Transfer Market: Nkunku to Leipzig, Fabinho to Trabzonspor, Fofana to Porto
RMC Sport reveals the five transfer news items of August 24: Christopher Nkunku is close to returning to RB Leipzig, Fabinho joins Salah at Trabzonspor, and Seko Fofana is targeted by Porto. Details of ongoing negotiations.
The summer transfer market is in full swing and the last hours are full of twists and turns. According to information from RMC Sport this Monday, August 24, several major deals are being finalized in Europe. Christopher Nkunku is very close to returning to RB Leipzig, Fabinho is about to discover the Turkish Süper Lig, while Seko Fofana is on FC Porto's radar. Overview of the five transfer news items to remember.
Nkunku: A return to Leipzig is taking shape
French international striker Christopher Nkunku, aged 28, could make his big return to RB Leipzig. According to RMC Sport, negotiations between the German club and the player's entourage are advanced. Nkunku had left Leipzig in the summer of 2023 to join Chelsea for a check of 60 million euros, but his time in the Premier League did not meet expectations. Today, a return to the Bundesliga is clearly being considered.
RB Leipzig, which has already lost several key players during this transfer window, is looking to strengthen its attacking sector. Nkunku's profile, who scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists in his last season in Saxony, perfectly matches the needs of the team coached by Marco Rose. Discussions would be about a permanent transfer, but a loan with an option to buy is not excluded, according to sources close to the matter.
The player, trained at Paris Saint-Germain, would be attracted by the idea of returning to a league and a club where he thrived. Chelsea's decision-makers, for their part, would be open to a departure, whether permanent or on loan, in order to free up wage bill and recover part of the investment made. Story to follow in the coming days.
Another major piece of news revealed by RMC Sport: Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, currently under contract with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, could be about to join Trabzonspor. The Turkish club, which has already registered the arrival of Mohamed Salah, wants to create a dream duo in midfield. Fabinho, aged 32, has solid experience in European football, notably with Liverpool, where he won the Premier League and the Champions League.
According to information from the French channel, negotiations are well advanced between the different parties. Trabzonspor is looking to make a big splash on the Turkish scene and the arrival of Fabinho would be a strong signal sent to the competition. The player, under contract until 2026 with Al-Ittihad, has reportedly given his principle agreement to join the Black Sea club.
The transfer fee has not been officially communicated, but Turkish media mention a transfer fee around 10 million euros. Fabinho, who also played for Monaco and Real Madrid, would bring all his experience and defensive rigor to Trabzonspor's midfield. An official announcement could come quickly, provided the last contractual details are settled.
Seko Fofana: Porto on the lookout
Ivorian midfielder Seko Fofana, currently at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is in FC Porto's sights. RMC Sport reveals that the Dragons have made inquiries about the 31-year-old player, who previously played for RC Lens. Fofana, known for his physical strength and ability to drive the game forward, could be tempted by a return to Europe.
The Portuguese club, reigning champions, is looking to strengthen its midfield after the departure of several key players. Fofana's profile, who was one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1 during his time at Lens, matches the expectations of the coaching staff. Discussions are at a preliminary stage, but the interest is concrete.
The player, who joined Al-Nassr in 2023 for a transfer around 25 million euros, would be open to a departure. His salary, very high in Saudi Arabia, could however be a stumbling block for Porto, who will have to negotiate a loan or a transfer with financial participation from the Saudi club. According to sources close to the matter, a loan offer with an option to buy could be made in the coming days.
Other hot topics of August 24
In addition to these three major deals, RMC Sport mentions other notable moves. The club of Olympique de Marseille would be in advanced negotiations for the loan of an attacking midfielder from Ligue 1, while Olympique Lyonnais is studying the track of a central defender playing in Serie A. The details of these operations remain unclear, but the next few hours could be decisive.
At the same time, Paris Saint-Germain, still active on the market, is monitoring the situation of several players at the end of their contracts. The capital club, which has already made several signings this summer, could still strengthen before the close of the transfer window, scheduled for September 1. Parisian fans hope for one last big announcement.
Upcoming deadlines to watch
The summer transfer window will close in a few days, and clubs are working hard to finalize their last purchases. For Nkunku, a decision could come before the end of the week, while the Fabinho case seems well advanced. Seko Fofana, for his part, will have to wait for Porto to make their interest official and submit an offer to Al-Nassr.
Transfer market fans can expect official announcements in the next 48 hours. As is tradition, clubs often wait until the last minute to conclude the most sensitive deals. Stay tuned, the coming days promise to be busy.
