Transfer predictor: Philippe Coutinho to PSG scores a 6

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 11:01 18/06/2019
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  • Philippe Coutinho

    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 Leicester City, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain.

    Youri Tielemans

    Monaco -> £40 million -> Leicester City

    Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans will fend off interest from Manchester United, Tottenham and AC Milan to sign a permanent deal with Leicester City, according to the Telegraph.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN

    After a series of promising displays for Leicester during his short loan stint at the club last season, it’s only logical that Tielemans has his loan deal converted to a permanent transfer. The 22-year-old shone last campaign, making 13 appearances, and with Leicester pushing for a permanent deal, the transfer is likely to materialise soon.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN

    Milan, Tottenham and United are clubs which can provide better incentives than Leicester. Should any clubs approach Monaco and Tielemans with an improved offer, then a bidding war may ensue.

    Transfer rating: 8/10

    Philippe Coutinho

    Barcelona -> undisclosed -> Paris Saint-Germain

    AS reports that Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho could join PSG after a disappointing season with the Blaugrana.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN

    PSG sporting director Leonardo believes Neymar and Coutinho could form a superstar duo at Parc des Princes, having established a strong partnership with the Brazil national team over the years. The Ligue 1 champions will not find it hard to convince Barcelona to sell the midfielder, given he has failed to live up to his £130 million price tag. The club also needs sufficient funds to complete Antoine Griezmann’s transfer from Atletico Madrid.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN

    While Barcelona are open to the idea of offloading the 27-year-old, it’s unlikely that they will release him for less than £120 million. PSG have spent heavy on Neymar and Kylian Mbappe and the wage bill is presumably high also. This makes it all the more why he may be forced to stay at Barcelona for another season.

    Transfer predictor: 6/10

    Nico Zaniolo

    Roma -> £70 million -> Tottenham

    Tottenham target Nicolo Zaniolo won’t come any cheaper than £70 million, Calciomercato claims.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN

    Mauricio Pochettino is looking to add new players to his squad and Zaniolo has reportedly convinced the Spurs boss of his qualities. After two transfer windows with no new signings, the North London side could push for a move for the 19-year-old, given he enjoyed a productive season for Roma, making 27 Serie A appearances.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN

    Roma are unwilling to budge from their evaluation of the player – a hefty sum of £70 million. Having lost Daniele de Rossi and potentially Edin Dzeko in one window, it’s reasonable to believe that the Italian club will try their best to retain core players.

    Transfer rating: 3/10

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