As we approach the end of the 2018/19 season, clubs are getting prepared to reinforce their squads ahead of next season. This summer’s transfer window promises to be exciting and intriguing.
In this piece, we look at the top 20 potential transfers in the market.
1. EDEN HAZARD
Hazard has never hidden his admiration for Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane-his childhood idol. Recent indications from the Belgian have hinted at a possible transfer this summer. With his contract expiring in 2020, a bid in the region of £86m-£130m could be enough to lure him away from Stamford Bridge.
2. ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
Athletico Madrid announced Griezmann’s departure from the club in a video posted online. His most likely destination is Barcelona, with the Blaugranas ready to meet his release clause which will be £113m on July 1.
3. PAUL POGBA
When Pogba moved to Manchester United from Juventus in a then world record transfer fee, big things were expected of the midfielder, but he has failed to meet those expectations since. Inconsistent displays and off-field antics have overshadowed his time at Old Trafford With United’s failure to qualify for the Champions league, Pogba might consider leaving. Zidane is reported to be interested in his service at Real Madrid. Juventus, Barcelona, and PSG have also indicated interest.
4. LEROY SANE
Sane has found regular playing time hard to come by at Manchester City with the sparkling performances of Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva keeping the German below them in the pecking order. Bayern Munich recently confirmed their interest in the former Schalke 04 winger who they see as one of the potential replacements for the outgoing Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery.
5. PHILLIPPE COUTINHO
Coutinho was signed as a replacement for Andres Iniesta at Camp Nou, but the Brazilian has failed to meet expectations. With Barcelona failing to win the Champions League this season, lots transfer activities are expected at the club this summer to boost the squad ahead of next season. Coutinho could be one those that will be axed from the squad. PSG, Manchester United and Chelsea(who are appealing their transfer ban) could be his next destination.
6. GARETH BALE
An overhaul is expected at Real Madrid this summer after an extremely disappointing season. Zinedine Zidane has indicated in recent weeks that Bale is no longer in his plans. Injuries and inconsistency have seen the stock of the 29-year-old Welshman fallen at Madrid. He is expected to return to the Premier League this summer with Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea potential suitors. A loan deal is the most likely due to his hefty £113m transfer fee.
7. NICOLAS PEPE
The Ivorian is the new hottest property in Ligue 1 with his 22 goals and 11 assists in the league guiding Lille to 2nd place and securing qualification for the Champions League. The 23-year-old his subject of interest from PSG, Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. The Ivorian could see his stock rise if he performs well at the 2019 AFCON.
8 MATTHIJS De LIGT
The 19-year-old Ajax captain had a formidable season in which he guided his team to a domestic double and a fairytale run to the Champions League semi-finals. Barcelona, Juventus, Liverpool, and Manchester City have all been credited with an interest in the Dutchman. Barca are leading the race for his signature after signing his close pal and teammate, Frenkie de Jong. The La Liga champions are also ready to pay out his £73m release clause. Barcelona have also signed another Dutchman, Ludovit Reis from Groningen.
9. PAULO DYBALA
The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in Turin has unsettled Dybala; thus, the Argentine failing to reach the heights of previous seasons. He may seek a move in the summer. PSG, Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly monitoring his situation.
10. MAURO ICARDI
Icardi fell out of favour at Inter Milan this season after going on a mini-exile due to being stripped of the captaincy. With Antonio Conte expected to replace Luciano Spalleti this summer, Icardi is expected to be shipped out by the Italian. Juventus, Real Madrid, Athletico Madrid, and Chelsea are potential destinations for the Argentine striker.
11. KALIDOU KOULIBALY
Manchester United failed in their attempt to secure the transfer of the Senegalese last summer. With United’s defensive woes still apparent, they are expected to bid for the Napoli man again this summer. Koulibaly enhanced his reputation by winning the award for the best defender in Serie A this season. A bid of around £100m is expected to convince Napoli to part ways with their star defender.
12. CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN
The Danish Playmaker has been producing stellar displays at Tottenham Hotspurs since joining them from Ajax. He was signed to replace Luka Modric who moved to Real Madrid then. Funny enough, Madrid are now eyeing Eriksen as a replacement for the aging Modric at the Santiago Bernabeu. Manchester United have also indicated interest in the past. But Eriksen could be convinced to stay in London should Tottenham win the Champions league.
13. ROMELU LUKAKU
Since Ole Gunnar Soljkjaer replaced Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, Lukaku has fallen behind Marcus Rashford in the pecking order. With Antonio Conte expected to join Inter Milan, Lukaku has been rumored to be the Italian’s preferred replacement for Mauro Icardi, who is expected to be sold after falling out with the club. Inter are reportedly preparing a bid of £26m + Ivan Perisic. (Perisic is a long time United target).
14. JAMES RODRIGUEZ
The return of Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid means James is very unlikely to return to the club. The Colombian is on loan at Bayern who have an option of signing him permanently for £36m. Talks have stalled between both clubs in recent weeks. Should Bayern decide against signing him, Arsenal or Manchester United could swoop for him.
15. ADRIEN RABIOT
Rabiot last played a match for PSG in December after falling out with the club’s hierarchy. The French midfielder is expected to leave the Parc de Princes on a free transfer with his contract expiring this summer. He is attracting interest from Tottenham, Manchester United, Barcelona and Athletico Madrid.
16. LUKA JOVIC
Jovic has impressed in the Bundesliga and the Europa League this season with some eye-catching displays. He is currently the joint-top scorer in the Europa league alongside Olivier Giroud. The 21-year-old joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan from Benfica last summer. Frankfurt exercised its option to make the transfer permanent in April. The German side will be looking forward to making a huge profit with a big money move expected this summer with Real Madrid credited with an interest.
17. HAKIM ZIYECH
The Morocco International has largely impressed with Ajax this season with some dazzling performances in the Eredivisie and the Champions League. The 26-year-old will be confident of impressing at the AFCON in Egypt this summer. His lowly £25m release clause means it is impossible for Ajax to keep him. Bayern Munich, Tottenham, and Arsenal will jostle for his signature.
18. JOAO FELIX
The performances of the young Portuguese wizard in his breakthrough season has earned him comparisons with Brazilian great, Kaka. His €103 million price tag shows how highly regarded he is at his club, Benfica. Manchester United, Juventus and Manchester City have been following him closely. City coach, Pep Guardiola has identified him as a replacement for Leroy Sane should the German move to Bayern Munich.
19. RODRI
Manchester City has identified Rodri has a replacement for the aging Fernandinho after missing out on Frenkie de Jong who joined Barcelona. City is ready to meet the £60m release clause of the former Villarreal midfielder.
20. WILFRED ZAHA
Wilfred Zaha is one the best dribblers in the Premier League. Crystal Palace are not ready to lose their most valuable player, hence, slamming a £70m selling price on Zaha. But the Ivorian has expressed his desire to play in the Champions League. Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are likely destinations for the winger.
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