Football Transfer News and Rumours - Fri 1st July
Content Editor at Free Super Tips, Alex was born in the shadow of Old Trafford and is an avid Man Utd fan. After graduating from university he combined his love of football, writing and betting to join FST and now closely follows goings-on in all of the top European leagues.
The transfer window has opened, and a few top clubs have wasted absolutely no time in kicking off their business proceedings with a number of high profile names moving already. Here are all the latest deals, along with the most reliable news and rumours for the opening day of the transfer window. If you want a longer term view of things make sure to check out our top summer transfer targets.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Manchester United – ALMOST DONE DEAL
One of the worst kept secrets in football was finally confirmed yesterday as Zlatan Ibrahimovic confirmed that he would be moving to Manchester United now that his contract with PSG is over. The 34 year old striker leaves PSG as their record goalscorer after notching 156 goals in 180 appearances there, including 50 goals last season alone. Now that he’s announced his destination all he must do is pass a medical and sign on the dotted line, which is expected to occur early next week.
Time to let the world know. My next destination is @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/DAK7iYlrCq
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) June 30, 2016
Nolito – Manchester City – DONE DEAL
Pep Guardiola has started his process of rebuilding Manchester City with his first addition to the team. Celta Vigo’s attacker Nolito has been rumoured to be heading to Manchester City ever since he was called up for the Spain squad, but today they have confirmed his signature after triggering a £13.8 million release clause in his Celta Vigo contract.
https://t.co/1er12wGxpfpic.twitter.com/9m7k2qnhrL
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 1, 2016
Dwight Gayle – Newcastle United – DONE DEAL
The freshly relegated Newcastle United haven’t wasted any time in starting to splash the cash as they look for an instant return to the Premier League. Crystal Palace forward Dwight Gayle has been snapped up by Rafa Benitez for £10 million and has signed a five year contract with the Magpies. The 25 year old’s arrival has sparked the departure of one of their recently acquired players though…
CONFIRMED: Newcastle United sign striker @dwightgayle
https://t.co/VaWS4ha2N6#GayleForce#NUFCpic.twitter.com/FVc5gnzUB8
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 1, 2016
Andros Townsend – Crystal Palace – DONE DEAL
Just 25 minutes after Newcastle United confirmed the capture of Dwight Gayle another of their players was on his way the other way. Andros Townsend, who only signed for the club in January, has had his £13 million release clause met by Crystal Palace. He will now join up with his new colleagues at Selhurst Park on a five year contract.
CONFIRMED: @andros_townsend departs for @CPFC
Full story: https://t.co/858ZIAPLaH #NUFC pic.twitter.com/vNJqVIiPHR
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 1, 2016
Jerome Sinclair – Watford – DONE DEAL
Watford have kicked off their own summer spending with the capture of out of contract Liverpool striker Jerome Sinclair. The 19 year old made five appearances for Liverpool last season but was snapped up by Watford as his contract expired, although the Hornets will have to pay £4 million in compensation to the Anfield club.
OFFICIAL: Jerome Sinclair has signed a five-year deal with #watfordfc. More info: https://t.co/3f6RShmshT pic.twitter.com/WeyJaPUwbf
— Watford FC (@WatfordFC) 30 June 2016
Isaac Success – Watford – DONE DEAL
Watford haven’t wasted any time in securing the services of some young starlets. 20 year old Granada striker Isaac Success has joined the Hornets after Granada accepted a £12.5 million bid for the youngster. This could pave the way for Troy Deeney of Odion Ighalo to leave Vicarage Road.
Michy Batshuayi – Chelsea – DEAL CLOSE
Chelsea are just days away from securing the signature of highly rated young striker Michy Batshuayi. The Belgium forward, 22, has met with Chelsea officials to undergo a medical in Bordeaux this week ahead of a proposed £33 million move to Stamford Bridge. Marseille, who are in the midst of a financial crisis, endured a torrid season last term, but the Belgian striker was a shining beacon of hope with his 17 Ligue 1 goals.
Other Transfer News & Rumours
Odion Ighalo – Shangai SIPG
It’s been a busy morning at Vicarage Road so far, with Watford apparently rejecting a huge £37.5 million bid from Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG for Odion Ighalo. The 27 year old enjoyed a storming start to the Premier League campaign last season on his way to scoring 15 league goals, but surely he isn’t worth £40 million?
Diego Costa – Atletico Madrid
27 year old striker Diego Costa has told the Chelsea hierarchy that he wants to leave the club just two seasons after joining. He had a disappointing season, along with the rest of the Chelsea squad, last term but could be set for a £40 million move back to Atletico Madrid, who sold him for £32 million just two years ago.
Paul Pogba – Manchester United
Another player that could be on his way back to old stomping grounds is Paul Pogba, but for a much heftier price. The Juventus midfielder left Old Trafford in 2012 on a free transfer after his wage demands were deemed excessive, but the now 23 year old blossomed into one of the best midfielders on the planet with Juventus, and reports are suggesting that Manchester United could be lining up a British transfer record £80 million bid in order to prise him away from Turin.
Michael Keane – Leicester
Leicester are lining up a final, take it or leave it offer for Burnley defender Michael Keane. The 23 year old defender was a key player in Burnley’s season last year, and as such they have already rejected £10 million and £12 million offers from the Premier League champions. Leicester aren’t finished there though, and are set to table a non-negotiable £15 million bid for him.
