It is widely acknowledged within football circles that Kylian Mbappe will depart Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid via a free transfer this upcoming summer. However, Mbappe’s imminent transfer is not the sole instance of a player whose future has been determined.
While Mbappe’s move has yet to be formally announced, there exists minimal doubt that he will join Real Madrid upon the expiration of his contract with PSG at the end of June, thereby becoming the club’s latest Galactico. FootballTransfers examines the top five confirmed transfers to anticipate for the upcoming summer, as the current circumstances stand.
Kylian Mbappe, PSG to Real Madrid on a free transfer
The impending transfer of Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid this summer represents a culmination of a long-speculated move, shedding light on one of football’s least guarded secrets. Despite initially opting for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) over Real Madrid while still a burgeoning talent at Monaco, Mbappe’s recent decision to reverse his trajectory underscores a significant shift in his career trajectory. This reversal of allegiance transpired notably in 2022, when Mbappe’s intended unveiling by Florentino Perez and associates at Real Madrid was thwarted by his eleventh-hour commitment to a new contract with PSG at the Parc des Princes.
Having ascended to the status of the highest-paid footballer globally at the time of signing his current contract, which is set to expire this summer, Mbappe has unequivocally communicated his reluctance to extend his tenure with PSG. Despite encountering challenges such as exclusion from pre-season activities and sporadic appearances on the bench or early substitutions under the management of Luis Enrique, Mbappe’s on-field performance remains formidable. He has amassed an impressive tally of 38 goals from 37 matches across various competitions, complemented by eight assists.
While Real Madrid is poised to acquire Mbappe without a transfer fee, given his valuation at €111.5 million according to FootballTransfers’ proprietary algorithm, the club is prepared to commit €225 million over the ensuing five years to secure his services. Notably, Mbappe’s potential move to Real Madrid could extend beyond his individual journey, as it may entail familial involvement, with his younger brother Ethan also joining the club while their mother, Fayza Lamari, operates a player agency with possible ties to the arrangement.
Endrick, Palmeiras to Real Madrid for €60m
Mbappé will be surrounded by notable attacking talent at the Santiago Bernabeu, as Vinícius Júnior stands out as one of the premier players in his respective position worldwide, and Jude Bellingham has emerged as the club’s prominent figure in an advanced No.10 role.
Real Madrid, however, has not only focused on the present generation led by Mbappé and others but has also secured the future by signing the Brazilian prodigy, Endrick. Endrick, who admired Ronaldo Nazário, boasts an impressive record in youth competitions, with 165 goals in 169 appearances for Palmeiras’ age group teams. His contributions have been pivotal in Palmeiras securing consecutive Brazilian Serie A titles, and despite his tender age of 17, he has already earned two caps for the Brazilian national team. Despite experiencing a recent goal drought that brought him to tears, Real Madrid has demonstrated their unwavering faith in him, reportedly agreeing to a transfer fee of €60 million to acquire his services from Palmeiras.
Lucas Bergvall, Djurgardens to Tottenham for €10m
In reference to promising young football talents, Lucas Bergvall, an 18-year-old Swedish midfielder, is poised for a transfer, albeit not to Barcelona, despite their earnest efforts to secure his services. Instead, Bergvall will join Tottenham Hotspur from Djugardens effective 1st of July.
Characterized as a dynamic central midfielder, adept at transitioning between defensive and attacking phases of play, Bergvall had initially undergone medical examinations in Barcelona before ultimately opting for Tottenham. Reflecting on his decision, he conveyed to Swedish newspaper Sportbladet that while both clubs held immense appeal, Tottenham represented the logical progression for his career. Notably, he acknowledged the difficulty in rejecting Barcelona, with the decision process being extensively deliberated upon before arriving at a conclusion.
Igor Thiago, Club Brugge to Brentford for €33m
Ivan Toney recently jestingly contemplated the prospect of potentially following the footsteps of Mbappe and Endrick to Real Madrid, expressing, “If Brentford were to sell me, they make their money, I’ll move to Madrid, then it’s all good,” accompanied by a smile.
While the Spanish capital may not serve as his immediate destination, indications strongly suggest that the English striker will part ways with Brentford during the upcoming summer transfer window. Notably, the club has already secured his successor in Igor Thiago, whose arrival is scheduled for July.
In a deal finalized with Club Brugge during the winter transfer period, Brentford agreed to a fee of €33m for the acquisition of the Brazilian player. Thiago, who has yet to receive international caps, retains eligibility to represent Bulgaria following his previous tenure with Ludogorets. This agreement was reached concurrently with the collapse of negotiations for Antonio Nusa’s transfer.
Marcus Ingvartsen, Nordsjaelland to San Diego, undisclosed
In a recent development, San Diego FC, the newest expansion franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS), has initiated its player recruitment process by securing the signatures of Marcus Ingvartsen and Jeppe Tverskov from Nordsjaelland, marking their first acquisitions from overseas.
Hailing from Denmark, Marcus Ingvartsen, an international player, is anticipated to provide San Diego FC with a vital offensive prowess upon their integration into the top tier of American soccer for the forthcoming 2025 season. In the interim, he is slated to undergo a loan spell with UPSL outfit Orange County FC.
Expressing his anticipation for this new venture, Ingvartsen conveyed, “I eagerly await the opportunity to contribute to a nascent club, drawn by the assurance provided by the organizational structure and personnel associated with it. Pioneering a legacy from the outset within this remarkable city holds an allure that is truly captivating.”