The football world is on the edge of its seat as Euro 2024 reaches its climax this Sunday in Berlin. The tournament has not only delivered thrilling matches but also ignited the flames of the summer transfer market, with several headline-grabbing deals in the works.
In-Demand Striker: Joshua Zirkzee
One player who has suddenly found himself in the spotlight is Joshua Zirkzee. The young striker, currently plying his trade at Bologna, received a last-minute call-up for Euro 2024 following Brian Brobbey's unfortunate injury. Despite the last-minute inclusion, Zirkzee has shone brightly, catching the attention of numerous major European clubs.
Bologna is reportedly keen on retaining Zirkzee, a testament to his burgeoning talent. However, the player's €40 million release clause has not deterred some of the continent's biggest clubs. AC Milan had entered advanced discussions with Zirkzee prior to the tournament, but their interest seems to have waned, redirecting their focus toward other options.
Manchester United has shown significant interest in Zirkzee. Talks are already underway between United and Bologna, and it appears that personal terms between the player and the Premier League club have been agreed upon. If the deal goes through, it could be one of the standout transfers of the summer. Meanwhile, Bologna continues to make efforts to keep their star striker, but the lure of Old Trafford may prove too strong to resist.
AC Milan's Strategic Moves
AC Milan, once in the race for Zirkzee, has now turned its attention to Alvaro Morata. The Spanish forward, who has had notable stints at Juventus and Atletico Madrid, is considered a prime target to lead Milan’s attacking line next season. With Olivier Giroud having left for LAFC, Milan's search for a high-profile striker has become even more urgent.
The Rossoneri are reportedly willing to trigger Morata’s €13 million release clause. However, they face the challenge of convincing the player to return to Serie A. Milan's management is optimistic but are aware of the obstacles they may encounter.
Le Normand to Atletico Madrid
In another significant movement within La Liga, Robin Le Normand is on the verge of joining Atletico de Madrid. Real Sociedad has agreed to a potential €30 million fee for the robust defender. The transfer hinges on Le Normand completing his medicals and signing a long-term contract with the Madrid club. Atletico’s defense could be significantly bolstered with his inclusion, adding more depth and resilience to their backline.
Future Stars and Loans
Paris Saint-Germain has been grooming Xavi Simons as one of their future stars. However, despite their high hopes for the young talent, Simons is likely to leave PSG on loan this summer. Both Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are in pursuit of a season-long loan for the player. PSG’s management is keen on ensuring that Simons gets ample playing time to facilitate his development. The decision on his loan destination will be instrumental in shaping his growth trajectory.
Theo Hernandez: A Sought-After Talent
Theo Hernandez of AC Milan has also found himself in the transfer rumor mill. Bayern Munich has shown notable interest in the left-back, whose contract with Milan runs until the summer of 2026. Despite Milan’s staunch denial of any possibility of Hernandez’s move, speculation persists about a potential late-window transfer. Hernandez has added fuel to the uncertainty with his candid admission: "I don't know what will happen."
As the Euro 2024 draw to a close, the excitement in the transfer market is almost palpable. Fans and pundits alike are eagerly anticipating how these transfer sagas will unfold, knowing that the outcomes could shape the next football season in profound ways.