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Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Daily Transfer Roundup. Despite the summer transfer window being around a month away, there is no shortage of rumours. Clubs all across Europe are already laying the groundwork for a successful summer transfer window.
With that being said, let's waste no further time and dive right into the top transfer news, rumours and updates that made headlines today- 18 April 2019.
Eintracht Frankfurt sign Luka Jovic on a permanent deal
Luka Jovic is easily one of the most sought after young strikers in the world right now. Such has been his form this season that top clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid have been linked with him. However, the Serbian international has now put his signature on a deal that will tie him to Eintracht Frankfurt until 2023.
Jovic had joined the Bundesliga outfit on loan from Benfica and now it turns out Frankfurt have activated the reported €7 million option on the initial deal to sign the 21-year-old on a permanent basis.
Also See: La Liga Transfer News | La Liga Fixtures
Frankfurt will face Jovic's former parent club Benfica in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. Jovic has scored 17 goals and provided 5 assists from 26 appearances this season in the Bundesliga and has been one of the league's standout performers despite being just 21 years old. Now he has signed a 4-year deal with the club.
Eintracht Frankfurt board member Fredi Bobic was chuffed about the transfer. He said,
"Luka's development with us has been great to see.
"For us there was never any doubt about wanting to bring him here permanently. He's a player with extraordinary abilities. It's important for us to sign him."
Olivier Giroud fuels transfer speculation
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has come out and claimed that he has received offers from several clubs thereby casting serious doubts over his future at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea who have been handed a transfer ban could still exercise the option of extending his contract by a year if they don't want to see him leave for free.
Giroud said,
"I am frustrated when not on the pitch, but I just don't want to show it,"
"I am not happy to be the second striker.
“I don't know [if I will be here next season] you have to speak to Marina [Granovskaia]. I want to enjoy my football. It must be decided by the end of the season.
"Yes [I have received offers from other clubs] but I cannot tell you yet. I am focused on Chelsea."
Bruno Fernandes says he is ready for Premier League move
One of Sporting Lisbon's stars of the season, midfielder Bruno Fernandes who is a top transfer target for Manchester United has now said that he feels he is ready to make a switch to the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes had earlier rejected several offers from the Premier League last summer. However, now he thinks he is ready for the challenge. As per reports, Manchester United have already made contact with Fernandes' entourage over a potential transfer deal. Chelsea and Liverpool are also in the race for the 24-year-old.
Bruno Fernandes told Sport TV:
‘Last year I received approaches, mainly from England and also from Spain, but I did not feel prepared to go. Not because of difficulty, but for the high number of games in England.
'My debut season at Sporting was the first time I played so many games, I thought I needed one more season with that kind of regularity. Now I feel prepared for this requirement if I ever have to play in England or a team in Spain.’
Bruno Fernandes' release clause stands at a whopping €100 million. However, he does not think any player is worth that much money.
‘No player in the world should be worth that price. But it’s a cause of pride to know that Sporting have this confidence in me.’
Barcelona closes deal for Ajax captain Matthijs De Ligt
Captaining one of the most exciting sides in Europe at the age of 19, Matthijs De Ligt is an absolute sensation at the moment. However, sadly for Ajax, the Dutchman is set to leave the club for greener pastures in the summer. If reports are to be believed, Barcelona have agreed a deal for Matthijs De Ligt.
De Ligt has no dearth of admirers across Europe and with several high-profile clubs lined up and willing to pay €80 million to secure his services, it is De Ligt's interest in making his dream move to Barcelona that proved to be the difference.
Barcelona have been on the hunt for a worthy successor to Pique whose age is likely to become a cause for concern over the next few seasons. De Ligt has been immense for Ajax in their sensational journey in the Champions League this season.
