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 Bayern Munich, Leicester City and Borussia Dortmund.
LEROY SANE
RUMOUR: Manchester City -> €80m -> Bayern Munich
Bayern have opened discussions with the Premier League champions over the potential summer transfer of the Germany winger, according to the Daily Record.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Bayern have held an interest in Sane since he burst through at Schalke in 2014, losing out against City two years later in the battle to sign him. The 23-year-old could now be available, for the right price, after rejecting a number of contract renewal offers on a deal that runs until June 2021 and disquiet with manager Pep Guardiola’s use of him. He was only granted 21 Premier League starts in 2018/19.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: A pursuit of Lille and Ivory Coast forward Nicolas Pepe is already under way, meaning they hold other options to replace outgoing veterans Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. City are also pragmatic about the situation, meaning they’ll only sell if the price is right.
TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 7/10
YOURI TIELEMANS
RUMOUR: Monaco -> £40m -> Leicester City
Leicester are pushing hard to swiftly complete a permanent move for the Monaco loanee and head off competing interest from Manchester United and Tottenham, according to Sky Sports.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: After a difficult year and a half in the Principality, Tielemans has shone brightly at King Power Stadium. His four assists and three goals from midfield has made him a valuable addition. With Leicester-owned Andre Silva also doing well at Monaco, a reciprocal deal could be arranged.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: The Belgium midfielder has started to make good on the promise shown at Anderlecht. With United and Spurs keen on making midfield additions, his form hasn’t gone unnoticed. Monaco will want to sell to the highest bidder, whether they stay in Ligue 1 or get relegated. This could be bad news for the Foxes, who didn’t agree an option to buy Tielemans in January’s loan negotiations.
TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 6/10
NICO SCHULZ
RUMOUR: Hoffenheim -> €25m -> Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund are about to raid Bundesliga rivals Hoffenheim for Marcel Schmelzer’s replacement at left-back, according to kicker.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Schulz has experienced a breakthrough campaign for club and country. The 26-yer-old has become part of Germany’s squad, plus struck two goals and nine assists in 36 Bundesliga run-outs. With Raphael Guerreiro pushed into midfield, Real Madrid loanee Achraf Hakimi a natural right footer and 31-year-old Schmelzer on the wane, another option is required. BVB boss Lucien Favre signed Schulz at Borussia Monchengladbach in August 2015 and a reunion is desired.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: There are conflicting reports in Germany about the existence of a release clause. This could yet cause difficulty, but an announcement is expected after the Bundesliga season ends this weekend.
TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 9/10
