Transfers

Man Utd investors ‘have takeover theory’ as Glazer family make unusual move

Manchester United are still yet to publish their annual financial results in a move from the Glazer family that could be linked to their protracted takeover saga.

The Premier League outfit are closing in on the one-year anniversary since their American billionaire owners invited offers for the club but there has been no offer accepted, with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe leading the race to buy control. But investors have reportedly been left in the dark about the current state of the club’s finances.

Speculation is rife that there has been a delay to factor in news about the club’s potential new owners. However, it is also quite possible that the Glazers are simply waiting for the opportune time to release their 2023 numbers – a move that may add to the frustration felt by United fans who have made their position on their owners abubndantly clear.

The Daily Mail reports that budgets are ‘tight’ at the club, with long-term projects shelves and ‘virtually off the table’ until more developments are made in determining what their revenues are. It is estimated by the club that United’s forecasted revenues could reach as high as £650million, which would represent a huge climb from their 2022 results of around £580m.

The Red Devils have taken the unusual step of waiting until October without announcing their figures for the financial year ending June 2023. In nine out of the last 10 years, United have announced these results in September.

The Glazers are under no obligation to post their yearly report until the regulatory cut-off, which is not due for another few weeks. But the uncertainty is causing more angst amongst the fanbase and potentially investors too.

Back in 2020, investors were made to wait until as late as October 21 before they were able to see the report, which included eye-watering losses of £118m due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This similar delay may give a similar cause for concern while the club remain in limbo. Recent reports suggest Ratcliffe may now be interested in a deal that would see him own a 25 per cent stake in the club, allowing the Glazers to retain their majority share.

Last November, the Glazer siblings announced that they were intending to explore ‘strategic alternatives’, including fielding offers to sell the club, as they eyed a huge profit on the £780m leveraged deal agreed by their father Malcolm in 2005.

It is understood that United – who hired US firm Raine to handle the takeover process – received multiple bids from Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim, with the highest exceeding £5bn.

United fans held their latest protest outside Old Trafford before their 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday with banners and signs urging the Glazer brothers, Avram and Joel, to sell up. As of yet, there is still no decision some 11 months down the line.

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Transfers

Luis Diaz Arrives In Munich Ahead Of Bayern Move

Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz has been filmed arriving at a Munich airport as he prepares to complete his big-money switch to Bayern Munich.

Following one failed approach to the Premier League champions, Bayern are now understood to have succeeded with an offer of around €75m (£64.9m) for the former Porto attacker.

Diaz was not involved in the weekend’s 4-2 friendly loss to AC Milan amid the speculation surrounding his future, but he nevertheless travelled to Japan with the rest of the Liverpool squad ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Yokohama F. Marinos.

However, the Colombia international was then given permission to say his goodbyes and leave the camp, and his unveiling at the Allianz Arena is now edging closer.

Sky Deutschland journalist Kerry Hau filmed Diaz as he arrived at a Munich airport on Tuesday morning, where the attacker wheeled his suitcase along to a car with members of his entourage.

Diaz will now undergo his medical and sign a four-year contract with the Bundesliga champions, who will be expected to confirm his arrival in the coming days.

The 28-year-old will plug the gap left by Leroy Sane’s exit to Galatasaray, which Bayern initially tried to fill with the signing of Florian Wirtz, but they were beaten to the Germany international by Liverpool.

However, with Wirtz providing added competition on the left-hand side at Anfield, Diaz reportedly made his intentions to leave clear, and he departs following a three-and-a-half year spell on Merseyside.

The Colombian winger leaves having registered 41 goals and 23 assists in 148 appearances for the Premier League champions, including 17 strikes in all competitions in the 2024-25 season.

Who else could Liverpool sell after Bayern-bound Diaz?

In an ideal world, Liverpool would have had Diaz, Wirtz and 16-year-old wonderkid Rio Ngumoha battling for starts on the left-hand side, but the Reds were in no position to turn down a £20m+ profit on the former.

Diaz is one of a handful of attackers who could head for the exit door in the coming weeks, as Liverpool should be open to appropriate offers for Harvey Elliott, Ben Doak and Federico Chiesa, who are all searching for more minutes elsewhere.

Further back, Under-21 European champion Tyler Morton could leave if a suitable opportunity arises, while the future of right-back Calvin Ramsay is also uncertain following Jeremie Frimpong’s arrival.

Arne Slot also has three left-backs in his ranks in Milos Kerkez, Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, so it is not impossible to envisage one of the trio leaving, as well as 2020-21 centre-back hero Rhys Williams.

Any funds raised from player sales will be expected to go towards a record offer for Alexander Isak, and Newcastle United are braced to receive a proposal from Liverpool for the Swedish striker this week.

Sportsmole.co.uk

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Transfers

Osimhen Joins Galatasaray For Record €75M; Weekend Unveiling Set

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is set for a grand unveiling at RAMS Park as Galatasaray finalize a record €75M move from Napoli, making him the biggest signing in Turkish football history

Galatasaray are poised to officially unveil Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen this weekend, following the completion of a sensational €75 million transfer from Napoli—marking the biggest signing in Turkish football history.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Galatasaray Vice President Abdullah Kavukcu will travel to Italy in the coming hours to finalize paperwork before escorting the 26-year-old striker to Istanbul. The unveiling is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, at RAMS Park during the high-profile friendly clash with Lazio.

Osimhen, who spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Galatasaray, delivered a remarkable campaign, scoring 37 goals and providing 8 assists in 41 appearances. His prolific form powered the Yellow-Reds to a historic league and cup double, cementing his status as a fan favorite.

Despite strong interest from Saudi giants Al-Hilal—who reportedly offered €160 million—Osimhen chose to remain in Istanbul, a decision that further endeared him to Galatasaray supporters.

The financial details of the move highlight its significance: Galatasaray will pay €40 million upfront, with an additional €35 million spread across installments due by the end of 2026. Napoli have secured a 10% sell-on clause and a two-year restriction preventing Osimhen’s immediate return to Serie A.

The deal stands as one of the most expensive exits in Napoli’s history and eclipses all previous transfer records in Turkish football.

The move has surprised many, as Osimhen was previously linked with Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea.

Osimhen’s permanent arrival bolsters Galatasaray’s attacking arsenal ahead of the new season, and club officials expect a full house at RAMS Park for what promises to be one of the most spectacular player presentations in Turkish football.

The Super Eagles forward has already missed several preseason fixtures, including Galatasaray’s recent 3-1 victory over Cagliari, but is now set to return to action in front of an adoring home crowd as the Yellow-Reds’ record signing.

Sports247.ng

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Transfers

Sunderland Agree £17m Xhaka Deal With Leverkusen

Sunderland are set to sign midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £13m with a potential £4m in add-ons.

The 32-year-old is now expected to travel to complete a medical and sign a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

Swiss international Xhaka will be returning to the Premier League having spent seven years at Arsenal.

He made 297 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, winning two FA Cup trophies and briefly acting as the club’s captain before he left for Leverkusen in 2023.

A successful two-year spell in Germany followed, where Xhaka helped Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title in 2024.

The deal will take Sunderland’s summer spending to a £114m this summer, albeit having recouped around £37m through the sales of Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson.

Only the traditional big six clubs in the Premier League have spent more than the Black Cats after they gained promotion from the Championship through a play-off final win against Sheffield United in May.

Xhaka is set to be the club’s eighth summer signing, following the arrivals of Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra.

Bbc.com

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