The transfer window now may be completely closed across the whole of Europe after Monday morning’s (AEST) last-minute deals but there are still plenty of reports emerging about deals that were very close to being done – and some that will be picked up again in January.
The Premier League, whose transfer window ended early this year after complaints from then Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, look set to vote to move the window back in line with the rest of Europe from next season, so there is likely to be even more late drama in 2020.
As Juventus were trying – and failing – to offload Paulo Dybala here, there and everywhere, including to Manchester United and Tottenham, they also approached Paris Saint-Germain about a mega-swap deal.
The Independent then go on to say that he quickly changed his mind a couple of months later and decided that a centre back was indeed a priority for him, although by that point Van Dijk was already at Liverpool.
No secret was made of Neymar’s desperation to leave the French champions before the start of the new season, with Barcelona always looking like the likeliest destination.
However, a report from Italian outlet Tuttosport has revealed that Juve were also in for the Brazilian superstar, and were willing to offer £90m ($162.8m) as well as Dybala to make sure it happened.
Juve are in the process of building their own answer to Real Madrid’s famous Galacticos and wanted Neymar to help Cristiano Ronaldo spearhead the attack in Turin.
However, the move broke down on two counts with Dybala digging in his heels about leaving the club.
Secondly, PSG also wanted more of a financial sweetener than the £90m on offer, given they paid £198m ($358.2m) for Neymar just two years prior.
MOURINHO’S BIG VAN DIJK REGRET
Jose Mourinho reportedly turned down the chance to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton prior to the Dutchman’s move to Liverpool 18 months ago.
Mourinho became frustrated at the club’s unwillingness to buy him another centre back towards the end of his Old Trafford tenure but according to The Independent he turned down the best of the lot before the Reds moved in.
The Portuguese had already signed two central defenders by that point in Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof and the report claims he did not see buying another as a priority when it was presented to him at a meeting with the United hierarchy.
The Independent then go on to say that he quickly changed his mind a couple of months later and decided that a centre back was indeed a priority for him, although by that point Van Dijk was already at Liverpool.
ERIKSEN’S SPANISH ADVENTURE
Christian Eriksen missed out on a move during this year’s transfer window as he winds down the final 12 months on his Tottenham contract before he can leave on a free transfer next year.
It also means he can start negotiating with non-Premier League teams as early as January as clubs such as Juventus and Real Madrid circle.
However, according to The Express, Eriksen could head to Real’s local rivals Atletico Madrid and join the post-Antoine Griezmann revolution there, linking up with Joao Felix.
Spurs were hopeful of persuading the Dane of re-signing with the club but it appears he will only be there for another six months at most now – although his teammate Harry Winks was just relieved he stayed at all.
