Transfer round-up August 5: Manchester United unveil Rasmus Hojlund, Josko Gvardiol joins Manchester City

In the ongoing summer transfer window 2023, football fans worldwide are encountering a range of feelings as clubs unveil surprising and captivating developments.

Josko Gvardiol with Manchester City; Credit: Twitter@ManCity
By Animesh | Aug 5, 2023 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

In the ongoing summer transfer window 2023, football fans worldwide are encountering a range of feelings as clubs unveil surprising and captivating developments. These include significant player departures and arrivals, resulting in a busy and sentimental period for followers. Amidst the flurry of recent news, a particular revelation has garnered widespread attention, becoming a standout occurrence that has captured the global football community’s interest. Arsenal’s alleged opening bid of £20 million for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya is expected to be turned down, as it slightly falls short of the club’s valuation. Negotiations continue as both sides work towards an agreement. Raya, though pursued by Bayern Munich, prefers an Arsenal move to reunite with former Brentford coach Inaki Cana. Arsenal intends for Raya, with a year left on his contract, to compete with current goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, and the deal might depend on Matt Turner’s departure.

Meanwhile, Chelsea secured French defender Axel Disasi from Monaco on a six-year deal for around £38.6 million, as per reports. Disasi’s arrival is part of manager Mauricio Pochettino’s summer squad overhaul. Chelsea is also close to signing Robert Sanchez and linked to Moises Caicedo. Franck Kessie’s move to Saudi Pro League’s Al Ahli from Barcelona is imminent, disappointing previous interested parties like Tottenham Hotspur. Barcelona is now negotiating a reported €15m deal with Al Ahli for Kessie’s transfer.

Read more- Transfer round-up August 4: Arsenal submit their first bid for David Raya, Axel Disasi joins Chelsea FC

Manchester United unveil Rasmus Hojlund

On Saturday morning, Manchester United agreed to a reported £64 million transfer fee plus £8 million in potential add-ons with Atalanta for Hojlund, even though they had initially indicated a maximum of £60 million. Hojlund has signed a contract with Manchester United until June 2028, with a possible additional year depending on international clearance. Due to a minor injury sustained during Atalanta’s pre-season, Rasmus Hojlund won’t be able to participate in Manchester United’s upcoming pre-season matches. The injury is reportedly not severe, and he has been consistently training, but it might take a few weeks for him to regain match fitness.

Josko Gvardiol joins Manchester City

Manchester City secured Croatia’s center-back Joško Gvardiol from Leipzig for reportedly €90 million ($99.2 million), ranking him among football’s priciest defenders. The 21-year-old, nicknamed “Little Pep” due to his name’s resemblance to City’s manager, impressed at the World Cup. Gvardiol, highly rated, signed a five-year deal with City, the treble winners of the previous season. His winning experience at Leipzig included the German Cup and Champions League participation. City’s director, Txiki Begiristain, praised Gvardiol’s attributes like speed and competitiveness. Expected to integrate into City’s 3-2-4-1 formation, Gvardiol anticipates growth under Guardiola’s tutelage. He is City’s second signing after Kovacic. Leipzig faces losses including Szoboszlai and Nkunku.

Chelsea sign Robert Sanchez

Chelsea completed the signing of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from Brighton for a reported amount of £25 million ($31.87 million). The Spain international, boasting 87 Premier League appearances, signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s sporting directors praised Sanchez’s addition, citing his quality and experience. Having progressed through Brighton’s academy, he established himself as their top goalkeeper in the 2020/21 season. Known for his shot-stopping and distribution skills, he made his Spain debut and participated in Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. His presence bolsters Chelsea’s goalkeeping after Mendy’s departure. Under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea seeks a resurgence after their disappointing 12th-place finish last season.

More football news:

Transfer round-up August 4: Arsenal submit their first bid for David Raya, Axel Disasi joins Chelsea FC

Transfer round-up August 3: Juventus closing in on Romelu Lukaku, PSG inching closer to Ousmane Dembele

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