Transfer predictor: Christian Eriksen to Real Madrid rumour gets a 6

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 12:57 05/05/2019
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  • Struggling to pick out the facts from the figures? Reality from the rubbish? Sense from the silly season? We’ve got you sorted in our daily dose of the Transfer Predictor, where we round up the latest rumours with an analytical spin.

    We sort through the most eye-catching transfer reports of the past 24 hours and give a balanced judgment on whether the move really will happen – and why.

    Today’s edition features potential signings for Real Madrid, Manchester United and Barcelona.

    CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN

    Christian Eriksen

    RUMOUR: Tottenham ->  €150m -> Real Madrid

    Tottenham midfielder Eriksen could join Real Madrid this summer, according to AS.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN

    With the expected decline of Luka Modric leaving a gaping hole in Madrid’s midfield, there is an immediate need for the European champions to sign a creative midfielder.

    The recent poor form of Modric has forced forward Karim Benzema to drop deep, involve himself in build-up play and create chances. The Frenchman has stepped up this season but it would be unwise for him to take on some of Modric’s duties for next season too.

    With just one year left on his contract, it shouldn’t be hard for Madrid to convince Spurs to sell the Dane for a more affordable price.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN

    With rumours linking Ajax rising star Donny van de Beek with a switch to the Bernabeu, Madrid could decide to opt for the Dutchman instead, with age and potential on his side.

    This would be the better option if Los Blancos are looking at the bigger picture. But, as it stands, they are in need of a short term fix and Eriksen, in his prime, could provide just that.

    Also, it’s worth noting that if Spurs manage to win the Champions League, the 27-year-old could be coerced into staying in North London.

    TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 6/10

    WILLIAN 

    Willian-Chelsea (1)

    RUMOUR: Chelsea ->  €35m -> Barcelona

    Barcelona are interested in securing the signature of Brazilian winger Willian from Chelsea, claims The Sun.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN

    It’s clear that Malcom – despite his talent – has failed to win Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde over. And with Ousmane Dembele picking up injuries on a regular basis, the La Liga champions could find themselves in need of wing reinforcements.

    The Spanish giants have spent lots of money on wingers over the past two seasons and it’s likely they could opt for a cheap, short-term option like Willian.

    Although the odds of this happening are impossible, we are talking about a team that signed Kevin-Prince Boateng when he was way past his prime, so don’t rule any move out.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN

    Willian has been dismal for Chelsea this term, a team who are not having the best of seasons in the league themselves.

    The winger has declined and clearly lacks the quality to play for a top club, let alone Barcelona.

    Although Dembele has shown vulnerability to injuries, he has also displayed great potential and moments of individual brilliance.

    Willian’s arrival will only hinder Dembele’s development and Valverde will know better than to make a panic signing.

    TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 2/10

    NICOLAS PEPE

    Nicolas Pepe

    Nicolas Pepe

    RUMOUR: Lille ->  €70m -> Manchester United

    Manchester United are among the many clubs fighting for the signature of Lille sensation Nicolas Pepe, according to Daily Express.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN

    United are in need of drastic change this summer, especially with the poor form of Anthony Martial, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs a player with grit, determination and renewed optimism, something that Pepe offers in droves.

    If the English side play their cards right, they could convince the Lille star to join them in the summer.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN

    United are just not what they used to be. A decade ago, some of the best players in the world flocked to the Theatre of Dreams to have their skills honed by one of the best managers of all time.

    Since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club, United have been just another team. There is no reason why Pepe should be choosing United over the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, given how the Red Devils lack a structured sporting plan and are slowly losing their identity.

    If United fail to achieve Champions League football for next season, it’s unlikely that the winger would decide to ply his trade with the Manchester side.

    TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 5/10

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