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 Napoli, Manchester City and PSG…
RODRIGO
RUMOUR: Valencia -> €70m -> Napoli
Napoli are interested in Valencia star Rodrigo, but the Italian side has been priced out of a deal, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Valencia have to get their books in order to meet Financial Fair Play regulations and cashing in on their star man would alleviate their economic concerns. For Napoli, he would be an instrumental presence, having played a key role in Valencia’s Copa del Rey triumph in recent months.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Napoli will look to bring Fabio Quagliarella to the club for one final swansong after the forward led Serie A in scoring this season. The Italian scored 26 goals and would be a key addition to Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they seek to close the gap on champions Juventus. In contrast, Rodrigo netted 18 less goals in La Liga.
PREDICTION: 3/10
GIOVANI LO CELSO
RUMOUR: Real Betis -> €60million -> Manchester City
Manchester City have joined the race to sign Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, according to the Manchester Evening News.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: The Argentine is a wanted man at the moment. After being linked with Tottenham and Manchester United, City are now understood to be leading the race to secure his signature. Pep Guardiola is understood to be eyeing a move for Le Celso, with the midfielder’s age and potential making him a possible contender to succeed David Silva (33) at the Etihad Stadium.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: The lure of winning trophies at Man City would undoubtedly be enticing for any player. But Lo Celso may fear a lack of consistent game time if he is to make the switch to England’s North West. The 23-year-old is thought to be ready for a move away from Real Betis, but a move to Spurs could be a better option for his development.
PREDICTION: 5/10
JULIAN WEIGL
RUMOUR: Borussia Dortmund -> €50million -> PSG
PSG manager Thomas Tuchel said the Ligue 1 champion are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl, according to Eurosport.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: With Weigl struggling to hold down a starting spot for much of last season, Dortmund could be tempted into selling the German as they look to build a Bundesliga title contending team again next season. The 23-year-old has been a target for the French side since Tuchel’s arrival as PSG boss at the start of 2018-19 after working under him at Dortmund.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: According to Bild, Weigl held a conversation with coach Lucien Favre in recent weeks about his future at Signal Iduna Park, with it made clear that the club want to retain his services. And with the summer arrivals of Nico Schulz, Julian Brandt and Thorgan Hazard, the commanding Weigl may opt to stay to challenge for Bundesliga glory.
PREDICTION: 5/10
