Emeka Nweze
This summer’s transfer window has been filled with endless stories and speculations about several star players linked with moves. While the English window closes this Thursday, the rest of Europe still have till the beginning of September to wrap up their deals. Whether three days or one month, clubs still have time to pull off surprises and land their big targets.
Below are seven big transfer that could still go over the line this summer
1. Paul Pogba to Real Madrid or Juventus
Paul Pogba has not had the best of times at Manchester United, but his immense talent is undeniable. The player has become an object of contention between United, Real, and Juventus. Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has identified Pogba as his main target, while Juve want the player back in their bid to win the champions league. The player himself is eager to leave United after three years for a new challenge, but United hold all the cards because they do not necessarily need to sell unless his valuation of £150 million is met. Both clubs still continue to pursue Pogba in a race against time, hoping United budge.
2. Eriksen to Real Madrid
For two seasons now, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen has been constantly linked with Real Madrid. Although Real’s main target this summer for a midfielder is Paul Pogba, however, Eriksen who is admired by Perez has been made a back up plan in case no deal is reached for Pogba. No official bid has been made so far, but his chances of joining Real increases as United continue to hold on to Pogba.
3. Neymar to Barcelona
The footballing world was shocked when Neymar signed for PSG in 2017 for a world record fee of €222 million, and a contract worth €600,000 a week. At the time everyone was happy, Barcelona had made a huge profit albeit losing a big player, PSG had gotten their star man, and Neymar had finally left Messi’s shadow. Fast foreword two years down the line and it seems like the fairy tale is gradually coming to an end, Neymar has become adamant on leaving PSG where everything now seems like a stroll with no real challenge and probably no chance of winning the Ballon d’Or . Barcelona on the other hand definitely want him back, but PSG are reluctant to make any deal happen. However, this is football, anything can happen.
4. Bruno Fernandes to Man United or Tottenham
Bruno Fernandes’ breakthrough season at Sporting where he scored 32 goals and registered 17 assists in all competitions has not gone unnoticed. The Portuguese midfielder has emerged as one of the most wanted players in this summer’s transfer window. United seem Tottenham seem to be his most likely destinations. United see him as a replacement for Pogba and Spurs are looking to bolster their midfield in case Eriksen departs
5. Lukaku to Juentus
Manchester United star forward, Romelu Lukaku has been constantly linked with a move away from the club to either Inter or Juventus. Juventus has however emerged as favoutites to sign the Belgian forward. The transfer was initially meant to be a swap deal that involved Juventus midfielder Paulo Dybala, but United have failed to convince the Argentinian to join them. But Juve still remain interested in signing lukalu, and maybe a transfer fee can be agreed, rather than a swap deal.
6. Zaha to Everton
Arsenal signing of Nicolas Pepe has paved way for Everton to go after Crystal palace’s Wilfred Zaha. Zaha has stated that he wants to move to a bigger club but Place who have already rejected a £55 million bid from Everton are holding on for a higher fee as they are under no pressure to sell. Everton are determined to get their star target and are preparing a bid worth up to £100 million. Whether that will be enough is left to be seen.
7. Sane to Bayern
Bayern Munich have made it no secrete that they are after Manchester City’s winger Leroy Sané. After several denials and claims by City’s manager Pep Guardiola that Sané will remain a City player, the deal looks more likely to happen, with Bayern readying a €110m bid that will make Sané Bundesliga’s Highest-Paid Star
