Transfer predictor: Gianluigi Buffon to Liverpool gets a 1 but Wilfried Zaha to the Reds is a 6

Alex Broun 17:08 19/05/2018
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  • 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.

    WILFRIED ZAHA – From Crystal Palace to Liverpool

    After another stunning season there will be many suitors for the Crystal Palace winger but will Zaha be allowed to leave as manager Roy Hodgson is desperate to keep him. And if he does leave will he be wearing red or light blue come August?

    Why it will happen: With both City and Liverpool looking at four competitions next year, and both clubs desperate to find quality back-up for their overworked front men, they will be ready to make very tempting offers to the talented Zaha – who is ready to take the next step.

    Why it won’t happen: Zaha’s brief stay at Manchester United was a disaster and his on and off field performance was enough to kill of any big club’s interest in the Ivorian in the future. Also Hodgson is already hatching plans to keep him locked down and deterring suitors.

    Prediction: Like Mohamed Salah, Zaha has failed before at a big Premier League club before and will want to redeem himself with a second chance. The huge wage-boost plus the chance to play in the Champions League will be very tempting to the 25-year-old. Who he chooses will be a toss-up but Liverpool may just have an edge as they may be more desperate to sign him.

    Rating – 6/10 Liverpool

    Buffon to Liverpool is a long shot

    Buffon to Liverpool is a long shot

    GIANLUIGI BUFFON – From Juventus to Liverpool

    Reports have surfaced that the Italian legend could be heading to Merseyside for a final swansong.

    Why it will happen: Buffon is renowned all over the world and would be welcome by the Anfield faithful. His knowledge would also be beneficial in training up young No1 Loris Karius.

    Why it won’t happen: The arrival of Buffon would go against all of Liverpool’s well stated policies of investing in young talent. As great as Buffon is he is well past his prime at 40.

    Prediction: This rumour belongs in fantasy land. Even if Buffon was to come for free and play for free Jurgen Klopp still would not want him. The closest Buffon will get to Anfield next year is watching on TV.

    Rating – 1/10

    Wolves may just be able to pick Joe Hart up off the floor

    Wolves may just be able to pick Joe Hart up off the floor

    JOE HART – From West Ham to Wolves

    After being left out of the England World Cup squad and shown the door by West Ham, Joe Hart will be desperate to prove he is not washed up. And according to reports Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen on making a summer move for the on-loan City keeper, which Pep Guardiola is highly unlikely to block.

    Why it will happen: Hart is just 31-years-old and working on the Buffon scale could play on for another decade. A club like Wolves would be a good fit for Hart as they would be keen to have him and treat him with considerable respect – Hart would also go straight into a leadership role in the playing group.

    Why it won’t happen: The on-loan City man is sick and tired of the poor treatment and unwarranted criticism heaped on him in the UK and will be more than happy to take the riches on offer in Europe where no doubt he will have many suitors ready to open their bank accounts.

    Prediction: This is a question of ego vs cash and so bruised is the considerable ego of Hart, odds are high that he will try a new start with the ambitious Wolves who will be more than happy to soothe said ego and may just get the best out of him.

    Rating – 7/10

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