Newcastle United
Newcastle have had James Maddison on their list since last summer, he’s a top target. Eddie Howe loves him. He will 100% leave Leicester this summer.
Newcastle have completed the signing of talented 2004 born winger Yankuba Minteh from Odense on a long term deal. He joins for a fee of around €7m, all documents signed and medical completed. He now moves out on loan to Feyenoord until 2024.
PSG
Huge news from last night as Kylian Mbappe has informed PSG that he will not trigger the option to extend his contract until 2025. This means he’s currently due to be out of contract next summer, when he could move for free. PSG are furious, and have no intention to lose him for free, so he either signs now or he is sold. They’re surprised by Mbappe’s timing and that this was leaked as talks were ongoing. However, PSG are understood to have a contingency plan in place for if Mbappe does leave. In terms of where he could go next, we’ll have to see as this is still a very fresh development.
PSG really want Bernardo Silva but they will have to pay big money for him. Manchester City are in no rush over his future. City know that Bernardo is probably ready for a new opportunity, but it will be on their terms. Barcelona wanted him last summer but they didn’t pay what City wanted, so he stayed.
PSV
Peter Bosz has been appointed new PSV Eindhoven coach as expected. This will also help to clarify the situation of Xavi Simons as many top clubs want him, including his former side PSG.
“I will decide my future after speaking to the manager,” Simons told me on Saturday.
English clubs are also interested in Simons, but there is nothing advanced at the moment. The feeling is that he will take his time to decide on his future, and ultimately it will be up to the player. He will talk with the new PSV manager but he’ll also want to know the situation at PSG, so it’s not something that will be resolved quickly.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are working on key, final details of Joselu deal in order to get it done in the next days. It’s up to Madrid as the deal would happen under very favourable conditions. Personal terms were agreed last week as Joselu dreams of this move.
Fran Garcia has completed his medical tests and is returning to Real Madrid in a €5m deal from Rayo Vallecano. He’s set to take the number 20 shirt.
There will be new shirt numbers as well for Vinicius Junior, who takes the 7 jersey, while Rodrygo Goes is switching to number 11.
Roma
Roma are the favourites to sign Evan Ndicka, but still waiting to sign contracts. They are offering €4m per season plus a signing-on fee, Tottenham have always been informed but Roma consider him a top, top target and that’s what makes them favourites. But until you sign, you never know with free agents.
Paulo Dybala’s agent Jorge Antun has denied contacts with Saudi clubs, saying: “Paulo did not speak to anyone, and I did not receive any calls or offers from Saudi clubs. I’m responsible for listening to clubs interested in Dybala, the player is on vacation.”
Salernitana
Salernitana will trigger €12m buy option clause for Boulaye Dia. Villarreal, already informed of the decision made days ago. There’s €25m release clause available in July for Dia to leave Salernitana but the club will try to remove it.
Toulouse
Toulouse have announced the appointment of Viktor Bezhani as their new Head of Recruitment. Former Senior Scout at Leicester City, Bezhani is already at work on new signings for Toulouse.