We’re into the final stretch of the 2024 summer transfer window and, as expected, the rumours just keep getting more and more ridiculous.
From a Real Madrid star being offered a €1bn contract to Chelsea signing yet another player, there’s been plenty of outrageous stories doing the rounds over the last week.
Here are the pick of the bunch.
Jadon Sancho to Chelsea
On the move? / Neal Simpson/Allstar/GettyImages
The rumour
Fussball.news are reporting that Chelsea have joined the race to sign Jadon Sancho from Manchester United. The Blues would be looking to sign the player on loan with an obligation to buy.
Our take
What’s the last thing Chelsea need this summer?
Yes, another player, but specifically another wide forward.
With a 1,000 on the books (roughly) already, it would make zero sense for Chelsea to go out and sign another one…which, thinking about, probably means this move will happen.
Marcus Rashford to Saudi Arabia
Linked with a big money move / Michael Regan/GettyImages
The rumour
Spanish outlet Fichajes have reported that Saudi Pro League clubs are eyeing up a €100m move for Marcus Rashford.
Our take
Another week, another Premier League star linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
And, once again, the club that’s interested in signing said Premier League star hasn’t been named. Go figure.
Ivan Perisic to Barcelona
La Liga bound? / Mateusz Slodkowski/GettyImages
The rumour
Croatian media outlet 24sata state that Ivan Perisic is in line for a shock move to Barcelona after becoming a free agent. He is viewed as an alternative to Nico Williams.
Our take
This is one of the more surprising stories we found doing the rounds this week.
Five years ago it would’ve made a lot of sense, but a 35-year-old post-serious knee injury Perisic probably wouldn’t be a great signing for Barca right now – especially not as an alternative to Nico Williams.
Trent Alexander-Arnold to Barcelona
A strange one… / Julian Finney/GettyImages
The rumour
According to Fichajes, Barcelona are prepared to rival Real Madrid in the race to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold if he allows his Liverpool contract to expire.
Our take
Let’s call a spade a spade: It would take a financial miracle for Barca to be able to afford to offer Alexander-Arnold a contract which they can actually register next summer.
Rodrygo to Man City
Top player / Mateo Villalba/GettyImages
The rumour
FootballTransfers are reporting that Man City officials have spoken to Rodrygo’s entourage about a potential move to the Premier League giants. While not looking to leave this summer, the Brazilian would be open to joining City if he changed his mind.
Our take
A non-committal story perhaps, but one that does at least scan. It makes sense that Rodrygo doesn’t want to leave Real Madrid and it also makes sense that, if he were to leave, he’d be open to joining Man City.
Don’t expect him to join Pep Guardiola’s side anytime soon though. He’s a key player for the biggest and best football club in the world right now after all.
Romelu Lukaku to Aston Villa
Villa have been linked / BSR Agency/GettyImages
The rumour
Sport Mediaset are reporting that Aston Villa are willing to pay Romelu Lukaku’s €43m release clause this summer.
Our take
This story screams ‘leaked by the agent to Italian media in order for Napoli to push through a move to sign Lukaku before the summer transfer window closes’.
After Napoli’s disastrous defeat to Hellas Verona at the weekend, one can expect the club to finally get a deal done to sign Lukaku very, very soon.
Ilkay Gundogan to Liverpool
Wanted man / Eric Alonso/GettyImages
The rumour
According to El Nacional, Liverpool had an offer of €40m accepted for Ilkay Gundogan, but the midfielder turned down the move.
Our take
El Nacional, you never fail us.
The Spanish outlet have once again come up trumps with a doozy of a story, with both the reported fee and the fact that Gundogan refused to leave (considering everyone else is reporting that he wants to leave) being peak ‘outrageous rumours’ content.
Vinicius Junior to Saudi Arabia
A lot of money / Alex Caparros/GettyImages
The rumour
Relevo are reporting that Vinicius Junior has received a €1bn proposal to move to the Saudi Pro League.
Our take
Again, the lack of a specific club being linked hurts this story a lot. As does the €1bn contract offer.
That’s more than double what Cristiano Ronaldo is on over in Saudi Arabia. Which, yes, is a bit ridiculous.
