August 24, 2026 Transfer News: Baleba, Icardi, Talisca and Süper Lig Roundup

With just days left before the transfer window slams shut, activity has intensified across Europe's top leagues and the Süper Lig alike. Here are the key developments from August 19-24, 2026.

Carlos Baleba set for Manchester United

Manchester United have agreed a £70m deal with Brighton for Cameroon international midfielder Carlos Baleba. The fee is reported to be structured as £65m guaranteed plus £5m in add-ons, with Brighton also securing a sell-on clause. The 22-year-old is expected to sign a five-year contract and undergo his medical shortly. Baleba will become United's third midfield addition of the summer following Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, and is set to be the club's most expensive signing of the window.

City-Chelsea talks over Enzo Fernandez heat up

Manchester City are planning to accelerate their move for Chelsea's Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez in the closing stages of the window. Chelsea's 14 August deadline for City to submit an official £120m bid passed without action, but negotiations between the clubs are now expected to ramp up again. There is growing optimism at the Etihad that a deal can be struck that satisfies both parties, with Chelsea willing to sell if their valuation is met. Whether City make a formal move before the window closes on September 1 remains to be seen.

Icardi draws interest from Lazio and Como

Following his departure from Galatasaray, free agent Mauro Icardi has attracted interest in Italy. Lazio's sporting director Fabiani has made initial contact, with the club reportedly preparing an offer worth around €3m per year, while Serie A side Como are also closely monitoring the Argentine forward. Icardi is said to be undecided on his next destination, with a resolution expected as the month draws to a close — a development that comes on the back of his recently concluded spell at Galatasaray.

Talisca denies exit rumours

Fenerbahçe's Brazilian star Anderson Talisca responded to reports linking him with a move to Al-Jazira by posting "Fake News" on social media, before quickly deleting the comment. The club subsequently clarified that Talisca's absence from the matchday squad against Konyaspor was purely a rotation decision tied to the 10+4 foreign player rule, confirming that he will be included in the squad for the upcoming Olympique Lyon fixture — effectively shutting down exit speculation for now.

Beşiktaş eye free agent Arthur Melo

Juventus announced the mutual termination of Arthur Melo's contract, making the 30-year-old Brazilian midfielder a free agent. Beşiktaş, who are looking to strengthen their midfield, are reported to have accelerated talks following the news, though no official agreement has been reached between the parties as of yet. Melo's career has previously included spells at Barcelona, Liverpool, Fiorentina, Girona and Gremio.

Amorim sends clear message on Rafael Leao

Galatasaray's long-standing target Rafael Leao looks set to stay at Milan, according to head coach Ruben Amorim. Speaking ahead of a match against Torino, Amorim said Leao's injury is not serious but that he is not fit to play, adding that transfer speculation is "currently secondary" with the priority being the match itself. He also stressed that Leao will need to fight for his starting spot amid growing competition — a sign that Galatasaray's pursuit may prove more difficult than expected.

Trabzonspor move for Fabinho and Fabio Silva

Trabzonspor have opened talks with free agent Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, who recently parted ways with Al-Ittihad, with the club reportedly in the closing stages of finalising a deal. Up front, the Black Sea club are seeking a forward who can both partner and challenge Paul Onuachu, with reports linking them to Fabio Silva via a move from Germany. Under coach Fatih Tekke's guidance, Trabzonspor are looking to move quickly on both fronts before the window closes.

Transfer news can change quickly; please follow official announcements for confirmation.