The first domino in a long line is about to fall, with the signing of the Norwegian prodigy from Dortmund (21) for the "Sky Blues" armada, the announcement of which is imminent according to several media.

This major move, estimated at around 75 million euros, the amount of his departure clause, not to mention his salary, which is estimated to be among the highest in the Premier League, suggests a frenetic off-season for the attackers.

The future of several stars could be decided in the coming weeks: Lewandowski, Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku, Sadio Mané, Paulo Dybala, Mauro Icardi...

The richest clubs have looked at the profile of its players used to playing the Champions League.

As a result of their strong demand, prices have started to soar.

Haaland's transfer "will take (the market) to a whole new level," predicted Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp in an interview with Sky Sports.

Barça wants to recruit

For Mbappé, Paris SG and Real Madrid are ready to splurge.

At the end of the contract at the end of June, the world champion striker (23) hesitates between extending to PSG, and committing to the merengue club, which made him dream as a child.

PSG striker Kylian Mbappé against Troyes, May 8, 2022 at the Parc des Princes FRANCK FIFE AFP

The French media evoke a golden bridge proposed by the Parisians to retain their best player, while those in Spain mention the thorny question of image rights which complicates the negotiations between "Kyky" and the people of Madrid.

The financial equation also weighs on the future of Lewandowski who, after eight years at Bayern Munich, is looking for a new project.

The 33-year-old Pole would have a preference for FC Barcelona, ​​but the Catalans, limited by the salary cap of La Liga and their huge debt, have limited room for maneuver.

"This year, we haven't won any titles, so anyone who wants to come will be welcome. The economic situation is what it is, and players will have to leave for others to arrive," said the Blaugrana technician. xavi.

For interested clubs, it will also be necessary to convince Bayern, which "is not so crazy as to discuss the transfer of a player who scores between 30 and 40 goals per season", according to his boss Oliver Kahn.

But the striker's contractual situation, who could leave free in 2023 in the absence of an extension, could weaken the position of the Bavarian leaders.

Bayern Munich's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, crowned German champion, on May 8, 2022 in Munich after a match against Stuttgart KERSTIN JOENSSON AFP

In Germany, Dortmund should align around 30 M EUR for the young German international of RB Salzburg Karim Adeyemi (20 years old), expected as the successor of Haaland.

RB Leipzig is expecting nearly EUR 50 million for its Frenchman Christopher Nkunku, in the sights of several English teams, including Manchester United, according to several media.

Like City with Haaland, Premier League teams have the means to hit hard.

The new Saudi owners of Newcastle are still looking for a star to launch their project.

Lukaku gone to stay?

Cristiano Ronaldo has the profile, especially since the five-time Golden Ball did not appreciate Manchester United's failed season, which will not play C1 next season.

Chelsea's Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku exchanges with his coach Thomas Tuchel, April 28, 2022 at Old Trafford Lindsey Parnaby AFP

If the British press likes to speculate on his future, the 37-year-old Portuguese should honor his second year of contract with the "Red Devils" who, with new coach Erik ten Hag, are preparing to start a new cycle.

Many rumors have also sent Romelu Lukaku, a long time failure at Chelsea, to other clubs.

But his coach Thomas Tuchel is keen to keep the Belgian striker: "To date, he is an important part of the team for next season," said the German last weekend.

Bluff or not?

A game of liar poker could take place in Liverpool, where Senegalese star Sadio Mané is said to be interested in a new challenge after six years with the "Reds".

At Juventus since 2015, Argentinian Paulo Dybala is looking for a new base.

The promising Rafael Leao, of AC Milan, could also probe the market, according to the Italian press.

Summer is just beginning.

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© 2022 AFP