Transfer predictor: Thomas Lemar to Barcelona earns a 7 and Toby Alderweireld to Man United a 6

Matt Jones - Editor 15:52 08/06/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • The Premier League transfer window is now open and the market in the rest of Europe sparks into life today (Friday).

    With the transfer rumours growing in pace and volume during this ‘silly season’, it can be difficult and painstaking to separate the legitimate stories from the white 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.

     

    THOMAS LEMAR – FROM MONACO TO BARCELONA

    Lemar gestures

    Sport reports that the Blaugrana have already begun talks with the Ligue 1 club for the France international.

    Why it will happen: It is thought Lemar will cost in the region of £60-80 million, while Tottenham are likely to demand a higher fee for Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, who is also a Barca target.

    Why it won’t happen: Lemar is in demand after failed attempts from Arsenal and Liverpool to land him last summer, while Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are also thought to be interested. He is hardly short of suitors and would likely have a harder task to force his way into the first team at the Camp Nou.

    Prediction: Despite the competition, Barcelona have reportedly moved to the front of the queue for the Frenchman’s signature. And not many players turn down the Blaugrana.

    Rating – 7/10

     

    RODRYGO – SANTOS TO REAL MADRID

    Rodrygo

    Real Madrid have sealed a deal to sign the Santos wonderkid for €45m (£40m), reports Marca.

    Why it will happen: La Liga giants Real and Barcelona have been chasing the 17-year-old who has taken Brazil by storm with stunning displays for Santos, with Real keen to close the gap domestically to their rivals after a dismal league campaign, as well as the futures of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo unclear. He would follow hot on the heels of another Brazilian talent in Vinicius Junior.

    Why it won’t happen: Only a last-minute hiccup it seems will scupper the deal, although Real might also baulk at such an astronomical fee for a 17-year-old untried at the highest level.

    Prediction: With Real president Florentino Perez’s willingness to accept the proposal laid out by the selling club being key to the deal, we think this should be wrapped up fairly soon.

    Rating – 8/10

     

    TOBY ALDERWEIRELD – FROM TOTTENHAM TO MAN UNITED

    Alderweireld

    The two sides have reached an impasse in talks over a deal for the defender, reports The Independent.

    Why it will happen: United simply need a world-class centre-back moving forward to solidify their defence. Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly missed all or large chunks of the 2017/18 season with injury and Chris Smalling is not an elite defender.

    Why it won’t happen: Injuries. For all his undoubted class the Belgian was sidelined for three months with a hamstring issue last season and when fit, found his path to the first team blocked by 21-year-old Colombian Davinson Sanchez.

    Prediction: On his day Alderweireld is an elite centre-back United require, but the Red Devils may not be keen on parting with the £50m required to buy a 29-year-old coming off the back of a less than stellar season.

    Rating – 6/10

    09 06 Transfer predictor

    Recommended