Football transfer news: Bayern want Leroy Sané, Matthijs de Ligt set for Barcelona and other major stories

The summer transfer window opened a few days ago and news from all across Europe is rife. Here, we discuss some of the latest transfer stories which have been making rounds in the last few days including Bayern Munich’s interest in Leroy Sané and Matthijs de Ligt’s potential transfer to Barcelona.

Bayern Munich come calling as Leroy Sané stalls City contract

Manchester City’s high-flying winger Leroy Sané has fallen down the pecking order this season and Pep Guardiola is looking to offload the German international. Sané has only made 21 appearances in a possible 38 league games, and only saw small substitute appearances in the latter half of the season. 

Sane’s exclusion from the starting XI has not been a huge surprise given the in-from duo of Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling. And with Riyad Mahrez also waiting in the wings, Sane could see his reduced game time continue next season.

Bayern Munich have shown strong interest in the German winger, who look to rebuild their ageing squad in the summer. Veteran stars Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are both departing, and given Kingsley Coman’s consistent fitness problems, Leroy Sané could be an ideal signing for the Bavarians. The 23-year old will also get to team up with many of his international teammates.

Leroy Sané has only two years left on his contract and Manchester City are trying to get him to sign a renewal amidst interest from other clubs. Pep Guardiola, recently, expressed his concerns over the German’s contract situation. 

“Leroy we are one and a half years trying to sign his [new] contract. We want him. If you want to extend his contract, it’s because you want him. You’re not going to extend his contract because you don’t want him”, claimed Pep.

Lyon president drops huge update on Tanguy Ndombele’s future

Olympique Lyonnaise midfielder Tanguy Ndombele is one of the most sought-after players in this summer’s transfer market. The Frenchman has impressed at Lyon this season catching many eyes across Europe. 

Manchester City’s rigorous hunt for a defensive midfielder has suggested that Ndombele will be a great fit in Pep Guardiola’s team. Neighbours Manchester United, Italian champions Juventus and this season’s Champions League finalists Tottenham Hotspur also have the 22-year old on their radar. 

But Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has publicly said that he wants French champions Paris Saint-Germain to bid for Ndombele in the summer. 

“I am negotiating with the biggest European clubs for Ndombele. I’m the one who revived the PSG talks so that they don’t feel dismissed. If PSG aligns with the three offers received and Tanguy agrees, it would be nice if he goes there”, said Aulas.

Matthijs de Ligt is set to join Barcelona after rejecting interest from England

Ajax prodigy Matthijs de Ligt has given Barcelona a huge boost as he has rejected interest from the Premier League to sign for the Spanish champions.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool entered the race for the 19-year old as they looked to pair de Ligt up with his Dutch compatriot Virgil van Dijk. However, the Reds have denied any speculation claiming that Klopp is content with his current crop of centre-backs.

Manchester United have also shown heavy interest in the defender as they look to make £65million-rated defender the “poster boy” of their summer rebuild. However, with Frenkie de Jong having already signed for Barcelona, his teammate and friend Matthijs de Ligt looks set to follow his footsteps.

It could prove to be a huge transfer window for the La Liga champions as they remain keen on bringing some of the world’s best talent to the Camp Nou this summer. 

Manchester City to replace captain Vincent Kompany with Harry Maguire

Manchester City club captain Vincent Kompany announced his departure from the club a day after their FA Cup triumph. The 33-year old Belgian was shortly named player-manager at former club RSC Anderlecht.

Kompany was a highly respected figure at the club because of his leadership qualities, and Pep Guardiola will surely miss his presence in the Manchester City dressing room.

Guardiola, however, has already targeted a replacement for their legendary captain: Leicester City centre-back Harry Maguire.

The 26-year old has four years left on his contract and will cost a similar amount to the £75m Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk. Nicolas Otamendi is also keen for a move away from the Etihad, and the Manchester City will need to reinforce their defense.

Harry Maguire had another brilliant season at Leicester and the England centre-back will definitely welcome a challenge like Manchester City.