Ornstein transfer latest: Bruno, Vini Jr & Salah

Summary

The Athletic FC Podcast

Episode: Ornstein transfer latest: Bruno, Vini Jr & Salah
Date: August 5, 2026
Host: Adam Leventhal
Guests: David Ornstein, Jay Harris, Art d’Roche

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Episode Overview

This episode dissects the latest seismic moves and rumors in European football’s summer transfer window, focusing on Arsenal’s major squad upgrades—particularly the Bruno Guimarães deal from Newcastle and the club’s all-in pursuit of Vinícius Júnior. The team then casts its gaze across other big stories, including Mo Salah’s shock move to Turkey, record-breaking domestic deals, the shifting plans at Real Madrid, and updates on Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Analysis comes from The Athletic’s team of experts, melding insider reporting, tactical insights, and plenty of big-picture context.

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Arsenal’s Blockbuster Moves

Bruno Guimarães Completes £75m Deal (02:03)

• David Ornstein: Confirms Arsenal and Newcastle have finalized the transfer of Bruno Guimarães for a fixed £75 million. No add-ons, but 20% of Newcastle’s profit will go to Lyon.
  • “Arsenal would have preferred to have paid a lower amount. Newcastle would have wanted more, but they finally reached a compromise…” (02:18)
• Personal terms no issue—Bruno had communicated his desire to leave weeks prior.
• Arsenal's hierarchy, notably Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta, were driving forces. The ownership (Kroenke family) provided the financial backing.
  • “It’s really significant. There was a lot of smoke and mirrors, a lot of denials... handled by intermediaries and then went club to club.” (03:26)
• For Newcastle, the deal allows them to reinvest under their soon-to-be-announced new head coach, Matthias Yu.

Where Will Bruno Fit? (04:15)

• Art d’ Roche: Initially saw Bruno as only an aggressive disruptor but, on further analysis, appreciates “how accomplished on the ball” he is.
  • “He isn’t just a body, which I think is the massive thing. When Arsenal think about how they’re going to try and retain a Premier League title... that’s the way you do it.” (05:23)
  • Compares to Chelsea’s signing of Michael Essien in 2005—an extra-dimensional move made by reigning champions.
  • Acknowledges some might worry about Bruno’s age, but isn’t concerned.
• Jay Harris: Says, from a Spurs perspective, it’s “not a good move” for the rest of the league. Previously, if Guimarães didn’t start, Newcastle rarely won—a testament to his leadership and influence.
  • “Newcastle could basically never win a game if Guimarães didn’t start. That alone speaks to his leadership…” (06:56)
• Notable stat: Newcastle only twice won when Bruno didn’t start. (07:31)

Additional Brazilian Link-Up (08:03)

• Jay Harris: Highlights Bruno’s assist to Martinelli for Brazil’s World Cup round of 32 winner—potential for instant chemistry in Arsenal’s ranks.

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Arsenal’s Pursuit of Vinícius Júnior

The State of Play (08:19)

• David Ornstein: The future of Vinícius Júnior hangs on ongoing Madrid meetings. Real Madrid’s current renewal offer is ~€22M per year, but Vini wants closer to €28-30M.
  • “It’s a live situation, Adam, because there are meetings going on in Madrid as we speak to determine what’s going to happen with Vinícius Júnior.” (08:35)
• Arsenal are “all in,” ready to make a financial exception to capture one of global football’s elite attackers.
• If Vini doesn’t renew, Arsenal feel they’re his primary destination, though it’s a “big if” whether he actually leaves Madrid now.
  • “If he doesn’t stay at Real Madrid, he wants to come to Arsenal is the feeling… But that’s obviously a big if and a lot can happen...” (09:43)
• The club’s ability to compete for such a transfer marks a new chapter; even coming close to this level is a statement of ambition.

Wages, Structure, and the Dressing Room (11:51)

• Leventhal: Raises issue of Vini’s mega-wages and Arsenal’s wage structure.
• Ornstein: Recognizes possible locker-room issues, but says the club is mentally ready to make a one-off exception for a player of this magnitude.
  • “Maybe one-off unique spend and expenditure. So if it happens, it’s a major if, then they’ll have to deal with that and I’m sure there will be many conversations.” (12:39)

On-Field Evolution & Legacy (16:06)

• Art d’ Roche: Excited—even being in the conversation for Vini is validation of Arsenal’s progress.
  • “Even being in the conversation with Vinícius Júnior is doing that… it allows Arsenal…to potentially make another evolutionary step with Mikel Arteta.” (16:16)
• Expect significant tactical changes if Vini joins: his individual quality is unlike anything currently at Arsenal.

Would This Be the Biggest Premier League Coup? (18:07)

• Jay Harris: Places it alongside Pogba’s Man United return; both are “cultural moment” signings, not just footballing coups.
  • “For all the reasons Art and David had said, the wages involved, it’d still be a significant transfer… would be mammoth.” (18:16)
• Arsenal behaving like true champions in the market.

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Real Madrid’s Transfer Ambitions

Rodri from Manchester City (22:45)

• David Ornstein: Real Madrid operating as if Rodri will come, but no deal is close. Some Barcelona interest, but “Manchester City want to keep Rodri, that’s clear.” (23:00)
• No sign of renewal at City; situation ongoing and could turn into a “real battle.”

Jan Diamandé from RB Leipzig (24:25)

• Ornstein: Talks between Real Madrid and RB Leipzig are “at an advanced stage.” (24:25)
• Deal may reach €130-140 million including add-ons.
• Diamandé’s arrival could impact Vini’s future and the fate of other Madrid attackers; both Vini and Diamandé are represented by Roc Nation.

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Mo Salah’s Surprise Move to Trabzonspor (26:57)

• Jay Harris: Shocked by Salah’s choice as Saudi Arabia or MLS seemed likelier.
  • “Very surprised… my assumption was that he’d go to Saudi Arabia...” (27:22)
• Ornstein: Saudi money has dried up, and Salah wished to remain in Europe. Turkey provides good wages and a continental platform, albeit lacking visibility compared to top-five leagues.
  • “I just hope that Mo Salah can sort of rediscover his form because there’s nothing to say he can’t light it up at Trabzonspor and make his mark.” (28:48)
• Art d’ Roche: Understands the move as pragmatic for a player at this career stage: “At the end of the day, they’re at an age where they just have to do what makes them happy. And if this is it, then that’s the move they have to make.” (29:46)

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Transfer Market Trends: Record Domestic Fees & Value Discussion

• British record shattered twice: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest to Man City, £116M), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa to Chelsea, £117M).
• Jay Harris: Anderson makes “more sense” for City’s need, especially if Rodri goes. Rogers’ deal “just felt… so Palmer and Rogers could be reunited.” (30:53)
• Art d’ Roche: Rogers could justify the fee if he delivers at Chelsea, but Anderson is still the more logical signing on paper.

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Spurs, Liverpool, and Man United: Latest Moves

Tottenham Hotspur (31:59)

• Ornstein: Busy window early, now seeking attacking reinforcements (Savinho, Gakpo linked). Outgoings now the focus—Lucas Bergwijn a prime example. Not done yet. (32:16)
• Jay Harris: Spurs need to trim squad size—Romero (captain) and Richarlison (hot-and-cold about staying) are names to watch. Spurs’ front line is thinned by injuries; attacking recruits are a “must.” (33:25)

Liverpool, PSG & Bradley Barcola (35:57)

• Ornstein: PSG open to selling Barcola if valuation is met (very high). Liverpool seen as frontrunner but price escalation from other deals (like Anderson, Rogers) complicates this.

Manchester United (38:24)

• Ornstein: United’s midfield rebuild ongoing; third midfielder remains a target, but lack of conviction on the right name/price has caused delays.
  • Left back now a possible higher priority, but business could still happen for both positions. Lewis Hall linked but likely staying at Newcastle. (38:41)
• United’s market judged best at window’s close; “frustration building in the fan base,” but plenty of time remains.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Bruno Guimarães’ impact:

  “He isn’t just a body, which I think is the massive thing. When Arsenal think about how they’re going to try and retain a Premier League title… that’s the way you do it.” (Art d’ Roche, 05:23)

• On Vinícius Júnior’s transfer saga:

  “The fact that [Arsenal] are in the conversation for a player of this caliber and stature… it’s indicative of how far they’ve come.” (David Ornstein, 10:04)

• On Arsenal’s evolution:

  “It feels like even being in the conversation with Vinícius Jr. is doing that… To potentially make another evolutionary step with Mikel Arteta.” (Art d’ Roche, 16:16)

• Regarding Salah’s move:

  “There’s nothing to say he can’t light it up at Trabzonspor and make his mark. But then… will always wonder what might have been if he had given it a shot at one of the biggest clubs…” (David Ornstein, 28:48)

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Notable Segment Timestamps

• Introduction of Bruno Guimarães news: 02:03
• Arsenal’s midfield analysis: 04:15
• Vinícius Júnior discussion: 08:19
• Wage structure concerns: 11:51
• Real Madrid’s Rodri pursuit: 22:45
• Diamandé update: 24:25
• Mo Salah’s Trabzonspor move: 26:57
• Record British domestic transfers: 30:16
• Spurs’ transfer strategy: 31:59
• Liverpool & Barcola: 35:57
• Manchester United update: 38:24

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Lighthearted Moments

• Quick-fire transfer quiz at the end, with Art d’ Roche beating the others to naming Neymar as the world record signing after Pogba (41:39).
  • “He’s just too quick. He was on the beer, the bang straight in. Very good.” (Adam Leventhal, 41:42)

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Conclusion

This episode unpacks the layers of blockbuster deals and rumor mill chaos, providing both expert reporting and honest opinion. Arsenal are making a statement of intent at the summit of European football, while elsewhere traditional powers try to answer, adapt, or simply survive the new dynamics of the transfer window. The pod highlights how ambition, financial realities, squad chemistry, and the human side of football all mesh together during “silly season”—with plenty left to unfold before deadline day.

Transcript

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[Art d' Roche]

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[David Ornstein]

The Athletic FC

[Adam Leventhal]

hi there and welcome to the Athletic FC podcast with me, Adam Levanthal. Is Arsenal's transfer window finally coming alive? Bruno Guimaraes is on his way. Vinn Jr. Could be next. So what does this mean for Arsenal's title defense? Alongside me from the Athletic is our football correspondent David Ornstein, Jay Harris and Art d'. Roche. Great to have you with me gents. Later on we're going to be talking about Spurs, Manchester United, Newcastle, Barkala, many more as well. But let's start with Arsenal and David, key development today on Bruno Guimaraes coming in from Newcastle. Tell us all about it.

[David Ornstein]

Yeah. Newcastle and Arsenal have now reached an agreement for Bruno Guimaraj. The price is £75 million. That's a fixed guaranteed fee. There are no add ons or bonuses as part of the package. Although 20% of the profit that Newcastle extract from signing him via Lyon a few years ago is owed back to the French club. So that reduces a little bit what they will take from it. Obviously Arsenal would have preferred to have paid a lower amount. Newcastle would have wanted more, but they finally reached a compromise and that will unlock Bruno Gimmereich to travel, undergo a medical and complete this move. Personal terms no issue of course, because it was a move that as we exclusively revealed weeks ago, that he wanted and he had told Newcastle that he was keen to pursue as he tries to add trophies to his his CV. Brazil international, 27, 28 years old later this year. So it's a key moment for him. Mikel Arteta wanted him to reinforce Arsenal's midfield backed by the sporting director Andrea Berta, the ownership Cronky family putting their money where their mouth is to sort of win now. And so it's, it's really significant. There was a lot of smoke and mirrors, a lot of denials of what was going on in this initially handled by intermediaries and then went club to club. But they've got there in the end and I think all parties were keen to draw a line under it. As we revealed on, on Tuesday when an agreement was approaching. Now that's in place and, and it should all get wrapped up. So Newcastle can move on under their new head coach who's going to be announced soon, Matthias Yu and, and they'll want to obviously reinvest, reinforce. They'll have plenty of candidates they're looking at, but I don't know firm names just yet. That process can get going and Arsenal can, can look forward to BO clustering their ranks with. With a top player, Newcastle's captain and, and one of the leading midfielders in European world football.

[Adam Leventhal]

Where do you. Where does he fit in? Are you excited by this one?

[Art d' Roche]

I think the more I've kind of looked at him and watched him back so his clips and seeing the type of player he is, the more excited I've become because he's pleasantly surprised me. I'd say when Arsenal have played Newcastle, I guess the kind of archetype we've seen is the more aggressive midfielder who's trying to impose himself on a game and disrupt opponents. I mean a memory a lot of Arsenal fans did have was his incident with Jorginho a few years back. But upon watching him, I think he's someone who's a lot more accomplished on the ball than I realized watching in those games. And I think what is really pleasing is that he should allow Arsenal to do a lot of different things in midfield. Whether it's him playing alongside Declan Rice or, or maybe he's setting up a little bit differently to that on his own in a deeper role. I think he's someone who adds quality and isn't just a body, which I think is the massive thing. When Arsenal think about how they're going to try and retain a Premier League title, which they've never done, the last time they retained a championship even was 90 years ago. So I think when you're looking at how you can get better and that's something they've spoken about publicly throughout the Summer, I think that's the way you do it. And when I was kind of looking at teams who have retained the Premier League, so Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City, it felt like they were most comparable with Chelsea in 2005. Obviously, 2005 was Chelsea's first Premier League title win. And then the midfield they had that summer or that season was Lampard, Makelele and Thiago. None of them did anything wrong really. But they reacted that summer by signing Michael Essie. And that took them three months to complete with Lyon being quite tough negotiators. But they were able to get that done, get over the line. And Essien gave them a different dimension that helped them retain the league for the first time. So I think those are the things that I've seen that make me more excited about this happening. And I get. People will have concerns about his age, but those aren't massive concerns for me considering how he's been able to play throughout his years at Newcastle.

[Adam Leventhal]

Ability and leadership he brings, doesn't he?

[Jay Harris]

Yeah, definitely. And firstly, I should point out, there's the spurs correspondent. This is not a good move. But when you look at Arsenal's central midfield options in previous years, when they had Jorginho as a backup or Mohamed El Neni and now you're looking at those midfield options of Rice, Zubamende, Guimaras, Eze, Odegaard, Miles, Lewis, Skelly, that's terrifying for other teams in the league. There's also that stat which I actually don't have off the top of my head. But Newcastle could basically never win a game if Guimaraes didn't start. And that alone speaks to his leadership, as you mentioned, but also where he was able to control games and he often popped up with. With quite crucial goals. So for Arsenal, it's fantastic. For the rest of the league, it's pretty, pretty depressing.

[Art d' Roche]

I did see the stat, actually. Chris Swoff did something for the World cup series where he mentioned, I think Newcastle have only won twice when Bruno's not started for them. So you can see there is like a big. A big emphasis on his leadership. Not just in terms of what he's doing with the ball, but how he can actually drag a team for a game.

[Jay Harris]

And quickly, before I forget, sorry. I'm pretty certain Guimara sets up Martinelli for Brazil's winner against Japan in the World cup round of 32.

[Art d' Roche]

Yep.

[Jay Harris]

So already. Well, whether Martinelli stays is something we might touch on in a moment. But you've got an example there of someone who can contribute in key moments in a really creative manner. It was a fantastic pass to get his team over the line.

[Adam Leventhal]

It may well be that he's linking up with another Brazilian at Arsenal. David, let's bring you in on Vinicius Jr coming in potentially from Real Madrid. Obviously this is a massive potential signing. What's the latest on that?

[David Ornstein]

Well, it's a live situation, Adam, because there are meetings going on in Madrid as we speak to determine what's going to happen with Vinicius Junior. Is he going to renew his contract at Real Madrid? They've been in talks for what, 18 months without any movement. I think it's quite well documented now that Real Madrid are at around 22 million euros in their offer salary offer. He wants something more towards 30. I think it's 28 million euros and they've not been able to bridge the gap. Is that now going to happen? Let's wait and see if it's not going to happen. There are two very clear options that he sold now and Arsenal are, are the main suitor. They are trying to sign him with everything they have. They all in giving it their absolute best shot. And the alternative, of course, is that he, he stays and sees out his final year if an agreement can't be reached and a transfer isn't sanctioned and he departs as a free agent in, in the summer of 2027. I think there's optimism around Arsenal based on all the conversations they've had in the work that they've undertaken. There's approval at all levels right from the very top. Mikel Arteta really driving this and extremely keen. Backed by the Kronkies at ownership level. They've clearly calculated the finances and, and are ready to do something that would obviously be spectacular for the club, for the Premier League, for European and world football. Really, it rests now on, on the player. What does he want to do? And I think there's a feeling at Arsenal that he wants to come, but that's like if he doesn't stay at Real Madrid, if he doesn't stay at Real Madrid. He wants to come to Arsenal is the feeling in North London. But that's obviously a big if and a lot can happen in those conversations. And you know, when we, we broke the news, there was a huge reaction, but I think Arsenal were quite, quite comfortable with it because they've been working on this for, for longer than has been in the public domain. And, and, and even if it doesn't happen, which the fact that they are in the conversation for a player of this caliber and stature in terms of what he stands for on the pitch and off it as well. So football and commercial, it's indicative of how far they've come that they're at the top table, they're in with the shout. And that wasn't the case before. And so there would no. There'd be no sense of failure or disaster or shame if. If it didn't come to fruition. And. And no doubt they'll have other options too. But landing Gimmere step in the right direction. If they were to land Vinicius Jr, it would be unbelievable to many, given, you know, their key aim for this window was to raise the level of that front line, their attacking quality, to try and get over the line in the Champions League. And I'm sure this will be at the heart of the pitch to Vinicius Jr. Is, you know, that one trophy that's eluded them so far. But let's see how it unfolds because it's. It's impossible at the time of recording this to. To say with certainty which direction it's going to go in, but it's an active situation and it's clearly a huge matter.

[Adam Leventhal]

Obviously, this is something that Arsenal's hierarchy will have to deal with if the transfer goes through, but on the sort of the footballing side and the dressing room side, you've mentioned massive wages for Vinicius Junior and this is a mega transfer coming into the Premier League, but coming into Arsenal and they have quite a strict sort of wage structure, is this a potential disruption, a potential challenge for Arteta to get this right as well?

[David Ornstein]

Depends what side of the equation you look at it from and sit on. So if you're another player in that squad or their representatives, you might think, hang on a second, if they're paying him that much, you know, I feel I'm underpaid, or I maybe made sacrifices to join Arsenal from a salary perspective, and they made out to me that they've not got the money when I signed. Now they're, you know, going all out for. For somebody that's going to cost them exorbitant amounts of money. It's just a hypothetical scenario. I don't know. That being the case right now. And then you've got the club perspective, which I'm sure would be that they're ready to make a financial exception for a player of such immense quality and experience at club and international level, and what he could bring to Arsenal in all areas justifies that. Maybe one off unique spend and expenditure so if it happens, it's a major if, then they'll have to deal with that and I'm sure there will be many conversations and there will be players and representatives, I'm sure, who would be in favor of the signing and understand the outlay as well. Well, so, so that's the nature of the beast when, when you go to such lengths to, to try and sign somebody of this standing. But I think we're not quite at that stage yet, you know, cross that bridge if it comes to it. And, and it's a very legitimate question, of course, but clearly Arsenal feel that it's a situation they'd be prepared to handle if they get the opportunity to do this. Listen, there's a world in which it can't happen now, for whatever reason, availability, financials, and then Arsenal may look to do it and other clubs in the summer of 2027 if he doesn't sign new contracts, if he, if he goes into his final year. And I think one of the factors in that, Adam, is that he's owed a loyalty bonus by, by Real Madrid. Some, you know, 10 million euros, people are saying, maybe more. I don't know exactly the figures. You know, if you're Real Madrid, you probably don't mind paying that if, if he's renewing, but if he's going to be leaving, it's a bit of a bitter pill to swallow. That's a factor in this as well, no doubt. But, but if it comes to the, you know, the summer of 2027, maybe the signing on bonus is, is more for, for a club like Arsenal or whoever else is more palatable than right now. You know, the numbers are going to be eye watering if it comes to fruition, because you've got a transfer fee and we don't know about that yet. Of course, if, if Real Madrid aren Vinicius a new contract at the level he wants, that's kind of saying to the player that you're not prepared to keep him at the extent that he wants. So he would probably argue, then you should let me go for a realistic fee. And that's where Arsenal, the current suitor, may try and get a fee that is not outrageous. At the same time, that's Real Madrid's prerogative. They could ask for whatever they want. So if Arsenal are paying a transfer fee now and sign on bonus, these are, these are going to be tough numbers. Clearly, as you point out, it's a different situation if it comes as free agency, because then you don't have the transfer fee. So many elements here, but. But, you know, everybody you speak to around it sort of feels varying percentages of. Of where it might happen.

[Adam Leventhal]

I'm.

[David Ornstein]

I'm a classic fence sitter, so maybe a 50, 50. And let's see how it develops. It's a great story to, to be across and to discuss.

[Adam Leventhal]

Are you allowing yourself, Art, to get excited about this?

[Art d' Roche]

I think the excitement is there because to David's point on Arsenal being in the conversation, I think the start of the summer was maybe a bit slow by Arsenal standards, especially when you consider after the Champions League final, in this press conference, Mikel Arteta was talking about Arsenal's need to be ambitious, to be fast. And it didn't feel like they were as fast as he was speaking about, but it felt also like Arsenal needed a moment in the summer to show like they were acting like champions. It felt like to make that next step because we all knew they wanted to upgrade. They needed to show, okay, we're gonna strut our stuff, basically. And it feels like even being in the conversation with Vinicius Jr. Is doing that. What I would say is, in terms of football, pure football, what excites me about it is it allows Arsenal, if it does happen, to potentially make another evolutionary step with Mikel Arteta. Because if Vinicius Jr does sign, I think it's very unlikely they play the exact same brand of football that they have played in the last couple of seasons, because you'll have a player who just creates so many different problems for an opposition, even when he doesn't have the ball. And I think when you look at how Arteta's spoken outside of the comment that I just mentioned, he's also put a big emphasis on individual quality and the need for that. And I feel. Feel like if you're looking for players in world football, you're not going to get many better than Vinicius Jr. When it comes to that. So, yeah, definitely excited even being in the conversation.

[Adam Leventhal]

Would this be the biggest ever Premier League transfer coup?

[Jay Harris]

It definitely has to be up there. I know lots of people have made the comparison to when Paul Pogba rejoined Manchester United from Juventus. And I remember that being just a massive deal for a few different reasons. And one of them was the involvement of. Of Adidas, and another one was the involvement of Stormzy. So it was almost like more than just a football transfer. It was almost like a moment, a cultural moment. But for all the reasons Art and David had said, the. The wages involved, it'd still be a significant transfer, even if it might not be what it was if he had more years left in his contract. The fact that Arsenal were in the conversation for a player of his caliber when a couple of years ago they were nowhere near would be mammoth. Especially when the Premier League's in a period of transition. This summer with Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City all have new head coaches. You know Manchester United, they've got Michael Karakin. He's only been there six months. Like Art said, have Arsenal behaved like champions in this transfer window? Maybe not. When you look back on what especially Manchester United used to do under Sir Alex Ferguson, they pretty much always go and poach whoever the best player was in the league who wasn't at Arsenal or Chelsea, they'd go and sign that player. And with some of these moves with Guimarus and Vinicius, it feels like Arsenal are finally doing that in this final month in the window.

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[Adam Leventhal]

David, I wanted to bring you back in on on potential transfers into Real Madrid. Obviously we, we wait and see what happens with Vinicius Jr. And whether he's going to be leaving. What's your intel on on Rodri from, from Manchester City, first of all?

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, we reported recently that Real Madrid were operating on the basis that Rodri will be coming in. Maybe that's reality, maybe that's getting ahead of themselves. So we don't know the, the fine detail of it. It seems that there's some interest from Barcelona too, which is.

[Adam Leventhal]

It's an intriguing battle, isn't it?

[Art d' Roche]

That.

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, I mean that could be. That could be really exciting if it, if it turned into a real battle. I think Manchester City want to keep Rodri, that's clear. They would love him to renew. There's no sign of renewal and there hasn't been for some time. So clearly it's a situation being worked on, I would say more by the representatives of RO than intensive club to club negotiations. At this point it seems there has been some dialogue between Real Madrid and City. I hear that Barcelona have been pushing to try and get involved in it, but where that's quite up to I'm not sure. So Again, another one of these situations that we don't know how it's going to pan out. But it's clearly a massive topic because Real Madrid appear to have identified him as the man they want to come into central midfield. The Spain captain, player of the World cup. And I think he's from Madrid, obviously Athletico background. So, yeah, not aware of sort of major developments towards a conclusion on that one ongoing. But evidently, you know, it's a, it's a massive topic. As this window sort of moves on and with the start of the season looming for all three of those clubs

[Adam Leventhal]

mentioned and Jan Diamandi coming in from RB Leipzig, I mean, we've been banging on about this one for ages. It feels. Is this, is this reaching a, A, a positive outcome for Real Madrid?

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, it seems to be. I think as we've been recording this, our colleagues Mario Kotgana and Seb staffer Blue have reported that the talks are at an advanced stage now between Real Madrid and Ari Leipzig with a. With a sort of agreement getting closer. I think Diamond Day has been pictured at the RB Leipzig training camp in Austria. I don't know if he's actually training or just saying goodbyes, waiting optics that, you know, he's still on board and you can't go and strike. You know, you need to be with, with your teammates if, and do these things the right way, if you want your transfer and, and clearly he wants Real Madrid and the direction of travel for some time now has been that it will get there. It needs to be ratified by the Red Bull board and there's a feeling that that might happen. Yeah, it appears that this one is a matter of time. It's clearly been a tricky, complicated situation. First, I think really there was Liverpool there, then it was that he had decided he wants to join psg. But PSG didn't come up to the financial level that was satisfactory to RB Leipzig. Real Madrid indicated they would. I think Manchester City and others were flirting around it, but it was, it was Real Madrid who really pressed on and you know, judging by some of the numbers doing the rounds, this could be an astronomical deal like 130, 140 million all up. We reported just a few days ago that the second offer I think was around 100 million fixed and then add ons that took it to around 120 hadn't been responded to. Leipzig wanted more. I think eventually they did respond. Real Madrid had to raise it. And we talked so much earlier, Adam, about Vinicius Jr. Clearly, if real Madrid are going to Be strengthening in the wide areas, whatever side you feel that Diamonde plays best on, then that raises questions about existing players. You know, people have mentioned the likes of Brahim Diaz and even into central midfield, Camavinga. And then. And then of course the conversation moves to Vinicius Jr. And. And would the arrival of a wide player help facilitate his exit? And they're both represented by the same agency in ROC Nation, so there's all sorts of moving parts to this. But yeah, it does seem that that one's going to get over the line. And then I think all or even more attention will turn to Vinicius Jr. S future.

[Adam Leventhal]

And just one quick one from all of you, David. You were talking about Jandi Amande being seen at RB Leipzig's training ground and you know, images going around the world and the impact of that. I just wanted to get your thoughts, all of you, on seeing Mo Salah now wearing a Trabzon sport shirt and you know, no longer a. A Liverpool icon. Obviously he's going to be remembered fondly, but he's. Yeah, now starting his new life in. In Turkey. What do you make of that, Jay?

[Jay Harris]

Yeah, surprised. I think I reread it a couple of times when I saw it was trap storms ball. There's no disrespect to them, but my assumption was that he'd go to Saudi Arabia because there have been so many links to. To there over the years and maybe mls, we've seen lots of players do that and it really boosts their profile. Devon Doski, Bail Ibrahimovic are some of the examples. So yeah, very surprised.

[Adam Leventhal]

David, what did you make of it? Because I remember being stood next to you here in the athletic studios when we were talking about potentially him going to Saudi Arabia a couple of years ago.

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, that's when the money was really flowing from the Saudi pro league towards Europe and it doesn't seem to be quite the case now. And there was always some resistance, I think on Mo Salah's part as well. And that hasn't appeared to be at the top of his agenda just now. It was that he wanted to keep playing in Europe and you know, chubbs and spoiler like Jane, no disrespect and it'll provide European football and they're a big club within Turkey and the Turkish clubs are paying really well, which is an important factor for all players. Yeah, MLS would have and. And probably still is an option. Depends how long Mo Salah has left in his legs. It is just. I thought this isn't such a shame. I think it was a shame last season how it didn't quite work out from the highs of the previous campaign. And you know, he'd signed that new contract and, and to see that kind of mutually terminated a year in amid a real downturn in performance for, for team and club was a pity for for those involved. And I just hope that Mo Salah can sort of rediscover his form because there's nothing to say he can't light it up at Trabzon Sport and make his mark. But then I guess there's a part of you that will always wonder what might have been if he had given it a shot at one of the biggest clubs in the main sort of so called leading European leagues. But it takes two to tango. It didn't seem that they were there for him or at least not on the conditions that he would have wanted. And so given his legendary status and epic career, you wish him well. And I'm sure there's a bit left in the tank here.

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah, we saw with Leandro Trossard for example, that you know, the whole package, the financials as well, sometimes that just plays a part, especially when you're a little bit further on in your career.

[Art d' Roche]

Yeah, 100% because I feel like with both of them the quality is there definitely to play in higher quality leagues, but. But when, as David said, you need the interest as well from other big teams, so it's surprising. Both of those transfers are surprising to me, but I feel like at the end of the day they're at an age where they just have to do what makes them happy. And if this is it, then that's the move they have to make.

[Adam Leventhal]

Okay, let's widen our focus a bit to take in the summer window as a whole. Now the record for a British player has been broken twice. First for Elliot Anderson heading from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City for 116 million. And then Chelsea signing Morgan Rogers from Villa for 117 million in the most petty transfer fee of all time. It appears both have entered the top 10 most expensive transfers of all time. Just a quick battle between you two. Who's got the better value, Jay and Art? Better value? Morgan Rogers or Elliot Anderson?

[Jay Harris]

I'm gonna say Anderson addresses a more specific need in Manchester City squad, especially if Rodri leaves. And there's been some issues with some of the other essential midfielders, riders and Gonzalez maybe not being at the required level. Whereas Rogers to Chelsea always just felt a little bit random. It was just so Palmer and Rogers could be, could be reunited so I'm going to say Anderson. Maybe not in terms of value, but that deal makes more sense.

[Art d' Roche]

Yeah.

[Adam Leventhal]

Do you disagree with that?

[Art d' Roche]

No, no, I agree in my heart. It feels like Anderson is the more logical choice. The only thing that's making me debate it is when you look in history, the highest transfer fees are usually for attacking players because they're the ones that make the difference. And I think Morgan Rodgers has proven at Aston Villa he can make a difference and I feel like he'll still be able to do that at Chelsea. So at the end of the season I wouldn't be surprised if people would say, okay, I get it, he was worth that because he's delivered. But it does feel like Anderson was. Yeah, a more specific signing for a more specific need.

[Adam Leventhal]

David, I wanted to rattle through a couple of other clubs players that people have been asking for. Spurs, obviously really big transfers early on in the window have gone quiet. Are they going to come up with something else big once again?

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, they're still active. Of course, they're on tour, so that's probably affected a bit of their movement in the market. But it's not like they're dormant. They are still trying to strengthen because this has been a remarkable summer. It's just that some of it is a few weeks ago now and they want to bolstered that attack even further. You've seen the links to Savino. I think Manchester City would need to find a replacement if they were going to sanction his exit. You've seen the links to Cody Gakpo. Clearly some interest there, even though not aware of club to club at this point. So that gives you an indication of what they're looking to do. They've been linked to some strikers as well to reinforce alongside Dom Solanke. So yeah, having done some really impressive work in defense, midfield and the goalkeeping department, you would imagine that that front line is now going to be the focus of their attention heading towards the end of the market. Maybe some outgoings as well. We still need to see what happens with Lucas Bergwal, but Tottenham have turned out to be one of the busiest and most spectacular teams in this transfer window and I would imagine they're not done yet.

[Jay Harris]

Well, you know, David just mentioned it there in terms of outgoings, but I think think we're at a point in the window. Aspers sort of need to shift their attention to that. Birdwell's a very obvious one because there's been offers from Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United that the club have rejected. There's also the small matter of the official club captain Christian Romero and we've reported throughout the summer that we think that he's probably going to leave. You've got Guillermo Vicario, who for the last three years has been the first choice goalkeeper. You got Pape Sar. I think they've got eight central midfielders at the moment, so they're going to have to cut back on a few numbers. You know, Richarlison scored the stoppage time winner against Chelsea in their preseason tour. Then after the game, Deserbi revealed that sometimes Richarlison wants to leave, sometimes he wants to stay. So I think there are a few moving parts. Spurs have sold some players well this summer. Vuskovic is an example. Lancashire as well. I think now they need to try and maybe sell players who are not generating the same interest as Bergwald Vuskovic for example. And then maybe off the back of that they can rent, resume their focus on getting an attacking player because they're missing so many attacking players through injury Simons or Xavi Simons, Wilson Odaba, Denik Kudasevski that they cannot ignore that part of the pitch.

[Narrator (30 for 30 Podcast)]

In 2023, a source sent me a tip it tied baseball's biggest star to a vast illegal sports betting operation, Shohei Ohtani. But then someone surprising confessed to me, his best friend.

[Art d' Roche]

I'm Ippei Mizuhara and you do have

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permission to record me from 30 for 30 podcasts. This is the betrayal of Shohei Ohtani. Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts

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[Adam Leventhal]

Speaking of attacking players, David anything happening with Bradley Barkeler? That's that's moving close to a conclusion from psg.

[David Ornstein]

It's clear that doors have been opened because Bradley Barkeler, inside the last two years of his contract doesn't intend to renew. So PSG are open to the possibility of him leaving provided their valuation is met. And that's a big if right now because it's extremely high by the sounds of it. Now that figure seems to have changed at various points in time but those clubs that have been looking at him like Liverpool and and others would have been considering but Liverpool have been portrayed as the front runners. I, I think that's going to be really hard for them to reach if it proves the case that that PSG stick to that. Let's see if. If they change at all. So it's a tricky one. You know the way that Elliot Anderson's transfer, Sandro Tonali, Morgan Rogers have kind of inflated somewhat the market and skewed valuations. It probably makes PSG emboldened to ask for more for Barkler when he's a, you know, a decorated player in his own right having won champions leagues, domestic leagues, represented France, scored a World cup even though he's been, you know, largely used from the bench, hasn't held down a permanent starting place and that's clearly at the source of of his frustrations. But, but you know PSG will want to be careful with this because there may be an injury or of dip in form for another player away from needing Barclay, you know in that, in that lineup for Lewis, Enrique. Then there's also Ibrahim, Bet and Bay, talented teenage winger at PSG and an international who played at the World cup in his own right and he's among the options that Liverpool are looking at. They'll have multiple for these wide positions that's been the focus their attention in this market. It obviously they bought in Munoz, they've got Rio and Gamoa but, but let's see which direction in which they look to go. But Barclay is clearly one, you know to pay attention to but there's, there's no clear picture on where he's going to go just yet and, and you suspect that will take some time. It may even go down to the wire and, and there's no guarantee he moves at all.

[Adam Leventhal]

And a quick one before we let you go David on Manchester United, Tielemans and Santos both in Ado Sidali has said on YouTube. Thanks for the question. Are they going to get a third midfielder and a left back before the deadline?

[David Ornstein]

Well, I joked on one of our podcasts when I I was put on the spot without it being scripted, you know who's going to be the busiest team in this market right at the beginning of the summer or maybe even before and I thought Man United. Just because there's so much work that needed to be done and still does need to be done heading towards a season when you've got a new permanent head coach you've got a Champions League campaign so more depth is needed, trading is required. Ins especially in midfield outs too and and they haven't done tons yet. That's not to say that that won't change as as the market develops and so yeah a third midfielder has clearly been on their agenda. It's been well documented and they'll you know they'll be looking at their options. I think if there was one that they were really sold on they probably would have moved on it now and if it was the right value etc but in the absence of that it seems there has been a bit of a shift towards the possibility of a left back and I don't know if that's Michael Carrick driving a left back over a midfielder or it's just a chronology thing that right now they're maybe looking at a left back and then do they come back to that third midfielder Lewis Hall. I don't expect expect to be coming to Manchester United. There's clearly some interest there who doesn't like him but Newcastle will be determined to keep hold of him probably even more so following the departure of Eddie Howe and let's see that they would even like to time down to a new contract but there'll be plenty of other options if indeed a left back or left sided player comes in they need to decide you know where does door group play? Is it left back? Is it more advanced? Is Rashford going to stay which is a clearly a topic we've we've covered in the past and will continue to and then yeah you know you saw the and we talked about it didn't we in New York around Manukone and and they've been linked to multiple different players but I don't know that Man United are on a clear direction of travel around the midfielder right now. But clearly midfield and left back are two of the areas of of importance in in this summer for Man United and it's probably best to judge clubs like that at the end of the window because there's clearly some frustration building in the fan bas while it's still ongoing. There's plenty of time left yet.

[Adam Leventhal]

David, thank you very much. We'll let you get back to your bomba hunting. We do just have time to bring back an old favourite from our World cup podcasts do youo Know quiz. Are you up for it?

[Jay Harris]

Of course.

[Adam Leventhal]

Okay, so here we go and it is transfer focused Simply say your name and then you can answer. Okay. So your name is your buzzer effectively.

[Jay Harris]

Okay.

[Adam Leventhal]

Okay, here we go. After Paul Pogba's world record 89 million pound transfer to Manchester United in 2016, which was mentioned earlier on by UJ, do you know who was the next player to break the transfer record?

[Art d' Roche]

Neymar.

[David Ornstein]

Very good.

[Adam Leventhal]

He's just too quick. He was on the beer, the bang straight in. Very good. £200 million. It was such a jump from Pogba up to Neymar. And look at the disappointment on your

[David Ornstein]

face as soon as he said, 2016.

[Jay Harris]

My I was trying to work out what the question was going to be as well. And he just beat me to it.

[Adam Leventhal]

He did. So well done. You continued your good run on from the World cup, which according to unofficial figures, you did actually win the World Cup.

[Art d' Roche]

Yeah.

[Adam Leventhal]

Do you know? Quiz.

[Art d' Roche]

We're double checking that though.

[Adam Leventhal]

We're going to fully ratify it and on next episode we will bring you up to date with all the important details on that. Thank you very much. Jay.

[Jay Harris]

What a sour note to end the show. Well, I'm going to continue this with him outside.

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah, that's fine. And thank you to you winner.

[Art d' Roche]

Thank you very much.

[Adam Leventhal]

Well done. Don't forget, you can keep up to date with all of the latest transfer developments right now on the Athletic because there are quite a few transfers that can change at any moment, including that Vinicius Jr. Also, what's going on with Gianni Infantino as the FIFA president? Big meeting going on there. We analyzed that on the last episode. If you want to check that one out, do so. Thanks very much for being part of it. Don't forget to subscribe and you can listen to us wherever you get your podcast. We're back tomorrow. Take it easy.

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[David Ornstein]

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