Sophia
The summer transfer window has already witnessed an unprecedented financial outlay, with Premier League clubs alone spending over £2.6 billion on new signings. Yet, as the September 1st deadline for Europe’s top five leagues rapidly approaches, the drama is far from over. Several of the world’s biggest names are still poised for potential moves, with supporters eagerly anticipating the final flurry of activity.
With just days left, Europe’s elite, particularly in the cash-rich Premier League, are expected to remain active, ready to splash more cash to secure their targets. Here are six potential blockbuster transfers that could still materialize before the window slams shut.
Gianluigi Donnarumma to Manchester City
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s tenure at Paris Saint-Germain appears to be reaching an abrupt end. Manchester City’s need for a world-class goalkeeper has been starkly highlighted by James Trafford’s recent struggles against Tottenham Hotspur. With Ederson reportedly attracting interest from Galatasaray and Stefan Ortega also expected to depart, the Cityzens are in urgent need of a top-tier shot-stopper.
Donnarumma, nominated for the 2025 Yashin Trophy, has emerged as City’s priority target, and for good reason. His exceptional performances in last season’s Champions League showcased his ability to deliver clutch displays. While he may not fit the archetypal Pep Guardiola mold of a ball-playing goalkeeper, his astonishing shot-stopping prowess is undeniable. With PSG seemingly moving on after Lucas Chevalier’s arrival from Lille, a move to the Premier League for the Italian international looks increasingly probable.
Alexander Isak to Liverpool
The Alexander Isak saga has taken an acrimonious turn, marked by a public dispute between Newcastle United and their star striker. Despite Newcastle’s desire to retain the Sweden international, Isak is reportedly pushing hard for a move to reigning Premier League champions Liverpool.
Liverpool remains keen on acquiring Isak this summer, but Newcastle has been resolute in their refusal to sell the 25-year-old marksman, making any potential transfer negotiations challenging. While the Reds are unwilling to meet Newcastle’s hefty £150 million ($201.8 million) asking price, they remain hopeful that the Magpies’ stance will soften before the deadline. The impending arrivals of Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart and potentially Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers could significantly alter the dynamics of this high-stakes drama.
Piero Hincapie to Arsenal
Arsenal, having already successfully hijacked Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Eberechi Eze, appears poised to repeat the feat with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié. Spurs had shown considerable interest in the versatile Ecuador international, but their north London rivals have now leapfrogged them in the race for his signature.
With Jakub Kiwior likely heading to Porto before the window closes, Arsenal is in need of central defensive reinforcement to provide cover for William Saliba and Gabriel. Hincapié, much like Riccardo Calafiori, offers the added benefit of being able to play at left-back, providing crucial defensive versatility for Mikel Arteta’s squad. The 23-year-old is set to be another high-profile and costly addition for the Gunners as they aim to end their prolonged silverware drought.
Rasmus Højlund to Napoli
When Rasmus Højlund netted a brace in Ruben Amorim’s inaugural home match as Manchester United manager, there was a palpable sense of renewed optimism. Many believed the under-fire Dane would finally put his miserable run of form behind him and establish himself as the club’s leading No. 9.
However, nine months later, Manchester United has undergone a complete overhaul of their forward options. Marcus Rashford has been loaned to Barcelona for his second stint away from Old Trafford, following a spell at Aston Villa. Alejandro Garnacho is reportedly on the verge of a £40 million transfer to Premier League rivals Chelsea, and Højlund himself is now heading for the exit door.
The arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Šeško, collectively costing over £200 million, have left Højlund with no choice but to seek alternative employment. Fortunately, Antonio Conte’s Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions, have emerged with a loan offer that includes an obligation to buy. The 22-year-old looks set for a return to Italy to reignite his career.
For both Højlund and United, it’s a regrettable outcome that he hasn’t lived up to the hype at Old Trafford. His impending departure suggests that the £64 million faith placed in him by United’s board and then-manager Erik ten Hag might have been somewhat misguided, especially considering he had only scored nine top-flight goals for Atalanta in his solitary season at the club.
Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich
Nicolas Jackson is another forward Chelsea is looking to offload this summer, having been pushed down the pecking order by the signings of Pedro and Delap. The unpolished Senegal international has shown glimpses of his potential since joining the Blues but has now been deemed surplus to requirements by the club’s ruthless recruitment team.
Bayern Munich is among several suitors chasing Jackson to serve as a deputy for Harry Kane, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United also reportedly interested. However, any club pursuing Jackson will likely push for a reduction in his reported £80 million ($107.8 million) asking price, as Chelsea is unlikely to secure such a lofty fee for their third-choice striker.
Marc Guéhi to Liverpool
Liverpool’s desire to sign Marc Guéhi has undoubtedly intensified following a string of shambolic defensive performances at the start of the campaign. Conceding two goals to Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Newcastle United consecutively underscores their urgent need for central defensive reinforcement before the deadline.
Guéhi has long been linked with a move to Anfield, and the England international, who has just one year left on his Crystal Palace contract, is reportedly keen on the transfer. However, unlike Isak, he has refused to enter self-exile to force a move and appears content with staying at Selhurst Park for another season before potentially leaving on a free transfer.
Liverpool, however, cannot afford to wait that long for the 25-year-old and needs to bolster their defense now if they are to retain their Premier League crown. A move for Guéhi remains firmly on the cards as the clock ticks down.
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