Summer Transfer Window Deadline: Top Stars and Major Deals to Watch in the Final Days

Ayyoub Bouaddi and Lille’s High-Stakes Negotiations

Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old LOSC midfielder, has emerged as one of the window’s most closely watched figures following a standout World Cup campaign with Morocco. Under contract with the French club until 2029, Bouaddi has drawn concrete interest from several major European sides. According to RMC Sport, LOSC is in advanced discussions with Manchester City, with the young midfielder reportedly favoring a move to the club.

At the same time, Lille faces internal turmoil involving 21-year-old forward Matias Fernandez Pardo. After refusing to enter the pitch during a pre-season friendly against Everton that ended in a 1–1 draw, Fernandez Pardo was relegated to the club’s reserve squad. According to RMC Sport, the Belgian attacker remains determined to force a departure and is courted by Atlético de Madrid. However, Lille club president Olivier Létang has maintained a firm stance against selling the player.

PSG, Liverpool, and the Pursuit of Bradley Barcola

Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool find themselves at the center of multiple high-profile recruitment battles in the final stretch of the window. RMC Sport reported that 18-year-old PSG prospect Ibrahim Mbaye has reached a five-year agreement with Liverpool, prompting the English club to accelerate talks with the French capital side to reach a transfer fee compromise. Concurrently, Liverpool has targeted 23-year-old PSG forward Bradley Barcola. While the club is highly motivated to secure the French international, reports indicate that an agreement between the two clubs remains distant.

Youssouf Fofana Faces Uncertainty at AC Milan

In Italy, AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana finds himself on the outer edges of the squad. Arriving at the club in 2024, the 27-year-old Frenchman has been placed in the club’s training loft after failing to secure a place in manager Ruben Amorim’s tactical plans. With Fofana actively seeking a way out of Milan, Juventus and several unnamed English clubs are weighing potential moves for the midfielder.

Marseille Activity: Gouiri, Højbjerg, and Todibo

Olympique de Marseille remains exceptionally active on the market. While manager Bruno Genesio counts on 26-year-old Algeria international Amine Gouiri, Marseille could capitalize on his strong market value to boost club finances. Gouiri has attracted interest from Serie A sides Como and Lazio, alongside a spot on Villarreal’s recruitment short-list.

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s future at Marseille remains uncertain. Following a collapsed transfer to Newcastle United—which resulted in the midfielder losing his captain’s armband during a friendly against Atlético de Madrid—AC Milan continues to monitor his situation, though no official bid has materialized. A departure would provide Marseille with vital relief on their wage bill.

On the incoming front, Marseille are targeting central defender Jean-Clair Todibo. According to journalist Nordine Ali Said, an agreement has been reached, with Foot Mercato confirming the defender is prepared to take a pay cut to facilitate the switch. Marseille must now resolve financial hurdles to strike a deal with West Ham United.

Malick Fofana and Elye Wahi Updates

AS Roma has reached an agreement with 21-year-old Lyon winger Malick Fofana, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano. The club must now negotiate a fee with Lyon, whose board has set an asking price of €40 million. Elsewhere, OGC Nice is weighing a move for 23-year-old forward Elye Wahi. Currently deemed unwanted at Eintracht Francfort, the club is demanding €25 million and has rejected the prospect of a straight loan. According to Nice-Matin, the Nice leadership is awaiting financial backing from INEOS to finalize the transaction.