Key events
Talking of summer’s biggest transfers; here’s the pics you have all been waiting for.
Yes, Harry Kane in lederhosen.
Harry Maguire staying at Manchester United
Per Jamie Jackson:
With Ten Hag needing to find a replacement should Maguire leave in the final few days of the window, time is increasingly against him doing so, and especially so to West Ham following their £19m purchase of the Greek central defender Konstantinos Mavropanos from Stuttgart last week.
Maguire stays “barring a late change of mind by the Old Trafford hierarchy”.
A further name to add into that United left-back chase is Brentford’s Rico Henry, outstanding so far this season and in line for an England call now that Luke Shaw is injured. That’s according to the Daily Mail’s Adrian Kajumba.
Random rumour of the day.
Understand Liverpool have been in contact with Arthur Theate’s representatives regarding a potential move this week. 🚨🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/HZpkCibbhJ
— François Plateau (@francoisplateau) August 29, 2023
According to our friends from Get French Football News:
Liverpool centre-back Joël Matip (32) is part of Stade Rennais’ shortlist to bolster their defensive options in the event that Arthur Theate leaves the Roazhon Park, according to a report this Sunday by L’Équipe.
Liverpool fans will hope he’s more successful than their last Arthur, who played just 13 minutes for them. He’s completed two full matches for Fiorentina already and played 72 minutes at the weekend in a 2-2 draw with Lecce.
Some interesting figures from City AM’s Frank Dallares.
Premier League net spend is actually down this summer, despite record gross outlay, thanks in part to ~£260m in fees from Saudi clubs, who have also freed up £££ in PL wages by signing high-paid players on free transfers https://t.co/PnhpjvxpeQ
— Frank Dalleres (@frankdalleres) August 29, 2023
For those asking how close Saudi Pro League is to matching this:
Gross spend
🏴 £2bn 🇸🇦 £725mNet spend
🏴 £965m 🇸🇦 £702m https://t.co/1Wtas7yr9q— Frank Dalleres (@frankdalleres) August 29, 2023
Chelsea watch: here’s the list of players they’ve been linked with today:
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Emile Smith Rowe
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Raphinha
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Ferran Torres
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Rayan Cherki
More to follow, undoubtedly.
Brennan Johnson latest: seems Spurs are the remaining club in the market but will have to pay over £50m. Nottingham Forest have been quiet in the window but that will be due to them being over-active in the previous two.
Brentford have currently left conversations for Brennan Johnson focusing on different targets, Tottenham are prepared to insist in talks with Forest ⚪️✨ #THFC
Spurs already held positive talks on player side and now discussions waking place on clubs side. pic.twitter.com/R2BkOTZKES
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2023
A line from several outlets is that Manchester United, having sold Fred and in looking to ship out Scott McTominay, would like to sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who has not found much of a role within Ange-ball at Tottenham. They’re still also on the hunt for left-backs, as we reported this weekend.
We await the latest developments here. Nunes was sent off in his last appearance, and scored just two goals last season for Wolves. Still, Pep usually knows best.
Lukaku and Mourinho reunited: what could possibly go wrong?
The pair did get on fine at Manchester United, pretty much, it’s just that the team didn’t do so well after a while.
Rob Smyth runs through today’s rumours. Chelsea linked with attacking player shocker.
Timothy Castagne joins Fulham from Leicester
This seems like a decent signing for Fulham. Though Castagne is a full-back in a position where Fulham have strength in depth in Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson. Perhaps the Belgian might play further forward. Fulham still looking for a striker.
Preamble
All steam ahead for Friday night and transfer deadline day. Through the week we’ll be bringing the latest news, rumours and reaction as the European – if not the Saudi Arabian – window slams shut. With most of the bigger – and smaller – clubs seeking to do business expect to hear plenty about bids being prepared and FFP limits. Join us.
