Football transfer news 7/26: Amorim reveals plan B with Man United's liquidated stars

VHO - The 2025 Summer transfer market continues to be bustling with many notable deals: Ruben Amorim reveals the personnel strategy at Man United, Barcelona simultaneously ties down Kounde and sells young talent to Benfica, while Joao Felix may reunite with his old team.

Barcelona sell young talent to Benfica

Benfica have confirmed the signing of striker Pau Víctor from Barcelona for a fee of €12 million (about $13.1 million), plus €3 million (3.3 million) in performance-related fees. The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract until the summer of 2030, with a buyout clause of €50 million (54.5 million).

Pau Víctor joined Barcelona on loan from Girona last summer and impressed in the youth team. In La Liga 2024/25, he played 21 times, scoring 2 goals for the Barca first team.

Amorim reveals plan B with Man United's "liquidated" stars

Speaking at a press conference at MetLife (USA), coach Ruben Amorim frankly shared about the personnel plan at Man United. Accordingly, he did not rule out the possibility of keeping names that were once on the list of players to be liquidated such as Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho or Tyrell Malacia.

“There are different reasons for each player. Some need to leave to find new opportunities. But one thing is for sure, Man United will not sell anyone cheap – if they leave, they have to be worth the price,” Amorim said.

In case they cannot find a new destination, Amorim is also willing to give this group of players a chance to show their ability: "I believe they can create positive competition, especially when the 2026 World Cup is approaching."

Up to now, the Red Devils have only recruited two new players, the striker duo Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Although they still want to add a striker, the team's main task is to cut down on the bulky squad.

Barcelona renews contract with Jules Kounde

Barcelona has officially extended the contract of centre-back Jules Kounde until the summer of 2030. Although the financial terms were not announced, according to Marca, the French player's salary has only increased slightly, as the club is still facing financial difficulties.

Under Hansi Flick, Kounde continued to be the first-choice right-back. In the 2024/25 season, he played 29 times in La Liga, contributing to the domestic championship and scoring the winning goal in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.

Emerson Royal leaves AC Milan, returns to Brazil

Defender Emerson Royal has returned to Brazil to complete a medical ahead of his move to Flamengo, who are expected to pay AC Milan €9 million (about $9.8 million).

The 26-year-old moved to San Siro from Tottenham for a fee of €15 million ($16.4 million), plus €2 million in add-ons. However, he failed to establish himself as a regular under Pioli and Fonseca, making just 17 Serie A appearances last season.

The decision to return home is seen as an opportunity for Emerson to regain his form as the Copa America and 2026 World Cup approach.

Joao Felix set to return to Benfica

According to Fichajes (Spain), Joao Felix is very close to returning to Benfica - the team that trained him. The expected fee is only about 25 million euros (27.3 million USD), much lower than the value that was determined in 2019.

Six years ago, Benfica earned 127 million euros (nearly 138.6 million USD) when selling Felix to Atletico Madrid. But after an unsuccessful period at Chelsea, the 25-year-old striker is no longer in coach Enzo Maresca's plans at Stamford Bridge.

Man City is about to welcome a new goalkeeper

According to Sky Sports, Man City is preparing to complete the deal to re-sign goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley for a fee of 31 million euros (about 33.8 million USD).

Previously, Man City sold Trafford to Burnley for 16 million euros ($17.5 million). In the 2024/25 season, the 22-year-old goalkeeper played excellently, contributing greatly to Burnley's Championship runner-up position and the right to return to the Premier League.

The new contract between Trafford and Man City will be for 5 years, with an option to extend for another season.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/tin-chuyen-nhuong-bong-da-267-amorim-lo-ke-hoach-b-voi-dan-sao-thanh-ly-cua-man-united-156337.html