Six Explosive Transfer Bombshells Set to Rock Football Before Deadline Day
The current summer transfer period has already witnessed numerous high-profile signings, yet several major deals remain pending completion.
With the transfer deadline set for September 1st across Europe's premier five leagues, significant business is still outstanding. Several world-renowned players may soon embark on fresh journeys, as fans eagerly monitor the unfolding drama before time expires.
Numerous top European clubs—particularly in the Premier League, where expenditure has already exceeded £2.6 billion ($3.5 billion)—are anticipated to remain busy as time runs short. Additional substantial investments are guaranteed.
Below are six major transfers that may still materialize this summer.
Gianluigi Donnarumma to Manchester City
James Trafford's disastrous showing against Tottenham Hotspur highlighted Manchester City's urgent requirement for goalkeeper reinforcement. With Ederson potentially departing due to Galatasaray's interest, and Stefan Ortega also expected to leave before the window closes, the Citizens require an elite keeper as replacement.
Gianluigi Donnarumma emerges as their primary objective, justifiably so after his outstanding Champions League displays last season. The Italian, shortlisted for the 2025 Yashin Trophy, may not fit the typical Pep Guardiola goalkeeper mold, but he's a remarkable shot-stopper famous for delivering crucial performances.
With Paris Saint-Germain having sidelined the goalkeeper—Lucas Chevalier's acquisition from Lille suggesting no return path—Donnarumma's Premier League arrival seems increasingly probable.
Alexander Isak to Liverpool
The Alexander Isak situation has deteriorated recently following a public dispute between Newcastle United and their key striker. While the Magpies seek to reintegrate the Sweden international, he harbors different ambitions as he actively pursues a transfer to current Premier League champions Liverpool.
The Reds maintain interest in securing Isak this summer, but Newcastle firmly oppose selling the 25-year-old forward, creating considerable tension around any potential deal. Liverpool refuse to meet his £150 million ($201.8 million) valuation but remain hopeful that Newcastle's position may soften before the deadline.
Nick Woltemade's expected arrival from VfB Stuttgart could benefit Liverpool's pursuit, and should Jorgen Strand Larsen also join from Wolverhampton Wanderers, this entire situation could shift dramatically.
Piero Hincapie to Arsenal
After successfully intercepting Tottenham Hotspur's chase for Eberechi Eze, Arsenal seem to have replicated this approach with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié. Spurs had expressed interest in the adaptable Ecuador international, but have been overtaken in the pursuit by their north London adversaries.
With Arsenal likely offloading Jakub Kiwior to Porto before the window concludes, they require additional center-back depth to support William Saliba and Gabriel. Similar to Riccardo Calafiori, Hincapié can also operate at left-back, offering extra defensive versatility for Mikel Arteta.
The 23-year-old is positioned to become another significant and expensive acquisition for the Gunners this summer as they strive to break their trophy drought.
Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli
When Rasmus Højlund netted twice in Ruben Amorim's inaugural home match as Manchester United manager, fresh hope emerged that the struggling Dane would overcome his poor form and establish himself as the club's primary striker.
Nine months later, United have completely restructured their attacking lineup. Marcus Rashford has been loaned to Barcelona—his second departure following a stint at Aston Villa during late 2024–25—Alejandro Garnacho is close to finalizing a £40 million move to Premier League competitors Chelsea, and Højlund is also departing.
United have recruited Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško for over £200 million combined, forcing Højlund to explore new opportunities. Fortunately, Antonio Conte's Napoli, the current Serie A titleholders, have presented a loan arrangement with purchase obligation, and the 22-year-old appears destined for an Italian return to revitalize his career.
For both Højlund and United, his failure to meet expectations at Old Trafford is disappointing, but his departure indicates that the £64 million investment by United's board and former manager Erik ten Hag was perhaps questionable, considering he had scored only nine league goals for Atalanta in his single season there.
Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich
Nkunku isn't the sole forward Chelsea aims to offload this summer, with Nicolas Jackson being directed toward departure following Pedro and Delap's arrivals. The raw Senegal international has displayed promising moments since joining the Blues but is now considered expendable by the club's aggressive recruitment strategy.
Bayern Munich leads several interested parties seeking a Harry Kane understudy, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United also pursuing him. However, any potential suitor will hope to reduce his reported £80 million ($107.8 million) price tag, as Chelsea appears unlikely to command such an elevated fee for their third-choice forward.
Marc Guehi to Liverpool
Liverpool's desire to acquire Marc Guéhi has likely grown following some disastrous defensive displays early in the season. They have surrendered two goals each to Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Newcastle United consecutively and could benefit from central defensive additions before the deadline.
Guéhi has been consistently linked with Liverpool, and the England international, with only one year remaining on his Crystal Palace deal, welcomes the transfer. However, unlike Isak, he has declined to force an exit and remains willing to complete another season at Selhurst Park before departing as a free agent.
Nevertheless, Liverpool cannot delay that long for the 25-year-old and must strengthen their defense immediately to preserve their Premier League title. A Guéhi transfer remains a strong possibility.