Dream Transfers That Could Still Shake Up Football Before Summer Deadline Day

The transfer window, already filled with chaos and drama, may witness several additional surprising developments before the September deadline approaches.

Significant movement has already occurred throughout global football, with major stars completing spectacular moves to fresh destinations. European clubs have shown particular lavishness, spending their superior financial resources without restraint.

With time still remaining, considerable activity will continue behind closed doors at elite clubs worldwide, and more captivating transfers are expected before the window concludes.

Below are transfers that Sports Illustrated hopes to see completed during the remaining summer period—though they may not represent the most probable outcomes.

Kobbie Mainoo to Real Madrid

Kobbie Mainoo was praised as Manchester United's midfield answer after emerging during the 2023–24 campaign, yet the English player has found it difficult adjusting to Ruben Amorim's system—though he's far from alone in this struggle. Questions now surround his future at Old Trafford, despite United's insistence he won't depart.

Real Madrid have reportedly shown interest in the exceptionally gifted 20-year-old due to concerns about their midfield options, with Mainoo potentially attracted to joining fellow Englishmen Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold in Spain's capital.

Xabi Alonso's progressive and attacking philosophy could greatly aid Mainoo's growth, and the Madrid transfer would provide the midfielder a chance to excel in a more settled environment alongside elite players. This would represent an outstanding acquisition for Los Blancos and Mainoo, though devastating for the Red Devils.

Rodrygo to Manchester City

Rodrygo has consistently been connected with a Real Madrid departure throughout the summer as Alonso favors different options over the Brazilian early in his tenure, with Arsenal previously mentioned as a possible destination and Manchester City recently joining discussions.

Given the Gunners' reluctance to add more attacking personnel following substantial summer expenditure, the Etihad Stadium seems the most probable landing spot for the rapid 24-year-old.

While a move remains uncertain, Manchester City would be foolish not to pursue the Madrid talent, who boasts multiple Champions League victories and has recorded 23 or more goal contributions in each of his previous three campaigns. The Premier League has already welcomed some of Europe's most thrilling players this summer, and Rodrygo would bring additional excitement to what promises to be an exceptional season in England's premier division.

Savinho to Tottenham Hotspur

If Rodrygo transfers to Manchester, this would create an opportunity for Savinho to leave the eight-time Premier League winners for Tottenham Hotspur. City are preventing his Spurs move due to limited wing options, but the Brazilian, currently sidelined with injury, would be a remarkable addition to Thomas Frank's team.

Savinho demonstrated his brilliance at Girona during 2023–24 and showed flashes of his skill with City last season, though his abilities might be underutilized this term. Oscar Bobb's comeback and versatile Rayan Cherki's signing could limit his playing time, with the 21-year-old already finding regular starts difficult under Pep Guardiola.

Savinho remains an exciting prospect, and a Tottenham move would provide the playing opportunities needed for his development. Having lost club icon Son Heung-min and facing Champions League fixtures, Spurs could benefit from acquiring a dynamic winger before the deadline.

Alessandro Bastoni to Chelsea

Levi Colwill's ACL injury has devastated Chelsea at the campaign's start, leaving the Blues short of quality center-back depth. Alejandro Garnacho has arrived and they continue pursuing Fermín López, but strengthening their defense would be more prudent spending, with Alessandro Bastoni representing an undeniably superior upgrade to current alternatives.

Chelsea have reportedly contacted Inter regarding Bastoni but were rejected by last season's Champions League runners-up, who understandably prize their defensive cornerstone highly. A £43 million ($58.1 million) proposal was "courteously refused," though a higher offer might challenge Inter's determination.

With Colwill sidelined for most of the season, Chelsea face significant risk without signing a new central defender. Lacking experience and leadership defensively, Bastoni represents the ideal solution.

Antony to Bayern Munich

Antony's destiny lies beyond Old Trafford, with the Red Devils keen to offload their second-costliest acquisition throughout the window. Real Betis, where the Brazilian regained form during last season's loan, withdrew due to financial constraints, but Sky Sports recently reported Bayern Munich as another potential destination.

They have "observed" his situation, and while joining the Bavarians seems improbable, it would represent an intriguing transfer that could help restore his reputation following years of underwhelming performances at Manchester United.

Bayern lack abundant wide options despite Luis Díaz's addition, and Jamal Musiala's FIFA Club World Cup injury has further depleted their numbers early in the campaign. It would be fascinating to observe whether Antony could flourish at an elite club away from Old Trafford's turmoil.

Harvey Elliott to Crystal Palace

Harvey Elliott had an outstanding summer with England, earning Player of the Tournament honors at the Under-21 European Championship, yet this hasn't elevated his status in Arne Slot's Liverpool plans. Florian Wirtz's signing places him even further down the pecking order compared to last season, when he managed only occasional starts.

Elliott has been connected with a Liverpool exit as he seeks consistent first-team opportunities, with RB Leipzig emerging as interested parties seeking Xavi Simons' replacement. However, having recently lost Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, Crystal Palace are also reportedly pursuing the 22-year-old.

Liverpool have helped develop Elliott's abilities but cannot offer the stage he requires for advancement. He could mature into a genuinely impressive player under Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park.