Football Transfer Rumours: 3 Transfer Sagas to Keep an Eye on This August

The months of June and July are arguably two of the most boring months of the calendar for club football fans. During the off-season lull, fans rely on international tournaments like the Euros and Copa America to keep them entertained. During this downtime, transfer rumors become the primary source of excitement for fans of club football.

However, we are now past that stage, as the start of several leagues is less than three weeks away. Despite this, the transfer rumour mill is in full swing. Several massive transfer moves like Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid, Michael Olise to Bayern Munich, Joao Neves to Paris Saint Germain and many more have already been seen.  

However, there is plenty more to come, as the transfer window enters a critical phase in August. Therefore, we have compiled a list of transfer sagas that you need to keep an eye on. 

1) Victor Osimhen (From Napoli to Chelsea or PSG) 

The 2022-23 Serie A season will live long in the memory of every Naples resident because Napoli finally ended a 32-year wait for the Scudetto. Before that, Diego Maradona led Napoli to their last Scudetto 1990. Players like Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia wrote their names into Naples’ folklore, as they thrived in Luciano Spaletti’s offense. Osimhen, in particular, was on fire that season, scoring a league-high 26 goals that campaign. 

Osimhen’s scoring exploits won him admirers throughout the football world. But despite attracting interest from several top clubs, the 25-year-old decided to stay put in Naples. However, Osimhen became disgruntled after an underwhelming 2023-24 season. Victor made it very clear that he wanted to leave Napoli after the season. Even new Napoli boss Antonio Conte didn’t bother to convince him to stay. 

Having said that, with the transfer window closing in less than a month, Osimhen is still on Napoli’s books. Several clubs like Chelsea and PSG have contacted Napoli about Victor. However, their offers have fallen below Napoli’s asking price. Chelsea holds the advantage over PSG in this saga, as Osimhen is a boyhood Chelsea fan. Furthermore, Conte really wants Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku to replace Victor in his new-look Napoli side.  

So, on paper, a cash plus Lukaku deal can be agreed with Chelsea. But the new PSR rules have handicapped Chelsea, which just leaves PSG at the table. Osimhen even agreed personal terms with PSG, but both the clubs couldn’t find a meaningful common ground for a deal to be completed. With the transfer window closing in less than a month, fans should definitely keep an eye on this transfer saga. 

2) Desire Doue (From Rennes to Bayern or PSG)  

In recent years, Rennes have garnered a reputation for producing several young talented players. Stars like Ousmanne Dembele, Eduardo Camavinga and Mathys Tel have all graduated from Rennes’ famed academy. Desire Doue is the latest prospect out of Rennes’ conveyor belt. At just 19-years-old, Doue has quickly established himself as Rennes’ most important and valued player. 

Last season, Doue recorded 4 goals and 4 assists in 31 Ligue 1 matches. Furthermore, Desire became Rennes’ youngest scorer in a European competition when he scored an 89th minute winner against Dynamo Kyiv during the 2022-23 season. Doue’s incredible dribbling and ball-carrying ability is what makes him such an exciting prospect. His tally of 3.42 successful take-ons per 90 minutes places him in the 94th percentile of players in Europe. 

Hence, it’s no surprise top clubs like Bayern and PSG came calling. Bayern made the first move, tabling in a 35-million euro bid. However, Rennes rejected that offer. The German giants will table another bid, which could be as high as 55-miilion euros. But according to Fabrizio Romano, PSG have offered 60-million euros (add-ons included). Doue is currently at the 2024 Olympics with France. So, this transfer saga might ramble on for a few more weeks. 

3) Matthijs De Ligt (From Bayern to Manchester United) 

The past few months have been turbulent for everyone connected with Manchester United. After what felt like an eternity, the Glazers have finally relinquished footballing control of the Red Devils. Going forward, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS CEO and minority owner of United, will oversee the footballing operations of Manchester United. And if his first transfer window is anything to go by then United’s future looks promising. 

Manchester United have also completed the signing of highly touted French defender, Leny Yoro. The Red Devils paid approximately 50-million euros (including add ons) to get the transfer over the line. They have also completed the signing of Dutch forward, Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for a reported sum of 40-million euros. United’s business just doesn’t end there, as they have already agreed personal terms with Bayern duo Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. 

However, the injury bug has stuck the Red Devils again, as Leny Yoro has already been ruled out for three months due to a foot injury. This injury setback might expedite De Ligt’s transfer to United because defensive cover at Old Trafford appears thin. Bayern are holding out for a transfer fee of around 50-million euros plus additional bonus payments. This asking price remains a point of contention for United’s hierarchy. But with the transfer window nearing an end, both parties could reach a mutually beneficial deal. 

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