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.

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly asked to leave Manchester United, and could cross paths with Christian Eriksen on his way out the door, who has agreed a three-year deal with the club. Here’s the latest news from the transfer window.

Europe

Ronaldo has reportedly been given permission to not show up to training for Man United, as he seeks an exit route out of Old Trafford. Multiple reports have emerged stating that the 37-year-old is unhappy with the club’s apparent lack of intent in the transfer market.

The Portuguese still has a year left on his contract with the Red Devils, but with the English giants not in the Champions League, a move away seems likely.

According to The Athletic, Ronaldo wants to play at the highest level, and if reports across Europe are to be believed, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, PSG and Barcelona all have him on their radar.

Manchester United have certainly taken it slow in the window when compared to their big six opposition. However, they have agreed a three-year deal to sign Christian Eriksen – just a year after the Danish playmaker suffered a cardiac arrest during the European Championships and was let go by his former club Inter Milan.

United have stepped up their transfer business and have also announced the signing of Dutch fullback Tyrell Malacia. The 22-year-old, who signed for £13 million (R260 million) this week, will certainly form part of Erik Ten Hag’s future plans for both the short- and long-term.

Elsewhere in England, Arsenal are reportedly looking for buyers for Nicolas Pepe. The Gunners’ record signing still has two years left on his contract. However, Mikel Arteta’s interest in Leeds United’s Raphinha suggests that the 27-year-old might not be in his plans for the new season.

Meanwhile at Juventus, Matthijs de Ligt is set to be valued within the region of £100 million (R2 billion), with Chelsea and Bayern Munich showing interest in the Dutchman.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are reported to have the upper hand, with De Ligt said to be a major target for the Blues.

South Africa

In local news, Kaizer Chiefs fan favourite Samir Nurkovic has departed the club. With his past two seasons in Soweto hampered by injuries, the Serbian has officially been unveiled as one of Royal AM’s new signings, clinching a two-year deal with the side.

Across Soweto, we turn attention from Chiefs to Pirates, with the Bucs reportedly looking at Oscarine Masuluke. Pirates released goalkeepers Wayne Sandilands and Elson Sithole last month and if reports are to be believed, the Baroka man has been targeted as a replacement.

Baroka chairman Khurishi Mphahlele has stated that the 29-year-old is not for sale. However following the club’s relegation from the PSL, a move to Soweto could be tempting for Masuluke.

Image source: @PSGTalk