Soccer transfer news summary: Wednesday 6 July 2022

USMNT

Tyler Adams becomes the third most expensive transfer in US history

United States international Tyler Adams has officially joined Premier League side Leeds United and will be reunited with Elland Road boss Jesse Marsch, for whom he has previously played at New York Red Bulls and RB Leipzig.

AS USA's Rodrigo Serrano has the full story

MLS

Gareth Bale set to miss El Tráfico derby between LAFC and LA Galaxy

Gareth Bale is not expected make his Los Angeles FC debut against city rivals Los Angeles Galaxy on Friday, as the Welshman is yet to receive his US visa and international transfer certificate.

“The process is still ongoing, so I don’t have an answer for you,” LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo told reporters on Wednesday when asked about Bale’s paperwork.

AS understands that there is an outside chance of the documentation coming through in time for the 32-year-old to be available for the derby, but this is unlikely.

De Jong's United move held up over unpaid Barça wages

The Telegraph says Frenkie de Jong's move from Barcelona to Manchester United is being delayed by unpaid wages. James Tucker reports that Barça owe De Jong around $20m in pay that the Dutchman agreed to defer earlier in the pandemic, as a result of the financial impact of covid-19.

Chelsea look to complete Sterling deal

Fabrizio Romano reports that there will be further talks between Chelsea and Manchester City today as the two clubs look to finalise Raheem Sterling's move to Stamford Bridge in a £45m ($53m) deal. Sterling has already held discussions with Blues head coach Thomas Tuchel, Romano says.

Juventus keen on Koulibaly

The front page of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport leads with news of a Juventus swoop for defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The Vecchia Signora are said to be ready to pay Napoli 30 million euros for the Senegal international, while the player himself would be handed a six-million-euro annual salary.

Soccer

Cristiano Ronaldo move ruled out by Bayern Munich chief executive Oliver Kahn

Bayern Munich were touted as a potential destination for Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, but Oliver Kahn has dismissed the rumours.

Read more

Southampton sign Romeo Lavia from Manchester City

Southampton have confirmed the signing of Romeo Lavia from Manchester City.

Southampton and Leeds United were both interested in the 18-year-old but Hasenhuttl's team have secured the midfielder's signature.

City will have the option to buy back Lavia from the Saints.

Sterling set for Chelsea move

As Fabrizio Romano reports, Raheem Sterling has agreed personal terms with Chelsea ahead of a move to Stamford Bridge. 

The fee will be in the region of £45m for the 27-year-old England international.

Leeds sign Tyler Adams

Leeds United have this evening announced the signing of USA international midfielder Tyler Adams.

Adams joins Leeds on a 5-year deal from RB Leipzig for a £20m fee including add-ons.

Atlético Madrid complete the signing of Witsel

Atlético Madrid today announced the signing of Axel Witsel.

The Belgian midfielder joins Los Colchoneros on a deal until 2023.

Gavi set to sign Barça contract in August - sporting director

Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany says the club are close to tying Gavi down to a new contract, but must wait until after the player’s birthday before signing the deal.

Speaking as Barça unveiled summer signing Franck Kessié on Wednesday, Alemany said: “We have a framework agreement with the player and his agent, but we can’t give him a contract lasting longer than three years until he’s 18.”

Gavi, who has made 50 Barça appearances since breaking into the first team last season, turns 18 on 5 August.

(Photo: Rodolfo Molina/Diario AS)

Mendy to leave Real Madrid?

Relevo reports that Real Madrid are open to selling left-back Ferland Mendy this summer. "If an interesting bid comes in, they'll consider it," the Spanish media outlet says.

Mendy wants to stay at the club, Relevo adds.

The France international has made 105 Madrid appearances since joining from Lyon in 2019.

Lingard set for talks with MLS clubs after Man Utd exit

ESPN’s Rob Dawson reports that former Manchester United player Jesse Lingard is to fly to the US to listen to offers from MLS teams, with two franchises interested in the attacking midfielder, who is available as a free agent.

Lingard is reportedly also being pursued by Everton and West Ham - he had a successful loan spell at the Hammers in 2021 - while Barcelona and AC Milan have made contact this summer, Dawson says.

The ESPN report does not say which MLS clubs are eyeing a move for the England international.

MLS insider Tom Bogert has tweeted: “The venn diagram of teams who can realistically pay/convince him + have an open DP [Designated Player] spot isn't big.”

Chelsea close to Sterling deal, Cristiano "not completely ruled out"

The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reports that Chelsea are closing in on a £45m ($53m) move for Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling.

Sterling is said to be “comfortable” with the financial terms on offer at Stamford Bridge, and “excited” at the prospect of joining the Blues.

However, Delaney says Chelsea appear likely to miss out on Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, who reportedly prefers a switch to Bundesliga club Bayern Munich.

Delaney also describes a Chelsea move for wantaway Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo as “not completely ruled out”.

Everton shut down talk of Gordon departure

The Newcastle Chronicle says the agent of Anthony Gordon has offered the Everton midfielder to Newcastle United, but adds that the Toffees have already told Tottenham there’s no chance the 21-year-old will be allowed to leave Goodison Park.

The Chronicle says Newcastle have not submitted a bid for Gordon, despite rumours of a £35m ($41m) move for the youngster.

(Photo: Jason Cairnduff, Action Images via Reuters)

Maguire 'likes' Cristiano pay cut post

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire raised eyebrows today when he ‘liked’ a social-media post detailing claims that Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy at having to take a 25% wage cut after the club’ missed out on next season’s Champions League.

The BBC says it has been told that Maguire liked the post accidentally.

Cristiano, 37, has told United he wants to leave Old Trafford this summer, with several clubs interested in the Portugal skipper (see earlier post).

Bergwijn-Ajax confirmation on the way

Fabrizio Romano reports that Steven Bergwijn has passed a medical at Ajax and penned a five-year deal at the Eredivisie club, who are yet to officially confirm the Dutch winger's signing from Tottenham.

Ronaldo to Barcelona?

As we've suggested, one of those potential moves for Cristiano is Camp Nou. What a shock that would be to the footballing world, and not one I'd put any money on.

That said, during some questions today, the president of the Catalan club didn't outright deny the signing. Surely not!

SOCCER

Which club will sign Cristiano Ronaldo? Bayern, Chelsea, Barcelona...

So where exactly does Cristiano hope to end up?

As we've already reported, he does not want to stay at Manchester United. The forward has informed the club of his wish and so far the response he has received from Old Trafford bosses has been negative.

United do not want to part with the 37-year-old, but there are still two months left in the summer transfer window and all the indications seem to be that Cristiano will not be at the Premier League club next season.

At the moment, there are five teams that have already made contact with Jorge Mendes, the Portuguese captain’s agent, to convey their interest...

OPINION

Cristiano Ronaldo’s decadence

"When his numbers are reduced to those of a simple good scorer, problems arise. He doesn’t press and the coach has to find ways to compensate for that deficit in the overall team’s play."

As Ronaldo considers a move away from Manchester United to a club that is competing at the top level, doubts remain over what he can now offer, none more so than from Alfredo Relaño.

Transfer flashback | when Cristiano arrived in Madrid

It was the start of a very beautiful relationship and one that will remain in sporting history long after we are all gone.

Cristiano Ronaldo was always meant to play for Real Madrid and he did not disappoint, creating arguably the greatest individual rivalry ever in history as he jostled for GOAT standing with Lionel Messi.

13 years ago today

Transfers into five EPL subs

Matt reminds us here that with the new rule in the Premier League for the 2022/23 season of five subs - replacing the previous limit of three - could actually change the way new signings are used.

A young star in the making could well see themselves getting more pitchtime in the league games, not only in domestic cup ties.

Reina bids farewell to Lazio

Pepe Reina, who made a name for himself at Premier League side, Liverpool, is on the move. The Spanish goalkeeper is swapping Serie A for LaLiga and had this farewell to the Lazio family.

"It was a pleasure to defend these colors and enter the history of Lazio always trying, on and off the field, to honor the shirt.

"I leave great companions, friends and I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart!! 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗭𝗜𝗘 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘!! "

Forget transfers, get snogging

We interrupt this transfer broadcast to remind you that today is national kissing day. Yip, there really is a day for that!

So, assuming you've made sure the other party is in agreement, pucker up.

If you can't find anyone giving permission, why not find a big piece of silverware like these Premier League chaps and give it a peck.

MLS

Federico Bernardeschi set to join Lorenzo Insigne in Toronto FC

Toronto FC want to get out from the bottom of the table in the Eastern Conference by adding more players to their star-studded roster. 

And this desire has the team managed by Bob Bradley in talks to sign Federico Bernardeschi, who is without a club, meaning the Italian international could arrive as a free agent.

Rodrigo Serrano brings you the latest picture.

Pogba and Di Maria slide into Old Lady

According to the man who has made his name in transfer talk, Ángel di María is en route to Juventus on a one-year deal... and Paul Pogba will follow.

Tyler Adams in at Leeds

News coming out recently that Tyler Adams' move from RB Leipzig to Leeds is almost ready to officially announce.

Medical is happening today. Agreements already in place. Transfer for £20m+.

Kessie presented at Camp Nou

The Barça fans got their first chance to see their new star.

"I'm delighted with the massive pay out and fame that comes with this move," he didn't say, unfortunately.

It was the more predictable, "I'm very happy to be part of this big family and this big club," that we heard.

Soccer

Kessie and Christensen double transfer swoop for Barcelona

As you likely know, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie have joined the Camp Nou project under Xavi and will be playing in the azulgrana next season in LaLiga.

Both free transfers and today's the big presentation day...

Pavard on Chelsea radar

More from Chelsea, who have reportedly declared an interest in Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard.

Pavard, 26, has held discussions with the German champions about leaving the club, where his contract runs until 2024.

The Blues are also pondering a £45m Matheus Nunes deal.

Have Liverpool lined up Bellingham?

For the majority of last season it had looked like James Milner might leave Anfield this summer. The Reds vice-captain had been due to be out of contract and, having celebrated his 36th birthday in January, had been turned to sporadically by Jürgen Klopp.

Milner bounced back to silence his doubters emphatically as the Reds chased an unprecedented quadruple. Playing an important role after coming on in both the League Cup and FA Cup finals to help Liverpool beat Chelsea to clinch a domestic double. Is his year's extension linked to the potential arrival of superstar in waiting Jude Bellingham?

Theo Squires makes a case that the Anfield club are arranging the squad for the 'right' addition next summer.

Chelsea or Bayern? Who can turn De Ligt on?

One of the many high-profile players in demand this summer is Matthijs de Ligt and Bayern Munich are convinced that they are his first choice as competition with Chelsea grows.

The German giants are said to be gagging at the prospect of getting negotiations underway, while the Londoners need Tuchel to get his ship in shape for a Premier League challenge.

Soccer

Who is Christophe Galtier? PSG’s new head coach to replace Pochettino

The new PSG manager isn’t the most well-known outside of France, but his achievements are no less impressive. And soon, people will know his name.

Our Jen brings you a quick review of the man who is now leading one of the richest clubs in the world.

Soccer

PSG part ways with Mauricio Pochettino

Well that was all a bit forgettable, wasn’t it?

Mauricio Pochettino is no longer Paris Saint-Germain head coach after the two parties agreed to part ways. The club confirmed their parting on Tuesday, with former Lille and Nice coach Christophe Galtier appointed as his replacement.

Pochettino was an appointment that excited many and seemed to promise much, given the fine job the Argentine had previously done at Tottenham.

Then again, it's not like he had any big stars to work with. What? Oh!

Roma stay firm on Zaniolo

The Italian midfielder, the big diamond in Mourinho's exciting project, is in limbo, with his future undecided. He is looking forward to a possible move to Juventus, who want him as the icing on the cake of their project, but he is also looking forward to another year at the Olimpico.

The problem is the inactivity of the Old Lady, who is moving as nimbly as her name suggests, and in search of a zimmer. Roma have set their sights on around 60 million euros despite the fact that he has only one year left on his contract and have stressed that they will not accept the inclusion of players in the deal.

Barça restart the Tagliafico option

The paths of Barça and the Argentine full-back could cross again, it seems.

Tagliafico came within a whisker of becoming a new Barça player in the winter transfer window, and this time he could go from being option 'C' to 'A'. All of this is due to Chelsea's reluctance to lower their demands for Marcos Alonso.

According to Sky Sports, those fifteen million euros are too much for the Camp Nou coffers, who have Lewandowski, Koundé and Raphinha as transfer targets to pay. Therefore, the option of Ajax's Albiceleste, who have priced him at six million euros and have already signed Wijndal in that position, is more attractive.

Transfer market news: welcome

Good morning and welcome to our live blog covering all things related to the football transfer world.

Here, you will find all the information you need regarding the biggest clubs and players as managers and moneymen collide in the 2022 summer window.

What signing does your team need? Which players do you want to see the back of? We'll keep you posted throughout today, 6 July 2022.