With the European football season fast reaching its final stages, transfer gossip is gathering pace. Top clubs around the continent are already making plans for summer transfer targets as they set about building their squads ahead of another demanding campaign. From high-profile transfers to shock signings, the coming window will be intense on and off the pitch.
Julián Álvarez is a name that might have once seemed outlandish in connection with Barcelona — not as a prospective signing, but as a political chip. The Argentina worldwide has made an impact since joining Atlético Madrid from Manchester City last summer, registering 27 goals in all competitions.
According to Marca, Álvarez might be the centerpiece of Barcelona’s 2026 presidential campaign. Candidates will utilize his name as a signing statement to turn the tide in their favor and unseat incumbent president Joan Laporta. That said, Atlético Madrid won’t give up their star attacker without a fight, so any transfer would be a complicated, politically charged transaction.
Another name generating interest in the list of summer transfer targets is that of André Onana. The Manchester United ‘keeper has entered negotiations with Saudi club Neom. According to reports the club want to get promoted to the Saudi Pro League. Onana is willing to move to Saudi Arabia, per Foot Mercato, although talks are at this stage in its infancy.
United, on the other hand, are said to be considering Roma’s Mile Svilar as a possible replacement, as per Tuttomercato. Only 24 years old, Svilar is considered a long-term project, and United might move quickly if Onana’s exit becomes concrete.
Premier League Trio Eye Marc Guéhi
Marc Guéhi’s performances for Crystal Palace continue to attract interest from some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Newcastle have all kept the centre-back on their radar for months. Guéhi played a crucial role in Palace’s 3-0 FA Cup semi-final victory over Aston Villa, further boosting his profile. If Palace do not sign a new deal this summer, Guéhi may be able to leave for nothing in 2026, which gives extra urgency to any possible transfer. His calmness, positioning, and leadership have made him the most sought-after defender in England.
Liverpool are eyeing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in a potential £50 million transfer, The Sun reports. The 21-year-old returned from a groin injury strongly and helped Palace advance to the FA Cup final. Wharton, however, is said to want assurances of consistent playing time, especially with the next World Cup looming. Jurgen Klopp’s team are seeking to rebuild their midfield, and Wharton’s knack of dictating games from deep could make him an asset. Negotiations will depend on whether Liverpool are prepared to offer him minutes.
Atlético Madrid’s Ambitious Summer Plans
Atlético Madrid are planning an ambitious summer, with Cristian Romero and Álex Baena topping their wishlist, according to Marca. However, acquiring both would cost over €100 million — a difficult task for the Spanish club.
Romero, Tottenham’s first-choice defender, is said to be a hard signing because of possible resistance from the London team. For cover, Atlético are claimed to be considering an approach for Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí, the Colombia international being worth €25 million. In addition, Diego Simeone’s side are also interested in signing a defensive-midfielder, a cover goalkeeper, a forward, and a left-back. Eyeing to make a full squad overhaul before next season.
Early transfer gossip establishes one thing for certain — the 2025 summer window shall be one of the busiest ever remembered. The clubs are putting themselves on notice early to seal their leading summer transfer targets, with political agendas, financial imperatives, and international interest at play. Fans can look forward to a thrilling and unpredictable set of negotiations with many more twists yet to be revealed.
What are you most looking forward to among these moves? Let us know in the comments below!
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