Messi, Bellingham and co: Five European transfers to expect this summer

Following on from our top five Premier League transfers to expect this summer, here are our top five transfers to expect from around Europe this summer.

Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid

Spanish giants Real Madrid have been strongly linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham. 

The 19-year-old has managed 10 goals and six assists in all competitions this season and has helped Dortmund to the top of the Bundesliga table with nine games to go.

Bellingham was also a standout player for England at last winter’s World Cup in Qatar.

A host of Europe’s top clubs are reportedly interested in acquiring Bellingham’s services this summer, with Real Madrid seemingly at the front of the queue for his signature. 

Lionel Messi to Barcelona

Lionel Messi has been linked with a sensational return to Barcelona. The 35-year-old is yet to agree to a new contract at Paris Saint-German and Barcelona president Joan Laporta has publicly opened the door for his return.

Messi’s stint at Paris Saint-Germain has been somewhat underwhelming given that the French giants have been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League at the round of 16 stage in both of Messi’s two seasons at the club.

Barcelona’s all-time record goal scorer clearly still has a lot to offer as demonstrated by his performances at last winter’s World Cup which led to Argentina winning the trophy and Messi winning Player of the Tournament. A return to Barcelona could be beneficial for all parties. 

Bernardo Silva to Paris Saint-Germain

According to Relevo, Paris Saint-German have made Bernardo Silva their primary target for the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old reportedly wants to leave Manchester City and a summer move for the Portuguese international looks likely. 

Silva has been at Manchester City for almost six years and a new challenge in Paris could be awaiting the attacking midfielder.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Juventus

Relevo recently reported that Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will not renew his contract which expires in 2024 and that Juventus are watching the situation very closely. 

Given the fact that he will only have a year left on his deal in the summer, Relevo report that the Serbian international could cost as little as €40 million.  

The 28-year-old has been at Lazio for eight years and despite being constantly linked with big clubs over the last few years, a move has never materialised. This looks set to change in the summer with Juventus reportedly holding a keen interest in the 6’3 central midfielder. 

Folarin Balogun to AC Milan

Last month, the Daily Mail reported that AC Milan are interested in signing Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun in the summer.

The 21-year-old is enjoying a remarkable breakout season out on loan at Reims having scored 17 goals in 27 appearances in Ligue 1.

Given that Balogun will have just two years to run on his Arsenal contract in the summer and the strong competition for places in Arsenal’s attack, a permanent summer move could be on the cards. 

Milan have reportedly been interested in the English striker since when he was in Arsenal’s youth teams and so a summer move to the Rossoneri is definitely one to keep an eye on.