The 2024/24 domestic soccer season is less than three weeks away from commencement around the world. Consequently, clubs are engaged in the ever-tedious task of carrying out transfer activities. Until now, the transfer market has been a rather quiet one, but one can expect fireworks and blockbuster deals to happen in the coming weeks.
La Liga’s approval key for Barcelona’s interest in Nico Williams
One of the top performers of the European Championship in Germany, Nico Williams has been on the radar of FC Barcelona for some time now. The Spaniard is keen on a move to Camp Nou and is reportedly on the verge of agreeing personal terms with the Catalan giants. However, the financial troubles of Barcelona might pose a challenge on the grounds of registering Williams in La Liga.
The five-time European Champions are currently not in a position to register the winger in La Liga, which is delaying the signing. Joan Laporta’s efforts to bring the club back to 1:1 rule will have a huge say in the Nico Williams’ transfer saga. Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, are keeping an eye on the situation and will be ready to pounce if an opportunity arises.
Bayern Munich set to lose out on Xavi Simons
Bayern Munich’s transfer activities have encountered a roadblock due to the club’s difficulties in offloading players. The club’s director of sport, Max Eberl has been a long-time admirer of Xavi Simons and was determined to bring him to Munich. A couple of weeks ago, the transfer seemed a real possibility but the present does not provide much optimism.
Simons’ parent club, Paris Saint-Germain has made their desire of not letting the player leave on a permanent transfer clear. RB Leipzig, where Simons spent the last season on loan, is in advanced talks to acquire the Dutchman for another year at least. Bayern‘s lack of movement has left the club behind in the race and allowed its domestic rival, Leipzig to gain the upper hand.
Matthijs de Ligt’s potential move to Manchester United on a standstill
Former Ajax captain, Matthijs de Ligt has been deemed surplus to requirements at Bayern Munich since the transfer window began. Manchester United seemed to be the next destination for the center-back, and the English club was confident to get the deal over the line. Nonetheless, United’s recent acquisition of Lenny Yoro coupled with an eye on other targets has cooled down their interest in de Ligt.
According to rumors from Germany, there is a considerable gap between Bayern Munich’s asking price and the amount United is willing to pay. Erik ten Hag is reportedly eager to work with de Ligt again but might have to imagine the 2024/25 season without him. The halt in the transfer also has a domino effect on other activities including putting Jonathan Tah’s move to Bayern Munich in jeopardy.