Potential Deadline Day Signings - August 2024
The summer transfer window, for European clubs at least, shuts at 11pm on Friday August 30th, meaning we are nearing the last-minute deals stage as deadline day draws closer.
Clubs who have endured a difficult start to the season, injuries to key men or significant departures could be tempted to panic and pull off some last-minute moves before the window slams shut.
There are still plenty of high-profile rumours circulating and we have taken a look at five big transfers that could still occur before that Friday deadline hits.
Transfer 1: Ivan Toney to Chelsea
Brentford’s main man has been the subject of exit rumours since admitting he would be open to leaving the Gtech Community Stadium in an interview in January, but speculation surrounding Ivan Toney’s future reached new levels when he was left out of the Bees’ squad for their opening win over Crystal Palace.
A big-money move to Saudi Arabia has been touted for over a week now, but there could yet be a twist in the saga as Chelsea are reportedly ready to swoop for the England international.
Striker has been a problem position for the Blues for a while now and given they have shown time and time again this summer that they are willing to spend whatever money is required to sign players, Toney may be set to stay in London and become the front man Chelsea need.
Transfer 2: Romelu Lukaku to Napoli
The man Toney would technically be replacing at Chelsea is Romelu Lukaku, although the Belgian has not played for the club since 2022 despite signing for £97.5 million the previous summer.
The Blues are ready to cut their losses on Lukaku and a £25.3 million move to Napoli looks to be in the offing, a transfer which could revive the forward’s career.
Antonio Conte is the new manager at Napoli and given Lukaku has netted more goals under the Italian (64 in just 95 games) than any of his other bosses, it could be a move which suits all parties.
Transfer 3: Federico Chiesa to Liverpool
Italian winger Federico Chiesa has been available to sign since the start of the window, yet despite his obvious talent nobody has taken a risk on him, mainly due to his persistent injury issues.
However, as the window has gone on, Juventus’s asking price has seemingly dropped and he could be available for around £13 million after being left out of Thiago Motta’s squad for the first two games of the season.
Barcelona have apparently acted quickest but Chiesa wants confirmation that the club can register him following the problems they had with new signing Dani Olmo, who was unable to feature in their first two matches of the season due to financial restrictions.
Liverpool, who need cover for Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz on the flanks, could pounce if Chiesa’s move to Barca falls through.
Transfer 4: Raheem Sterling to Aston Villa
Another move involving Chelsea could see Raheem Sterling leave Stamford Bridge after voicing his anger at being left out of Enzo Maresca’s opening few squads of the campaign.
The 82-cap England international has plenty of potential suitors, but the incentive of Champions League football that Aston Villa can offer could see him end up with the Birmingham club.
However, the Villans are likely to push for a loan move - something which Chelsea are unsure to agree to - and that leaves this transfer up in the air for now, although plenty can change as deadline day draws closer.
Transfer 5: Carlos Soler to West Ham
West Ham have been one of the busiest Premier League clubs this summer, bringing in eight first-team players already, and their business may not be done just yet.
Julen Lopetegui is apparently a big fan of PSG’s Carlos Soler and a loan deal, with an option to buy the Spanish midfielder, has reportedly already been drawn up.
The signing relies on outgoings from the London Stadium, however. West Ham will be conscious of the Profit and Sustainability Rules after Everton and Nottingham Forest’s points deductions last term and will look to offload the likes of Danny Ings, Kurt Zouma, Maxwel Cornet and possibly even James Ward-Prowse before finalising a move for Soler.