We’re entering the closing stages of the transfer window and unlike usual, we’re set for a busy day in the Bundesliga. Here’s 5 storylines to watch out for.
Borussia Dortmund to loan out Youssoufa Moukoko, and miss out on Armel Bella-Kotchap
It’s a bit of an odd ending to Borussia Dortmund’s transfer window. They confirmed the signing of Werder Bremen’s Niclas Füllkrug on Thursday for €15m. He will provide competition for Sébastien Haller, and also deputise for the Ivorian during next year’s African Cup of Nations. But where does that leave Youssoufa Moukoko? Considering the club’s efforts to tie the young prodigy down to a new contract, Sky Germany are now reporting that Atalanta are interested in signing the German forward. It’s an odd move, considering he could have deputised for Haller, and still remains an excellent option.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund have failed to target a centre-back, an area they need to improve. Die Schwarzgelben seem unwilling to meet Southampton’s asking price of €8m to sign the German defender on loan. Instead, they targeted a forward which shouldn’t have been a priority. Missing out on someone of Bella-Kotchap’s ability in defence could be a huge miss for Dortmund heading into this season.
João Palhinha to join Bayern Munich, allowing Ryan Gravenberch to leave for Liverpool
Meanwhile, Sky Germany are reporting that Fulham’s João Palhinha is on his way to Munich. In the last minutes, Bayern and Fulham have reached a total agreement of around €65m. The 28-year-old will sign five-year deal until 2028 and will become the club’s new No. 6. This comes after Eric Dier was offered to the club.
It would also mean that Ryan Gravenberch will be able to leave the club with the Dutchman expected to join Liverpool. The Premier League side will pay a reported €45m for Gravenberch, who will travel to Liverpool this morning.
Augsburg to turn to the Premier League?
Augsburg have looked at the Premier League market and are close to finalising two loan deals. Fulham’s Kevin Mbabu, formerly of Wolfsburg, is expected to join FCA. Tottenham’s Japhet Tanganga has also arrived in Augsburg, according to Florian Plettenberg, and is expected to finalise his move from the North London club.
Will Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani join PSG?
PSG announced the arrival of Lyon’s Bradley Barcola on Thursday and the Parisien club are still pushing for a move to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani. The Frenchman went on strike earlier in the week, which wasn’t very well received by club bosses. But if Kolo Muani is to leave Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, the Bundesliga side won’t accept any less than their valuation of the forward.
The Ligue 1 side are currently offering a guaranteed €70m plus €10m in add-ons. But they’re also looking into the possibility of lowering their offer with the inclusion of Hugo Ekitike.
Leonardo Bonucci to Union Berlin
Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci has arrived in Berlin and is expected to finalise a move to Union Berlin. Although 36, Bonucci has a wealth of experience and could be an important player for Die Eisernen this season in what will be their maiden campaign in the Champions League. Union rarely miss in the transfer market and this could be another excellent signing.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
