This summer, AS Roma will use its global popularity and influence to aid in the search for missing children. The club announced that it's partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and will be displaying the photos and information of missing children alongside transfer announcement videos.
With contracts ending on June 30, there's a slew of footballers who'll be free to sign with the club of their choosing in a few days. This is a list of who I believe to be the most valuable free agents on the market. The players range from established veterans to promising youngsters, and while they vary in terms of talent and experience, I feel that evey one of them is capable of making an important contribution to the club they eventually sign for.
Here are my top 10 free agents heading into July.
Chelsea has made its first, and probably only, move while serving a two-window transfer ban (this summer and next January) by permanently signing the previously on-loan Mateo Kovačić from Real Madrid for a fee that could approach nearly $57 million.
The 25-year-old just completed his first season with the Blues, and with plenty of unforeseen circumstances ahead, Kovačić had to be brought back.
Manchester United looks to be wrapping up it’s second signing of the summer transfer window. After a poor season with an obvious lack of quality in an aging squad, Ole Gunnar Solskjær has identified younger targets with potential for long-term improvement. Recently signing 21-year-old Daniel James from Swansea City, United turned its attention to its defensive targets. While it seems pretty clear that Matthijs de Ligt will not be moving to Old Trafford any time soon, Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka looks primed and ready to sign a contract with the northern giants.
One of the major criticisms Chelsea consistently has taken over the past few years is its inability to break youth into the first team. While the Blues have one of the best academies in English soccer, they consistently loan out their best products and are never heard from again.
But with the year-long transfer ban stopping Chelsea from buying more players to fill the holes in its roster, it will have to rely on its youth products to step up.
One such player is Tammy Abraham.
According to SPORT, a Spanish daily based in Barcelona, Neymar has agreed on personal terms to return to the Camp Nou on a five-year deal that includes a massive pay cut to his current salary. The 27-year-old currently earns $41 million per year with PSG, but he’s willing to rejoin Barça for around $27 million.
With the transfer of French star Antione Griezmann appearing imminent, Barcelona boss Josep Maria Bartomeu has denied any contact whatsoever.
This comes just days after reports of Atletico president Gil Marin claiming the club has known of some sort of transfer since March.
Other reports came out saying it was a done deal.
According to recent reports from Spanish daily MARCA, Atlético Madrid is planning on making a massive $135 million bid for Benfica wonderkid João Félix. The 19-year-old attacker tore up the Primeira Liga last season, scoring 15 goals while adding seven assists in 26 games.
The fee would double Atlético’s previous transfer record, set when purchasing French winger Thomas Lemar from Monaco last summer for $67 million.
Summer in the soccer world is a time of hope, drama, disappointment, loss and new beginnings. In a footballer’s life, it could be a time of complete change and new opportunities; new challenges to take on. This summer is proving no different.
There is hope that teams can add players that will make them stronger and more competitive — take Real Madrid buying Eden Hazard and various others after a disappointing 2018-19 season. There is drama circulating too, with Gareth Bale being a lighting rod of speculation at Real as well.
Atletico Madrid CEO Gil Marin has confirmed they’ve known Griezmann is bound for Barcelona since March.
Griezmann landing spots were rumored for just about everywhere in Europe.
The 28-year-old is coming off a World Cup title but is yet to win a LaLiga or Champions League title.
BREAKING: Atletico Madrid’s CEO confirms Antoine Griezmann will play at Barcelona next season pic.twitter.com/FiWgq9sml2