Here We Go: Ranking seven early-bird deals, featuring Christensen and Kessié to Barça, Carvalho to Liverpool

Working ahead is often considered a winning strategy in the transfer market. Clubs with a focus on the timing of negotiations in the long run have major advantages, as evidenced by the prior works of Manchester City, Real Madrid or Liverpool in recent years. This is why the clubs have already started some negotiations between young talents or top players, in some cases signed or set to be completed. These seven deals are already at an advanced stage for the summer of 2022-23, their influence and importance can be categorized in this order.

1. Andreas Christensen

We’re still waiting for Christensen to put pen to paper sooner rather than later, as verbally agreed to a deal with Barcelona. The Danish defender will leave Chelsea at the the of the season as he sees this as a prime opportunity to make a difference on Xavi Hernandez’s side. The 26-year-old is a world-class defender who brings plenty of experience to a young Barcelona side. FC Bayern had him targeted but Barça were faster as they needed a new center back.

2. Franck Kessié

Another excellent Barcelona deal, and in this case, the signatures on the contracts are already completed along with the medical tests. Barcelona coach Xavi convinced him despite Kessie receiving proposals from Premier League. The 25-year-old Ivorian was the best midfielder in Serie A last season with AC Milan and is now ready for a new experience. Who knows if he ends his Rossoneri experience with a scudetto.

3. Ryan Gravenberch

FC Bayern are closing for one of the most talented midfielders in the world. The deal with Ajax is nearing its conclusion, as each party is waiting for the signings on the contracts. The 19-year-old Gravenberch deserves the top three on our list because he has quality, talent and enormous potential.

4. Noussair Mazraoui

Barcelona wanted Mazraoui, but the choice is now destined for Bayern Munich in yet another deal completed with agent Mino Raiola, similarly to Gravenberch. He’s a perfect free agent signing as he brings a competitive pedigree and already boasts some  experience across European and international competitions at 24. Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann may have landed the perfect new right back.

5. Fabio Carvalho

The deal completed between Liverpool and Fulham for this talented Portuguese teenager fell apart right at the winter deadline. But fret not, Liverpool fans, because Jurgen Klopp has since pushed for it as Carvalho will cost the Reds £5 million plus £2.7 million add ons. Carvalho truly has incredible potential and Klopp is the perfect manager to hone in his skills and make him a household name in the future as he’s set to join the first team next season.

6. Yacine Adli

AC Milan have completed this signing because they are convinced that it can be an interesting deal for the present and the future. The talented young Frenchman will come from Bordeaux as the new midfielder for Stefano Pioli. The 21-year-old Adli has excellent skills and has the potential to make an immediate impact in Serie A. Keep an eye on his name.

7. Savio Moreira ‘Savinho’

A name to remember down the road. Born in 2004, Savinho is a Brazilian winger who will move to Manchester City from Atletico Mineiro come July. The next and obvious step for him is head on to another team via loan to get acclimated to football in Europe. For what it’s worth, PSV Eindhoven have already asked for information. As far as his completed with Man City, he’ll get €6.5 million plus add ons. He’s a talent to be monitored as there is great buzz about him around Brazil.