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 Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Barcelona.
DAVID DE GEA
Manchester United -> undisclosed -> Paris Saint-Germain
ESPN have reported that United custodian David de Gea could be wearing a PSG shirt next season.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
PSG are in need of a quality addition to their goalkeeping department with Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon announcing that he will no longer continue at the club.
They can offer Champions League football and the likely prospect of domestic silverware to lure the Spaniard to Paris. The former Atletico Madrid man has one year left on his contract and should he refuse to sign a lucrative extension that has been offered, the French club could be at a vantage point during negotiations.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
In all probability, United will go big in the transfer window in an attempt to build a competent squad. A clear path for the future and an appeal at De Gea’s loyalty could work in United’s favour as they continue to try to extend the Spaniard’s contract.
Besides, the 28-year-old has never indicated that he’s unhappy at the Premier League club.
Transfer rating: 5/10
MOUSSA DEMBELE
Lyon -> €40 million -> Manchester United
Several sources, including French newspaper L’Equipe, reported that United, Liverpool and Arsenal are after Lyon midfielder Moussa Dembele. The former has launched an initial bid of €40m, while the latter two have enquired the club about his availability.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
If rumours regarding how much United were prepared to offer Matthijs de Ligt are to be believed, a logical assumption can be made that they are ready to go overboard with the salaries of their transfer targets.
Dembele’s performances for Lyon last season are evidence that he is prepared for life in the Premier League. Among his suitors, it’s unlikely that anyone can offer the player as much as United can.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
Dembele will be giving up Champions League football should he opt to swap Lyon for United. Among other potential destinations, newly-crowned kings of Europe Liverpool are a better option, given they have a clear roadmap for the future and a better shot at silverware.
Also, the Reds could do with a player of his profile. In what looks like a well-rounded squad, the midfield is the weak link in terms of quality and depth.
Transfer predictor: 4/10
JOSHUA KIMMICH
Looking for a contract extension: Joshua Kimmich.
Bayern Munich -> undisclosed -> Barcelona
There are more than just murmurs that Bayern Munich’s Swiss army knife of a defender Joshua Kimmich could wear the Blaugrana colours next season. Calciomercato reported that Barcelona are interested in Kimmich, with Atletico Madrid closing in on a deal for right-back Nelson Semedo.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
A player of Kimmich’s quality would mean he’d become an undisputed starter at Barca. His pay-grade will be handed an upgrade and the prospect of a new challenge can play a huge part in the decision-making process of any top player, especially at a club that are even bigger than his current employers.
Besides, the Catalan club are able to use the classic “you get to play with Lionel Messi” card that is always likely to tempt top talents.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
Bayern are in for a massive overhaul and it’s near impossible that they will let go of one of their best players and an integral aspect of their core line-up. On the off-chance they do, Kimmich won’t come cheap and Barcelona will find it hard to balance their books, especially with Antoine Griezmann likely to come aboard.
Transfer rating: 2/10
