Juventus is really making the transfer market interesting! They’re willing to offer Douglas Luiz to Newcastle United as part of a dramatic return proposal to reacquire Sandro Tonali from the St. The Magpies are reportedly demanding an eye-watering €70 million for Tonali. The huge number serves to underscore just how high his value is right now in the game. At the same time, Benfica is trying to attract João Félix home to Portugal as the FIFA Club World Cup draws near. The Red Devils are still in pursuit of Félix, who enjoyed a stellar season with Chelsea.
With the football season coming to its dramatic conclusion, it’s hard not to feel the excitement building in anticipation of a crowded summer transfer window. These possible moves of players such as Tonali, Luiz and Félix only further emphasize the cat and mouse game that is being played amidst Europe’s top leagues.
Juventus Eyes Tonali Return
Juventus are reportedly the most interested party in bringing midfielder Sandro Tonali back to Turin from Newcastle United. The Italian club are dead set on getting his transfer over the line. Even so, they intend to add Douglas Luiz – now worth €30 million – to his purchase deal.
They’ve even issued a categorical denial that the Magpies would ever release Tonali. They play hard to get and ask for a €70 million valuation for him. This cost demonstrates the positive impact Tonali has made since moving to St James’ Park. His dynamic play and tactical versatility quickly earned the Connecticut native a reputation as one of the most valuable assets in the Premier League since being drafted.
Given the possibility of an unexpected Luiz transfer benefiting both clubs, it could be a win-win. Juventus’ interest in strengthening their midfield with Tonali having a similar playing style, while on the other hand, Newcastle could improve their squad depth with Luiz. This prospective transfer trade is a win-win situation for Italian and English clubs as it allows both parties to profit from their transfers.
Benfica’s Pursuit of João Félix
Benfica stepped up their lobbying campaign this week to get João Félix back. They’re hoping to get him on board well ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. The Portuguese club’s moves for Félix, including three bids this summer, have been largely unsuccessful. This time around, though, they are as committed as ever to ensure his return.
Félix has been fantastic this season at Chelsea. He has only played 26 Bundesliga games so far, scoring nine goals while netting six times in just nine Champions League fixtures. His eye-catching displays have already attracted interest from a number of clubs including Manchester United, who are still keen on landing his signature.
Despite Chelsea holding a contract with Santos until June 2031, Benfica seems unfazed. They think the temptation of going back to his old club might make Félix as well. He has just begun to think about what he might do in the future.
“We’re in the final phase of the season, so we’re not focused on [the future]. There will be time for all of that.” – Frenkie De Jong
Future Moves for Key Players
Benfica are reportedly looking at a wide array of ideas ahead of their summer transfer market planning. Now, they’re working out deals with both Félix and Tonali. The club have already begun talks with Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, confirming their desire to improve their squad depth.
Moreover, Benfica’s pursuit of goalkeeping talent has led them to compile a shortlist that includes notable names such as Parma’s Zion Suzuki, FC Porto’s Diogo Costa, Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen, and AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. These players are realistic replacements for Andre Onana should he leave the club.
At the same time, Real Madrid started keeping a close eye on Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as a target for the 2023-24 season. Champions League games have quickly opened the eyes of scouts from the Spanish giants, who have been left particularly impressed with Wirtz’s performances. Real Madrid are looking to make investments in younger prospects that fit their greater long-term plan. Few people are as uniquely qualified to execute on this strategy as Wirtz.
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