Football transfer news: Newcastle land Woltemade, Garnacho heads to Chelsea and more

Nick Woltemade & Alejandro Garnacho
Nick Woltemade & Alejandro Garnacho

The summer transfer window for Premier League and EFL clubs is set to slam shut at 7pm UK time on Monday, September 1, with a number of last-minute deals being announced in the lead-up to the deadline.

After three months of media-fueled speculation and high-profile drama, some recent transfers to have got over the line include Nick Woltemade to Newcastle United, Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea, and Xavi Simons to Tottenham Hotspur.

Nick Woltemade – VfB Stuttgart to Newcastle United, £69m

Amid the ongoing saga of star striker Alexander Isak’s future, Newcastle have unveiled the signing of forward Woltemade from Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart, subject to a medical at St James’ Park.

Notably, the £69 million deal potentially reopens the door for Liverpool to sign Isak in a British-record transfer, with the Reds having previously had a whopping £110m plus add-ons bid rejected.

And given that the Swede has gone on strike to try and force a move, the acquisition of Woltemade will come as welcome relief to manager Eddie Howe and the Toon Army.

“Woltemade is 6ft 6in tall but is not a typical target man, preferring to roam into wide areas and drop deep,” Sky Sports’ football journalist Adam Bate explained in the wake of the 23-year-old German’s arrival.

“He is even a dribbler, capable of beating opponents with his surprisingly nifty footwork.”

Bate added: “It is apparent that Newcastle are looking for a physical number nine who is capable of leading the line.

“They have wingers who can provide service for such a player, but they want someone who can bring those wingers into play too. Woltemade fits the bill.”

READ MORE: England news: Thomas Tuchel’s ‘tighter’ squad has no room for TAA or Jack Grealish

England manager Thomas Tuchel & Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold
England manager Thomas Tuchel & Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alejandro Garnacho – Manchester United to Chelsea, £40m

Manchester United outcast Garnacho is set to seal a £40m transfer to Chelsea, subject to a medical at the Blues’ Cobham base.

The 21-year-old Argentine – a product of the Red Devils’ famed academy system – is undoubtedly a massive talent, yet he dramatically fell down the pecking order at Old Trafford after angering manager Ruben Amorim with his perceived sulky behaviour last season.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, for his part, was coy about the deal but told reporters: “I know he is around here [Cobham]. I don’t know exactly where.”

Regarding the plans to fit Garnacho into his team, the Italian was unequivocal: “He is a player who it’s quite clear his position is a winger and I see him as a winger.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Carabao Cup news: Grimsby defeat piles pressure on Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim

Ruben Amorim and Bryan Mbeumo
Ruben Amorim and Bryan Mbeumo

Xavi Simons – RB Leipzig to Tottenham Hotspur, £51m

Despite concrete interest from Chelsea, Tottenham have secured something of a coup in signing Netherlands international Simons from German club RB Leipzig for £51m.

According to reports, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder has agreed a five-year contract in North London with the option of two more years should things go well.

Spurs manager Thomas Frank expressed his excitement over the developments, saying: “I’m really pleased we have brought Xavi in – he is a great addition to the squad.

“He is still young, however, he already has good experience and, over the past few years, has played a lot of games at the top level.”

The Dane continued: “Xavi has proven his ability to get goals and assists, both from the number 10 position and left-wing.

“He also has a great eye for his team-mates in terms of unlocking defences, and I know he will come in and be part of a good team that is already working hard together.”

READ NEXT: US Open news: Imperious Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek lead charge into third round

Jannik Sinner & Iga Swiatek
Jannik Sinner & Iga Swiatek

Other completed transfers

Crystal Palace – who recently lost talisman Eberechi Eze to Arsenal – have announced the arrival of Spanish winger Yeremy Pino from La Liga side Villarreal in a deal worth £26m.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish lauded the 22-year-old, telling the club’s media: “It’s fantastic news that Yeremy – an exciting young talent, with already such an impressive record in domestic, European, and international football – has chosen us as the next step in his career.

“With an exciting season ahead for the club, competing on multiple fronts, he is a player whose talents Palace fans will particularly appreciate, and I look forward to seeing him step out at Selhurst Park.”

West Ham, meanwhile, have confirmed the acquisition of central midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Southampton in the EFL Championship for £42m.

In an official club statement, the 21-year-old Portuguese revealed his happiness at joining the Hammers, saying: “I’m very happy to be here. I’m very excited to play for West Ham.

“I think it’s a big step for me. It’s a big club, a massive club. The project, the stadium, the city, everything.

“I want to try to play football, enjoy football, not just run and try to score, but try to play good football. I think the most important thing is to try to give everything every day.”

Elsewhere, 27-year-old French forward Christopher Nkunku has joined AC Milan from Chelsea for a reported £36m, inking a five-year deal with the Serie A outfit in the process.

Wolves’ Portuguese forward Fábio Silva has also departed the Premier League, signing for Germany’s Borussia Dortmund for £23m, with the 23-year-old likewise agreeing a five-year contract.

Lastly, 22-year-old Italian right-back Nicolò Savona is on track to complete a move to Nottingham Forest after the Tricky Trees sorted a fee of £11m with Turin-based giants Juventus.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: F1 news: Cadillac announce Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for 2026 debut

Michael Davey profile pic

By Michael Davey

Michael completed a Digital Media & Film degree at the University of Cape Town.

He is a Manchester United fan who also follows cricket, tennis, and rugby union, primarily supporting the Springboks and Proteas.

When all else fails, Michael enjoys data analysis and creating engaging sports content.

Related Post