Ben Turner to Soudal-QuickStep in 2027 and Arnaud De Lie to leave Lotto-Intermarché? – Belgian media start rumour mill early for next season

Belgian media outlets, notably *Het Nieuwsblad*, have ignited the transfer rumour mill early, reporting that Ineos Grenadiers' Ben Turner is set to join Soudal-QuickStep on a long-term deal beginning in 2027. Concurrently, speculation suggests Lotto-Dstny's Arnaud De Lie is contemplating an exit, with Tudor Pro Cycling mentioned as a potential suitor. These reports, though unconfirmed by the teams or riders, indicate significant movement on the horizon for two prominent talents.

This premature transfer chatter, nearly two years out, highlights the increasingly aggressive and protracted nature of rider contract negotiations, especially for sought-after talents. Turner, a powerful Classics rider, moving to the 'Wolfpack' would be a strategic coup, potentially filling a void as their veteran core ages. De Lie, a prodigious sprinter and Classics contender, represents a significant investment for any team, and his departure from Lotto-Dstny would be a considerable blow to their rebuilding efforts, underscoring the financial pressures and allure of ambitious ProTeams like Tudor.

While these are merely whispers for now, the sheer audacity of the timing suggests that the agents' phones are ringing off the hook, confirming that the silly season now runs year-round.