Jose Mourinho, between AS Roma and Saudi Arabia; Andre Onana ready to leave Inter after a year; Sadio Manè on the list of Real Madrid. Here are some of the main stories over the last few days of the transfer market from TribalFootball's transfer expert Rudy Galetti...
MOURINHO, ARABIA CALLING
Despite the defeat in the Europa League final against Sevilla, Josè Mourinho is still the last manager to have triumphed in a continental competition with an Italian team. He did it both in the Conference League, last year with Roma, and in the Champions League in 2010 with Inter.
Not surprisingly, the Portuguese manager is much loved in Italy wherever he coached: the Nerazzurri fans still adore him after the incredible Treble and the Giallorossi supporters love him madly as well. After the last match of the season played at the Stadio Olimpico, Mourinho, during the final lap around the field, hinted – with a finger gesture – his intention to stay, for the next season.
In Arabia, however, Al Ahli put him in their sights and would like to do everything to tear him from Serie A, landing him on Saudi soil. The first meeting between the parties – that already took place - was positive: Mourinho confirmed his willingness to stay at AS Roma, but in the event of a farewell – the Portuguese coach asked the Giallorossi's ownership to make significant investments on the market – the Saudi proposal would be taken into greater consideration than the others, such as the PSG option.
BELLERIN ABOUT TO RETURN TO REAL BETIS
We talked about it two weeks ago: after long months of contacts and meetings, now Hector Bellerin and Real Betis are really crossing the finish line. The former Arsenal and Barcelona player is one step away from returning to Seville, after his previous experience there in the 2021-22 season.
As mentioned, a chase that has been going on for months: already in the summer of 2022, the Spanish club tried to bring him back to the Verdiblancos, but the right-back preferred to "go home", accepting the offer of Barcelona. An unfortunate choice, with only 3 appearances and a farewell already in January 2023, destination Sporting CP.
Even the Portuguese experience was not the best and now, as a free agent, the "new" marriage between Hector and Betis is about to take place. During the next week the deal should close definitively: the will is clear from both the club and the player, that is to find an agreement as soon as possible. A long-term contract (4/5 years) is already in finalisation: just a few details about the bonus package to be defined before the white smoke.
ONANA READY TO SAY GOODBYE TO INTER AFTER JUST A YEAR
Andrè Onana could leave Inter in the summer if a suitable offer arrives. And this long-awaited bid could come soon: Chelsea are desperate for a goalkeeper, given the unclear situation of Edouard Mendy - that in all likelihood will leave the Blues - and Kepa.
Some names were on their list, such as Illan Meslier and David Raya – now really close to Tottenham – but the main target is undoubtedly the goalkeeper of Inter, runner-up in the Champions League, Andrè Onana. The Cameroonian player – who arrived in Italy last summer as a free agent – has a price tag of around 60 million euros set by his current club and the Blues – after having considered the cost too high a few weeks ago – now seem willing to make a concrete move, sending an official offer in the coming days close to the amount requested.
Why have they changed their minds? Because the price of other top goalkeepers in Europe - such as Mike Maignan - are over 100 million euros. For this reason, Chelsea have developed the idea that the request of the Nerazzurri is fair: contacts with the player's agent have already taken place and there are no issues in reaching an agreement on personal terms. Important updates are expected soon: the feeling is that during this market window Onana can really pack up and leave Milan.
REAL MADRID, SOME FAREWELLS, BUT A BIG NAME MONITORED
Karim Benzema's farewell was like a bolt from the blue for Real Madrid. The "heartfelt" decision of the Ballon d'Or to go and play in a Muslim nation - as his religious faith - took everyone by surprise. Maybe it's not over: another big name could say goodbye to the Camiseta Blanca.
Luka Modric has yet to decide his future: despite his desire to stay in Madrid, the Arab sirens continue to sound for the Croatian midfielder. The Saudi Ministry of Sport doesn't give up again for Luka: after 2 offers rejected, now it's ready to send a new increased bid – of more than €100m per season – to convince him. Real Madrid, for their part, are not unprepared: after the arrival of Jude Bellingham, the Spanish club is carefully evaluating the position of Sadio Manè as a possible reinforcement in the summer transfer session.
The Senegalese left-winger has a contract with Bayern Munich until 2025, but the sensation is that both the German clubs and the player would prefer to part ways soon. Bayern have already set his price tag, at around €25/30m. It could be a hot summer for Manè: let's wait and see.
MOISES CAICEDO, A PRIORITY FOR POCHETTINO
Moises Caicedo will certainly be one of the most talked about players in the summer transfer market session. Many clubs have put the Brighton midfielder in their sights: Liverpool and Arsenal have expressed an interest in him, but at the moment Moises represents Chelsea's top target.
Mauricio Pochettino specifically asked for the Brighton player to strengthen the midfield and now, with N'Golo Kante's farewell, the talks to sign the Ecuadorian player become a priority. Chelsea don't want to waste time and are trying to anticipate the competition which, at the moment, doesn't seem to be so intense. As mentioned, Liverpool and Arsenal are in the race, but the club coached by Jurgen Klopp has many alternative names on the list of midfielders and for the Gunners and Mikel Arteta – after the attempt in January – at the moment he's no longer a priority.
Not to forget that Moises has four years left on his contract, so Brighton will try to maximize as much as possible benefits from his eventual sale. Saying that, there is one certainty: whatever his next destination will be, it will take some time to close an agreement for his future.
