As the curtain official drops on the 2018/2019 season for national leagues in Europe, here are some of the top transfer stories as the transfer window opens for trading.
French Ligue:
French wonder kid, Kylian Mbappe has suggested he is considering his future at Paris Saint-Germain and admits he is open to a “new project”.
The 20-year-old World Cup winner was named the best player in French football on Sunday night, picking up both the Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards.
But after accepting his prize from Didier Drogba, the forward said:
“It’s a very important moment for me, I’ve come to a turning point in my career.
“I have discovered a lot here, and I feel it is perhaps the moment to have more responsibility. I hope that can maybe be at Paris Saint-Germain, that would be a great pleasure. Or perhaps elsewhere with a new project.”
English Premier League:
La Liga:
Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt will join Barcelona this summer irrespective of any interest from English clubs, Sky Sports News understands. The £65-million-rated Dutch international has been linked with both Liverpool and Manchester United but it is understood that the player is likely to move to the Nou Camp, after helping his side reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has declared that Gareth Bale does not fit in his team amid reports the Welshman is set to leave the Bernabeu this summer.
The 29-year-old has struggled to hold down a starting place in the Real side since Zidane returned in March and the manager has consistently refused to offer assurances over his future.
When asked about Bale leaving the Bernabeu after the defeat to Betis, Zidane said:
“I don’t know if it’s the last game or not. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m sorry he didn’t get to play, but no-one knows what will happen. If I think a player doesn’t fit in the team I have to do what I think works best.
Leicester central defender, Harry Maguire is one of a number of players being tipped to replace Vincent Kompany at Manchester City, Sky Sports News understands. Manchester United are understood to also be monitoring Maguire’s situation – an interest which began last year under Jose Mourinho.
Meanwhile, Manchester City winger Leroy Sane could be on his way to Bayern Munich if German outlet Kicker are right. It was gathered that Sane is out of favour under Pep Guardiola, and was criticised by his boss early in the season when barely starting for the club.