Transfer predictor as Callum Hudson Odoi's move to Bayern Munich gets a 7

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 11:30 15/01/2019
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  • Callum Hudson-Odoi.

    Halfway through January, the winter transfer window has remained unusually quiet, with there being more speculation than action at this point over various proposed moves.

    The rumour mill remains in overdrive, however, with news of potential deals flying thick and fast.

    We’re running the rule over four of the latest transfer rumours doing the rounds, with our analysis and predictions below.

    MAXI GOMEZ – CELTA VIGO TO BARCELONA

    Maxi Gomez has been sensational for Celta Vigo

    Celta Vigo’s Uruguayan striker Maxi Gomez has been linked to Barcelona, according to Catalunya Radio.

    Why it will happen: Gomez fits in Barcelona’s requirements, and with all due respect to Celta Vigo, the Uruguayan has the potential to make it big at a bigger club.

    Why it won’t happen: Catalunya Radio also reported that the deal is unlikely to materialise in the winter and Barcelona will have to wait until summer. A lot can happen until then and the striker’s release clause of €50 million is not a huge sum for other clubs to join the race.

    Verdict: Gomez would be a great addition to the Catalan giants. Should there be a requirement, Barcelona could also start the Uruguayan in a Champions League game. With a lot of quality strikes cup-tied in the said competition, Gomez could be a good choice.

    Rating: 7/10

    KRZYSZTOF PIATEK – GENOA TO REAL MADRID

    Kzysztof Piatek

    Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Genoa star Kzysztof Piatek, reports AS.

    Why it will happen: Karim Benzema’s days at Madrid are numbered, should Los Blancos plan for long-term success and aim to get back to being a threat in Spain and Europe again. Piatek could be a great long-term replacement for the French striker. The young Polish striker boasts of qualities and numbers that can make him a success at Madrid.

    Why it won’t happen: It’s likely that this transfer will happen. But Los Blancos must act fast as teams like Chelsea and Atletico Madrid – who are in need of a striker themselves – have reportedly entered the fray.

    Verdict: Madrid’s attack is toothless and Benzema does not look like he will force a career-rejuvenating transformation. The European champions need to put together a package for the Polish striker’s signature.

    Rating: 7/10

    MOUSA DEMBELE – TOTTENHAM TO BEIJING GUOAN

    EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 24: Hirving Lozano of PSV Eindhoven is challenged by Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between PSV and Tottenham Hotspur at Philips Stadion on October 24, 2018 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

    Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele could be tempted to a move to the Chinese Super League, according to the Independent.

    Why it will happen: The Belgian has been victim to a lot of injury-related issues of late and he really has struggled with the intensity of the Premier League. Spurs would love to cash in on the midfielder rather than losing him for free in the summer.

    Why it won’t happen: This move will almost certainly materialise. Only an unlikely last moment swoop by another club could change anything.

    Verdict: If reports are to be believed, the player already flew to Hong Kong to negotiate and complete the move. Dembele is a great player but injuries have kept him from reaching his potential. He could achieve a lot in the Chinese Super League.

    Rating: 9/10

    CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI – CHELSEA TO BAYERN MUNICH

    Callum Hudson-Odoi

    Callum Hudson-Odoi

    Chelsea youngster Hudson-Odoi is closer to moving to Bayern Munich than signing an extension at Stamford Bridge, according to Goal

    Why it will happen: The 18-year-old can be tempted by a starting spot at Bayern with Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben reaching the twilight of their career. The Englishman’s contract runs until the summer of 2020 and he has not yet agreed to extend his stay, making his intentions clear.

    Why it won’t happen: Maurizio Sarri has been giving the youngster playing time recently to ensure that he stays. It might be a case of too little too late, but with no other club in the picture, Chelsea tying down the player with a long-term deal is the only way Bayern can miss out on the winger.

    Verdict: Chelsea will be missing out on an incredible prospect in Hudson-Odoi and Bayern might just have bolstered their squad with a quality signing. Eventually it all comes down to the teenager’s decision, but the latter is more probable, currently.

    Rating: 7/10

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