Transfers and gossip up to August 25th

We catch up with some of the transfers and gossip up to August 25th, with the help of reputable sources.

Following the media’s many transfers and gossip stories can be tiresome. The majority either fall through or have been tactically planted by one of the parties involved. Yet those that do come to fruition can have a huge effect on Fantasy Premier League or UCL Fantasy.

Here are a few of the more interesting rumours from the last few days.

Transfers and gossip

Jeremy Doku (from Rennes to Man City, £55.4m)

If the big-money purchase of lightning-fast winger Doku makes new Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez owners slightly nervy, the Man City bid for Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes could take it up another level.

After losing Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez to other clubs and Kevin De Bruyne to injury, new bodies were needed. By splashing out on Doku, Pep Guardiola has secured a 21-year-old dribbler for the right wing.

It should be said that 12 goals and 10 assists from 92 Rennes appearances don’t look impressive. But Pep knows more than us – he clearly sees potential and a skill needed for Man City’s tool kit.

Whether it spells trouble for regular Foden and Alvarez starts beyond the next few Gameweeks is something managers will soon discover.

Andrey Santos (Chelsea to Nottingham Forest, loan)

Elsewhere, it was confirmed over lunchtime that Chelsea youngster Andrey Santos has joined Nottingham Forest on loan. As a result of big midfield signings Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu, it’s been realised that the 19-year-old needs to get game time.

Andrey signed for Chelsea in January for £16m, just as he was becoming the top scorer at South America’s Under-20 Championship. Not bad for a midfielder. He also helped Vasco da Gama to promotion in 2022 thanks to eight goals in 33 outings.

Now an international with Brazil’s senior squad, he’s down to a £4.4m FPL price. Should he get an early goal at Forest, expect managers to quickly gather – especially if they need a cheap enabler when switching from 3-5-2 to 3-4-3.

Altay Bayindir (Fenerbahce to Man United)

One transfer going under the radar is Man United’s £4.25m bid for Turkish goalkeeper Bayindir. At first glance, it seems a bargain considering the initial reputation he had at Fenerbahce.

However, shoulder and back injuries have affected him over the last two years, with form also dropping off. A thorough series of medical tests will take place before completion.

It’s highly unlikely that a Bayindir purchase will affect Andre Onana’s status as number one. But it could allow Dean Henderson to join Crystal Palace, which is bad news for Sam Johnstone owners.

Beto (Udinese to Everton)

Just when Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned from his pre-season struggles, a collision in Gameweek 2 ended with a facial injury. It’s just one after another for the forward and, with Neal Maupay being the league’s biggest underachiever when it comes to expected goals (xG), Everton need to buy someone.

Therefore it’s back to bidding for Udinese’s Beto Betuncal after a late January offer failed. The 6ft 4in striker has 22 goals in 65 appearances for the Italian side and they’re adamant that he’ll only be sold once the £30m release clause is met.