The summer transfer window is set to be a busy and newsworthy one. Stay up-to-date and follow everything as it happens on the Hollywoodbets Blog!
Bayer Leverkusen set for squad overhaul following Bundesliga disappointment
According to reports, the club boasts the fourth-highest salary in the Bundesliga, but changes are on the horizon. Moussa Diaby and Jeremie Frimpong, tied to contracts until 2025, have emerged as potential candidates for a departure.
Jonathan Tah, the German central-defender, is also likely to bid farewell to Leverkusen this summer, with a reported exit clause set at €18 million. Clubs from England and Italy are vying for Tah’s signature, and if the transfer materializes, Leverkusen stands to gain around €120 million.
The Club has not concealed their willingness to part ways with Diaby, provided a suitable offer materializes. Arsenal, Newcastle United, and PSG have all expressed significant interest in the Frenchman, who scored 14 goals and made 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions this season.
While Leverkusen contemplates player sales, they have also been proactive in the transfer market as they have:
- Signed Arthur (20) for €7 million, set to join in the summer.
- Captured Alex Grimaldo on a free transfer from Benfica.
- Reportedly began finalizing a deal for Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka, which is expected to progress after the conclusion of the Champions League final.
Bayer Leverkusen set for squad overhaul following Bundesliga disappointment [via @YahooSportUK] https://t.co/LnqFDJ6qbJ pic.twitter.com/p7xxnE7jvg
— Ńasser 1️⃣ Million Tweets 🐦 (@nasser_mo3gza) June 8, 2023
Declan Rice set to leave West Ham after Europa Conference League success
The England midfielder said he did not know if he had played his last game for the club after leading them to Europa Conference League glory. A 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in Wednesday night’s final saw him become only the third Hammers skipper to lift a major trophy, following Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds.
However, Sullivan admits a gentleman’s agreement means they will allow a player who still has two years remaining on his contract – one year plus an option – to leave. Asked whether lifting the trophy in Prague was Rice’s last action as a West Ham player, Sullivan told talkSPORT: “I think it has to be. We promised him he could go.
Rice said after the game that it was “not goodbye yet”. He added on BT Sport: “Look at the moment there’s a lot of speculation about my future. There is interest from other clubs, that’s out there, but ultimately I’ve still got two years left at West Ham. There hasn’t been nothing yet (offers). Let’s wait and see, who knows.
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has issued an update on Declan Rice’s future
— Premier League (@premierleague) June 8, 2023
➡️ https://t.co/H3LwASh2VR pic.twitter.com/KFz6J9Pkgd
Manchester United touted for Monaco and France defender Axel Disasi signing.
Manchester United manager Eric ten Hag has reiterated in the media that he has explained his ideas to improve the Red Devils for next season’s campaign and the move for the Frenchman should start the major overhaul that is expected at the club.
England defender Harry Maguire has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, whilst Eric Bailly and Alex Telles who were both on loan last season, will be made available on the market.
The 25-year-old Disasi has been in impressive form during the 2022/23 season, featuring in all of Monaco’s Ligue 1 matches this season, scoring three times and registering a further three assists in 38 games.
However, the French giants failed to secure a European Cup berth following a disappointing sixth-place finish in the league standings.
It has been reported that Monaco will want around £34 million for the defender, but the move will depend on the Old Trafford side quickly securing the services of top South Korean defensive target Kim Min-jae, 26, from Serie A champions Napoli this summer.
AS Monaco's Axel Disasi is one step away from joining #mufc. Disasi has decided to join United. The two clubs must now agree a fee [@lequipe] pic.twitter.com/VH6ai5ODiq
— utdreport (@utdreport) June 7, 2023
Franck Kessie unlikely to leave Barcelona despite reported transfer interest
Kessie, who joined Barcelona from AC Milan last summer, faced limited starts initially but became a regular under Xavi’s leadership, contributing to their Spanish title triumph.
Financial constraints have led Barcelona to consider offloading players who may not feature in their long-term plans. However, Kessie’s agent has vehemently denied the rumours, labeling them as ‘fake news’.
It was previously reported that Liverpool, Inter Milan, and Tottenham were interested in signing the 26-year-old, with a price tag of £30million mentioned. Nonetheless, Kessie’s agent maintains that his client is committed to Barcelona and will resist any attempt to sell him.
Xavi had previously affirmed Kessie’s importance in the team and dismissed speculation about his departure.
Now it's confirmed ✅✅ no agreement has been reached between Liverpool and Frank Kessie. pic.twitter.com/pj9Wgb1o3i
— Tboy Paul oluwole (@tboy_paul) June 8, 2023
Bayern Munich set to sign Raphael Guerreiro on free transfer
As the German league came to a thrilling end, with Bayern narrowly clinching the title ahead of Borussia Dortmund, the Portuguese defender has emerged as a top target for the Bavarian giants.
Bayern currently face the risk of losing Benjamin Pavard and potentially Lucas Hernandez, who might depart for Paris Saint-Germain. Consequently, coach Thomas Tuchel is keen to reinforce his defensive options, and Guerreiro fits the bill perfectly. Tuchel had previously worked with the player during his stint as Dortmund’s manager.
Although Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan have also shown interest in acquiring Guerreiro’s services, their pursuits seem to be overshadowed by Bayern’s advances.
With this exciting development, Bayern Munich appears to have secured a valuable addition to their squad as they prepare to defend their Bundesliga title in the upcoming season.
Raphaël Guerreiro, assessing his options as free agent as race is still open but two clubs are leading: Atlético Madrid met his agent, Bayern are also interested. 🇵🇹 #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 3, 2023
OGC Nice are informed but Atléti & Bayern are ahead. Bayern, keen on new LB as @Plettigoal reported. pic.twitter.com/ixXhf4p1P9
