The 2019 summer transfer window is underway and it is one of the busiest in football history after the thrilling season both at home and abroad and teams are keen on strengthening their squads.
Several big-money deals have been reached, some are still in negotiations while others are yet to begin; put differently, the business of buying and selling of players is hot in Europe.
Let’s take a look at some of the hottest developments this week:
Lukaku’s agent belief
Manchester United’s striker Romelu Lukaku had spoken of his desire to leave Old Trafford this summer after having a frankly poor spell last season. Lukaku, who has suffered a lot of ‘persecution’ from United fans has remained adamant that he wants to join Inter Milan, stating that it has always been his dream to play in Italy.
But it seems that United are the hindrance for his move as they seek to recoup the £75million they paid Everton in 2017. Inter Milan, on their side, are eager to receive the player but are £22m short of United’s valuation.
However, Lukaku’s agent Federico Pastorello has indicated his belief that the deal can still go through and nothing is impossible. “Romelu Lukaku is a dream (for Inter), a difficult one to make happen as such, but I believe nothing is impossible.”
As it stands, the Red Devils have refused a swap deal and only wants money to release the Belgian.
De Ligt is 90% close to Juventus
De Ligt has been hitting the headlines in the recent past regarding the team he will be moving to this summer. After his superb display in Dutch domestic league and the Champions League competitions, the young Ajax defender has been one of the hottest properties this summer as many big clubs have been looking to secure his signature.
For a long time after the conclusion of the 2018-19 season, Barcelona were the favourites to sign the Dutchman but that changed at the beginning of this month after Cristiano Ronaldo’s trick. During the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Netherlands, Ronaldo asked De Ligt about a move to Turin.
When The King calls, you listen!
De Ligt on the verge of joining Juventus!#DeLigt #Ronaldo #Juventus pic.twitter.com/VTqPw93u5x— Ronaldo CR7 -The Juve version (@Mr_Baggio) June 21, 2019
Since then, Juventus began an aggressive hunt for the 19-year-old. According to the latest report from Italy, De Ligt is just a coin flip to join Juventus. The Italian giants have agreed to pay €70 million for the 19-year-old Dutch international.
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