Ronaldo back at Man Utd, Messi to return to Barca – Sunday’s transfer round up

FT Desk

• Updated: 31 Jul 2022 21:43 BST
• 3 min read

It was another eventful day in the transfer market as Chelsea moved for a number of players.

Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo played his first game of the summer for Man Utd and Lionel Messi moved closer to a Barcelona return.

Ronaldo returns for Man Utd

Cristiano Ronaldo endured a forgettable return to the Manchester United line-up as he was hauled off at half-time during the 1-1 friendly draw with Rayo Vallecano.

Ronaldo was making his first appearance of pre-season after belatedly returning to Manchester earlier this week.

Messi to return to Barcelona

Lionel Messi is almost certain to re-join Barcelona in 2023, according to Catalunya Radio.

The national radio station of Catalunya report on Sunday that both Barcelona president Joan Laporta and coach Xavi are in agreement about bringing Messi back to Camp Nou.

Messi himself also wants to return to Barcelona on a free transfer when his contract at PSG expires at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Chelsea make double defender bid

Chelsea will have to shell out a staggering €140 million if they are to sign Wesley Fofana and Denzel Dumfries.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Sunday that Chelsea are in negotiations for both Leicester centre back Fofana and Inter right wing-back Dumfries.

Chelsea to make De Jong offer

Chelsea have told Barcelona that they are set to make an offer for midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

That is according to Sport and a number of other Spanish media outlets, which claim that an official bid from the Blues is imminent.

Sport adds that De Jong will strongly consider a move to Stamford Bridge, unlike the offer he has received from Manchester United.

Brentford make move for Damsgaard

Brentford have tabled a bid worth €18 million for Sampdoria star Mikkel Damsgaard, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Premier League side have made a bid of €11m, which will be a fixed amount, plus add-ons of €7m.