Oh rumour mill, how have we missed you. Not too long ago, every fan would hate the sight of another rumoured move for one of the big names. Some sagas would drag for 2-3 transfer windows and leave fans cheering at the end just so they do not have to hear about the same old rumour again.
But with all that is happening in the world and its effect on football, we have decided to revisit some of the top potential transfers this summer in no particular order. You know, just to break the monotony of news about the pandemic.
Neymar
Yes of course we had to start the list with Neymar. The Brazilian, who moved from Barcelona to PSG in 2017, has been on the transfer market from what seems like the moment he joined PSG.
The reason that Neymar left Barcelona to join PSG has always been touted as to get out from under the shadow of Messi. However, Neymar has come out to say that he was just looking for a new challenge after a trophy-laden stint at Barcelona. This new challenge must have gotten old fast as he has been reported to be regretting his move to Paris.
He was on the verge of a return to Barca this past summer window only for the acquisition of Griezmann and the clubs being unable to reach a satisfactory agreement to halt matters. Although Neymar has come out to say that he is happy in Paris, we are pretty sure that this saga is not over with rumours that Griezmann may be offloaded by Barcelona.
Paul Pogba
Another mainstay in the transfer gossip pages, Pogba is for sure to be at the centre of the gossip column come this summer.
It would be an understatement to say that Pogba’s return to United hasn’t gone according to plan. United have not won the league since Ferguson retired and have only a Europa League (not too shabby but no Champions League) and an EFL cup from the 2016-2017 season since Pogba’s return.
Putting his form aside, no one can doubt his ability and the fact that he remains one of the hottest properties in football at the moment. A return to Juventus as well as a blockbuster move to long-time admirers Real Madrid is guaranteed to pop-up. At 27, Pogba is entering his prime and if he were to move, this would be a good time to do so.
Antoine Griezmann
Barcelona appear to be unhappy with the acquisition of Griezmann as his performances have not been consistent enough. Barely a year after joining, it appears that Barcelona want to move him along in order to free up funds or to use him in a potential swap deal to bring Neymar back to the Nou Camp.
At 29 years old, Griezmann still has a few good years in him left but it might not make sense for PSG to swap Neymar for him. Barcelona are looking to move him along for around 100 million euros, a price not many would be willing to meet especially due to his current form and age.
If PSG does not bite, Griezmann might have to stay put.
Jadon Sancho
Since leaving Manchester City, Sancho has become one of the hottest properties in football. His performances at Dortmund has caught the eye of everyone and it was only a matter of time before the top European clubs started circling.
Sancho himself has not come out to say that he wants to leave but all signs point towards this season being his last in Germany. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool and United are all reportedly interested in signing the Englishman and could be making the move if one of them were to fork out in the region of 100 million euros.
If he does move for that price tag, would it be justified for a 19 year old granted it still would not make him the most expensive teenager ever?
Timo Werner
Werner has been lighting up the Bundesliga for a while now and has racked up 21 league goals this season so far. At 23, he provides a great value-for-money proposition especially since he has been so prolific at such a young age.
Liverpool appear to be leading the chase for his signature but United have been given a boost by Werner’s recent comments about the project at Old Trafford. With the likelihood that he would not make the starting 11 if he were to go to Anfield, the odds may tip in the favour of the Red Devils especially since they are his favourite PL club with Chelsea also reportedly interested.
With a reported buy-out clause of only 50 million pounds that is due to expire next month, it is more of a question of when than if he were to move.
Erling Haaland
Haaland may have only just made the move to Dortmund but that has not stopped the tabloids from speculating which club he will be moving to this summer.
The likelihood of Haaland making a move only 6 months after joining Dortmund is very slim but his exquisite form so far (scoring 12 goals in 11 appearances) has caught the eye of Real Madrid who have been less than impressed with the form of Luka Jovic.
With a reported release clause of only 50 million pounds that may be activated this summer, Haaland may be the second teenage sensation (Sancho included even though he has already turned 20) that Dortmund lose this summer.
Kalidou Koulibaly
The towering Senegal international has for long been rumoured to be wanted by United, with the Red Devils eventually moving for Harry Maguire instead. Man United may choose to rekindle their interest in him though as he is seen as the perfect partner for captain Maguire.
With a reported a price tag of 90 million pounds, Chelsea, Real and PSG are reportedly also interested in signing him. At 29, Koulibaly is definitely within his prime at the moment and must choose to move now if he were to do so before time passes him by.
Gareth Bale
Bale was at the centre of one of the biggest transfer debacles in history last summer when he was on the verge of a move to China, having already travelled there for a medical, before Real pulled the plug on the deal.
Bale was not happy about the whole situation obviously, unable to read exactly what Real wanted out of him. Even though Zidane has come out to say that Bale remains an important part of the Real project, fan unrest especially after the Welsh banner (Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order) together with the lack of clarity from within the camp will see Bale being linked away from the Bernabeu again this summer.
With his contract set to end only in 2022 and having turned 30, Bale might be listed for cheap but clubs may still be priced out of a move due to his astronomical wages.
Kylian Mbappe
The most expensive teenager in history is the only one who does not have a song about him from the PSG fans. This is because despite being an important part of PSG and being as prolific as him, Mbappe has never endeared himself to the PSG faithful. This is especially so due to his comments about Zidane, his displeasure at being substituted by Tuchel, clashes with the supporters and the fact that he has not signed a contract extension beyond the summer of 2022.
Real Madrid have been long-term admirers of the 21 year old and having Zidane as their manager definitely helps their efforts in landing the mercurial Frenchman. Mbappe might soon start to realise that PSG’s chances of winning the Champions League might get even slimmer if Neymar moves back to Spain and might make the decision to move himself to increase his chances.
Did we miss out on any players? Do let us know in the comments section.
