Razeen Gutta
Players on the Move: As the football season draws to a close, fans settle in for another summer of getting their football fix from transfer news. Join Razeen Gutta for a weekly roundup of all the biggest deals taking place around South Africa and Europe.
Lewandowski set for summer move? Lukaku on his way back to Inter? Usuthu trio on the way out as Amazulu rebuild?
The transfer window only officially opens on 1 July in most countries and on 10 June in the UK. However, many teams across the globe have already secured their summer transfers with deals already in place.
Elsewhere, some of the world’s biggest players either have contracts which are ending with their clubs in the summer or they have already expressed a desire to leave.
Europe
One of the big names who belongs in the latter category is the current Fifa player of the year, Robert Lewandowski. The 33-year-old scored 35 league goals to help Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title this year and has now made it clear that he believes his time at the club is over.
Another big name European striker who may be on the way out of his club is Romelu Lukaku. The Chelsea centre forward has not scored as many goals as he may have liked this past season, and if reports are to be believed, the Belgian could be on his way back to Inter Milan.
A young talent who has been in the news lately is AS Monaco starlet Aurelien Tchouameni. The 22-year-old has been a target for Champions League winners Real Madrid and runners-up Liverpool; and if reports are to be believed, PSG could now be in the race for him as well.
In confirmed news, Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Ivan Perisic on a free transfer. The Croatian winger put pen to paper on a two year deal that will see him play under Antonio Conte in the Champions League next season.
Following the departure of captain Fernandinho and the possibility of Ilkay Gündogan leaving, English midfielders Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips are said to be on Pep Guardiola’s radar.
South Africa
In local news, Amazulu are reportedly set to offload Xola Mlambo, Augustine Mulenga and Siyanda Xulu. The trio are not set to be a part of Brandon Truter’s plans for next season as Usuthu look to rebuild their squad. Another step in that process was the signing of striker Gabadinho Mhango which was completed last week.
After finishing in 5th place behind Stellenbosch FC on goal difference, Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed two signings from the 4th placed club. Stellies’ player of the season Zitha Kwinka and striker Ashley Du Preez will both join Amakhosi on 1 July.
Image source: @BeSoccer
