Major Transfer Deals Most Likely to Happen This Summer. (Part 1)

As another exciting and dramatic Premier League season draws to a close, all eyes will be drawn to what will be an interesting spectacle in the Summer Transfer window. Yes, the football on the pitch will be over, but the action off it continues. Feast your eyes on what is likely to be the most captivating Summer window yet with clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, and the La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona sure to spend buck loads of cash.

untitled — After a difficult first season for Guardiola at Man City, he will certainly be dipping into his mega-bucks transfer funds this summer.

With Chelsea and Tottenham running away with it in a two-horse race, both Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho will be slightly disappointed they have been able not to match the ambitions of both the London clubs. Expect both coaches to pull out big cheques this summer to strengthen their squads for the new season. Arsenal on the other hand, are facing an uncertain summer as the future of Arsene Wenger continues to be in question, will he still be at the helm this summer? Reports are emerging that the Frenchman will sign a two-year extension to his current deal.

And what about in La Liga? Barcelona themselves will be facing a hectic transfer window as they not only will be looking to strengthen their squad but will be on the hunt for a new man at the helm to replace Luis Enrique. Will Real Madrid be looking for another Galactico? Eden Hazard maybe? Kylian Mbappe?

p160910-097-liverpool_leicester — Could Eden Hazard become the next Galactico signing at the Santiago Bernabeu?

There are a lot of questions, debates and uncertainty that will need to be answered as we enter into the summer transfer window. Nonetheless, it will be an enthralling summer filled with transfer surprises and of course, a number of mega-buck signings.

But which of these major signings can we expect? Lets take a look at Part 1 of the expected major signings to happen this summer:

Antoine Griezmann – Manchester United

pic_2015-01-11_FCBvsAtMADRID_27_v1421019049 — Could Antoine Griezmann be joining up with his French team-mate Paul Pogba at Old Trafford?

A transfer saga we are tired of seeing on our front page of the newspaper, our social media platforms, or even on the news but its a potential transfer that is sure to light up the Barclays Premier League if Manchester United succeed in getting the deal over the line. Lets face it, Antoine Griezmann has grown into one of the biggest stars in World Football. Once considered too small a player to make it on the biggest stage during his early stages at Real Sociedad, the French superstar has defied his earlier critics with some outstanding performances for Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone. It is now 3 successive seasons Griezmann has surpassed the feat of 20 goals in all competitions in a calendar season. The current season hasn’t been as good a season as we would have expected from Atletico but they are on course to compete in the Champions League again next season by fighting for a 3rd spot with Sevilla.

Antoine Griezmann just maybe the calibre signing United need right now, with the uncertain future Zlatan Ibrahimovic after his significant injury , Jose Mourinho is in desperate need of a top quality striker and Griezmann fits the bill. United’s record in front of goal this season has been nothing short dismal plus with Ibrahimovic out, they only have Marcus Rashford and Wayne Rooney to call upon… Mourinho is in desperate need of Griezmann’s services. If that is to happen, Champions League football must be secured for next season.

Romelu Lukaku – Chelsea/Manchester United

Reports in The Sun Newspaper are stating that Romelu Lukaku could turn his back on a potential deal to rejoin Chelsea due to his worry about fitting into the style of Antonio Conte. It is believed the Belgian forward is torn between going back to Stamford Bridge and the prospect of moving to Manchester United. Lukaku, who is on course to finish the Premier league season with the Golden Boot with 24 goals to his name with the season drawing to a close, desperately wants to play Champions League football next season. While that luxury may not yet be certain at Old Trafford, the prospect of joining Chelsea might be Lukaku’s only real option.

Chelsea’s sporting director, Michael Emenalo will behind the move if Lukaku is to return to Stamford bridge and with Diego Costa surely on his way to China, Conte will be looking for an ideal replacement; however, the £80million asking price Everton have slapped on the Belgian may hinder Chelsea’s chances to make a move on the Belgian and the may swing their attentions elsewhere, with Alvaro Morata at Real Madrid likely to become available in the summer. Wherever Romelu Lukaku could end up this summer, lets just hope he makes the right move for his career. Champions League football may have to wait a little longer…

James Rodriguez – Manchester United/Chelsea/Juventus

According to Sky Sports La Liga expert, Guillem Balague, Manchester United are clear favourites to sign Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez. The Columbian superstar and United manager Jose Mourinho both share the same agent – Jorge Mendes. It is believed that James is being touted by many of the top clubs in Europe but he sees United as the ideal club for the next stage in his career.

On James. RM want to sell for at least €60. MUFC clear favourite. Juve, Chelsea considering it. Just when stats show he's at his best pic.twitter.com/mAyJPTU6bi

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) May 6, 2017

According to Colombian Radio Station RCN, James Rodriguez has agreed a deal in principle with Manchester United. It is also believed, James and his agent Jorge Mendes, have met with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to discuss the players discontent with his situation at the Bernabeu.

Rodriguez is frustrated at the lack of game time being handed to him by Zidane at the club, despite that, he has reached double figures in terms of goals for the season in Madrid’s 4-0 victory over Granada couple weeks ago – a testament to his qualities which came to light at the 2014 World Cup, the reason Real Madrid invested so heavily on him straight after the tournament.

James is one of Europe’s most coveted talents and he obviously feels he won’t be able to reach his potential on the bench at Real Madrid, and of course he is right. The Columbian is just too good to be languishing on the sidelines, but how will he fit into the starting XI at United or Chelsea? Another question we’ll have to find out in this transfer window.

Alvaro Morata – Chelsea/Arsenal/Manchester United

Alvaro-Morata-612417 — Could Morata be on his way to Stamford Bridge?

Another player on the cusp of leaving the Santiago Bernabeu. Another forward too good to be languishing on the bench. Alvaro Morata is in desperate need of a change of scenery; observing from the bench at Real Madrid just won’t do him any favours. Morata has notched an impressive 21 goals this season, 15 La Liga goals in 11 starts, an astonishing return despite being no.2 to Karim Benzema – a testament to the quality he adds to the team as Real Madrid continue to battle for trophies both on the European and Domestic front.

According to Sky Sports La Liga expert Guillem Balague, Alvaro Morata wants to see what happens with the situation at Chelsea regarding the potential sale of Diego Costa – there is a choice to be made between Morata and Lukaku, the first one preferred by Conte and the second preferred by the club. There is a debate as to who would suit Chelsea more, it is believed that Morata would be the better option tactically. His movement, understanding of the coach and his intelligence leading the line may swing Chelsea towards the signing of the Spanish international.

There haven’t been many reports about links with Arsenal but why not Wenger go for the young forward? Arsenal are in desperate need of a top-quality forward and Morata certainly fits the bill. Wenger would be wise to move for him too.

Eden Hazard – Real Madrid?

A potential transfer deal that would truly damage not only Chelsea fans but the Premier League neutrals also. Eden Hazard has become one of the most exciting players to watch over the years with his unerring pieces of skill and ability on the ball. If Hazard was to move to La Liga this summer, we will be losing of the Premier League’s most prized assets. We all talk about Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar but Hazard should be breathed in the same class.

Various reports have emerged that Hazard is more than happy to stay with Chelsea one more season as the club return into the Champions League after a year out. The Belgian superstar has two Premier League trophies to his cabinet already and he will be dreaming of a Champions League medal. Hazard would need to decide this summer, which club can match his ambitions this summer? A move to the mighty Real Madrid who are on course for yet another European gong to their decorated Champions League cabinet or stay it out at Chelsea to see what happens. Hazard does look like he is staying at the Bridge next season but when a transfer deal involves Real Madrid, you just never know…

David De Gea – Real Madrid

Twice over the past three years Real Madrid had failed in their attempts to secure the signature of Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea. This summer may just be the year Madrid finally get their man. Widespread reports have suggested that the Bernabeu club will go all out for the Spanish goalkeeper once the transfer window reopens.

A goalkeeper who has grown into one of the World’s best after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford under Sir Alex, he has matured and grown considerably since then. His confidence and belief in his own outstanding abilities his biggest attributes over the years at United.

It is reported in various news reports that United are trying everything they can to offer De Gea a contract with only two years left on his current deal, however, it seems as though De Gea has his heart set on a move back to his homeland.

If that was to occur, Jose Mourinho will have a tough job on his hands trying to replace an incredible asset – a goalkeeper worthy winning points on his own, a goalkeeper that can win you a Premier League title in fact.

Kasper Schmeichel – Manchester United

kasper-schmeichel-363537-2175800 — Could Kasper Schmeichel follow in the footsteps of his father in succeeding at Old Trafford?

This deal could be in direct response to the above. If David De Gea was to leave Old Trafford – it is believed – according to Sky Sources that Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel could be the potential heir to the Spanish goalkeeper’s throne. And why not? Schmeichel represents a steady replacement for David De Gea, if you look at his form and abilities over the past few years. Schmeichel’s heroics last season in Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League title triumph and his performances in the Champions League this season has catapulted him to greater heights and he could find himself at a top club like Manchester United before the start of next season.

Bearing in mind, his father used to be an Old Trafford legend. Prophecy?

Virgil Van Dijk – Man City/Liverpool/Chelsea

Southampton manager Claude Puel stated he is adamant Virgil Van Dijk will be staying at Southampton beyond this summer. Clearly the French coach does not his board well, in over the past 6 years Southampton have received reasonable money for star players for example; Sadio Mane, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne Dejan Lovren have all been sold by Southampton for large sums (mostly to Liverpool) and that won’t change this summer regarding the future of Van Dijk.

Strong, agile, steady and solid. All you need in a top class defender plus he great ability on the ball is a huge asset to the way Southampton play, no wonder why they have sorely missed his presence at the back for most of the season.

Expect clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool to submit high bids for the Dutch international who is valued at an incredible £50million pounds. Southampton will gladly accept that kind of offer with open arms.

Marco Verratti – Barcelona/Bayern Munich

nintchdbpict000301875476 — Marco Verratti has stated he likes the PSG project at this moment in time, but a move to the Camp Nou could sway his decision.

The ideal successor to Andres Iniesta’s throne at Barcelona. The Catalan club have been trying to sign the Marco Verratti for a while now, and it easy to see why. The diminutive Italian seems the perfect fit for Barcelona’s midfield that you’d think he’d been moulded from the earth found under the Camp Nou pitch. It’s quite unerring how good a match this would be if Verratti were to seek pastures new and move to Barcelona this summer.

Marco Verratti is a playmaker extraordinaire. Capable of dictating play, threading balls through the eye of the needle – into feet, onto runs. He can run with the ball, and while he’s no Neymar, he certainly has the ability to dribble past his opponents with ease. More than his ability to attack, he is a great defender. A shield to the back four at PSG – tenacious in the tackle, and his zeal for dispossessing his opponents. The perfect man to replace the great Andres Iniesta. I ain’t a Barcelona fan at heart, but I would be very excited at the prospect of watching Verratti dominating La Liga for years to come.

Bayern Munich are believed to be interested in the Italian’s services also – a perfect replacement for Xabi Alonso who is retiring at the end of the season. Though his ability would make him a perfect fit for Barcelona.

Wonderful player.

Gareth Bale’s Return Could be Real Madrid’s Most Significant Weapon in the La Liga Title Run-In.

Gareth Bale made a goal scoring return from an ankle injury as he scored Real Madrid’s second in a comfortable 2-0 victory over Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Morata’s goal put Real Madrid on top and they found themselves in an utterly dominant position, though they left it late to kill of Espanyol – despite 13 corners being awarded their way – when Bale picked up Isco’s pass on the left and fired home to confirm the three points.

The win saw Real Madrid move to within four points of Barcelona – only for Messi and co to grab a last gasp victory at home to Leganes which narrowed the gap back to a point – with Real Madrid still holding two games in hand over their El Clasico rivals.

Welsh superstar has been out of action since undergoing surgery on an ankle tendon problem in November. News of Bale’s return will also have spread across the Wales camp ahead of next months vital World Cup Qualifier against Republic of Ireland in Dublin. Chris Coleman’s men are third in Group D, four points behind the Irish, who lead the group after 4 games. The return of Gareth Bale will be a much needed boost to Coleman as the whole nation is in dire need of a positive result when they head to Dublin in March.

Nonetheless, as the title race hots up in La Liga with Real Madrid still leading the way, one point ahead of Barcelona who have intensified the pressure on Zidane and his players. But with 2 games in hand for Madrid – a chance to further stake their claim for a first La Liga title since 2012 – they can move to within 7 points of their direct rivals.

The return of Gareth Bale would be a welcome sight for Zinedine Zidane and his men as they search for their supremacy in Spain’s top division since they won the title back in 2012 – an awfully long time especially for a club of Madrid’s stature and the return of Gareth Bale could just be the icing on the cake for Madrid as he closes in on a return to top fitness and form.

Certainly, Bale hasn’t been sorely missed by his team-mates as the continue the chase for the La Liga title with Lucas Vazquez, Isco and James Rodriguez proving suitable replacements since the Welshman’s absence – showing the strength in depth Zinedine Zidane has available to him in comparison to title rivals Barcelona who rely so heavily on the work of the glamorous trio of Messi, Neymar and Suarez. With Barcelona in a sort of free-fall after their demolition at the hands of PSG in the Champions League last week, Real Madrid would want to capitalise on their games in hand and steal a march over Luis Enrique’s men.

Nevertheless, Gareth Bale’s trademark finish from Isco’s intuitive pass showed no signs of rust or lack of match fitness, as he raced towards goal before he left footed shot travelled across Diego Lopez and into the far corner – a goal Zinedine Zidane would want to see more of as the race for the La Liga title intensifies.

Certainly, Real Madrid can be delighted with the competition for places at their disposal. James Rodriguez, Vazquez and Isco all have the ability to accommodate Gareth Bale on the flanks for Real Madrid, but Zidane is more than likely to restore Gareth Bale to the starting XI which is not only a welcome sight for the French coach, but for strike partners Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema who will be drooling at the added impetus in attack.

Gareth Bale was already becoming Real Madrid’s most important player before his injury, and by the end of the season that fact could be seen clearly if Real Madrid recapture the La Liga title that has been beyond them for nearly 5 years. Cristiano Ronaldo is finally accepting the limits of his body – hence his adaptation to the no.9 role alongside Karim Benzema -Ronaldo has become generous in his game, we have seen him helping and assisting others rather than going for goal himself which will help Gareth Bale’s return to full fitness.

The rotation worked again for Zinedine Zidane and the team is clearly responding to the targets this season. The Champions League is a major pursuit, but above everything else, the La Liga title is their main priority this season. The return of Gareth Bale will be massively vital to any of those aspirations.

Alvaro Morata Must Cut Ties With Real Madrid To Fulfil Undoubted Potential.

Following a successful two-year spell at Juventus under the stewardship of Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus, Alvaro Morata finds himself back at his ‘beloved’ Real Madrid. Morata was purchased from Real Madrid by then coach Antonio Conte in 2014 for a fee of 20million euros. Conte thought it was the perfect opportunity for Morata to gain some much needed experience and game time for him to blossom into a potential ‘World Class’ striker. Although he did not spend much time with Conte who left to become Italy national team coach, current coach Massimiliano Allegri took him under his wing and proved the catalyst for Morata to become a success in Turin. He was rewarded with his first Spanish cap while at the club and has gone on to become their attacking focal point at the expense of Chelsea hotshot Diego Costa. 8 goals in 18 caps for Spain is not a bad start for the young Spanish striker.

His two year spell at Juventus was in all honesty a fruitful one as Juventus coach Allegri took him under his wing and provided the Spaniard with much needed game time and experience at the top level. 27 goals in 93 games he got for Juventus as he fired the club to two Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia titles, a runners up medal in the UEFA Champions League as Juventus lost to winners Barcelona in 2015. To add to that, he won the trophy the year before with Madrid plus a La Liga medal in 2012 and two Copa Del Rey titles. In his young fledgling career, Morata has experienced a lot of trophies in his career so far.

30a466a200000578-0-image-a-25_1453929558783 — Alvaro Morata enjoyed a fruitful two year spell at Juventus (2014-2016).

His understanding with Mario Mandzukic struck fear into opposition defences as their sheer power mixed with pace brought a successful strike partnership – one that led to an unprecedented Serie A title and a Coppa Italia trophy to boot as well as the Runners up medal in the Champions League. His performances led to a contract extension in December 2015 until 2020.

However, that contract extension didn’t mean a great deal as Real Madrid exercised their option to buy back Morata last summer for a fee of 30million euros as Zidane searched for added fire power to what was already a full and dangerous attack with Ronaldo, Benzema and Gareth Bale plus Lucas Vazquez, Isco and James Rodriguez. With Karim Benzema as the main choice in Zidane’s line-up, Morata has found himself on the fringes at the Bernabeu. With the Spaniard only turning 24 last October, he is at an age where needs to be playing more than he has. Will a move away from the club be what he needs to fulfil the ‘future Spain No.9’ tag?

According to various reports, Alvaro Morata is growing frustrated at his lack of game time. It is said that he would seek a move away from Real Madrid in the summer should Zinedine Zidane remain at the helm after a string of broken promises. The 24-year old is reported to have been given assurances he would receive a fair chance to usurp Karim Benzema as the clubs main striker.

Sky Sports’ La Liga expert Guillem Balague has confirmed Alvaro Morata’s desire to leave the La Liga leaders:

“Alvaro Morata wants to leave the Bernabeu as he feels he is not being treated properly. He knows there are teams in England and Italy that want him. Plus, the Diego Costa issue means both player and Chelsea would be happy with a transfer at the end of the season and Atletico would love to get him back.”

Morata has made 30 appearances this season, scoring 11 goals in all competitions this season but has started just twice in La Liga since early November while he began just one of Madrid’s six Champions League group stage fixtures before the end of they year.

The Spanish international was the subject of massive amounts of interest in the summer especially from Arsenal who were believed to have been readying a bid for the attacker while at Juventus but Real Madrid stepped in and activated their buy-back option on the player. It is reported that Morata has instructed his agent to seek out moves to Chelsea or Arsenal in the summer should Zidane remain as coach.

With the debacle surrounding Diego Costa at Chelsea, it is reported that he would be considering an offer from former club Atletico Madrid or from the Chinese Super League, if so, that would pave the way for Conte to purchase Morata for the second time and release him of his Real Madrid misery. Madrid’s need to sign a new goalkeeper next summer and long-running interest in Blues stopper Thibaut Courtois could also help to make a deal with Chelsea more likely.

A player of Morata’s calibre is too good to be wasting away on the bench at Real Madrid, or does Zidane have some sort of plan to revive the Spaniard’s stop-start season? It is also reported that Benzema could be subject of a move to the Chinese Super League in the summer which could allow Morata to be his replacement as Madrid’s attacking threat. Nonetheless, wherever Morata goes he will be a huge asset in the long-term. If so at Chelsea, he would be a direct replacement for Costa who both share similar qualities; strong, agile, good in the air, tenacity and an eye for goal – then again Conte did snap up Morata from Real during his last few months at Juventus before he left for the Italy job – he would absolutely jump at the chance to sign Morata again.

Morata’s situation at Real Madrid is not ideal for a man of his talents. The 24 year old is at a point in his career where he needs to be playing and that’s not looking likely under Zidane at Real Madrid. Karim Benzema is clearly the favourite at the Santiago Bernabeu. If Morata wants to fulfil his potential and to become a top striker as he has been touted to be then he may have to look elsewhere for opportunities.

Category: La Liga

Major Transfer Deals Most Likely to Happen This Summer. (Part 1)

Gareth Bale’s Return Could be Real Madrid’s Most Significant Weapon in the La Liga Title Run-In.

Alvaro Morata Must Cut Ties With Real Madrid To Fulfil Undoubted Potential.

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