Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has given updates on the latest deals involving Benjamin Sesko, Xavi Simons, Rasmus Hojlund and more.
Sesko crunch time
Sesko is clearly the big story of the day, with the RB Leipzig star set to take a big decision over his future. It promises to have major repercussions across the final days of the transfer window.
Romano explained the current situation on his YouTube channel.
“We’re entering into a crucial day for Benjamin Sesko. After Newcastle’s improved proposal for Sesko, which is €80 million fixed and €10m in add-ons, Manchester United after holding and holding RB Leipzig, now they’ve entered,” he said.
“Man Utd presented an official bid. It’s €75m plus €10m in add-ons. It’s an €85m package after an offer of €90m from Newcastle.
“Let’s clarify some points. Man Utd’s bid includes part of these add-ons being really easy to reach. Sometimes in the transfer market world, it’s easy to say numbers, but then the add-ons can be very easy to reach. Or they can maybe very quite easy to reach, like scoring 10 or 20 goals with a club. Or they can be very difficult to reach, like winning the Champions League or whatever. Add-ons are not guaranteed money.
“In this Man Utd proposal, the main part of the add-ons are quite easy.
“Why have Man Utd bid now? Firstly, it’s a message to RB Leipzig. After spending two weeks talking, they wanted to show that they are serious and not playing about. Secondly, it’s a message to Newcastle. They want to show they have the money and are also in the race. Man Utd want to show they can compete. Thirdly, to the player. Man Utd want to show to Sesko that while Newcastle are pushing, they’re ready to enter into the race.
“Man Utd will only bid if they feel the player wants to join them.
“It’s important to mention that sources at Man Utd guaranteed that their feeling is that the deal between Sesko and Newcastle is not done because the player was waiting for them. Now Man Utd are ‘officially’ in the bidding for him.
“The battle is ongoing.”
Hojlund waits on Sesko decision
One of the players whose future that Sesko is linked to is Rasmus Hojlund, who could leave Man Utd if the Slovenia international is signed.
Romano said: “He wants to stay and fight for his place. No one’s told him that he has to leave. But obviously if a top striker joins, it could be time to go. There’s interest from Italy. AC Milan are still looking at him, but he’s considered too expensive. He’s not the only option. But Hojlund could be an option.
“Man Utd and Leipzig discussed the possibility of including him in a deal for Sesko last week, but it’s not possible as the player is not keen on the move. Now Man Utd are fully focused on Sesko.”
Isak deal hinges on Sesko
Another move that will be dependent on Sesko is Alexander Isak, who could still move to Liverpool, Romano explains.
“It’s on hold at this moment. If Newcastle sign Benjamin Sesko, it can be way easier for Liverpool to return to the table and get Isak,” he said.
“Liverpool will bid if Newcastle open the doors. If Sesko goes to Man Utd, and Man Utd feel internally that he will, then it will be different.
“To find a striker now, towards the end of the transfer window, is not going to be easy.”
Liverpool search for Van Dijk’s heir
Liverpool have spent big money this summer, and the transfer window might not be over for Arne Slot’s side, as Romano explains.
“Liverpool have an appreciation of Giovanni Leoni, a very talented young defender at Parma. At the moment, there are no negotiations. He’s also on the list at Inter, Milan and Juventus in Serie A. Parma still hope to keep the player and have him as a regular starter,” he said.
Romano also said there could be at least one more sale in addition to Darwin Nunez:
“Harvey Elliott remains a target for RB Leipzig. He’s been exploring opportunities but he loves Liverpool. He’d love to stay, he’d love to play but with so many players joining, it’s not easy. Now RB Leipzig are prepared to make an important proposal for Harvey Elliott and to the player. He could be the perfect replacement for Xavi Simons.”
Xavi Simons delay explained
It’s been comparatively quiet at Chelsea in recent times. The Blues still want to sign Xavi Simons, who wants to go to Chelsea.
“At the moment, there’s been no breakthrough. Why?” Romano says.
“It’s not been done for two reasons. The first one is that RB Leipzig are completely focused on the Sesko deal. So they’ll resolve that and then clarify Xavi Simons. Secondly, Chelsea are working on the outgoings. I told you that the contract and salary are almost agreed but we have to wait for official statements for Armando Broja, Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and all the rest.
“Then there’s the conversation on the price between the two clubs, which is something absolutely important.
“Chelsea also keep thinking about Alejandro Garnacho. Don’t forget about that story.”
New Real Madrid deal incoming
While Real Madrid are stalling over a deal for Vinicius Junior, they’re moving quickly to secure the future of one of their hottest striking prospects.
Romano confirms: “They’re preparing a new contract proposal for Gonzalo Garcia. He’s staying at the club. Real Madrid want to extend his contract. They really trust this player, who was top scorer at the Club World Cup.”
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