Transfer deadline day: Victor Osimhen and the biggest stories before the window closes in Europe this Friday

The 2024 summer transfer window is nearing its end, but there are some players who still need to find their new team in the coming days. With time running out, clubs and agents are working hard to find the best solutions before Friday’s deadline. Let’s take a look at what to expect in the final days of the summer session, and which are the most interesting situations to keep an eye on.

1. Victor Osimhen’s story

One of the stories of this summer transfer window, and it’s still not over. The Nigerian striker decided, despite agreeing a new contract until the summer of 2026 last December, that he wanted to say goodbye to Napoli this summer. The Italian club agreed to let him leave, also considering that he has a €135 million release clause in the contract, but the player has not been able to find a new team so far. Napoli’s new manager Antonio Conte immediately understood the situation and pressured Napoli to sign striker Romelu Lukaku before selling Osimhen, a move that is almost official. However, the Azzurri now find themselves in the awkward position of still having Osimhen on the squad, with just five days to go before the end of the window.

While Osimhen’s expected destinations, PSG and Chelsea, are still quiet, Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli are now working with Napoli to reach an agreement, but Nigerian striker Roberto Calenda’s agent broke his silence on Monday with a post on social media.

“Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently extended with mutual satisfaction. He has made history and when there were big offers (including this year) we always accepted the club’s decisions. As I said, it is no package that has to be sent far.” away to make room for new prophets. Victor was voted African Footballer of the Year, eighth in the Ballon d’Or, he still has so much to do in Europe. There is a need for respect and balance.”

The Osimhen saga is far from over and a lot could happen in the coming days.

2. Juventus works hard

The Italian giants are still making some late moves this summer. The Bianconeri have made a number of key signings in this transfer window, including newest winger Nico Gonzalez from Fiorentina and Francisco Conceicao from FC Porto. However, Juve is not done yet. The Vecchia Signora are now working to complete the deal with Atalanta for Teun Koopmeiners and are also considering a late loan move for Jadon Sancho, only if Federico Chiesa leaves the club in the final days of the summer window. Juventus will be by far the most active Italian team in recent days.

3. Will Chiesa leave?

We mentioned him above because this is another big unanswered question in this summer transfer session. Chiesa has been out of the Juventus project since new manager Thiago Motta was appointed in June. The club has decided to sell him after the player did not agree to a new contract. The current contract expires in the summer of 2025. However, as with Napoli and Osimhen, Juventus is struggling to find a solution for him and the player. is currently still looking for another team in these last days of the summer period. FC Barcelona showed interest, but it is not clear whether the Spanish team can financially afford the move. If Juve manage to sell Chiesa, they will ask Manchester United for the loan of Jadon Sancho.

4. Barcelona, ​​​​what can you expect?

FC Barcelona is always one of those clubs to watch out for during the final days of the transfer window. Hansi Flick’s team are working on some extras before they try to sign more players and a winger is their main target for the final days. If the Blaugrana cannot sign Chiesa from Juventus, the first alternative is Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, who could leave the club on loan in the final hours of the window. In the meantime, Barcelona are still struggling to include Spanish striker Dani Olmo in their squad so he can finally make his debut in Tuesday’s doubtful match against Rayo Vallecano. When transfer deadline day approaches, Barcelona are always a team to be reckoned with.