5 big money moves that could still happen in Europe this summer

Last week, the transfer window closed for the Premier League with a frantic deadline day across the country. However, other nations around Europe still have until the end of the month to bring in new players so there could still be a lot of transfer business left before Septemeber 1st.

However, there won’t be as much business done in the final few weeks of August as we normally see. The Premier League is the most lucrative league in the world. This was something highlighted by the £1.2 billion spent by Premier League clubs, more than any other league in Europe.

There have been massive moves all over the continent this summer. The biggest came in Italy, where Juventus paid £99 million to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

In England, the world record fee for a goalkeeper was broken on two occasions. First, Liverpool spent £67 million on Roma ‘keeper Alisson Becker, before Chelsea paid Athletic Bilbao £72 million for the services of Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Even though the transfer window has now officially shut in England, Premier League clubs can still sell players to clubs abroad, they just can’t buy them. With that in mind, here are five big money moves that could take place between now and the end of August.

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#1 Jerome Boateng to PSG

Boateng had a difficult World Cup

Boateng was one of many center-backs to be linked with a move to Manchester United this summer. Jose Mourinho tried to sign Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld and Diego Godin amongst others, but he was eventually turned down by Boateng.

The German still wishes to win the Champions League in his career, and he didn’t believe that he would get that opportunity at Old Trafford. If there’s any club out there that is desperate to win the Champions League, it’s Paris Saint-Germain, who has been linked with a move for the German centre-half in recent weeks.

The French giants have shown their desire to win Europe’s biggest club competition in recent years, particularly with their intent in the transfer market. Last year, they signed Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, but there hasn’t been a marquee signing so far this summer, with Gianluigi Buffon the only notable arrival.

Boateng is the sort of experienced campaigner they will be looking for, as he is someone who knows how to win the Champions League.

#2 Luka Modric to Inter Milan

Modric is thought to be keen on a move to Italy

Not many people would have expected Modric to leave Real Madrid when the summer began, but following Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock move to Juventus a couple of months ago, it seems that anything is possible at Real.

The Croatian World Cup runner-up has now spent six years at the Bernabeu and has become a crucial member of this Real Madrid side. However, it seems that he is about to cut ties with the Spanish giants.

Modric has won all there is to win during his time with Real Madrid, so he may feel it is time for a new challenge. There are rumors that Modric has already made his mind up about moving to Serie A, although Real aren’t currently willing to let him go.

Inter are clearly looking to return to their former glories, and signing Modric would be a real statement of intent, along with the signings of Radja Nainggolan from Roma, and young striker Lautaro Martinez from Racing Club.

However, should they capture Modric, it would be the crowning glory.

#3 Paul Pogba to Barcelona

Pogba scored the clinching goal for France in the World Cup final

Even though Manchester United would not be able to replace Pogba if he were to leave, that doesn’t mean they aren’t able to sell him. They will certainly be opposed to selling the French midfielder, but recent comments suggest that he is open to a move away from Old Trafford.

When asked whether he was happy at United, Pogba refused to confirm his commitment to the club and said he risked being fined if he revealed his true feelings.

Although he has put in some inconsistent performances during his two years back in England, he had an excellent World Cup this summer, and that has clearly caught the attention of Barcelona.

They have already signed Malcolm, Clement Lenglet, and Arturo Vidal this summer, but Pogba would be the icing on the cake. They have already had one offer rejected, but are likely to return with another.

He will cost big money though, especially as United will be unable to sign a replacement until January.

#4 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to AC Milan

Milinkovic-Savic had been linked with a move to either Chelsea or Manchester United

Milinkovic-Savic is one of the most talked about men in football at the moment. The Serb was the standout performer for his side in a difficult World Cup showing. He is one of the most sought-after players in Europe and was the subject of interest from the likes of both Chelsea and Manchester United during the summer.

However, now the English transfer window is over, he could be staying in Italy. Much like their City rivals, AC Milan is looking to return to the top of Italian football, and they’ve got their eyes on the 23-year-old midfielder to help them do just that.

They see him as the final piece of the puzzle, and despite possible Financial Fair Play repercussions, they are doing everything in their power to bring him to the San Siro.

There are rumors that either Fabio Borini will go the other way, or Milan will sign him initially on loan, before making the move permanent next summer.

#5 Goncalo Guedes to Valencia

Guedes impressed on loan at Valencia last season

Guedes is perhaps the least known name on this list, but there is certainly still some demand for his signature. He has played just eight times in the league for Paris Saint-Germain since he joined the club from Benfica, but Valencia is still prepared to sign him in a deal worth potentially £45 million.

He enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Mestalla last year, and that is what has convinced Valencia to bring him back. The 21-year-old was also a part of Portugal’s World Cup squad earlier this summer, and although he was obviously outshined by Cristiano Ronaldo, he put in a couple of decent performances.

He is still young, so there is still a lot to come from the forward, and it is almost a surprise to see that the Parisians are willing to let him go on a permanent deal given his potential.