Transfer predictor: Maxi Gomez to Barcelona is a 6, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Juventus a 7

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  • Struggling to figure out which transfers could happen and which seem like they’ve come straight out of Football Manager? The silly season is in full flow ahead of the summer transfer window. 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 Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester United.

    MAXI GOMEZ

    BeFunky-collage (1)

    RUMOUR: Celta Vigo -> €40m -> Barcelona

    The La Liga champions are considering their options after a €25m bid was rejected for Luis Suarez’s deputy at international level, according to Radio Galega.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: The ageing Suarez’s continued travails in the Champions League make signing a like-for-like substitute vital. Gomez has been a steady scorer in two seasons – 30 in 69 La Liga matches – with Celta, while boasting the “garra charrua” (fighting spirit) expected of all Uruguayans.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: A pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann could take up resources for the No9 pursuit. Tottenham have also reportedly registered their intent – and competition is likely to grow further. Barca are also exploring other options.

    TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 6/10

    SERGEJ MILINKOVIC-SAVIC

    BeFunky-collage (3)

    RUMOUR: Lazio -> €110m -> Juventus

    Personal terms are agreed with the highly rated Serbia centre midfielder and now tough discussions await to secure a fee with Lazio, according to gianlucadimarzio.com.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Juve have tracked ‘SMS’ for several seasons – and now could be an apt moment to strike. The highs of 2017/18 were not replicated in 2018/19, though the Serie A champions believe the talent remains. With wages out of the way and Lazio again not qualified for the Champions League, a deal looks distinctly possible.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Can a package that goes into nine figures be justified on a player who notched just five goals and three assists from 31 Serie A appearances last term? Lazio both know Juve’s pressing need for new midfield options, plus the value of creating an auction for Milinkovic-Savic’s services.

    TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 7/10

    AARON WAN-BISSAKA

    BeFunky-collage (4)

    RUMOUR: Crystal Palace -> £50m -> Manchester United

    United have been told that a substantial £50m fee will be required to bring the England Under-21 right-back to Old Trafford, according to the Daily Mirror.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: The steep decline in veteran Ashley Young’s performances for United was matched by the precipitous rise of Wan-Bissaka at Palace.

    The 21-year-old is a performer of huge promise, notching three assists from 35 top-flight outings and being one of Europe’s most-prolific tacklers. The price tag is a large one, but, with the Red Devils’ 2018/19 rearguard in such disarray, they should be willing to pay it.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Wan-Bissaka has already spoken of his contentment at Palace and is unlikely to desperately push for a move. Ominously, champions Manchester City are also reported to hold a firm interest.

    Greater first-team opportunities are offered by becoming a red, but playing in the Champions League under Pep Guardiola is a seductive alternative.

    TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 7/10

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