Transfer Latest: Barca’s Goalkeeper Drama, Neymar’s Ligue 1 Twist

Here’s a round-up of the biggest transfer stories across Europe, including claims of a communication “war” between Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Barcelona in the wake of the Germany international’s back injury. Elsewhere, Neymar Jr has been linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Marseille, after struggling to make an impact on his return to Brazilian side Santos.

Ter Stegen and Barcelona in communication ‘war’
Barcelona revealed on Tuesday that goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen had undergone successful back surgery, having been treated for a similar issue in December 2023.

Barca labelled the operation a “re-intervention”, which, as per AS, was an inference that it would require a longer recovery time than the two-and-a-half months Ter Stegen was sidelined by a previous lumbar operation.

The Catalan giants reportedly hope they can classify the German’s injury as long-term, which, according to La Liga rules, will allow them to free up 80 percent of his salary to sign a replacement.

While Ter Stegen previously stated he would be out for three months, Barcelona are yet to confirm the recovery team, which has allegedly led to “tension” between the two parties.

The Spanish FA will have a panel review the case.

Neymar Jr linked with Marseille move
Neymar’s return to Santos has not gone as planned, with the club languishing in the Brazilian top flight’s relegation zone and the 33-year-old’s performances a source of fan criticism.

And according to Argentinian outlet TYC Sport, Neymar could leave his boyhood club this summer, with Marseille the “frontrunner” for his signature.

Marseille are fierce rivals of Paris Saint-Germain, where the Brazil international made 173 appearances and scored 118 goals.

The publication claimed: “This tense situation [with fans] has caused a lot of strain between Neymar and Santos, which is why he doesn’t mind returning to Europe. The club that has set its sights on him is Marseille, currently managed by Italian Roberto De Zerbi.

“The southern French side finished second last season and will compete in the UEFA Champions League this year. This could also be an attractive option considering next year’s World Cup, which will likely be the last of Neymar’s career and one where he wants to arrive at a high level.

“Returning to the elite to get in shape for the biggest international tournament could be of interest to the former Barcelona player.”

Atalanta turn down €45m approach for Ademola Lookman

According to Ademola Lookman’s proposed move to Inter looks to be off, after Atalanta turned down a €45 million (£38m) move for the Nigeria international.

Atalanta reportedly want €50m (£43m) for the 27-year-old.

As per the publication: “A deal for Ademola Lookman has been scrapped. This is how the meeting between Inter president Beppe Marotta and Luca Percassi, CEO of Atalanta, can be summed up, taking place at Serie A headquarters on the sidelines of the League Council.

“Marotta used the meeting to revise his offer for the Nigerian striker, bringing it to €45 million overall (€40 million fixed fee + bonuses).

“The figure, however, remains unsatisfactory for Atalanta, who are sticking to their initial €50 million request.

“The negotiations, however, are not over, and the parties will resume discussions in the coming hours. Both Marotta and Percassi left the Serie A headquarters in the early afternoon without making any statements to reporters present.”

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Dortmund target Chukwuemeka and Buonanotte
According to Bild, Borussia Dortmund are interested in both Carney Chukwuemeka and Facundo Buonanotte for the upcoming season.

The former made 17 appearances on loan at the Bundesliga club from Germany. Dortmund want to take the attacker on another loan, with an option to sign him next summer.

It has also been claimed Chelsea could sell Chukwuemeka for just €25m (£21m) this summer, with the player “desperate” to join Dortmund.
Brighton’s Buonanotte is also a target, with the player having been valued at €20m (£17m).

Tntsports.co.uk