We are in an age in football where money speaks more than ever. Every team is looking to strengthen their squad. Be it the huge money that clubs earn from tv rights or big budget sponsorship deals, there’s money to be spent. Our 2 part report will look at the players who are likely to strengthen the top clubs in Europe and propel them forward.
MANCHESTER CITY
Only a few clubs in Europe can boast of a squad as talented as Manchester City. It is expected that they will spend heavily this summer too as the club now is hungry for European glory after winning a domestic treble. Here are the few positions they can improve –
Defensive Midfielder (DM) – They have one of the best DMs in the business in Fernandinho, however they do lack a natural back up for the Brazilian. Gundogan has stepped in and covered really well for the veteran but looks like City will look elsewhere for their defensive midfield position this coming summer.
Rodrigo , more popularly known as Rodri of Atletico Madrid has been likened to Sergio Busquets and tops Pep’s transfer wishlist. The Spanish international has a 70 mil Euros release clause, a sum that’s affordable for the English champions.
In addition to their midfield City might look at a long term replacement for Benjamin Mendy who has struggled with injuries. They are also keen in securing an able replacement of the talismanic David Silva. Their youth product Phil Foden is likely to get the nod but City might look at players like Bruno Fernandes who has been a revelation for Sporting Lisbon this season.
Right back Danilo is expected to leave the club with Kenny Lala or Joao Cancelo most likely to fill the void. Kompany is leaving the club this summer and City will try to bring in a superstar for their departing legend. Contract negotiations have been tough with Sane, it would however take a huge fee for City to let the German go.
LIVERPOOL
Few teams in Europe have as settled a squad as Liverpool. The club are hopeful for European glory this June after having to settle only for the runers up prize last summer. Liverpool will try to improve their squad even further in an attempt to keep up pace with Manchester City.
A versatile attacker is top on Klopp’s wishlist. A move for Fekir didn’t materialise last summer but Klopp will be keen to find a player of similar profile who can play no 10 and on the wings with equal ease. Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech has been mentioned as a possible candidate, so has been Julian Brandt but the latter has chosen Klopp’s former side Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool have also joined the race for highly rated Bruno Fernandes.
A back up striker and a full back to cover for Robertson is also on the agenda. Timo Werner is the one who has been tipped to be an able enough back up to Firmino . There was interest in Llyod Kelly to fill the void that will be left by Moreno but the former Bristol City player has chosen Bournemouth, meaning Liverpool will have to look elsewhere for their left back. The club will try to move on Lallana this summer too, it’s not clear as of yet if they look at an academy player or explore the market in order to replace him.
CHELSEA
With a 2 window transfer ban looming over Chelsea, they could appeal to the Court of Arbitration to get their ban lifted. If the ban does get lifted, Chelsea would spend and try to expunge the deadwood from their squad. Here’s a look at the potential transfer targets for Chelsea:
1. Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian seems to have fallen out of favour at Barcelona and it’s believed that he could be on his way out after an unimpressive first season at the Nou Camp. With Eden Hazard’s departure to Real Madrid almost certain, Chelsea would need to bring in a world class player and some Chelsea fans believe Coutinho is that man. The funds required to bring him to Stamford Bridge could be arranged from the amount generated by Eden Hazard’s transfer. But many believe that the void that will be created, if and when Hazard leaves is insurmountable.
2. Edinson Cavani
Chelsea’s long term striker problems haven’t been solved by Higuain’s arrival. It’s believed that the PSG striker could very well be on his way to Stamford Bridge. However, Cavani is 32 and Chelsea could look at a younger striker to solve their attacking problems.
3. Wilfred Zaha
A lot of the Premier League faithful believe that Zaha is too good to be at Crystal Palace. It’s believed that Zaha wants to move to club that plays in the Champions League and the west London club could be an option. However, the Crystal Palace board would be reluctant to sell their ace player. There are a lot of Chelsea youngsters who could feature for the club next season. This list includes Reece James, Mason Mount, Trevoh Chalonah and Tammy Abraham.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
When the season began, no one gave Tottenham Hotspur a chance. And now they are in the Champions League Final. Having spent no money in the last 2 transfer windows, Spurs have surprised everyone. But to be and compete at the very top they definitely need to spend in the upcoming transfer window.
Let’s take a look at Spurs’ potential transfer targets in the summer.
1. Gareth Bale
The biggest name among those linked with Spurs. A lot of people believe that Bale isn’t being utilised by Real Madrid. Rumours of a rift with manager Zinedine Zidane aren’t helping Bale’s cause either. The Welshman could seek a move out of the Bernabéu this summer and Spurs is a possible destination. But he won’t come cheap. The Spurs board would have to spend heavy to land their ex talisman. On his day, Bale is unstoppable and his inclusion would boost Spurs’ title hopes next season.
2. Ryan Sessegnon
This dynamic youngster has attracted a lot of interest from Europe’s top clubs. The 20 year old is valued at £32 million and most believe it’s an amount worth paying. According to reports, both Manchester United and Liverpool are interested in the player and if Spurs want him, they’ll have to act quickly.
3. Andre Gomes
Having spent his first season in England on loan playing for Everton, Andre Gomes is rumoured to be unhappy. He wants to move to a bigger club. Spurs could certainly look at a midfield option to replace the ageing Moussa Sissoko and Andre Gomes might just be their man.
4. Tanguy N’dombele
The most sought after midfielder in Europe, Tanguy N’dombele was one of the main reasons behind Lyon’s impressive campaign in the 2018-19 season. Tottenham Hotspur are rumoured to be in pole position to sign this dynamic and versatile Frenchman.
ARSENAL
Unai Emery has done a decent job in his first season at the club. However the most important game of the season is still left. Winning the Europa league final would not only ensure Champions league status for the club but will also make sure Arsenal have some additional 30 mil pounds to spend.
The club will be trying to move on a number of players,notably Mustafi, Chambers , Elneny , Ozil and Mkhitaryan. Aaron Ramsey will leave the club after 11 years for Juventus, Welbeck too is set to leave alongside Lichtsteiner as a free agent and has not been offered a new deal as the club is desperate to reduce the wage bill.
It is absolutely vital the club brings in one or two Centre backs with Mario Hermoso, Djene Dakonam, Samuel Umtiti, William Saliba, Manolas and Walter Kanneman linked. Any possible deal for Umtiti is however unrealistic and the club will do well if they are to secure two of Saliba, Hermoso and Kannemann. These two deals are dependant on Arsenal selling Mustafi and Chambers for decent enough money.
A midfielder is high on Emery’s wishlist. There’s no strong enough links to a certain player but there’s interest in players like Rabiot and Thomas Partey with Nkunku, Barella or Praet also an option. Alongside Ramsey, Elneny is expected to leave the club.
Arsenal is in desperate need for a winger, Zaha and Pepe are the two best options that Arsenal do have an interest in but it is expected that they will be priced out from any possible deal and thus Ryan Fraser, David Neres and Trossard seems to be a more realistic option. Another player Arsenal are keen on bringing is Palacios of River Plate.
If Arsenal are to move on Ozil ,Mkhi or both they should look at players like Sarabia alongside Ziyech. The first one has a moderate release clauses and Ziyech is a long time Arsenal admirer. However any such deal is unlikely with Ozil set to stay at Arsenal.
The club is looking at young options with a greater re sale value just like they did while signing Guendouzi last summer. Gabriel Martinelli of Brazil and Alexis Claude Maurice, former team mate of Guendouzi are two possible candidates who can ply their trade at the Emirates next season.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Many people have been suggesting that the United squad comprises of ageing players and it needs a complete overhaul in the summer. Failure to finish in the top four in the recently concluded season only strengthens their claims. The club has a new manager in the form of Ole Gunnar Solsjær who knows the United philosophy all too well. This summer don’t be surprised if United go out and sign some not-so-household names of English football. The positions that desperately need strengthening are –
1. Centre Back (CB) – A centre back pairing of Smalling and Jones is just not good enough , as was evident from the countless matches where the two have let the manager down. The club needs at least one centre back signing urgently , if not two. Some big names like Kalidou Koulibaly , Matthijs De Ligt , Harry Maguire and Toby Alderweireld have already been linked with the club.
Koulibaly just won the Serie A defender of the year and promises to bolster the defence of United. However his price tag might be an obstacle in the club agreeing a deal with Napoli.
The 19- year old revealation from Ajax , Matthijs De Ligt has impressed one and all with his defensive abilities as well as his leadership on and off the field. De Ligt can be a long term solution for United in a department where the club have had practically no replacements of Vidic and Ferdinand. However , DeLigt seems on his way to Barcelona and the chances of United signing him seem very bleak at this moment.
Another name to be linked to United since last year has been Harry Maguire of Leicester City. The big defender enjoyed a phenomenal world cup run with England last year. Maguire has been a rock at the back for Leicester City this season also and a move to United looks very much on the cards. However , competiton from local rivals , City might just tip the scales heavily in the favour of the blue side of Manchester landing the Englishman.
Another name on the radar for United last window was that of Toby Alderweireld. A move collapsed on deadline day last season as the two clubs failed to agree a fee for the Belgian. Once again , Alderweireld was the main man at the back for Tottenham Hotspurs who are going to play in the UCL finals in less than two weeks’ time. Alderweireld‘s release clause is only about 25 million Euros and his wages are also pretty affordable for a club of the stature of United. However , it is the Belgian’s age that has seen him drop down the list of priority signings United needs.
2. Right Fullback (RB) – Age has taken a toll on Ashley Young who is well past his best years. Quite visibly , he recorded the lowest successful cross rate in the league. His understudy , Diogo Dalot is only 20 years old and the Portugese is just feeling his way around English football. The kid has huge potential going forward but is not so defensively sound.
Clearly , United need a right back this summer and Aaron-Wan-Bissaka of Crystal Palace has been linked heavily with a move to United. The 21 year old fullback had a great debut season with Crystal Palace , ranking 3rd in the most number of tackles won. He has great peace , goes forward , tracks back and is also pretty sound defensively. He definitely fits the bill of the kind if players that United are trying to sign this summer.
3. Central Midfield (CM) – With Marounne Fellaini and Ander Herrera leaving , Manchester United hasn’t yet brought in anyone to replace them. With Fred , Pogba , Matic , McTominay and Andres Pereira , United need a world class midfielder next season. The potential targets are Wilfried Ndidi and Youri Tielemans of Leicester City , Thomas Partey of Atletico Madrid and Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon.
Bruno Fernandes needs no introduction as a host of big European clubs want him signed up for next season after the player enjoyed a spectacular season with Sporting.
Wilfried Ndidi has impressed in the Leicester midfield and at the young age of 22 , he is already been touted as the next Kante. He goes in hard and wins tackles in the centre of the field and also is a beautiful passer of the ball.
Youri Tielemans came from Monaco on loan to Leicester in the January transfer window and since then , has put in match winning performances. He is young and is available for a meagre 40 million Euros. An absolute no-brainer for United to get him signed up this window.
Thomas Partey of Atletico Madrid is one of the names who has been linked to United very recently and is a kind of signing who will definitely bolster up the United midfield. Coached under Simeone , Partey definitely knows how to run the engine of the team and Manchester United are looking exactly for such kind of players.
4. Right Wing (RW) – It’s surprising how a team like United has no natural right wingers in the team and is forced to play Juan Mata , Jesse Lingard and quite recently Diogo Dalot in the vacant Right Wing spot.
A deal for the Swansea City attacker , Daniel James is well on the cards with personal terms being agreed with the player. This lad has skills and pace and also scores goals. However , James is more naturally suited to the left side and it will be interesting to see how the young Welshman fits into the right side of United ( if , at all ).
Jadon Sancho had been linked with a move to United but the failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League has seen the rumours quiten down for a bit. Also the Borussia Dortmund superstar won’t come cheap and United are expected to pay around 100 million Euros for the English star to lure him to Manchester.
With a lot of names being linked to almost every other club , it remains to be seen which clubs actually manage to address their weaknesses and strengthen further. The next couple of months promises to bring with them a lot of rumours and excitement as we edge closer to the deadline day of the window. Will the clubs wrap up their deals before their pre-season or will the deals drag onto the Deadline Day?
Only time will tell.
– Supratim Roy and Kinjal Bhattacharya
The Sport Catalogue 