With the 2023/24 campaign almost over, here are five big-name stars who are reported to be on the move, including a 2018 FIFA World Cup winner with France!
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Olivier Giroud - AC Milan
France coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed that the veteran striker will leave AC Milan at the end of the season. This comes just weeks after it was reported that Giroud will soon be joining Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.
"Olivier has made a sporting choice and a life choice. Despite his age, he still has a burning fire within him. Maybe it's also an opportunity to meet up with Hugo [Lloris] and his family again," Deschamps said, according to Football Italia. "He wants to continue his career, but with slightly fewer demands than in Europe. But that doesn't change my choice, given that he will stay with Milan until the end of the season."
The 37-year-old joined Milan in July 2021 on a two-year deal, which was later extended by a year. To date, the centre-forward has registered 47 goals and 20 assists in 128 matches for the Rossoneri.
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Nacho - Real Madrid
Last month, Spanish outlet Marca reported that Real captain Nacho will be leaving the club in June, when his contract expires. The 34-year-old, who joined the Los Blancos first-term from the academy in 2012, is now said to be exploring his options for next season. It is reported that the Spanish giants are considering making a move for Lille sensation Leny Yoro as Nacho's replacement, but they are also believed to be looking at bringing Rafa Marin back to the club as a back-up after his loan spell at Deportivo Alaves.
Anthony Martial - Manchester United
It was recently revealed that Martial has returned to first-team training after a 13-week lay-off due to injury. However, it has been widely reported that the Red Devils will not renew his deal beyond this campaign. According to Sky Sports, the 28-year-old could be thrown a Premier League lifeline, with Tottenham Hotspur said to be interested in signing him as a free agent. Martial arrived at Old Trafford carrying huge expectations but his time at the club has been blighted by injuries, with Transfermarkt indicating he has missed 100 games since joining United in 2015.
Thiago Silva - Chelsea
Chelsea announced earlier this week that the Brazil centre-back will not continue at the club beyond this season. Silva has been an integral part of the Blues squad since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020. The 39-year-old has gone on to make more than 150 appearances for Chelsea and has won three trophies, namely: the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Silva put out an emotional statement bidding farewell to the club, saying: "[It's been a] dream, definitely a dream. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I could achieve such great things and win one of the best professional titles, the Champions League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world. Goodbyes are for those that leave and don't come back. I intend on coming back one day..."
Ian Maatsen - Chelsea
The Dutch star is currently having a fantastic spell at Borussia Dortmund, having helped the side to a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Maatsen was often overlooked at his parent club Chelsea, which prompted a short-term loan move to Germany in January. However, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that although no agreement is in place between the Blues and BVB, Maatsen does not want to continue at Stamford Bridge. His father, Edward Maatsen recently told Voetbal International that his son's intention is indeed to leave Chelsea.
"We are working on staying at the club [Dortmund]," he said. "The clubs have to fight it out among themselves. Ian is developing well here and things are not going well at Chelsea since they changed ownership. A lot at that club also revolves around money, which sometimes seems more important than the club's interests. We have more options besides Chelsea and Dortmund, but Dortmund has proven to be a good restart."
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