Man Utd stars to Saudi, Guimaraes Arsenal and more

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Bruno Fernandes is on the radar of Saudi Arabia, although the sellers are not very hopeful that anything will happen this summer. And there is further interest in him from Bayern and Inter.
Manchester United still consider Fernandes very important, which is not surprising if he is their captain. But the Saudi recruitment strategy is patient, and from the Saudi point of view it is Al-Nassr that is the club to watch.
In the long run, Saudi is making acquiring another Portuguese star a priority, especially since Cristiano Ronaldo will soon enter the final year of his contract.
Portugal has surprisingly proved one of the biggest TV markets for the Saudi Pro League since Ronaldo made the switch. The renewal of the international TV rights takes place in 2025, and the league management is determined to maintain a strong Portuguese audience during the cycle when Ronaldo will leave.
It is not said that in 2025, since Ronaldo can extend the year, but he will certainly not play the next full rights cycle. Then Fernandes links are not new. Saudi is bypassing many top players and waiting for the right time to make a direct approach.
Currently, there is more confidence that Fernandes’ Manchester United teammates Casemiro and Raphael Varane could move to Saudi this summer.
Casemiro was interviewed by Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal. Although he has a healthy contract until 2026, it was made clear to John Murtough in January that any fee for the Brazilian would not come close to the £70m package United paid Real Madrid. I understand the sellers are looking more towards the £25-30m mark, possibly with some bonuses on top.
Varane has confirmed he is leaving United on a free transfer this summer. Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr are both interested. Sellers have been laying the groundwork since last summer. Varane is also open to a return to Lens, but would have to take a significant pay cut. And MLS is an option for Varane.
Bayern’s search for Thomas Tuchel’s replacement has really played out.
It would be a real twist if Tuchel was eventually asked to move on, but options are running out.
Bayern thought they would get Ralf Rangnick, but found out he decided to stay on as coach of Austria.
And there was a lot of talk about Julian Nagelsmann’s return, but the board was divided over the way forward and there was always the possibility that the former Bayern boss would add him as Germany coach, which has now happened.
Erik ten Hag has been linked, although he still works at Manchester United, but no concrete move has been made so far.
Olivier Glasner wouldn’t want to leave Crystal so soon, or be allowed to. He’s just joined, he’s enjoying his time at Selhurst Park, and he’s doing a fantastic job.
The return of Hansi Flick is now getting a lot of attention but there are doubts about re-hiring him.
However, Roberto de Zerbi is still an option despite saying he wants to stay at Brighton. Lille’s Paulo Fonseca has also been discussed within Bayern but is not thought to be a front-runner and, more importantly, looks set to accept a bid from Marseille.
As for Tuchel, he would accept an approach from Manchester United if a vacancy arose. He is still reeling from his Chelsea sacking and feels like he has unfinished business in the Premier League. There has never been a move made for Tuchel, but he could be open to discussing the vacancy if Ten Hag leaves.
Arne Slot’s move to Liverpool is only a matter of time. Everything is agreed. Liverpool will pay €9m+2m to Feyenoord for the slot, with backroom compensation taking the total package to close to €15m.
Slot assistant will be Sipke Hulshoff, and the delay in completion was all dependent on his Liverpool contract. Hulshoff was also assistant to Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman and would be an important part of the coaching staff at Euro 2024. But Liverpool did not want to delay the first day, so Hulshoff was happy to resign and be replaced. today is Dwight Lodeweges.
The Slot deal can now be considered done, but when it is made public it will depend on Liverpool, who have always been aware that they cannot say goodbye to Jurgen Klopp, for his last game at Anfield against Wolves on Sunday.
A formal agreement and a public appointment are two different things, and the latter is about time. Liverpool have never been in a rush to officially announce Slot. The plan was to make sure someone fills the void before the end of the season, and that has been accomplished.
Much has been made of Newcastle’s possible exit before the window opens.
My understanding remains that Alexander Isak is not for sale. Although Arsenal value the Swede, who has 20 Premier League goals this campaign, they are well aware of Newcastle’s situation.
While it’s true the club need £30-50m to ease any PSR concerns, Isak is not a name he plans to give up.
Newcastle also do not want to lose Bruno Guimaraes, but the decision could be taken out of their hands if someone triggers his £100m release clause, which runs between the end of May and the end of June.
As long as the clause remains in place, Newcastle will simply have to prove their worth, but it is understood that offers in excess of £80m could be entertained if Guimaraes wishes to leave the Champions League club.
It must be emphasized, Guimaraes is happy at Newcastle, but it is also true that Manchester City and Arsenal have contacted his camp.
Manchester City are the busiest of suitors. Arsenal are interested in Guimaraes, but have no intention of triggering his release clause meaning they will only enter the race if the price drops.
PSG also considered Guimaraes but decided not to move forward this summer, and will focus on trying to sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City.
Newcastle also have no plans to sell Anthony Gordon despite being linked with Liverpool. And as far as I know, there is actually no Liverpool interest. It is true that Liverpool are planning for a wide attacker or a wide winger. Leeds’ Chrysencio Summerville is another name they have discussed, but targets are still being finalised.
Newcastle hope to bring in two defenders. They are actively working on both Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly. Both are available with free transfers.
Kelly is open to the move. Progress is being made in Adarabioyo as well, with several hunters. Although Newcastle consider themselves in a strong position, Manchester United could enter the race. And interestingly, Tosin’s agent was at Old Trafford for the Arsenal game.
I also expect Newcastle to bring in a wide right-back or a winger, especially goal-scoring Miguel Almiron. Newcastle will listen to offers from the Paraguayan who verbally agreed a deal worth around €30m in January with Saudi club Al-Shabab, only to find the player unwilling to move.
Michael Olise, a target for Manchester United, is possible if finances allow. Olise has a complex release clause that could be triggered in the region of £60-65m.
Newcastle could add another striker, especially with Callum Wilson’s future unclear. Benjamin Sesko is one name they discussed under Dan Ashworth, but it is important to note that their new sporting director, if he is fit to start this summer (which has not been announced), may have other ideas.
Dominic Solanke, Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth signing, is not in Newcastle’s squad. But they could be a dark horse for Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, although Milan are currently favourites.
If Guimaraes leaves, I expect Newcastle to add another midfielder, even with Sandro Tonali back from his gambling ban next season.
I don’t know if Newcastle are renewing any interest in Kalvin Phillips but Conor Gallagher is a popular name. The challenge will match Chelsea’s asking price of £50m+.
Even if Newcastle manage to get into the Europa League, I don’t expect them to go into a spending spree.
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