Razeen Gutta

Players on the move: Join Razeen Gutta for a weekly roundup of all the biggest deals taking place around South Africa and Europe.

With big deals being done at Bayern Munich, Chelsea are eyeing a new-look defence while top scorer Shalulile will stay at Sundowns. Here’s the latest!

Europe

Matthijs de Ligt has sealed a £65 million (R1.3 billion) move to Bayern Munich from Juventus with two-thirds of that transfer fee covered by Robert Lewandowski’s move to Barcelona.

Lewandowski has signed a three-year contract, according to Sky Sports, with the Bayern legend saying at his Barcelona unveiling that he believes in Xavi’s project with the club.

De Ligt, on the other hand, has signed a five-year deal in Munich — with the centre back becoming Julian Nagelsmann’s fourth signing of the window after Sadio Mané, Noussair Mazraoui and Ryan Gravenberch.

With movements in defence and attack, the saga in midfield continues as Bayern Munich remain in the picture alongside Manchester United for the signing of Frenkie de Jong.

Barcelona’s 25-year-old has become the centrepoint of the Catalans’ financial struggles, with the club still owing the player £17 million (R340 million) in wages, according to reports. And while the player would like to stay at Barcelona, GOAL have reported that he would like to go to Bayern Munich should a move be necessary.

While Man United are so far failing in their pursuit of a player, their rivals Manchester City are having no trouble offloading them.

With Pep Guardiola’s side having already done business with the Gunners this summer, it appears that a £32 million (R640 million) deal to sell Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal is all but confirmed.

Across London at Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel’s defensive rebuild continues with Jules Kounde and Presnel Kimpembe both being heavily pursued, according to multiple reports.

After missing out on De Ligt and Nathan Ake, the Blues are still on the hunt for more defensive options with Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly already signing.

South Africa

On a local front, Mamelodi Sundowns top scorer Peter Shalulile has signed a new five-year contract with the DStv Premiership champions.

The Namibian international staying after netting 30 goals as Masandawa won the domestic treble is a statement of intent from the club going into the new season.

Over in Soweto, Orlando Pirates have parted ways with veteran skipper Happy Jele. The 35-year-old has opted against retirement and will leave the club after making over 400 appearances.

According to Soccer Laduma, Royal AM are showing interest in keeping Jele in the top flight, though the player is reportedly still assessing his options.