The Daily Transfer Round Up
This year’s summer transfer window is coming closer, and clubs around the globe are already extremely busy with securing reinforcements for next season. It’s been an eventful day, so let’s take a look at some of the more important developments that have been reported on Tuesday.
Mac Allister undergoes Liverpool medical
A number of reasonably reliable journalists have reported that Liverpool have reached a full agreement over the proposed transfer of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Hove Albion, and the medical ahead of its completion is believed to have taken place. Mac Allister is apparently keen to get everything done as soon as possible, before he leaves for international duty.
The 24-year-old Argentian, who played an important role for his country as they won the World Cup in Qatar at the end of last year, is supposed to be the first piece of the puzzle as the Merseysiders move to rebuild their midfield section. Other names, such as Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone and OGC Nice’s Kephren Thuram, are also being mentioned in connection with the 19-time English champions.
Benzema leaves Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad, Havertz linked with Bernabeu move
Karim Benzema has left Real Madrid after 14 extremely fruitful years, and one of the names linked heavily with the Spanish giants as they aim to fill the void left by the Frenchman’s departure is Chelsea’s Kai Havertz.
Benzema chose to accept what has been reported as a highly lucrative offer to join Al-Ittihad. The Saudi club, whose team is being led by former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur boss Nuno Espirito Santo, have already confirmed the arrival of the 35-year-old striker on a three-year contract.
Real are said to be pushing for Havertz now, and the talks between them and Chelsea are expected to start soon. The Blues aren’t opposed to a sale, with the Germany international reluctant to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge, but they want a significant fee for the services of the 23-year-old.
Spurs appoint Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of ex-Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach on a four-year contract.
Spurs have endured a difficult season, at the end of which they’ve been left without European football for 2023/24, and one of the first tasks the former Celtic boss will have on his hands is to persuade Harry Kane, who is reportedly being pursued by Manchester United, that there’s plenty left to fight for in North London.
Having gone through an extremely troublesome period, Spurs parted ways with Antonio Conte in late March, and his former assistant Christian Stellini was relieved of caretaker duties not long after. There were several names linked with the position, including their ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino who eventually took charge at Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Graham Potter and Brendan Rodgers, sacked from Chelsea and Leicester City earlier in the season, are reportedly among the names considered to replace Postecoglou at Celtic. For Rodgers, it would mean returning to the club where he worked between May 2016 and February 2019.
Leipzig keen on out-of-favour Liverpool youngster
Having had an initial offer for Fabio Carvalho rejected by Liverpool, RB Leipzig are said to be persistent in their attempt to sign the 20-year-old attacking midfielder.
Carvalho has reportedly been informed that he has no place in Jurgen Klopp’s plans for next season, though the Merseysiders don’t wan’t to lose him permanently. A loan or a deal involving a buy-back clause might be on the cards for the former Fulham player.
Spurs and Newcastle in Maddison race?
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined the race to sign Newcastle United target James Maddison from Leicester City.
The Foxes have been relegated from the Premier League, and Maddison, undoubtedly their best player of the season, is believed to be set to leave the King Power Stadium in order to continue playing top-tier football.
A number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, have been linked with the 26-year-old attacking midfielder in the past.
In 2022/23, Maddison played a total of 32 matches for Leicester in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and producing nine assists.
Kante to follow Benzema to Saudi Arabia?
It seems Al-Ittihad are not done yet with signing experienced, top players from Europe just yet. According to Fabrizio Romano, they’re close to agreeing a free transfer of N’Golo Kante from Chelsea.
The French midfielder, who won the Premier League with Chelsea and Leicester, should be earning €100m per season on a two-year contract in the Middle East.
