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.
Casemiro’s big money move from Real Madrid to Manchester United is now complete; but Arsenal and Chelsea may still do some business before the end of the month. Meanwhile in Africa, Percy Tau is on the move again — here’s the latest!
Europe
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro was unveiled to Manchester United prior to their high profile win over Liverpool on Monday night football.
The 30-year-old signed a four year deal at Old Trafford for a whopping transfer fee of £70 million (R1.4 billion) after winning 15 major trophies in a highly-successful career at Real Madrid.
Erik Ten Hag’s new signing was not yet ready to make the squad. However, his unveiling already had the Red Devils winning according to teammate Raphael Varane.
“It was a perfect night for him to meet Old Trafford because the atmosphere was absolutely amazing, and he brings us a victory, so it’s nice,” the defender said.
Ten Hag’s side bested their arch rivals without club captain Harry Maguire, and if reports are to be believed, the English centre back could be being eyed-up by Chelsea.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are coming off a 3-0 defeat to Leeds United and are no doubt still feeling the after effects of Antonio Rudiger’s departure. However, no official bids have been reported for the 29-year-old as yet.
A defender who has been out of favour in Tuchel’s starting eleven has been Emerson. The Italy international has now officially made a move across London to West Ham United after spending four years at Stamford Bridge.
The new ownership at Chelsea could well lead to more business, with some strengthening at the back and certainly up top looking likely.
Sky Sports have reported that the Blues are in advanced talks with Barcelona for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The striker, who formerly played for Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal, is reportedly valued at £20 million (R400 million) by the Catalans.
In North London, Arsenal find themselves top of the Premier League table with a young squad of players determined to impress. One player who has been out of the fray and looks likely to leave, however, is Nicolas Pepe.
According to the Daily Cannon, Leicester City are interested in the Ivorian winger and could face competition from French club OGC Nice to sign him.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’s winger Pedro Neto has been linked with the Gunners as a potential Pepe replacement. However, the Portuguese made an admission this week that will not sit well with Arsenal fans.
The 22-year-old told The Times that his dream would be “to play in the Champions League” and that he wishes to take Wolves to greater heights.
Neto recently signed a new contract at Molineux and with no Champions League football currently on offer at the Emirates, it remains to be seen whether Mikel Arteta can convince him to make the move should Arsenal put in a bid.
South Africa
In local news, Bafana Bafana international Percy Tau has left Egyptian side Al Ahly according to Supersport.
The 28-year-old spent just a season with the African champions and, having played for clubs like Brighton and Anderlecht in the past, it will be interesting to see where the striker heads for the next chapter in his career.
Former Kaizer Chiefs man Daniel Akpeyi could be on his way to Chippa United, Soccer Laduma have reported.
The Nigerian goalkeeper is currently a free agent and could be set to replace Ismail Watenga at Chippa after the Ugandan was spotted training with Marumo Gallants.
Photo credit: Sportbuzzer
