It’s that time of year again when the transfer rumour mill churns out one bizarre story after another. From unexpected moves to the Super Lig to massive bids for key players, the latest batch of rumors has been especially outlandish. Here are some of the most surprising stories from the final week of the 2024 summer transfer window:
Barcelona’s Pedri is reportedly being targeted by Paris Saint-Germain, with *El Nacional* claiming the Ligue 1 champions are ready to offer €70 million for the Spanish midfielder.
Our Take:
While €70 million might help ease Barcelona’s financial troubles, it’s a far cry from the €1 billion release clause in Pedri’s contract.
Despite his injury setbacks, Pedri remains central to Barcelona’s future plans, as reiterated by sporting director Deco, who said, “Pedri is a fundamental player for the future; we do not want to lose him.” A move to PSG seems highly unlikely.
According to *HITC*, Manchester United might offload Mason Mount this summer if the right offer comes in, with Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur all reportedly interested.
Our Take:
After United pursued Mount for so long in 2023, selling him just a year later would be a shocking twist. While Mount’s impact has been limited due to injuries, a fit and consistent run under Erik ten Hag could still unlock his potential at Old Trafford. A departure seems premature at best.
Fikayo Tomori to West Ham United
The Rumor:
*The Daily Mail* claims West Ham United are considering a move for AC Milan center-back Fikayo Tomori after failing to secure N’Golo Kanté.
Our Take:
Attempting to sign a defender after missing out on a midfielder is a strange strategy in itself. Add to that West Ham targeting AC Milan’s star center-back, and this rumor becomes even more far-fetched. Tomori is a key player at one of the world’s top clubs, making a switch to West Ham highly improbable.
### Transfer Rumor Roundup: Breaking Down the Speculation
#### **1. Pedri to Paris Saint-Germain**
– **The Rumor:** PSG are reportedly preparing a €70 million bid for Barcelona’s Pedri. *(Source: El Nacional)*
– **Reality Check:** Barcelona’s financial troubles may tempt them to consider offers, but Pedri has a €1 billion release clause and is vital to their future plans. Deco’s statement reinforces his importance to the club, making a move highly unlikely.
– **Our Take:** This rumor feels more like a speculative leap than a legitimate possibility. PSG would need to significantly increase their bid to even start a conversation.
#### **2. Mason Mount to Aston Villa, Newcastle, or Tottenham**
– **The Rumor:** Manchester United might sell Mason Mount if the right offer comes in. *(Source: HITC)*
– **Reality Check:** After spending significant time and effort to sign Mount in 2023, selling him a year later would be a surprise. While injuries have hindered his start, Mount still has the potential to thrive under Erik ten Hag.
– **Our Take:** This rumor seems premature. Unless Mount fails to integrate into United’s system by the season’s end, a move in 2024 feels unlikely.
#### **3. Fikayo Tomori to West Ham United**
– **The Rumor:** West Ham are eyeing AC Milan center-back Fikayo Tomori after missing out on N’Golo Kanté. *(Source: The Daily Mail)*
– **Reality Check:** Tomori is a cornerstone of Milan’s defense and remains crucial to their ambitions. West Ham targeting a defender after failing to secure a midfielder seems illogical. Additionally, Milan would demand a hefty fee, making this transfer improbable.
– **Our Take:** This rumor lacks credibility. It’s unlikely Tomori would leave a Champions League contender for a mid-table Premier League side.
### Summary
The final days of the transfer window often bring wild speculation, but these particular stories seem more fiction than fact. While clubs may explore unlikely options, the players mentioned here are entrenched in their current setups and unlikely to move without significant upheaval.
