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 Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.
JULIAN BRANDT
Bayer Leverkusen -> €25m -> Liverpool
Source: Goal
Bayer Leverkusen starlet Julian Brandt has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool and Juventus, Goal reports.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
Liverpool are clearly planning ahead by plotting a move for the 23-year-old versatile midfielder.
Brandt has played as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder through the left, right, centre and also as a winger this season.
The youngster can add more creativity to Jurgen Klopp’s side which is up there as one of the most complete squads in Europe.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
Competition for places.
Although Liverpool have had a superb season, the German could opt to sign for Dortmund instead as he would be guaranteed first team action.
The possibility of Brandt choosing to stay at Leverkusen cannot be neglected either, now that they are inching closer to a Champions League spot.
Transfer predictor: 6/10
BRUNO FERNANDES
Sporting -> €50m -> Manchester City
Source: Sky Sports
Manchester City are attempting to sign Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, according to Sky Sports.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
City have done well to almost repeat their success from last season when they recorded 100 points in the Premier League. They are one win away from defending the title, despite Liverpool providing strong resistance. But the current squad – especially in midfield – looks nowhere as stable as it did last term.
It’s unlikely that Fernandinho will be at the club next season. Ilkay Gundogan has all but confirmed that he will be leaving and David Silva has been poor this campaign, showing that a decline could begin to set in.
Fernandes, who turns 25 in September, has been immense for Sporting this season, netting 19 goals and providing 13 assists in 31 league games.
Incredible statistics for a midfielder.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
Heavy competition for a starting position, doubts over minutes and offers from other clubs are some of the factors that could prevent Fernandes from signing for the Sky Blues.
City’s rivals Manchester United are also interested in the Portuguese but at this point it’s unlikely that a rising star would choose the red side of Manchester.
However, if the Red Devils promise him a starting spot and City fail to do so, Fernandes could be forced into thinking twice.
Transfer predictor: 7/10
PAULO DYBALA
Dybala has been linked with a move away from Juventus.
Juventus -> €100m -> Manchester United
Source: Calciomercato
Manchester United and Bayern Munich are looking to add Paulo Dybala to their squad, according to Calciomercato.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN
With rumours Paul Pogba could leave United this summer, his former Juventus team-mate Dybala could fill the void in the attacking midfield position.
The Argentine will be looking to revive his career which has seen a significant decline since Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Juventus last summer.
At United, it could be a case of both parties eyeing a fresh attempt at rebuilding.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
The Red Devils will have to compete with Bayern to make this deal go through.
The Bundesliga giants have had a disappointing season by their own standards and are tipped to spend big in the summer.
James Rodriguez will not be converting his loan deal into a permanent move and Bayern will be tasked to replace the Colombian in attacking midfield.
Dybala could be a perfect like-for-like replacement and the bumper fee is still within their financial capacity.
Between United and Bayern, Dybala is more likely to opt for the latter.
Transfer predictor: 5/10
