The summer transfer window is one of the most exciting times in world football. It’s the period where clubs across Europe go shopping for new players, sell some of their stars, and make last-minute deals before the deadline shuts everything down. Fans call it “silly season” because rumours, gossip, and shocking announcements seem to pop up every single day.
Today’s updates bring us some really big stories, including Manchester City possibly signing Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United chasing another goalkeeper, and plenty of movement across Italy, Germany, Spain, and England. Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to follow — with some fun football facts along the way.
Confirmed Transfer: Jonathan Rowe to Bologna
At 13:35 CET on August 24th, Bologna made it official: they signed Jonathan Rowe from French side Marseille. The deal cost Bologna around €19.5 million, which is close to $21 million dollars. Rowe agreed to a four-year contract.
Rowe, an English winger, found himself out of favour at Marseille after a heated disagreement with Adrien Rabiot. Arguments between players aren’t rare, but sometimes they can push clubs into deciding it’s time to move on. Now, Bologna, a Serie A team with a rich history, gets a promising wide player who loves to attack defenders with pace.
Fun fact: Bologna last won the Italian Serie A title in 1964, but they are still one of the most respected clubs in Italy, often finishing in the middle of the table. For Rowe, this is a chance to start fresh and prove himself.
Major Rumour: Boniface’s Move to AC Milan in Danger
At 13:20 CET, Fabrizio Romano, one of the most trusted voices in transfer news, dropped a bombshell: Victor Boniface’s transfer to AC Milan might collapse.
Boniface, a 24-year-old striker from Nigeria, has been a star at Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. He flew to Italy, completed medical tests, and was expected to sign, but something strange happened. Reports from Kicker in Germany revealed that Milan’s doctors found abnormalities in his medical results, especially related to his right knee.
This is a big deal because clubs often spend tens of millions on a player, and if there’s a risk of long-term injury, they sometimes pull out of the deal. For Boniface, this is heartbreaking news. He had a dream to play for one of Italy’s most historic teams, but now he may have to stay in Germany for another season.
Did you know? AC Milan has won the Champions League 7 times, the second most in history behind Real Madrid. They are famous for strikers like Marco van Basten, Andriy Shevchenko, and Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Goalkeeper Shuffle: Man United Want Senne Lammens
Just ten minutes earlier, at 13:00 CET, reports suggested that Manchester United are closing in on Senne Lammens, a goalkeeper from Antwerp in Belgium. Journalist Jamie Jackson reported that Lammens was left out of Antwerp’s matchday squad, which often means a transfer is very close.
United already have Andre Onana as their main keeper, but adding Lammens could give them more depth and competition. Big clubs usually want two or three quality goalkeepers in their squad, just in case of injuries or suspensions.
Fun fact: The tallest goalkeeper in history was Kristof Van Hout, who stands at 2.08 meters (6 feet 10 inches). Lammens isn’t that tall, but he’s known for his quick reflexes and bravery.
Man City Agree Terms with Gianluigi Donnarumma
This might be the biggest story of the day. At 12:44 CET, Fabrizio Romano reported that Manchester City have agreed personal terms with Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG’s goalkeeper.
Donnarumma, only 25 years old, is already a legend in Italy. He was the hero of the Euro 2020 final, where Italy beat England in a penalty shootout. He saved crucial penalties and won the Player of the Tournament award.
If City close this deal for under €50 million, it could be one of the smartest signings of the summer. Donnarumma would give Pep Guardiola another world-class option between the sticks, especially with Ederson sometimes linked with moves away.
Quick combo fact: Manchester City already have one of the strongest squads in the world. Adding Donnarumma makes them even tougher. If United complete the Lammens deal, both Manchester clubs will be adding goalkeepers at the same time. A true Manchester rivalry moment!
Donnarumma
Borussia Dortmund Shopping at Chelsea
At 09:40 CET, Dortmund made moves in the transfer market. First, they completed a season-long loan for Aaron Anselmino, a centre-back from Chelsea. Next, they agreed on a €25 million deal for Carney Chukwuemeka, a young midfielder with loads of potential.
Dortmund are famous for developing young talent. Stars like Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, and Jude Bellingham all became world-class while wearing the yellow and black. Now, Chelsea’s young players will get a chance to shine in Germany.
Spurs Eye Huge Move for Savinho
At 09:30 CET, reports came out that Tottenham Hotspur are ready to spend over £70 million for Savinho, a winger owned by Manchester City but currently playing for Girona in Spain.
Spurs have been trying to build a team that can finally get back into the Champions League. Adding Savinho, a young Brazilian with flair and creativity, could give them the spark they need in attack.
Aston Villa Want Chelsea Stars Too
Late on August 23rd, at 23:25 CET, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Aston Villa are considering a move for Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku. Nkunku, when healthy, is one of the most talented forwards in the Premier League, but injuries slowed him down last season. Villa are also linked with Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea’s striker.
Aston Villa have been building strongly under manager Unai Emery, and adding another attacker could help them push for a top-four finish.
🇺🇸 Gio Reyna Joins Borussia Monchengladbach
Finally, at 21:00 CET on August 23rd, it was confirmed that Gio Reyna, the USA international, has signed for Borussia Monchengladbach from Dortmund. Reyna signed a deal until June 2028, meaning he’s ready to be part of the club’s long-term project.
Reyna said after signing: “Borussia are a fantastic, big club. I’m delighted that the transfer has been completed and I’m looking forward to tackling the upcoming games together.”
Fun fact: Gio Reyna’s father, Claudio Reyna, was also a professional footballer and captain of the US national team. Football talent runs in the family!
Final Whistle
This transfer window is showing just how wild football can be. In just two days, we’ve seen confirmed deals, medical problems, rumours, and massive negotiations:
Donnarumma possibly joining Man City
Lammens moving to Man United
Boniface’s Milan dream in doubt
Bologna strengthening with Rowe
Dortmund raiding Chelsea’s youth stars
Spurs chasing Savinho
Aston Villa targeting Chelsea forwards
Gio Reyna starting fresh at Gladbach
The clock is ticking toward the deadline, and more surprises are guaranteed to come. For fans, it’s a mix of excitement, nerves, and curiosity — because one transfer can change the fate of an entire season.