SOCCER
Last minute purchases in the transfer market: Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Matt Turner, Chiesa...
With just a few days left until the summer transfer market closes, there are still a few key players looking for moves.
The summer transfer market is about to close its doors and after a sluggish start to business primarily due to both the Copa America and Euro 2024 being active, August has seen an increase in movement with Atlético Madrid acquiring Conor Gallagher and Julián Alvarez with Real Madrid previously closing the signings of Kylian Mbappé and Endrick. James Rodriguez too is back in Spain with the Colombian joining Rayo Vallecano on a free.
The Premier League as always has been a hive of activity in recent weeks with Spurs purchasing Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth and Manchester United securing the services of Yoro from Lille.
With the clock ticking down towards the window closing, there are still a handful of high profile stars whose immediate future remains uncertain.
Raheem Sterling
The Englishman has become a ‘hot potato’ for Chelsea as the player does not figure in coach Maresca’s plans with the Italian himself opening the exit door at Stamford Bridge for the 29-year-old. A mutually suitable move may be difficult given Sterling’s salary of 300,000 pounds a week (22 million dollars, per season) and in order to secure a move the Jamaican born player will have to take an income drop.
Jadon Sancho
Something broke between Jadon Sancho and Erik Ten Hag last season. The Dutchman never counted on the ex-Borussia Dortmund player despite the fact that Manchester United paid more than 80 million dollars for his services and he was back on loan with the Bundesliga side. The winger is on United’s transfer list but as is the case with Sterling, his high salary may prove to be a handicap in securing a new club.
Matt Turner
The American is on the exit ramp at Nottingham Forest with the keeper not fitting in with Nuno Espírito Santos’ plans. A step down to the English Championship or a return to the MLS are the two options on the table for the 30-year-old goalkeeper.
Federico Chiesa
The Italian is out of favour at Juventus and despite recent attempts to find him a new club in Europe (with FC Barcelona interested) a move has failed to materialise. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa or a move to AS Roma were another series of possibilities, but both were rejected by the Italian international.