The middle of July belonged to the midfielders. A week that began with Manchester United’s pivot from the collapsed Éderson deal ended with three clubs reshaping their engine rooms — and one saga still simmering.
United get their man
Youri Tielemans is officially a Manchester United player: the club confirmed the signing on Tuesday on a five-year deal, after activating the Belgian’s €41m release clause. With Andrey Santos already in, United’s new-look midfield has taken shape in a matter of days — and Karl Darlow arrives as goalkeeping cover.
Villa’s succession plan
Aston Villa lost Tielemans but had moved first: the near-€70m hijack of Newcastle’s deal for Johan Manzambi was followed this week by an agreed £38m move for Wolves midfielder João Gomes, according to Fabrizio Romano. The next question at Villa Park is Morgan Rogers — Arsenal remain keen, personal terms are said to be close, but Villa’s €130m valuation has frozen talks.
Arsenal go wide
While the Bruno Guimarães saga stalls — Arsenal’s improved £65m indication still far short of Newcastle’s ~£90m valuation — the champions have agreed a €40m deal for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, per David Ornstein. Ilan Meslier’s free transfer is done, and Piero Hincapié’s loan has been made permanent.
Spurs keep spending
Sandro Tonali (£100m) and Mateus Fernandes (£85m) are wrapped up as the £237m rebuild continues — while Luka Vušković heads to Brighton, per Romano.
In brief
- Mohamed Salah will choose between MLS and Saudi Arabia after Sunday’s World Cup final.
- Leandro Trossard is weighing a €20m move to Beşiktaş.
- Alejandro Garnacho will leave Chelsea only on a permanent deal.
The window closes on 1 September at 11pm UK time.