Players on the move: Join Razeen Gutta for a weekly roundup of all the biggest deals taking place around South Africa and Europe.
Spanish starlet Martin Zubimendi has rejected a move to Liverpool, leaving the Reds as the only Premier League team yet to make a signing on the eve of the new campaign.
Europe
Zubimendi, who had a £51-million (± R105-million) release clause, looked destined to leave Real Sociedad for Arne Slot’s side this window.
The 25-year-old instead opted to stay loyal to his boyhood club; leaving Liverpool stuck without any new players since Slot’s arrival.
Fans of the Merseyside giants were dealt a further scare when reports emerged suggesting Luis Diaz was on his way to rivals Manchester City.
El Chringuito reported that the English champions were after the Colombian as a potential replacement for Julian Alvarez. The Spanish outlet even claimed a deal had been agreed between the two clubs for the 27-year-old.
Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano later confirmed that those reports have been played down by both clubs, though; and that the Reds are hoping to keep the player beyond the summer.
Staying in the Premier League, Chelsea ace Cole Palmer has signed a new deal that will keep him in London until 2033.
The England international starred in his first season at Stamford Bridge, contributing to 33 goals after making the move from Manchester City.
A player that could potentially join Palmer at Chelsea is João Felix. The Portuguese attacker has been the subject of a discussion between the Blues and his current club Atletico Madrid.
Felix’s agent has travelled to London per Romano; and developments are certainly worth keeping an eye on.
In Italy, AC Milan have completed the signing of Emerson Royal from Tottenham Hotspur. The 25-year-old right-back made the switch for an undisclosed fee after spending three years in North London.
South Africa
In local news, Kaizer Chiefs striker Ashley du Preez is on the radar of Portuguese side Vitoria SC.
According to Soccer Laduma, the Soweto Giants are yet to respond to the offer for the player. However due to a lack of funds, they may have to consider offloading a few players in order to make some new signings.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana international Percy Tau could be on his way out of Al Ahly, with the Egyptian side considering three offers for the former Mamelodi Sundowns man.
A move to the Gulf is possible alongside what would be an exciting return back home to South Africa.
However, Moroccan side Wydad are also in for him; and multiple reports have put that reunion with Rulani Mokwena as the favourite in terms of Tau’s next move.
Pictured above: Martin Zubimendi.
Source: @martin_zubimendi
