Transfer news on April 24th: MU signs center-back Micky van de Ven, Barca wants Lisandro Martinez, Chelsea inquires about Jarrod Bowen.
MU signs Van de Ven
Manchester United are preparing for their return to European competition, most likely the Champions League, with the blockbuster signing of Micky van de Ven.
MU's plan is to revamp their defense, with Van de Ven being one of the new leaders.
The Dutch center-back is left-footed, exactly what MU is looking for. Additionally, he can also play left-back when needed.
MU cannot rely on De Ligt or Harry Maguire to lead the defense, while Lisandro Martinez may leave. Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are still considered promising talents.
Van de Ven wants to move to a bigger club after the 2026 World Cup. If Tottenham are relegated, Manchester United could buy the 25-year-old for a bargain price.
Barca wants Lisandro Martinez
Barcelona are looking to sign a new central defender in the summer transfer window, following the departure of Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo's loss of faith in Hansi Flick.
After working with Hansi Flick, Sporting Director Deco decided that Lisandro Martinez was the target to strengthen the defense.
The Argentinian defender's future at MU is uncertain, as his contract runs until 2027 and he doesn't have much playing time left.
Lisandro has excellent ball-playing ability from the back line. This suits Flick's style of football , which features a high defensive line.
According to Spanish media, Barca expects the deal to be worth around 20-30 million euros. MU is ready to sit down for negotiations and will not make it difficult for Lisandro to leave Old Trafford.
Chelsea target Bowen
This season can be considered a failure for Chelsea, regardless of how it ends. Therefore, the Stamford Bridge club is once again looking towards a squad "revolution".
According to British media reports, Chelsea are targeting Jarrod Bowen – one of the most outstanding English players in the Premier League in recent years.
After consistently recruiting young stars and possessing the starting lineup with the lowest average age among the top five European football leagues, "The Blues" are now shifting their focus to experienced players.
At 29, Bowen has reached the peak of his career and is reportedly considering leaving West Ham to join a bigger club.
Chelsea are expected to make a £45 million transfer offer to their London rivals.
- Manchester United, along with Arsenal and Liverpool, are vying to sign Mateus Mane – the 18-year-old talent from Wolves and Portuguese football (who holds English citizenship).
Sport reports that Jon Martin – the 20-year-old Real Sociedad center-back – is being monitored by Barca as a future solution.
- Borussia Dortmund have contacted Real Madrid to inquire about loaning Gonzalo Garcia . Juventus and Stuttgart are also in the race.
- AC Milan continues to contact Leon Goretzka to persuade him to partner with Luka Modric once his contract with Bayern Munich expires.
According to Marca, Atletico Madrid are in negotiations to sign Julian Brandt as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann.
Chelsea are closely monitoring 20-year-old midfielder Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar, who has already made his debut for the Netherlands national team.
Goalkeeper Alisson is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Juventus and will leave Liverpool this summer, despite having a contract until 2027.
Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Joao Gomes from Wolves, who are bottom of the Premier League table and have already been relegated.