On September 1, the 2023 summer transfer window will close its doors, at least for the French championship, Serie A and the Bundesliga. For the rest, the Premier League and La Liga will have until August 31 to shop while the Saudi Pro League can continue to ignite this window until September 20. While waiting to immerse themselves in the frantic pace of European matches but also Champions League shocks, some players are still waiting on the sidelines, looking for a new ambitious or lucrative project. Among them, some flashy names, experienced profiles but also several young people in decline. Here is a top 10 of great deals to grab.
David de Gea (32, Spain)
After twelve years at Manchester United, the Spanish goalkeeper was dropped from Erik ten Hag’s plans and therefore was not extended. Since then, André Onana has arrived from Inter Milan to replace him and the former Atlético de Madrid goalkeeper has still not found suitors. A time announced on the side of OM but also Sevilla FC or Bayern Munich, the man with 545 matches played with the Red Devils is struggling to find a new challenge. Lately, however, the English press has been showing concrete interest from Saudi Arabia and Al-Nassr. It now remains to be seen whether the person concerned will accept the challenge within the team led by Cristiano Ronaldo or will opt for another destination. One thing is certain, time is running out.
Sergio Ramos (37, Spain)
Still without a contract since the end of his adventure with Paris Saint-Germain, Sergio Ramos is looking for a new base during this summer transfer window. If a return to Seville was considered for a time, the Spanish central defender should ultimately favor a new, more exotic destination. After the United States and Major League Soccer, the 37-year-old is now being tracked by Galatasaray and especially by Besiktas near Istanbul in Turkey. A regular starter under Christophe Galtier last season, the Spaniard still has several years ahead of him at a high level and a last experience with an Istanbul club could allow him to stay in a competitive environment. For the moment, Besiktas have indicated that they have stopped negotiations due to the player’s high claims. Definitely ? Answer in the next few days.
Almamy Touré (27, Mali)
Passed by AS Monaco, the 27-year-old central defender is arousing many interests this summer. However, since his departure from Eintracht Frankfurt on July 1, the former number 18 of the German club, winner of the Europa League last season, has still not found a challenge that meets his expectations. If we revealed to you recently that he was in the crosshairs of three Premier League clubs as well as two French clubs, whose identities have not been filtered, the Malian international (1 selection) is still on the market. Injured a good part of the previous exercise, the native of Bamako could represent a nice bet for possible suitors. Determined to relaunch, Touré leaves nothing behind for his future. Notice to those interested…
Tiemoué Bakayoko (29 years old, France)
Arrived at Chelsea in July 2017, the French defensive midfielder finally left the London club, eager to free up space in its sizeable workforce. After loans from AC Milan, AS Monaco and Napoli, the 29-year-old Parisian is now looking for a new project. Renowned for his athletic qualities and his volume of play, the one who returns from an inconclusive experience with the Rossoneri (3 small appearances in Serie A and 39 minutes of play disputed) could thus bring his physical impact to a formation seeking to strengthen his midfield. If certain rumors recently evoked a possible return to Ligue 1, to Rennes but also to OL, the salary of the person concerned should logically cool the Rhone leaders, who have to deal with limited resources.
Nampalys Mendy (31, Senegal)
Winner of CAN 2021 with Senegal, Nampalys Mendy has established himself as an essential element of Aliou Cissé’s collective. However, the 31-year-old midfielder hardly played in the Premier League last season (22 appearances in all competitions for 1 goal and 1 assist) and finds himself, today, free of any contract since his departure. from Leicester. Renowned for his physical qualities, the former player of OGC Nice could, as such, be one of the very good deals of this end of the transfer window. Yes, but now, at the moment, few suitors seem willing to enlist him and it is towards the Gulf that the native of La Seyne-sur-Mer could fly away. Recently, several sources mentioned a possible departure for the Saudi Pro League. There, Mendy would then find his compatriots, such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly or even Habib Diallo.
André Ayew (33, Ghana)
He too finds himself without a club a few days before the transfer market closes. However, his still overflowing energy contrasts with his age. After almost six months spent on the side of Nottingham Forest, the former winger of Olympique de Marseille or even West Ham could, despite everything, bring all his qualities to several European teams. Not stingy with effort and with a great technique, the captain of the Black Stars is still waiting for a sign of a potential contender. If the Ghanaian (114 caps, 24 goals) has indeed received calls in Europe, the United States and the Gulf countries, his future remains unclear. Pugnacious, ready to do anything to stay in shape and with the 2023 African Cup of Nations (Côte d’Ivoire) in sight, Ayew must, for the time being, wait.
Alexis Sánchez (34, Chile)
Another safe bet in our championships, the Chilean international (153 caps, 51 goals) is also on the sidelines. After his departure from Olympique de Marseille with whom he had not reached an agreement for a contract extension, the center forward passed by Arsenal, Manchester United or even Barcelona should not, however, take too long to find shoe on his foot. If many rumors evoked a possible return to the Canebière, it is on the side of Inter Milan that Sanchez should make his comeback. According to Gazzetta dello sport, the Nerazzurri leaders would like to see the Gunners defector return to the side of Giuseppe-Meazza, while Joaquin Correa is no longer favored by Simone Inzaghi. In view of the last season achieved by the child of Tocopilla (18 goals, 3 offerings in 44 matches), this movement has everything of a very good deal…
Eden Hazard (32, Belgium)
Good deal or not? Everyone will have their own idea. One thing is certain, the career of the Belgian international (126 caps, 33 goals) remains more than honorable and his talent remains undeniable. After a sparkling stint on the side of Lille and several good years under the tunic of Chelsea, the crack of La Louvière, however, experienced a big blow less well with Real Madrid. Released by the Merengues last July, Hazard is now struggling to bounce back. If the specter of a retirement has sometimes been announced, the Belgian can, despite everything, hope for a new challenge. Especially since several clubs are ready to welcome him. As explained on our site, Major League Soccer is making eyes at him. We told you a few weeks ago about an interest from the LA Galaxy. Subsequently, Inter Miami of David Beckham and Lionel Messi also tested the waters. But the former Chelsea rejected their proposal. Finally, the Vancouver Whitecaps, Botafogo but also Saudi Arabia are also among the possible contenders. A consequent list which could therefore be synonymous with a restless end to the summer for the 32-year-old right-hander.
Mariano Díaz (30, Dominican Republic)
On June 3, Real Madrid announced the departure of Mariano Diaz at the end of the season. Since then, the striker has still not found any club but remains a good bet to try. If time is running out, the former Olympique Lyonnais striker could well turn to an exotic destination, fashionable during this summer transfer window. With this in mind, the Spanish press recently revealed that the Dominican was being tracked by two Saudi clubs, which have already sent their offers. If the player is motivated by the idea of joining Saudi Arabia, the latter has nevertheless set very specific requirements, since he would expect no less than 6 M € net per year. A juicy contract demanded by the ex-Merengue, who hopes to see his desires come true in the coming weeks…
Alfredo Morelos (27, Colombia)
Last name of this non-exhaustive list, the former Rangers striker, released from his contract on July 1, has still not found a new challenge. Despite 12 goals scored and 6 assists delivered last season, the Colombian international (11 caps, 1 goal), in talks with Zenit and Spartak Moscow, remains without a club. A situation that could not last long for the one who is also closely followed by the Spanish club Granada. Back in the country where he was seen on the pitch with his friends, Morelos is now waiting for a sign. Addressing Sport24his agent Martin Camagno insisted, as such, on a possible departure to Russia where several formations are on the lookout. “The transfer of Morelos to Russia is still possible. Not only Zenit and Spartak are interested in him, but also other Russian Premier League clubs.. To be continued…
Finally, in addition to these names, other good deals are still to be made on this summer market. This is the case of Luiz Gustavo, passed by OM and without a club since leaving Al Nassr, Yann M’Vila, recently released by Olympiakós Piraeus, Steven Nzonzi, looking for a new experience after his move to Al-Rayyan SC, Haris Belkebla, ready to bounce back from his departure from Stade Brestois, Axel Tuanzebe, not retained by Manchester United, Xeka, without a club since his move to Stade Rennais, or even Jesse Lingard, determined to idea of bouncing back after Nottingham Forest. So many profiles which should, logically, animate the last straight line of this summer transfer window 2023.
