Transfermarket Sweep
Hello, it’s June 14th and it’s FOOTBALL FRIDAY. That’s right, the transfer window has opened across Europe. Oh, and EURO 2024 kicks-off as hosts Germany take on Scotland in the tournament opener!
This ain’t your momma’s usual transfer window. If there’s one thing financial fair play rules have inadvertently done to improve football, it’s the introduction of Transfermarket Sweep!
Not to be confused with the supermarket version where contestants go on a mad dash to fill their trolley with as much crap as is humanly possible in a minute, Transfermarket Sweep has the clubs filling up the trolley prior to dashing around to find a buyer before the end of June.
Winners will start next season without a points deduction, but also without their best players, and losers could start with a points deduction, but a more intact squad.
Leeds are likely to do both.
Contestants this year include:
Aston Villa’s trolley has developed a wonky wheel after their initial Champions League transfer plans were dealt a blow with the need to comply with PSR. Unai Emery is in talks with Ross Barkley after impressing with Luton last season, and is looking bring Tammy Abraham back to Villa Park should £40m-man Jhon Duran move to Chelsea.
Chelsea, slightly confused about the memo, join the race to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace along with Man Utd, Bayern Munich, and Newcastle, and have agreed personal terms with the winger. They’ve already signed Tosin Adarabioyo on a free from Fulham, and could be interested in Mats Hummels who left Dortmund this morning on a free after manager Edin Terzic resigned. Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran is also discussing personal terms, with Conor Gallagher and Ian Maatsen going the other way, although BVB are keen to sign the Dutchman.
Everton have shot out of the gates with Jarrad Branthwaite agreeing personal terms with Manchester United - the sticking point being the £80m Everton want for the England international. United have offered £35M. However, Sean Dyche will need to sell or need new owners to buy the likes of Armando Broja from Chelsea.
Leicester City are relatively quiet, as they focus on their search to replace Enzo Maresca, with Graham Potter the latest managerial frontrunner. But, they are in talks with Juventus in an effort to sign their Argentine forward Matias Soule.
Newcastle are looking to replace Migual Almiron with Chelsea’s Nono Madueke should they manage to offload the 30-year-old winger for £60m, although they are also sniffing around Michael Olise from Palace.
Nottingham Forest only have to find £20m to comply with regulations this time round, but there’s still interest from Spurs for Morgan Gibbs-White. Forest are looking to sign Shakhtar Donetsk’s Brazilian defender Vitao as a potential replacement for Murillo.
EURO 2024: IT BEGINS!
It all kicks off in Munich today as Germany take on Scotland in the tournament opener. It’s a win win for most England fans as one of their old foes will provide reason for mockery.
Although, Scotland haven’t helped themselves with setting up base at the foot of Mount Wank. (Express)
Where to watch and odds
Date: Friday, June 14 | Time: 3pm ET / 8pm BST
Location: Fußball Arena München -- Munich, Germany
TV: FOX (subscription) | Stream: Fubo (subscription)
If you can get a suitable VPN it’ll be shown on ITV and STV, and can be streamed via ITV X and the STV Player. Every match at Euro 2024 is free-to-air on BBC or ITV (and STV) in the UK.
UEFA has a full worldwide list of TV broadcast partners and online live streams (UEFA.com)
Odds: Germany 1/4; Draw 5/1; Scotland 10/1
And in an effort to stop it kicking off properly, German police have advised England fans to smoke cannabis rather drink themselves into oblivion for their opening game against Serbia, where only low-alcohol beer will be available.
The Daily Soccer Quote of the Day
"I'm proud to be the first player to play in six EURO tournaments. I'm thrilled about it, as it shows the longevity of my football career. However, it's merely a chapter in what Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved in football."
- EURO record-breaking Ronaldo’s ego and alter ego
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