European Football Summer Transfer Window: Team needs and latest rumours

With every passing day the transfer window across Europe heats up as top clubs look to bolster their ranks for the upcoming campaign. 

Football expert Joe Crann is on hand to assess the team needs and latest rumours regarding the reigning champions across the four major European leagues. If you want to check out a similar article for the Premier League, click this link.

Real Madrid (LaLiga Champions) 

Ins: Jude Bellingham, Fran Garcia, Joselu (loan)
Outs: Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz
Team needs: Striker

Los Blancos have wasted no time in getting things underway in their pursuit of silverware next season. They are the beneficiaries of the biggest signing of the summer transfer window so far as they forked out €103 million for English prodigy Jude Bellingham.  

The former Borussia Dortmund man is one of the brightest talents in world football right now, and he will undoubtedly improve alongside the likes of seasoned veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. 

Madrid have also bought Fran Garcia from Rayo Vallecano and signed Joselu on loan from Espanyol. 

With Karim Benzema having left for Al-Ittihad, a huge hole has been left up front and subsequent rumours surrounding Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane were inevitable. Acquiring either of those world class strikers would be a fantastic replacement.

Bayern Munich (Bundesliga Champions)

Ins: Konrad Laimer, Raphael Guerreiro
Outs: Bright Arrey-Mbi, Daley Blind
Team needs: Striker

Bayern’s success in the Bundesliga is nothing new, but the fact that they just pipped Borussia Dortmund on the final day suggests dramatic improvement is needed to continue their dominance. 

Konrad Laimer and Raphael Guerreiro have been added as free agents, meaning their top target is a new striker after struggling to replace the goals that Robert Lewandowski provided during his illustrious stint at the club. Latest reports have suggested that they see Harry Kane as a first-choice target, while exciting Napoli forward Victor Osimhen could be the back-up option. 

It is looking increasingly likely that Bayern will be on the hunt for Lucas Hernandez’s replacement should he seal a move to Paris Saint-Germain. He may not be the only departure in what might be a busy summer, with club legend Lothar Matthäus suggesting that five or six others could be on the move. 

Napoli (Serie A Champions)

Ins: Giacome Raspadori, Giovanni Simeone
Outs: Andrea Petagna, Sebastiano Luperto
Team needs: Centre back

Napoli’s biggest challenge this summer was seen to be keeping hold of players that helped them win the Serie A last season, but after signing Giacomo Raspadori and Giovanni Simeone (son of Diego) on a permanent basis and reports suggesting that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is close to a new deal, they seem to be doing well enough.

The bad news, though, is high-class centre back Kim Min-Jae looks set to leave and replacing him might prove tough. There is also a high chance that a Victor Osimhen bidding war may get underway at some point in the near future. 

Lionel Messi: has left PSG as a free agent

PSG (Ligue 1 Champions)

Ins: N/A
Outs: Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Junior Dina Ebimbe, Anfane Ahamada
Team needs: Striker, Winger, Full back

A summer of change awaits the French giants. Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos have already departed and Kylian Mbappe’s future is far from certain. Add in the circling rumours regarding Neymar’s future and it’s looking pretty bleak for the Ligue 1 Champs.

Lucas Hernandez looks the most likely new signing at the moment after Manuel Ugarte confirmed his future switch, but the French giants have also been linked with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva and Lille striker Jonathan David.