Players on the move: Join Razeen Gutta for a weekly roundup of all the biggest deals taking place around South Africa and Europe.
A new PSG contract may be on the horizon for Lionel Messi, but the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister will certainly be eyed up by some of Europe’s elite. Meanwhile in local news, Soweto giants Chiefs and Pirates set their sights on new talent.
Europe
As the window opens following an incredible Fifa World Cup in Qatar, there is no doubt that a large share of the attention will instantly turn to the tournament’s best young player — Enzo Fernandez.
The 21-year-old midfielder’s club Benfica have reportedly received an offer from Chelsea in the region of £110 million (R2.2 billion) for Fernandez, which would make him the most expensive player in Premier League history should the deal go through.
Another World Cup winning star is in the headlines and that is Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister. And despite links to top sides across the globe, the 24-year-old made his intentions clear in an interview with Albion TV.
“I try not to read too much. I always say I am happy here, I don’t have any rush to leave. I feel really good, I’m really grateful for this club, my team-mates and all the people who work here. I’m just focused on the next game and this club,” he said.
Over in North London, Arsenal are in top form, and when talking about Mikel Arteta’s side, the name Mykhailo Mudryk simply has to come up.
The Ukraine international has been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners and according to Fabrizio Romano it is all about Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk agreeing on the transfer fee with personal terms not an issue.
Former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has also been in the headlines with rumours linking the Aston Villa man with a move to Corinthians in his native Brazil.
The 30-year-old has made it clear that those rumours are far from true, however, stating on social media that he is happy and fully focused on playing at a high level to help Villa achieve their goals.
It has only been a few days since the window opened, but we may have another box-office saga on the cards with Manchester United and Bayern Munich reportedly battling it out for the signature of Dani Olmo.
The Spaniard who currently plays his trade at RB Leipzig is said to be valued at somewhere in the region of £35 million (R700 million) and is certainly one to keep an eye on in this window and beyond.
South Africa
Closer to home, 22-year-old forward Marou Souaibou may still be on his way to Orlando Pirates. The Cameroon footballer of the year scored 21 goals for Cotton Sport last season and after being linked on and off to a move to Soweto, SABC Sport were the latest to report that the move still “hangs in the balance”.
In the yellow half of Soweto, former Bafana Bafana striker Dino Ndlovu could be on his way to Kaizer Chiefs. Amakhosi would have to fend off TS Galaxy, however, who GOAL have reported to also be showing interest in the 32 year old.
Pictured above: Enzo Fernandez
Image source: @thebluedodger
