The Premier League transfer window is now open and the market in the rest of Europe will spark into life soon.
With the transfer rumours growing in pace and volume during this ‘silly season’, it can be difficult and painstaking to separate the stories of some legitimacy from the rest of the noise.
Fortunately, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do it for you.
Below, you’ll find some of the latest transfer news churned out of the rumour mill broken down and analysed for your benefit along with our calculated predictions.
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN – From Atletico Madrid to Barcelona
Reports linking Antoine Griezmann to a Barcelona move in the summer continue to grow with the Catalans expected to trigger his £88 million release clause.
Why it will happen: Given his release clause, the fee is a bargain for one of the premier attacking talents in the world and Barca would be pleased to recruit a proven star not only to play alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez but to fill in for either of them when necessary.
Why it won’t happen: With the money invested in Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele, surely there are other areas that need addressing at Barcelona. A central midfielder and centre-back for starters.
Prediction: Barca are seemingly running uncontested for the Frenchman’s signature. It would take something dramatic for the move to fall through. Expect to see him in Blaugrana colours next season.
Rating – 8/10
LEONARDO BONUCCI – From AC Milan to Manchester United
Leonardo Bonucci is looking for an escape route after AC Milan failed to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Manchester United are among the front-runners for his signature, according to reports.
Why it will happen: Chris Smalling is inconsistent, Phil Jones is injury prone and Eric Bailly has struggled with injury as well. Jose Mourinho would love to have a reliable and accomplished centre-back of Bonucci’s experience and calibre. Milan may be persuaded to sell due to Financial Fair Play regulations.
Why it won’t happen: United invested heavily in Victor Lindelof last summer and after growing in confidence over the course of his first season in English football, he may have a more prominent role next term. Bonucci isn’t the type to jump ship after one season and following his exploits with Juventus, he isn’t exactly desperate to move to a ‘bigger club’ for the chance to win silverware.
Prediction: It doesn’t make sense for Mourinho to swoop for a 31-year-old defender who will not come cheaply as he still has four years on his contract at Milan. The Italian will most likely stay put.
Rating – 3/10
CHRISTIAN PULISIC – From Borussia Dortmund to Tottenham
Reports suggest Tottenham are ready to meet the asking price for Borussia Dortmund’s American teenage sensation Christian Pulisic.
Why it will happen: An attacking midfielder who can operate across the forward line, Pulisic would fit well into Tottenham’s system and style of play. At 19, he would be an investment for the future and can be expected to develop at Spurs like others have under Mauricio Pochettino.
Why it won’t happen: The American needs to play as often as he can and that’s not guaranteed at Spurs with Lucas Moura added to the attacking ranks in January. Spurs need more established stars to win silverware, not another budding talent.
Prediction: Pulisic is settled and steadily progressing. Taking the next step in his career at this juncture would be detrimental to his career.
Rating – 3/10
