As the 2024-25 football season draws to a close, the rumour mill is spinning at full speed, with clubs across Europe gearing up for what promises to be a transformative summer transfer window. From blockbuster deals to unexpected twists, the landscape of elite football is set to shift dramatically in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid’s Ambitious Squad Overhaul
Real Madrid, perennial giants of European football, are making headlines with a flurry of activity. The club has already secured the signing of young defender Dean Huijsen and is reportedly close to adding two more players to their backline before the FIFA Club World Cup. Among their most significant targets is Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract is set to expire at the end of June. Real Madrid are prepared to pay Liverpool £5.7 million to ensure Alexander-Arnold joins them in time for the Club World Cup, rather than waiting for his contract to officially end. The English right-back’s arrival would bolster Madrid’s options both defensively and creatively.
Another name on Madrid’s radar is Benfica’s Álvaro Carreras. Negotiations are in the final stages, with the player reportedly agreeing to personal terms. An official announcement is expected imminently, further strengthening Madrid’s defensive depth. Meanwhile, Rodrygo, the Brazilian forward, has been the subject of intense speculation linking him with Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City. However, Real Madrid have made it clear they see Rodrygo as integral to their future and are pushing to extend his contract until 2030. Newcastle United have also entered the fray, reportedly prepared to offer €80 million for the Brazilian, but Madrid’s stance remains firm.
Premier League Powerhouses on the Move
The Premier League is set for another summer of record-breaking deals. Liverpool, fresh from a title-winning campaign under Arne Slot, are aiming to reinforce their squad for a sustained challenge next season. With rumours swirling around Cody Gakpo’s future—Bayern Munich have reportedly added him to their shortlist—Liverpool are also eyeing new attacking options, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez among their targets. However, Alvarez is also being pursued by Arsenal, who have reportedly made him a priority as they look to add firepower up front.
Manchester United, after a disappointing season, are looking to rebuild. Matheus Cunha is on the verge of joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5 million, with a verbal agreement in place for a five-year contract. United are also interested in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, hoping to pair him with Cunha in a revamped attack. The club is expected to offload several players, including Casemiro and Alejandro Garnacho, as part of a squad overhaul.
Chelsea, buoyed by their return to the Champions League, are targeting a new striker. Hugo Ekitike is high on their list, though they face competition from Liverpool and may need to negotiate on price. The Blues are also monitoring Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, but Arsenal appear to be leading the race for Gyokeres.
Other Notable Developments
Across Europe, the transfer market is buzzing with activity. Bayern Munich are considering moves for Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, or AC Milan’s Rafael Leão as they look to refresh their attack. Meanwhile, Al Ahli’s Gabri Veiga is closing in on a move to FC Porto, ending speculation about a return to the Premier League.
In Spain, Atletico Madrid are searching for a long-term replacement for veteran goalkeeper Jan Oblak, with Mallorca’s Leo Roman identified as the top choice. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is attracting interest from Arsenal, who are reportedly in pole position to sign the Spanish international, despite late interest from Real Madrid.
Salah’s Future Secured at Liverpool
Mohamed Salah has ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract with Liverpool, turning down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia. The Egyptian forward had been the subject of intense interest from the Saudi Pro League, but has now committed his future to Anfield, much to the relief of Liverpool fans.
Looking Ahead
With the transfer window set to open and close twice this summer—due to the FIFA Club World Cup—clubs are under pressure to act quickly and decisively. The coming weeks will be filled with twists and turns, as managers and sporting directors jostle for the best talent in the market. From Real Madrid’s defensive reinforcements to Manchester United’s attacking overhaul, and the ongoing battle for Europe’s top strikers, this summer promises to be one of the most eventful in recent memory.
As deals are finalised and new signings are unveiled, fans around the world will be watching closely, eager to see how their clubs shape up for the challenges ahead.