August 27: Weekly Football News Catch Up: Fofana To Chelsea Done; Newcastle Signs Striker; Bernardo Silva To Barcelona In Doubts; Antony Angry With Ajax

Chelsea Finally Reaches Agreement For Fofana.

Leicester City finally accepted Chelsea’s fourth bid for Wesley Fofana after rejecting the third bid of about £60 million earlier this week.

An agreement was said to have been reached at £75 million, including add-ons with the player signing a 6-years deal until 2028.

The defender was prevented from playing for Leicester City’s first team against Southampton last weekend and will be unavailable for this weekend’s match against Chelsea after attempting to force his way out of the King Power Stadium.

Chelsea was desperate to recruit another defender following the free transfers of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger to Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively.

Newcastle United Signs Striker Alexander Isak.

Alexander Isak has been recruited by Newcastle in a club-record £59 million ($70 million) deal from Real Sociedad.

The 22-year-old striker from Sweden has signed a long-term deal with the Magpies. After scoring 44 goals in 132 appearances for the La Liga club, he is expected to become the new centre of their attack.

The striker has been given the No. 14 shirt at St. James’ Park, which has previously been worn by players like David Ginola, Temur Ketsbaia, and Charles N’Zogbia.

On his signing, Isak told the club’s official website: “I’m delighted to have it done. It was a big, big decision for me but it is a decision I am really happy with.

“It is a great, historical club that I think anyone would like to play for, with amazing fans. They were a big part of why I came here – and also the club’s project, which is one that I really believe in. You always want to go into a team and know how they play. I think Newcastle play very attractive football and I want to be a part of that.”

Pep Guardiola Speaks Against Bernardo Silva Moving To Barca.

Barcelona has been seeking to sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City, and it is reported that PGS are also interested in the midfielder after making an offer to the English team.

Pep Guardiola, City’s manager acknowledged that the midfielder really liked the Spanish club but vehemently refuted the rumour and insisted that Silva would play his football at the Etihad Stadium this year.

In a press conference ahead of their game against Crystal Palace, Guardiola said, “Bernardo Silva will stay at Man City, there are no negotiations.

“He will stay here. We don’t have any phone call from any club regarding Bernardo Silva. That’s why he will stay. I tell you, he will stay.”

Manchester United Makes Move For Newcastle’s Goal Keeper.

Manchester United have identified Martin Dubravka, a goalkeeper for Newcastle, as a potential target this transfer window, with the Magpies manager Eddie Howe confirming their interest.
The Red Devils are searching for a dependable and experienced David de Gea backup during the summer transfer window and they have discovered the Slovakian international.

However, Manchester United plans to bring Martin on loan till 2023 with a buy option of £5 million but Newcastle are insisting on a sell instead.

According to Newcastle United’s manager Martin, “There has been contacts between the clubs and those discussions will continue. In terms of a final outcome, I’m reluctant to lose any important players from the group so that will be a decision that is out of my hands.”

Eric Bailly Moves To Marseille On Loan.

Manchester United defender, Eric Bailly has joined Marseille on a season-long loan.

The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international’s full salary will be covered by Marseille while playing at the Stade Velodrome.

The deal includes a buy clause of £5.1 million (€6 million) which will be activated based on the player’s appearances and if Marseille qualifies for the Champions League.

Bailly was signed by Jose Mourinho from Villarreal in the summer of 2016, and the centre-back has since made 113 appearances and one goal for the team.

In his debut season, he assisted the team in winning the League Cup and Europa League, but injuries have plagued him ever since at Old Trafford.

Manchester United And Ajax Anthony Saga.

Manchester United has been chasing a deal to secure the services of Ajax’s winger Antony, but the Dutch club has made the situation difficult as the player is also seeking to leave.

Erik ten Hag wants to get back in touch with the forward whom he worked with at Ajax and the United board is eager to make that happen as the player has now been made a priority target.

The Red Devils made a jaw-dropping €90 million offer for the 22-year-old star, but only to see it rejected by Ajax.

The Brazilian international is very furious about the situation and has been protesting against the club’s stance of him not being for sale.

According to Antony, he notified the Dutch club of his desire to leave far back in February during an interview with Fabrizio Romano.

He said, “Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face a new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and with them, certainly a great offer.”

The winger stated that the club is giving an excuse that he will be had to replace with just a little time left in the transfer window.

Manchester United are aware of the player’s desire to come to Old Trafford and have reportedly agreed a deal with the Brazilian, who is currently avoiding training and refusing to be included in Ajax’s playing squad.

The English side is still willing to push again, for the last time, as they try to reach an agreement with Ajax who are asking for €100 million for their player.