The Premier League’s summer transfer window has already opened for domestic business while the international market will commence from June 8.
As another frenzied summer approaches, the rumour mill continues to churn out weird, wonderful and surprising links between various players and clubs.
With more money now available to clubs than ever before through sponsorships, broadcasting and merchandise, we might see the world record transfer fee of £200m smashed again this year.
There have already been some big-name players linked with moves away from their respective clubs, so you’ll be happy to know that we’re here to keep you up to date with some of the biggest transfers that could be completed this summer.
1) NEYMAR TO REAL MADRID
The Brazilian superstar has been linked with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain ever since they were dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in the last 16.
The forward only joined the French champions last summer for a world record fee of £200m and the Paris side’s golden boy has been given everything he asked for at the club, including free-kick and penalty responsibilities after an on-the-field bust-up with striker Edinson Cavani.
But, after suffering a season-ending injury in February, the French Ligue 1 player of the year has been flirting with a move back to Spain.
The former Barcelona man is being closely monitored by the Madrid board and with the Spanish side seeking a new crop of Galacticos, Neymar could be the perfect man for the job.
VALUE – €200 million (Dh864m)
SOURCE – AS
LIKELIHOOD RATING: 7 OUT OF 10
Neymar enjoyed a stunning yet injury-hit first season with the French giants.
2) GARETH BALE TO MANCHESTER UNITED
If Neymar’s move to the Santiago Bernabeu goes to plan, then we expect to see Bale walk through the exit door. The Welshman has been a peripheral figure under Zinedine Zidane for the bulk of this campaign and has been frustrated with the lack of playing time given to him, despite playing a key role in recent weeks.
The winger can’t seem to get a run of matches without picking up an injury, which has seen him miss large chunks of the campaign. He’s fallen down the pecking order behind Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio, meaning Manchester United are ready to pounce.
With Jose Mourinho pleading with the club to sign a traditional winger, Bale could be the ideal signing. He’ll be guaranteed playing time at Old Trafford, but Madrid are expected to drive a hard bargain.
The Red Devils will need to dig deep into their pockets to fund this transfer, with the Spanish side expected to ask for a similar sum to the fee they shelved out for him five summers ago.
VALUE – €100m (Dh431m)
SOURCE – THE SUN, THE EXPRESS AND THE DAILY STAR
LIKELIHOOD RATING – 8 OUT OF 10
Could this be Bale’s last season in the Spanish capital?
3) PAUL POGBA TO PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Paul Pogba could be set for a move back to his home country, with PSG desperate to sign the influential midfielder in the summer.
Pogba has looked an unhappy figure at times this season under Mourinho, with the Portuguese opting to bench his star player on many occasions during the campaign.
Against the big teams, PSG tend to be overrun in midfield so Pogba is the ideal candidate to plug the gap in the middle of the pitch for the French champions.
If PSG decide to sell Neymar, then they will have enough funds to tempt United to allow Pogba to leave.
VALUE – €100m (Dh431m)
SOURCE – L’Équipe
LIKELIHOOD RATING – RATING: 7 OUT OF 10
Is Pogba on his way out of Old Trafford?
4) ANTOINE GRIEZMANN TO BARCELONA
The diminutive forward notched a brace in the Europa League final earlier this week to guide Atletico Madrid to a deserved title, but that could be his last action in the red and white shirt.
Griezmann was set to leave the club last summer, only to decide to stay because Atleti were hit with a transfer ban, meaning they wouldn’t have been able to replace him.
However, he’s expected to leave this summer as the Frenchman has an £88m release clause in his contract, which Barcelona are expected to meet.
The Catalan club are keen to bolster their attacking options and who better to get than a proven goal scorer like Griezmann?
VALUE – €115m (Dh497m)
SOURCE – Mundo Deportivo
LIKELIHOOD RATING – RATING: 9 OUT OF 10
Clinical: Antoine Griezmann grabbed two goals in the Europa League final.
5) HARRY KANE TO REAL MADRID
The Englishman is reportedly on the top of Madrid’s transfer list along with Neymar. The Spanish club want the two men to lead a new generation of talent at the club, with president Florentino Perez ready to splash £500m this transfer window.
The Champions League holders had an ageing Karim Benzema leading the line this campaign and Kane’s phenomenal goal scoring form in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons makes him a prime target.
Spurs will fight tooth and nail to keep him at the club, but as we saw with Bale, a significant offer may be too hard to refuse for the north London club.
VALUE – £200m (Dh991m)
SOURCE – Sport
LIKELIHOOD RATING – RATING: 4 OUT OF 10
Star man: Kane enjoyed a brilliant season with Spurs.
How many of these transfers do you think will happen? Any huge transfers which might happen besides these? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or get in touch on social media.
