Curva Transfer Watch – Barcelona launch another bid for Rodri, Ferran Torres set for PSG move
The domestic football season in Europe is raring to start. Following the UEFA Super Cup between Paris St. Germain and Aston Villa, major leagues around the continent will begin one week after another.
Hence, clubs are looking to do their business as quickly as possible in the transfer window. Still, there remain many intriguing sagas that will unfold in the coming days and weeks.
Barcelona Rodri transfer update, Ferran Torres close to PSG signing
Barcelona are ready to launch another bid for Rodri after Manchester City reportedly turned down their €45 million offer. The Premier League club values the World Cup-winning midfielder much higher, and the Catalan giants are prepared to match the demand. The Spanish champions are now going to come up with an offer of €60 million fixed plus bonuses. (The Times)
PSG have reached an agreement with Barcelona over the signing of forward Ferran Torres. The deal is said to be worth €55 million, and the Spanish international has already agreed to a five-year contract with the French club. (Dawan Africa)
Inter Milan are eyeing the signing of right-back Djed Spence from Tottenham. Christian Chivu wants a successor for Denzel Dumfries and the personal terms have been agreed with the England international. (Corriere dello Sport)
Napoli have agreed a €6 million deal to sell Romelu Lukaku to Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce. The Belgian striker has already agreed a €10 million per season contract with the club. (Sky Sports)
Bayer Leverkusen have signed defender Facundo Medina from Marseille for €20m. The Argentina defender has signed a long-term contract through June 2031. (Kicker)
FC Koln have moved ahead of fellow Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in their pursuit of signing forward Thijs Dallinga from Bologna. The Dutch striker struggled for form in Serie A last season since his €16m move from Toulouse in 2024. (Gianluca Di Marzio)
Chelsea’s Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk could move on loan to Premier League newcomers Coventry City. The Blues are prepared to sanction a loan deal with three clubs interested. (Football London)
Manchester City are close to the signing of Moroccan teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Cityzens will have to pay Lille near 100m euros. (Guardian)
Haissem Hassan has completed his medical ahead of a £9 million move to Scottish champions Celtic. The Egyptian winger will arrive from Real Oviedo after an impressive World Cup performance. (Anthony Joseph on X)
Curva Analysis
Barcelona are not ready to give up in their pursuit of Rodri. The midfielder once again demonstrated his calmness on the ball in Spain’s World Cup-winning run. He has been instrumental in Manchester City’s success over the years, and despite Real Madrid emerging as a late candidate for his signature, Barca remain the favourites to land him.
The La Liga champions have added to their attacking firepower this season with the additions of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. If they end up signing Rodri, it will bring massive experience to their midfield and will be seen as a big development towards their progress under Hansi Flick.
The German coach has done well since arriving in Catalonia, winning the league twice, but now fans will hope it is about time they become serious contenders in the Champions League. Rodri’s potential arrival offers them the chance to pursue that goal.
Meanwhile, Barca’s Ferran Torres moving to PSG is a win-win for all parties. The attacking riches at Flick’s disposal mean there was little room to accommodate Torres, despite his prolific run last season. Torres will fit in perfectly at PSG under Luis Enrique.
The new PSG model has focused on acquiring talent that are capable of developing into world-class players instead going for established superstars. Two Champions League titles in a row show that this strategy is working. Torres will believe he has the chance to progress to the next level under Enrique, who has been responsible for the extraordinary development of Ousmane Dembele.
Dembele, like Torres, came from Barcelona after an underwhelming spell. With Enrique’s guidance, the French attacker has added a Ballon d’Or to his name. Torres will hope for a similar turnaround under the Spanish coach’s tutelage.
