Transfer rumours around De Lie, Turner and Seixas as Visma | Lease a Bike retain top talent

In Belgium, they are always on top of the transfer news — even now, with the transfer window not opening for another six months and riders still having two-thirds of the season ahead of them. Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws shared some surprising rumours for 2027 on Tuesday, in what could become a significant game of musical chairs.

We will not cover all of them, but there are some notable names in the round-up. Christophe Laporte is expected to extend his expiring contract at Visma | Lease a Bike, largely because of the presence of Wout van Aert.

Despite concrete interest and 'better terms' from Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe among others, Laporte wants to stay. Groupama-FDJ United were reportedly also willing to go far to sign the Frenchman. Lotto-Intermarché, however, look set to lose a key rider.

Arnaud De Lie is out of contract and Red Bull have entered the race for the 24-year-old Belgian. Soudal Quick-Step have also been linked with 'The Bull of Lescheret,' as well as with Lotto team leader Lennert Van Eetvelt. The Wolfpack are said to be close to a deal for Ben Turner, who would step out of the shadow of Filippo Ganna at INEOS Grenadiers.

Paul Seixas will remain a talking point until 1 August. The 19-year-old, fresh from winning the Tour of the Basque Country, is contracted to Decathlon CMA CGM until the end of 2027, but a potential move to UAE Team Emirates-XRG has been rumbling for weeks.

Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe are playing a role here too, and many more teams with budget will be watching with interest. Other intriguing rumours? Pavel Bittner (Picnic-PostNL) and Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Premier Tech) are being linked with Tudor, who are also mentioned in connection with De Lie.

Alpecin-Premier Tech could also consider a move for De Lie, though the Roodhooft brothers' priority is reportedly extending the contract of Tibor Del Grosso, which currently runs until the end of 2027.