Ben White to Raphinha: 17 transfer sagas set to dominate the summer and how they could affect Leeds United's plans
The transfer window is set to start ramping up, and as usual there looks set to be a number of sagas that will rumble on throughout the summer.
By Ross Gregory
Published 2nd Jun 2021, 14:52 BST
Updated 2nd Jun 2021, 15:32 BST
Clubs across Europe will be eager to bolster their ranks in the coming months but the financial implications of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic may hinder business, while the forthcoming European Championship could delay potential deals.
Harry Kane’s future will undoubtedly be at the top of the agenda, with gossip on the England skipper’s destination if he leaves Tottenham Hotspur already in full swing.
Manchester City have been linked with the striker as they look to replace Barcelona-bound Sergio Aguero, while Leeds-born Erling Haaland is another big-name striker who could be on his way to the Premier League this summer, though Whites fans will be hoping it’s anywhere but Man United.
Leeds United, of course, will look to bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, but keeping hold of a couple of their big stars, like Raphinha, who shone in the Whites’ first season back in the top flight may be the biggest challenge the transfer chiefs face at Elland Road.
The winger was excellent and has been linked with a host of big clubs – testimony to his form. Leeds will have a firm recruitment strategy in place but could it be affected by a transfer saga?
Will he, won’t he sagas don’t suit anyone but with the Euros coming up, transfers are unlikely to be completed quickly.
Here’s some of the big deals that could rumble throughout the summer.
Manchester City have been linked with the striker as they look to replace Barcelona-bound Sergio Aguero, while Leeds-born Erling Haaland is another big-name striker who could be on his way to the Premier League this summer, though Whites fans will be hoping it’s anywhere but Man United.
7. Alfredo Morelos
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos could be on the move a year on from a collapsed transfer to new Ligue 1 champions Lille. Photo: Ian MacNicol
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce hopes to lure back former loanee Joe Willock but that move has been dismissed by parent club Arsenal. Willock is still likely to be for sale this summer though, but his price tag has increased after scoring in seven successive games. Photo: Marc Atkins
A player who almost certainly would have moved last summer had Villa not scraped Premier League survival on the final day. Both Manchester sides are rumoured to be circling. City are reportedly willing to break the British transfer record to seal a deal for Villa’s influential captain. Photo: Clive Mason
Suggested as a possible centre-back partner for Harry Maguire at Manchester United. The commanding Frenchman has 12 months to go on his contract and is reported to have turned down a new deal at the Bernabeu. Real president Florentino Perez is likely to prefer selling the 28-year-old now but United may need to part with around £60m to complete the transfer. Photo: FRANCK FIFE
Ramsdale impressed in Sheffield United's relegation after initially struggling following his £23m move back to Bramall Lane from Bournemouth. The goalkeeper was called into the England squad ahead of the Euros, and may want Premier League football to further his international claims. A big sale would boost the Blades' coffers after relegation too. Photo: GARETH COPLEY
Sancho is one of England’s hottest young talents and is at the centre of speculation for the second successive summer. The 21-year-old England international was widely expected to move to Man United in 2020 and Old Trafford could yet be his destination. According to reports, Dortmund would be willing to accept a fee of £82m Photo: Matthias Hangst