Messi confusion, Pochettino's Chelsea plans and De Gea's Man Utd deal: FootballTransfers recap

Tom Weber

• 9 May 2023 22:45 BST
• 5 min read

It was an interesting Tuesday in the world of football as Real Madrid shared the spoils with Manchester City in the Champions League semis and Lionel Messi agreed a deal with Al-Hilal - or did he?

Plus, Mauricio Pochettino's transfer plans at Chelsea are reportedly taking shape and David de Gea has agreed a new Manchester United deal. There's plenty to cover, so let's jump right in.

EXCLUSIVE: Messi is NOT (yet) off to Saudi Arabia

Early on Tuesday afternoon, breaking news coming out of France claimed that Lionel Messi had agreed a world-record deal with Al-Hilal.

As FootballTransfers exclusively revealed, however, that was far from the truth.

Our reporting was then backed up by Jorge Messi, Lionel's father and agent.

Vinicius Jr steals the show

Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr scored an impressive goal against Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, but it was not enough to claim victory as Kevin de Bruyne equalised in the second half to get a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Pochettino's Chelsea plans

Mauricio Pochettino's announcement as Chelsea coach is edging closer and it is becoming clear around which players he wants to build his team.

The Argentine could also be key to N'Golo Kante signing a new Chelsea contract due to the relationship between the two.

Pochettino has also reportedly identified which areas of Chelsea's squad desperately need improving.

De Gea signs new deal

Much-maligned Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has agreed a new deal, but this is not cause for optimism if you are a Red Devils fan.

Takeover under threat?

Manchester United's poor form and attendant fears of dropping out of the top four have made fans question whether the planned takeover of the club will still go ahead if they miss out on Champions League football. We provide the answer.

Transfer news

Finally, some more transfer news from around the world. Sergio Busquets will LEAVE Barcelona this summer.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka will not move this summer as he is close to signing a new deal.

Chelsea could use Christian Pulisic as a makeweight to land Victor Osimhen.

And the Blues are linked with a shock move for statistically the worst goalkeeper in the league.

Real Madrid's pursuit of Manchester City sharpshooter Erling Haaland has suffered a big blow.

Jude Bellingham has made a decision on Borussia Dortmund's latest contract offer amid Real Madrid rumours.

And lastly, the price that England's giants will have to pay for sought-after West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has been revealed.