We’re entering the final few weeks of the 2024 summer transfer window and, as expected, the rumour mill is churning out extraordinary story after extraordinary story.
From ludicrous swap deals to clubs begging for world class players for free and superstars being linked with shock moves, we’ve had a bit of everything this week.
Here’s our picks for the seven most outrageous transfer rumours doing the rounds right now.
The rumour
El Nacional in Spain are reporting Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has proposed a swap deal which would take Julian Alvarez to Real Madrid in exchange for Rodrygo Goes.
Our take
El Nacional are really the gift that just keeps on giving.
This week, the Spanish publication have pulled out another doozy by:
A) Insisting it’s Guardiola who does Man City’s transfer business and not sporting director Txiki Begiristain.
B) Proposing a straight swap between two players with vastly different valuations in today’s market – especially after Rodrygo and Alvarez’s contrasting fortunes in 2023/24.
C) Stating Man City would be in the market for another wide forward having already signed Savio this summer.
The rumour
According to Duncan Castles, Manchester Utd consider Sander Berge as an alternative to top target Manuel Ugarte.
Our take
In 2019, this transfer rumour may have made sense.
But now, in 2024, and after seeing Berge play in the Premier League and Championship in recent years, it really doesn’t.
The rumour
Gazzetta dello Sport have reported Juventus are in the market for a backup striker and have identified Chelsea’s Armando Broja as an option.
Our take
Considering Arkadiusz Milik’s fitness struggles over the years, it does make sense that Juve would be in the market for a new striker to support Dusan Vlahovic.
Broja would certainly be a cheap option to fill this void in their attack, but is he a good enough option? It’s hard to say he is right now.
The rumour
According to Defensa Central, Newcastle United are prepared to make a £67m bid to sign Arda Guler from Real Madrid.
Our take
Ding, ding, ding.
We have a ‘most outrageous transfer rumour of the week’ and it comes from Defensa Central.
While Newcastle do have an endless supply of money, due to PIF restrictions their ability to spend it has been quite restricted this summer.
Add to that the fact that Guler would be a bit crazy to leave Madrid for a club who aren’t in the Champions League in the 2024/25 season and you have a wonderfully weird transfer rumour.
The rumour
The Standard have stated Aston Villa have made contact over the potential signing of Jean-Philippe Mateta, but have been told the forward is not for sale.
Our take
From the most outrageous to probably the least outrageous rumour on this list.
Mateta has been linked with a number of clubs this summer after a fantastic 2023/24 campaign with Crystal Palace and it makes sense that Villa are looking to add even more firepower to their attack having qualified for the Champions League.
And while that all makes sense, it also makes sense that Palace are trying to tie the forward down to a new deal at Selhurst Park.
The rumour
Football Insider claim Inter are set to hijack West Ham United’s £10m move for right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Our take
The fact Inter play a 3-5-2 formation in which the wing-backs are key offensive players should tell you all you need to know about this rumour.
The rumour
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona want to re-sign Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix on loan, but are not prepared to pay any fees to get said deals over the line.
Our take
Barca wanting Felix and Cancelo on loan for another season isn’t itself necessarily ridiculous, but wanting both without spending a single penny is.
It’ll never happen.
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