ERLING HAALAND is set to join Manchester City in a deal that might spark a flurry of other moves across Europe.
With the completion of Erling Haaland’s transfer to Manchester City, the summer transfer season is expected to see its first round of transactions involving numerous European heavyweights. The Norwegian has agreed in principle to join the Premier League winners for £51 million, setting off a chain reaction of deals across the continent.
Borussia Dortmund has already moved forward to sign Haaland’s successor, Karim Adeyemi of Red Bull Salzburg, for £38 million. Liverpool had sought the Germany international before signing Luis Diaz, allowing the 19-year-old to return to his homeland.
But, in terms of deals between the clubs, it may be just the beginning, with numerous more in the works. When Haaland completes his highly-anticipated move to the Etihad Stadium, Express Sport looks at seven more possible deals.
Haaland’s arrival is likely to push one of Man City’s current crops to think about its future. Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling’s contracts expire in 2023, therefore one of the forwards might leave this summer.
Mikel Arteta wants to add a great striker to his squad this summer, and Arsenal is said to have a long-term interest in Sterling. At 25, Jesus may regard this as his greatest chance to play regular football before the World Cup, and City will almost certainly consider letting him go for the appropriate price.
Alexandre Lacazette looks increasingly likely to return to France at the end of his contract, which has been in the works for some time. After five years in England, his current contract expires this summer, and the 30-year-old is set to depart the Emirates.
As Atletico Madrid’s interest has waned, a return to Lyon, where Lacazette is still liked, appears to be the most natural alternative. After Eddie Nketiah’s recent form, Arteta is aiming to keep the 22-year-old at the club, which might push Lacazette out.
Kylian Mbappe’s anticipated move to Real Madrid is the only other trade that may potentially rival Haaland’s in terms of sheer prominence. It was previously suggested that the LaLiga giants may recruit both players, but Haaland’s move to City has put that possibility to rest. Their pursuit of Mbappe, on the other hand, is still ongoing.
However, Mbappe’s future remains uncertain, and rumors of a two-year deal with PSG were said to be premature. The 23-year-old must make a big choice, but a free move to Champions League finalists is an option. Real’s decision would very certainly cause the same kind of outrage as Haaland’s, while also providing the Frenchman with a big salary raise.
PSG to sign Romelu Lukaku
PSG has done all in its power to keep Mbappe at Parc des Princes, but the player has the last say on his future. Romelu Lukaku might be an enticing option for the Ligue 1 winners if the World Cup winner decides to go.
Lukaku’s future at Chelsea is questionable following a disappointing start to his £97.5 million transfer. After losing his starting spot under Thomas Tuchel, the Belgian, 28, has a track record of scoring in Europe and may appreciate the chance to start new somewhere. The only issue is if Chelsea would be ready to take a loss on the former Inter Milan striker.
Tottenham will sign Marco Asensio.
Marco Asensio’s tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu would undoubtedly come to an end if Mbappe joined Real Madrid. With Mbappe, Karim Benzema, and Vinicius Jr. already on the outskirts under Carlo Ancelotti, the Spaniard has little chance of displacing them.
According to TeamTalk, the 26-year-reps old’s have offered Tottenham the chance to sign the offensive midfielder. If Antonio Conte’s team can qualify for the Champions League, it might persuade Asensio to leave Madrid for London.
Ajax has signed Steven Bergwijn.
Steven Bergwijn may be able to return to his home Netherlands as a result of Asensio’s presence. Since Conte took over, the winger has been on the fringes of the Spurs starting XI, and another offensive acquisition would just push him further down the pecking order.
After a £15 million transfer to Manchester United was delayed in January, Erik ten Hag was anxious to bring the 26-year-old to Amsterdam. Ajax would not turn down a player of Bergwijn’s caliber if he became available, even if Ten Hag left.
Manchester United to Antony
When Ten Hag takes over at Old Trafford, it is assumed that he would raid his old team in order to bring some players with him. Antony, the exciting Brazilian winger, would undoubtedly be at the top of the list after scoring 12 goals for the Eredivisie giants this season.
A large premium would be required to persuade Ajax to sell, with his asking price said to be about £50 million. But that is hardly out of reach for United, especially if Ten Hag insists that the winger be brought in to kick off his transformation in Manchester.
