Transfer predictor as Bayern Munich are front-runners for Man United target Nicolas Pepe

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 14:51 08/06/2019
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • 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 Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

    Marcos Alonso

    Marcos-Alonso-Chelsea

    Chelsea -> undisclosed -> Atletico Madrid

    Goal have reported that Atletico Madrid could chase Marcos Alonso to fill the void left by Bayern Munich-bound Lucas Hernandez at the left-back position.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN

    Atletico are in need of a top defender with vast experience in the upper echelons of world football and Alonso could provide just that.

    The Madrid-born full-back would surely be enticed by the proposition of returning to his home city and the 28-year-old recently admitted that he’s happy to hear about interest from Spanish clubs.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN

    With Eden Hazard off to Madrid, Maurizio Sarri on his way to Juventus and a transfer ban preventing them from expanding their squad, one can expect Chelsea to do whatever it takes to secure players who are regular faces in their starting line-ups.

    Even if this move is to materialise, it’s unlikely that it could happen before Chelsea’s transfer ban is completed.

    Transfer rating: 5/10

    Nicolas Pepe

    Nicolas Pepe.

    Nicolas Pepe.

    Lille -> £70 million -> Bayern Munich

    Manchester United target Nicolas Pepe could be on his way to Bayern Munich after a spectacular season with Lille, according to Sun.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN

    Bayern have a winger high on their shopping list after the legendary duo of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery called it quits on their storied careers with the German club. Pepe is a proven player who was extremely crucial in Lille’s rise from relegation-threatened strugglers to runners up in Ligue 1.

    The 24-year-old would be given the incentive of establishing himself as a starter in one of the best teams in the world. Between United and Bayern, it’s a no brainer, given the state of things at the Premier League club.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN

    Although this transfer seems good in theory, it is yet to be reported by reliable German newspapers. In fact, Sport Bild had claimed that Bayern had dropped their interest in the winger only last month.

    Transfer predictor: 6/10

    Gianluigi Buffon

    Gianluigi Buffon

    Paris Saint-Germain -> Free-> Barcelona

    Sky Sports reported that Gianluigi Buffon could wear the Blaugrana colours next season, after he refused to extend with PSG.

    WHY IT CAN HAPPEN

    With Jasper Cillessen rumoured to be leaving in search of playing time, Barcelona find themselves needing a replacement.

    At his age, its unlikely Buffon could start every week for any top European club. At Barcelona, he could be a back-up to Marc-Andre ter Stegen and use his vast experience to help the German expand his horizons.

    The Italian will also be presented with the opportunity to win the one trophy he has always yearned for – the Champions League.

    WHY IT CAN’T HAPPEN

    Barcelona’s wage-structure is really complicated and the entry of yet another star player can only degrade it further. Antoine Griezmann will be joining the Catalan giants in all probability, hence adding more weight to the wage-bill. With Matthijs de Ligt being a higher priority on their wish-list, it’s unlikely that Buffon will make the move too.

    Transfer rating: 5/10

    Recommended