A host of high-profile names could switch teams before the deadline as clubs scramble to complete their squads in time for the new season
The 2024 summer transfer window has been a fascinating one so far, even if there haven't been quite as many blockbuster deals as supporters might have hoped for. In the Premier League, Manchester United have been busy, bringing in promising young duo Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee for a combined fee of £95m ($122m), while Arsenal have snapped up Italy sensation Riccardo Calafiori and Chelsea have six new players on their books – including ex-Leicester City star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and United States prospect Caleb Wiley.
Elsewhere in Europe, Bayern Munich have raided the English top-flight for Michael Olise and Joao Palhinha, Juventus have prised Douglas Luiz away from Aston Villa and Real Madrid have finally captured long-term target Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer. None of the top clubs have really broken the bank yet, but that could well change over the next four weeks as preparations for the new campaign go into overdrive.
GOAL is here to run down 10 big stars who are still set to switch clubs before the market slams shut on August 30, starting with one of the most deadly marksmen in the game…
Getty ImagesVictor Osimhen (Napoli)
Victor Osimhen looks destined to part ways with Napoli after a turbulent 2023-24 campaign that saw the Italian giants surrender their Serie A crown in embarrassing fashion. Paris Saint-Germain has long been mooted as the most likely next destination for the Nigerian, who has hit 76 goals in 133 appearances for the Partonopei, but he has also publicly admitted he dreams of playing in the Premier League.
Arsenal and Chelsea have been credited with an interest in Osimhen, with both clubs in desperate need of a ruthless No.9 to reach the next level, and the 25-year-old certainly has all the attributes to shine in the English top-flight. However, Napoli will only let Osimhen go if his £113m ($146m) release clause is triggered, and PSG's need for his services is greater as they seek to secure a long-term replacement for Mbappe.
AdvertisementGettyNico Williams (Athletic Club)
Nico Williams is probably the most sought after player on the planet right now, and with good reason. The 22-year-old followed up a historic Copa del Rey success with Athletic Club by spearheading Spain's run to the Euro 2024 title in Germany, showing off his dazzling pace and footwork down the left flank, leading Barcelona to put him at the top of their wishlist.
The Spanish giants are said to be leading the race for Williams ahead of PSG, Arsenal and Chelsea, despite their well-documented financial problems, and it's easy to imagine him fitting in well at Camp Nou alongside La Roja partner-in-crime Lamine Yamal. Athletic Club are said to be pulling out all the stops to keep hold of Williams, but his €58m (£49m/$63m) release clause still leaves them vulnerable, and he really should be making the step up to a Champions League club after such a memorable year.
Getty ImagesJoshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Despite being arguably Bayern Munich's most reliable performer of the last decade, Kimmich's future at the club is in serious doubt, with his contract set to expire in 2025 and no sign of an extension being agreed. A Premier League switch could beckon for the 29-year-old as Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool said to be weighing up offers, and he has the quality to walk into the starting XI at all three clubs.
Kimmich is a combative midfielder who is versatile enough to play in a number of positions, and seems to be ageing like a fine wine based on his performances for Germany at the Euros. It has been suggested that Bayern will let him go for around £50m ($64m), which is a bargain price for a player of his quality and experience, but it remains to be seen which Premier League project he opts for.
GettyEderson (Manchester City)
The Saudi Pro League's bid to lure away Europe's elite has stalled slightly in recent months, but Al-Ittihad's €55m (£46m/$60m) capture of Aston Villa midfielder Moussa Diaby served as a reminder of their financial power, and Ederson could well be the next man to turn his back on the Premier League.
The Manchester City goalkeeper has been strongly linked with a move to Al-Ittihad – to link up with Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema – and even Pep Guardiola has admitted he is unsure whether the Brazilian will stay at Etihad Stadium.
If Ederson does leave, he will leave behind a huge void after serving as the last line of defence for a City side that has dominated English football over the past eight years. Still, there were one or two signs that the 30-year-old's powers are starting to wane last season, and after winning every trophy on offer in the European game, it's possible now has his eye on a king's ransom and a stress-free path to retirement.