A number of European clubs have welcomed some new faces this season, while they’ve also sent some players packing. If the new acquisitions turn out to be valuable, some underdogs could be looking at a winning season as exciting as playing at a mobile jackpot casino.
Some new moves to watch for include:
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Barcelona
Barcelona, who admitted that they’re in debt to the tune of $1.6 billion, is the source of many transfers due to its inability to hold its top players or acquire new big names. The biggest loss was Lionel Messi who has been with Barcelona for 18 years. Messi is widely regarded as the club’s greatest player of all time but Paris Saint-Germain succeeded in pulling him away from the Barcas with a two-year deal.
Barcelona isn’t down for the count. They won their first post-Messi game against Real Socied 4-2, giving hope to their fans. They also have plans to sell Martin Braithwaite and sign another striker, most probably either Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette. The two are currently at Arsenal who are willing to sell but, given Barcelona’s current financial situation, a deal will have to be made to prevent any further expenditure.
Inter Milan
West Ham, Tottenham, and Inter Milan are showing interest in Uruguayan midfielder Nahitan Nández but Leeds has so far taken the initiative in bringing the midfielder from Serie A side Cagliari. It was originally expected that Nández would be moving to Inter Milan but the deal collapsed due to differences in valuation of the player. Inter recently brought in Denzel Dumfries and Edin Dzeko from PSV Eindhoven and Roma and now they have their sights set on Nández to fill their midfielder position.
Liverpool
Liverpool already added Ibrahima Konate this season but they may have one more move up their sleeves — Adama Traore, who the Reds believe, can help the Liverpool attack with his renowned tear-downs of defensive set-ups and direct attacks. Traore has been struggling at Wolverhampton Wanderers but manager Jurgen Klopp sees potential in him and seems to have plans for using Traore’s abilities in his Liverpool lineup.
Tottenham
Tottenham is pursuing Takehiro Tomiyasu. Once Tomiyasu returns from the Olympics the Spurs recruitment process should be speeded up. Tottenham want to close the deal as soon as possible to strengthen shortcomings in their current squad. Nuno Espirito Santo and technical director Fabio Paratici have been watching a number of defenders during the window. The signing of Cristian Romero was a step forward but the acquisition of Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is viewed as the best choice for the open position.
Tottenham originally offered almost £17 for Tomiyasu who, himself, would be happy to be added to the Spurs’ roster. Spurs could use a boost after veteran center-back Toby Alderweireld left for Qatar last month. Santo is hoping that Tomiyasu will boost the team’s defensive ranks, notably the right side. His ability to compete with or replace Matt Doherty and Serge Aurier at right-back will be a bonus for Tottenham, though officially he will be regarded as center-back.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid has been pursuing Kylian Mbappé for quite some time and everyone wants to see the team make its move. Mbappé is in the final year of his contract with PSG and pressure is building for him to extend. Real Madrid is biding its time, waiting for the two sides to reach a boiling point before they step in. The French World Cup winner will be out of contract next year and Real is ready to pounce at the first indication that he is ready to move.
Manchester City
One of the biggest shows of the transfer window theatre this summer is Manchester City’s pursuit of triple award winner Kyle Hudlin. Man City is looking to add to their young pool of talent and plan to work out a loan transfer for Hudln to help expedite his development in the club. Hudlin has been moving up steadily over the last year, from Step 7 of the non-league pyramid at Solihull United to Moors. Manchester City isn’t the only club sniffing around Hudlin – Middlesborough and Cardiff are also on alert. Hudlin has already proven himself, having ended his first year at Solihull Moors with 10 goals out of 36 games.
The interest of Man City in Hudlin may spark a late-window race for Hudlin who ended 2020/21 as the Moors’ joint top-scorer and walked away with honors including Goal of the Season and Young Player of the Season
Who do you think was the best signing of the summer 2021 transfer window?
