2018 Summer Transfer Extravaganza

candylandriots

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Max Meyer on a free is a great get for Palace. Exciting stuff, @jkempa. Hold on to Zaha & it’s an intriguing side.
Oh wow-I really like it! The reality is that they were never going to afford the fee for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, even if Chelsea wanted to sell. This is a pretty good replacement.

Their wage bill must be quite high. I think Palace has the 8th most points after their 7 game scoreless/pointless start - and had a +4 GD. A few breaks, and they could be really competitive.

This is probably where Zaha will tear an ACL or something though.
 

SocrManiac

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Makes me wonder how much of that 9m was offered to get him to accept that release clause. Somebody seems to have been asleep at the wheel during that negotiation.
 

PedroSpecialK

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Reports of young Iranian-turned-Australian international Daniel Arzani signing for Manchester City for £280,000 with an immediate 2 year loan to Celtic. Celtic hold an option to buy at the end of those two years but not clear how much the clause is for.
 

67YAZ

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Taking the Aaron Moy path? It sounds like a great move for the kid. He was eye-catching at the World Cup, and Rodgers has done well developing young players at Celtic.
 

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

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I can't remember a summer transfer window that was quieter than this one. Obviously its not over yet and won't be for quite a while for the non-English clubs. But its remarkable nonetheless. The top six English clubs have added maybe 9-10 players between them that figure to be starters or otherwise play major roles (Allisson, Keita, Fabinho, Jorginho, Mahrez, Fred, Torreira, Leno, Sokratis, Shaquiri if you count him). That number was regularly 20+ in years past. But its not just English clubs. Madrid sold the Ultimate Galactico and has done almost nothing to replace him so far other than complete the long-agreed transfer of Vinicius Junior. PSG hasn't bought anybody, just taken Buffon on a free. Bayern haven't bought anybody (other than Alphonso Davies), just taken Goretzka on a free. Juve's been on a spending spree and Barca has been reasonably active but they're the only big continental clubs in that category.
 

Cellar-Door

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Not sure if this is the right thread, but how is something like this legal? He makes 9m a year, a 750m release clause?
La Liga requires that every contract have a release clause, so the best in the world have release clauses that are higher than most clubs value. Not sure why it wouldn't be legal, it was a negotiated contract, he had lawyers present, and it's only for a set number of years. Honestly it's far less restrictive than how US sports contracts work.
 

Mighty Joe Young

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La Liga requires that every contract have a release clause, so the best in the world have release clauses that are higher than most clubs value. Not sure why it wouldn't be legal, it was a negotiated contract, he had lawyers present, and it's only for a set number of years. Honestly it's far less restrictive than how US sports contracts work.
What’s more .. that’s why the Neymar transfer was possible .. Barcelona did not take into account the resources of a state when setting Neymar’s release clause. RM seems to have considered the possibility ..
 

page 2 protege

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La Liga requires that every contract have a release clause, so the best in the world have release clauses that are higher than most clubs value. Not sure why it wouldn't be legal, it was a negotiated contract, he had lawyers present, and it's only for a set number of years. Honestly it's far less restrictive than how US sports contracts work.
The legal remark was partly in jest, it would be assumed he just didn't sign a contract without representation, I am more just surprised that such a restrictive clause is allowed, in any workplace. I suppose it's somewhat similar to buyout clauses in corporate environments, though for that the organization that created it has to pay it.
 

Vinho Tinto

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What’s more .. that’s why the Neymar transfer was possible .. Barcelona did not take into account the resources of a state when setting Neymar’s release clause. RM seems to have considered the possibility ..
To be fair to Barcelona, even with the financial backing PSG has, i wouldn’t have assumed that Neymar would have been open to leaving the club. If star players were 100% driven to sign based on money, we’d see more sign to play in the Middle East and China.
 

PedroSpecialK

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Thibaut Courtois was missing from Chelsea's Community Shield match, as well as training today, apparently trying to force a move to Real Madrid.
 

bosox4283

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Thibaut Courtois was missing from Chelsea's Community Shield match, as well as training today, apparently trying to force a move to Real Madrid.
The Spanish press is all over this move, saying it's just a matter of time.

The interesting question, then, becomes does Real Madrid sell Keylor Navas and who does Chelsea get to replace Courtois?

I think Oblak might be a target, but if Becker went for 70M euros, then I have to think Oblak is the same price if not more expensive.
 

PedroSpecialK

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It'd have to be Navas I think, right? Maybe Trapp or Areola from PSG?

Atlético reportedly won't sell Oblak without someone activating his €100m release clause
 

teddykgb

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What is the Spanish reaction to this? My understanding has always been that Atletico players going to Real Madrid is a big slap in the face
 

teddykgb

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I mean he was there on loan.
Apologies as I’m super busy and can’t look it up but my recollection is that he was there a very long time and there was quite a fuss about his return to Chelsea. Maybe he just wanted Cech gone but I thought I remember there being some talk of his staying at Atletico
 

OCST

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Everton fans speculating that Chelsea would come after Pickford

There would be riots in the streets if they sold him
 

bosox4283

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Apologies as I’m super busy and can’t look it up but my recollection is that he was there a very long time and there was quite a fuss about his return to Chelsea. Maybe he just wanted Cech gone but I thought I remember there being some talk of his staying at Atletico
I think Atletico fans may have been a bit annoyed that he went back to Chelsea rather than staying with Atletico, but he was on loan and the expectation was that he would return to Chelsea to take over from Cech. Plus, Costa and Filipe Luis both went to Chelsea, moves that kind of overshadowed Courtois's departure.

In the end, Atleti signed Oblak, and his talented and skill quickly helped Atletico fans get over losing Courtois.
 

swiftaw

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Burley signed Joe Hart, they now have 3 keepers In their squad that have played for England, that has to be a first surely
 

bosox4283

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Thibaut Courtois was missing from Chelsea's Community Shield match, as well as training today, apparently trying to force a move to Real Madrid.
Reports are that Chelsea will buy Kepa, the keeper from Athletic Bilbao, to replace Courtois for a record fee of 80M. If Chelsea signs Kepa, the domino-effect impact is minimal since Athletic will replace him with a player from its system or buy a player of Basque heritage.

If there's a Champions League or Europa League team that needs a keeper, I suppose that team may come out a winner from these moves as that team might be able to get Keylor Navas on the cheap.
 

Mighty Joe Young

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Reports are that Chelsea will buy Kepa, the keeper from Athletic Bilbao, to replace Courtois for a record fee of 80M. If Chelsea signs Kepa, the domino-effect impact is minimal since Athletic will replace him with a player from its system or buy a player of Basque heritage.

If there's a Champions League or Europa League team that needs a keeper, I suppose that team may come out a winner from these moves as that team might be able to get Keylor Navas on the cheap.
Bonus: Allison Becker will no longer be the “World’s Most Expensive Goalkeeper”

Seems like quite the knee jerk reaction from Chelsea. This guy supposedly has lots of upside .. but 80m ???
 

67YAZ

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Bonus: Allison Becker will no longer be the “World’s Most Expensive Goalkeeper”

Seems like quite the knee jerk reaction from Chelsea. This guy supposedly has lots of upside .. but 80m ???
Count Chelsea as the first victim of the EPL’s new summer transfer window. Courtois can leave anytime by the end of the month, but a new keeper can only be registered in the next 2 days. Plus, Athletic is a unique club since they operate as a kind of de facto Basque national team. They seemingly don’t sell for anything less than the buy out clause ever and don’t need to.
 

Mighty Joe Young

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Count Chelsea as the first victim of the EPL’s new summer transfer window. Courtois can leave anytime by the end of the month, but a new keeper can only be registered in the next 2 days. Plus, Athletic is a unique club since they operate as a kind of de facto Basque national team. They seemingly don’t sell for anything less than the buy out clause ever and don’t need to.
Guessing Chelsea were desperate and knew they could get Kepa without dickering with Bilbao (via the release clause). I’m surprised they didn’t go the extra few Euros and get Oblak.
 

PedroSpecialK

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Athletic Club confirmed Kepa Arrizabalaga's release clause of £71.2m was paid, he's going to Chelsea.
Courtois to Real is official.
Kovačić to Chelsea on a one year loan, does not appear to be an option to buy involved.
Wolves look to have agreed a £16m deal with Manchester City to buy Oleksandr Zinchenko
 

OCST

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Burley signed Joe Hart, they now have 3 keepers In their squad that have played for England, that has to be a first surely
That's just bizarre. Why does it make sense for either Burnley or Hart? Has Hart sunk that low?
 

Cellar-Door

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That's just bizarre. Why does it make sense for either Burnley or Hart? Has Hart sunk that low?
Heaton injured his calf and isn't 100% back from shoulder surgery on top of it. Pope just had surgery on his shoulder, early estimates are that he's out up to 6 months.

Hart was one of the worst starting keepers in the league last year, but he was probably better than anyone else Burnley could get on a short deal. Hart gets another shot to prove he can be an option in the Premier league.
 

67YAZ

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Heaton injured his calf and isn't 100% back from shoulder surgery on top of it. Pope just had surgery on his shoulder, early estimates are that he's out up to 6 months.

Hart was one of the worst starting keepers in the league last year, but he was probably better than anyone else Burnley could get on a short deal. Hart gets another shot to prove he can be an option in the Premier league.
...With one of the most defensive minded coaches in England. Dyche routinely had his CBs drop into the 6 yard box or even into the goal behind the keeper. Hart will be able to focus on stopping shots that usually come from wide angles or outside the box. It’s a great place to try to resurrect a career.
 

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

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Deadline day in England. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and City all seem likely to be done. It will be interesting to see if Spurs or United get anything over the line. From what I can see on message boards like Redcafe and Twitter, both fanbases will be pretty upset if nobody else comes in.
 

OCST

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Heaton injured his calf and isn't 100% back from shoulder surgery on top of it. Pope just had surgery on his shoulder, early estimates are that he's out up to 6 months.

Hart was one of the worst starting keepers in the league last year, but he was probably better than anyone else Burnley could get on a short deal. Hart gets another shot to prove he can be an option in the Premier league.
Thanks, did not know about the injuries.
 

Cellar-Door

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West Ham got Lucas Perez from Arsenal for a measly £4M nice bit of business for a very solid option to be the 3rd striker
 

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

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West Ham got Lucas Perez from Arsenal for a measly £4M nice bit of business for a very solid option to be the 3rd striker
Great business for you guys. Wenger bought him then never gave him the slightest chance - really just another transfer market fiasco for Arsenal in the last few years. He isn't the most gifted player but he was actually quite productive when he did play for us. You could do a lot worse for a backup forward and the price can't be beat.
 

bosox4283

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Spanish press are reporting that Oblak wants out of Atletico. My guess is that he and his agent are posturing for a new and more lucrative contract.

But let's take this demand at face value: who might be able to sign him?

I think the first group -- the "No" group -- are all covered for keeper and not in the market.

No
Chelsea - Kepa (24)
Real Madrid - Courtois (26)
Barcelona - Ter Stegen (26)
Liverpool - Alisson (26)
Man City - Ederson (25)
Man United - De Gea (28)

Of the "Possibilities", I'm not sure the Spur are really a big upgrade over Atletico in terms of prestige and wages. I'm not sure PSG can spend another $100 million without breaking all Fair Play rules, but I do view them as the front-runner. Arsenal may be a sleeper but does the club really want to spend $75-100 million on Oblak? I have no idea about the Italian clubs. Would Bayern Munich be looking for a replacement for Neuer at this point?

Possibilities
Spur - Lloris (31)
PSG - Areola (25)
Arsenal - Bernd Leno (26)
Juventus
AC Milan
Inter Milan
 

swiftaw

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Seems like if he really wanted to go then this summer was the time since Liverpool, Chelsea and Real all bought new keepers
 

Zomp

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There are whispers that De Gea may want out of United if Juve come calling. I could see Juve going after Oblak as well if they don't think Woj is the heir to Buffon.
 

SocrManiac

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Woj had one bad match for Juventus so far this year. He saved Higuain’s penalty against Milan over the weekend.

If he’s not the answer, they have Perrin waiting in the wings as well.

Not saying it’s impossible, but I don’t think Juventus would be in on Oblak. If a generational talent like De Gea comes along, however...
 

OCST

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Pretty amusing to go back and read through this a few months later. West Ham pushing for top-6 was one that gave me a chuckle.
 

rguilmar

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I seem to recall rumours in the summer that AC Milan had run afoul of FFP rules and had to sell some players .. Donnarumma being the most marketable.
I am pretty sure that the ruling was overturned. They were kicked out of the Europa League then let back in.

Not only does Milan have Donnarumma, but Pepe Reina is the backup. Don’t see how another keeper is in the mix. Donnarumma is 19 and the heir apparent to Buffon, and while the Milan faithful are growing impatient with his lapses, there is no way they replace the kid unless he presses for a move.

Oblak is under contract for three more years. He’s most likely posturing for a new contract. I don’t see him moving in January as he wouldn’t be eligible for UCL.