As the 2025 Tour de France gets underway, the transfer market is heating up again around Remco Evenepoel . The Belgian champion, currently second in the general classification, is at the center of numerous rumors that he will leave Soudal-QuickStep as early as next year.

Despite a contract that ties him to the Belgian team until 2026, rumours about a possible move to the Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe team are becoming increasingly insistent, with some sources saying that negotiations are already 70-80% advanced.

Patrick Lefevere, former CEO of the Soudal-QuickStep team, addressed the issue in his regular column on Het Nieuwsblad:

"Bora's initial financial approach hurt my eyes," he commented, revealing that "Denk has been pushing for Remco for four years, and over time other interests have also been added from Ineos and even Lidl-Trek."

The situation could become complicated on a legal level, given the presence of a multi-million dollar release clause.

"Perhaps an agreement will be reached between the parties, or perhaps we will end up in court," added Lefevere, who nevertheless reassured them of the team's stability:

'None of our sponsorship deals are tied to Evenepoel's stay.'

Meanwhile, the rider does not seem to be affected by the transfer rumours: after his victory in the fifth stage time trial, he retains the white jersey as best young rider and remains in full contention for the final podium, 54 seconds behind Pogačar.