger is now ready to leave Bayern Munich and has been linked with a return to Arsenal. However, every big team in Europe will now be tracking him.
Christopher NkunkoAM, RB Leipzig
With 35 goals and 19 assists in 50 appearances for RB Leipzig this season, Nkunko enjoyed a breakout season after moving to Germany from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 for around £10m. The French attacking midfielder is now considered one of the most exciting young players in Europe, and Liverpool, Chelsea, Man United, Man City and Arsenal are all vying for his signature. His heart is still with PSG, but a move to England could elevate his career to another level.
Shaka Hislop says Gabriel Jesus should replace Manchester City with Arsenal if rumors of an interest in Mikel Arteta are true.
Are you moving into the Premier League?
Gabriel JesusST, Man City
The arrival of Haaland and Julian Alvarez into an already crowded Manchester City attack line has given Jesus reason to think about his future. The Brazil international scored 13 goals and assisted 12 in 41 games last season, but he is likely to withdraw from the penalty spot next season and want to play more regularly. Real Madrid have shown an interest, although Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are keen to sign him, and he may choose to stay in England. Sources have told ESPN that City will want to sign a contract worth at least £55m.
Yuri TillmansSM, Lester
Leicester missed Europe last season when they finished eighth in the Premier League, and Tillmans is a quality midfielder who needs to play at the highest level. A transfer of £35m is likely this summer as his contract expires in 2023 and Leicester would not want to lose him on a free transfer. Arsenal have been closely associated with the Belgium international, although his style and experience could match any major club.
Mark CucurellaLB, Brighton
One of the stars of the season, the 23-year-old left-back showed that he is instantly comfortable at the highest level after moving to Brighton from Getafe in 2021. The former Barcelona defender is at a real level and Man City, Chelsea and Chelsea are all said to be keen on bringing him in to strengthen their line of defence, Although the £45m transfer fee can be prohibitive.
Steve Nicholl explains why joining Manchester City was the best decision for Erling Haaland.
Estimated Transfer Fee
July 1
Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City 51 million pounds
Diego Carlos from Seville to Aston Villa, £28m
Brendan Aaronson from Salzburg to Leeds United, 24 million pounds
Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona to Aston Villa, 20 million pounds
Matt Targett, from Aston Villa to Newcastle United, £15m
Hwang Hee-chan, RB Leipzig to Wolves, £15m
Rasmus Christensen from Salzburg to Leeds United, 12 million pounds
Matt Turner from New England Revolution to Arsenal, £5.7m
Fabio Carvalho, from Fulham to Liverpool, £5m
Robin Olsen from Roma to Aston Villa for 3 million pounds
Antonio Rudiger, from Chelsea to Real Madrid, free
Boubacar Camara, from Marseille to Aston Villa, for free
Fraser Forster from Southampton to Tottenham Hotspur, free
Ivan Perisic, Inter Milan to Tottenham Hotspur, free