Harry Kane and Late-Window Chaos: Europe Prepares for Transfers
Harry Kane’s chase for the Ballon d’Or is running alongside another storyline – one that stretches from Munich to Riyadh. The Bayern Munich striker’s camp have held talks with Al-Hilal, with the England captain understood to be open to a move to the Saudi Pro League at some stage in his career.
For now, though, Kane’s priority lies in Bavaria. The 33-year-old wants to stay at Bayern, and discussions over a new contract in Munich have already started. If anything dramatic is to happen, it has to happen fast: the Bundesliga window shuts on 31 August, leaving little room for a late dash east.
Al-Hilal double up on England firepower
Al-Hilal’s gaze is not fixed solely on Kane. They are working on a second England international as well. Ollie Watkins is reported to have agreed personal terms with the Saudi club, although Aston Villa are yet to receive a formal bid for their 30-year-old forward.
The picture is muddy. Some reports suggest Watkins is the fallback option, targeted after Al-Hilal failed to land Kane. Others say the club want more than one striker. For now it leaves open the tantalising – and slightly chaotic – prospect of Watkins and Kane turning up in Riyadh and battling each other for the No 9 role.
Gavi shuts the door on Old Trafford
One player who will not be arriving in the Premier League is Gavi. Manchester United sounded out the Barcelona midfielder about a move, but the Spain World Cup winner has rejected the chance to join the club and intends to stay at Camp Nou.
It adds to a growing sense of irritation among United fans. The marquee names are not arriving, and the squad is being chipped away at from the other side.
United feel the pull as Napoli circle Zirkzee
Napoli are the latest club to test United’s resolve. They are interested in Joshua Zirkzee, who spent most of last season coming off the bench under Michael Carrick. The Netherlands forward did not command a guaranteed starting role, yet his profile and potential have clearly caught the Italian champions’ eye.
And Napoli are not stopping there. They have spoken to Chelsea about Nicolas Jackson and have also asked Arsenal about Gabriel Jesus. Any move for Jesus, though, comes with a condition: someone in their current forward line would have to be sacrificed before the Brazilian could walk through the door.
Milan shut down Loftus-Cheek bid
Staying in Serie A, Milan have knocked back an approach from Coventry City for Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The newly promoted Premier League side wanted to bring the 30-year-old back to England’s top flight for the first time since his Chelsea days in 2023.
Coventry put £8.5m on the table. Milan said no. For now, Loftus-Cheek remains a key piece in their midfield plans, and the English club must decide whether to raise their offer or walk away.
Manchester City lose Rodri and scramble for answers
Back in the Premier League, Manchester City have taken a hit that would shake any title contender. Rodri has gone. The midfield lynchpin signed for Barcelona on Tuesday, ripping a hole straight through the centre of Enzo Maresca’s team.
The new City manager is now trawling the market for a replacement. High on his list is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, the England international whose stock has risen sharply. The problem is the price. Palace have not pinned a clear fee to Wharton’s name, and City have already splashed £116m on Elliot Anderson in this window.
With the clock ticking, Maresca must decide: push hard for Wharton and risk overpaying, or gamble on a cheaper solution in a market that looks more ruthless by the day?
