Teams across Europe continue to strengthen their rosters ahead of the new campaign.
While there aren’t many big transfers in the offing, outside of Kai Havertz's 100 million euro move to Chelsea, due to the coronavirus pandemic, teams continue to hunt for bargains and spend within their means and add quality in their ranks.
Below, we take a look at some of the hottest transfer stories in Europe:
Messi and Pep to reunite?
After Lionel Messi dropped his bombshell announcement of his desire to leave FC Barcelona, the biggest teams across Europe scampered to figure if they can afford to sign the Argentine.
Also if Barcelona will insist to keep him and not considering his ‘free transfer clause’ as valid also right now because it was expired on June, Leo Messi will tell again to the board that he wants to leave the club. He wants to change. The battle is on. 🔴🇦🇷 #FCB #Messi #Barça
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2020
According to reports, the team leading the race for his signature are Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The Cityzens are keen on reuniting Messi with the coach that helped Messi capture four Ballon D'Or awards on the trot, Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola has failed to win the Champions League without Messi and the Argentine's signature could finally be what ends the Cityzens long wait for the UEFA Champions League crown.
Everton close in on James Rodriguez
Everton look set to beat the rest of the chasing pack and sign Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez from Real Madrid.
James Rodriguez heading to Everton and reunion for Carlo Ancelotti, talks over a permanent deal with Real Madrid are close to being concluded...big move for The Toffees and clear Ancelotti is getting his way after being given more control.
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) August 25, 2020
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti was the Real Madrid coach when James made the switch to the Bernabeu from Monaco and then signed the Colombian on loan when he was the coach at Bayern Munich.
Ancelotti is keen on signing James for the third time in five years as the 29-year-old’s tumultuous spell in Madrid seems to finally be coming to a close.
Matt Doherty signs for Tottenham Hotspur
Wolverhampton Wanderers' standout fullback Matt Doherty had completed a surprise switch to North London and joined Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth 15 million pounds.
Last details to be completed then Matt Doherty will sign as new Tottenham player. Total agreement to be reached soon with Wolves. Tottenham are still in talks with AC Milan to sell Serge Aurier. ⚪️ #THFC #Wolves #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 27, 2020
The 28-year-old has been at the Molineux for eight years and has been a key figure in Wolves' rise over the past three campaigns.
Doherty will replace Serge Aurier, who is closing in on a move to AC Milan.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Josep Lago
