Salah Saudi Move in Doubt as Transfer Gossip Rounds Up

Mohamed Salah's wage demands are cooling Saudi Pro League interest, while Olise stays put at Bayern, Adeyemi heads to Barcelona, and Arsenal and Liverpool eye Geertruida.

The summer window is building up a head of steam, and Saturday's gossip columns are packed with names that will raise eyebrows from the Etihad to Anfield. Leading the agenda is Mohamed Salah, whose future remains stubbornly unresolved — and the noises out of Saudi Arabia are not encouraging for those hoping the Egyptian king finds a new home in the Gulf.

Salah Pricing Himself Out of Saudi Move

According to the Sun, clubs in the Saudi Pro League are balking at the financial package Salah, 34, is reportedly demanding. The former Liverpool forward is a free agent this summer, and while interest from the Middle East was widely anticipated, it appears the numbers being put on the table from his camp are giving potential suitors serious pause. The market will be watching closely to see whether a compromise emerges or whether Salah looks elsewhere entirely.

Olise Off Limits at Bayern

Real Madrid's reported interest in Bayern Munich's Michael Olise has been firmly rebuffed. According to Spanish outlet Marca, Bayern have made it unambiguously clear that the 24-year-old French winger is not for sale this summer. Olise only arrived in Munich last year and the Bundesliga giants appear intent on building their attack around him — Los Blancos will have to look elsewhere.

Adeyemi on His Way to Barcelona

German publication Bild reports that Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi is heading to Barcelona in a deal worth around 31 million euros (£26m). The 24-year-old Germany international attacker has been a consistent performer in the Bundesliga and looks set to link up with a Barcelona side that is also reportedly preparing a move for Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez — with Spanish outlet Sport claiming a bid of around 130 million euros (£110m) could follow after this summer's World Cup.

Arsenal and Liverpool in Battle for Geertruida

One of the more intriguing domestic rivalries developing this window involves Lutsharel Geertruida, the 25-year-old RB Leipzig and Netherlands defender who spent last season on loan at Sunderland. According to Caughtoffside, both Arsenal and Liverpool are keen, setting up a potential battle between two clubs who will be among the favourites for the title next season. Geertruida has Premier League experience from his time in the Championship with Sunderland and will have suitors lining up.

United Eye More Midfielders, City and Spurs Eyeing Trincao

Manchester United, having completed the signing of Chelsea's Andrey Santos, are said by Football Insider to be exploring moves for two further midfielders as Ruben Amorim looks to reshape his squad. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Tottenham are both monitoring Portuguese winger Francisco Trincao, 26, with Record via Sport Witness suggesting the pair could look to hijack his proposed 50 million euro (£42.6m) move from Sporting to Saudi side Al-Ahli.

Newcastle Boosted in Trafford Chase

Newcastle United's pursuit of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford has reportedly been given a lift. Aston Villa, who had been considered rivals for the 23-year-old England stopper's signature, are said to be keen to retain Emiliano Martinez. That, per the Chronicle, increases Newcastle's chances — though Chelsea are also said to be keeping tabs on the situation.

Elsewhere, Benfica's new manager Marco Silva is moving for his former Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, with a 25 million euro (£21.3m) bid being prepared to bring the 31-year-old Portugal international back from Bayern Munich, where he was on loan at Tottenham last season, according to Portuguese outlet Record.

Frequently asked

Is Mohamed Salah joining a Saudi club this summer?: It's looking less certain. Reports suggest Saudi Pro League clubs are put off by the financial demands Salah's camp are making, meaning a move to the Gulf could fall through.
Where is Karim Adeyemi going?: According to German outlet Bild, Adeyemi is on his way to Barcelona in a deal worth around £26m from Borussia Dortmund.
Who are Arsenal and Liverpool trying to sign this summer?: Among their reported targets is Lutsharel Geertruida, the 25-year-old Netherlands and RB Leipzig defender who was on loan at Sunderland last season. Both clubs are said to be in the hunt for his signature.