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 Sevilla, Juventus and Arsenal.
LUUK DE JONG
PSV Eindhoven -> €12 million -> Sevilla
Dutch publication De Telegraaf report that Luuk de Jong could be on his way to Seville after a successful season with the Dutch giants. The player could cost Sevilla around €12-13 million and will be joining Munas Dabbur upfront.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
Should Wissam Ben Yedder follow interests from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United out of Ramon Sanchez Pizuan, Sevilla will find themselves needing a striker who can get 15-20 goals a season.
Besides, the Seville club had a disappointing season and are likely to make some big-name signings. De Jong – who netted 32 goals for PSV last season – could be a great addition to the squad
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
Reports suggest that the fee is unlikely to cause harm to this transfer. But if this deal is dependent on Ben Yedder leaving Sevilla, complications could arise. The Frenchman is a fan-favourite and an established player at the club.
TRANSFER RATING: 6/10
RICARDO PEREIRA
Leicester City -> Undisclosed -> Juventus
Juventus are expected to lose full-back Joao Cancelo to Manchester City and have hence targeted Leicester City’s Ricardo Pereira according to The Sun.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
Arguably Leicester’s best player of the 2018/19 season, Pereira has demonstrated enough quality to draw interest from a heavyweight.
If reports are to be believed, Cancelo could very well be on his way to Etihad. Pereira would then be an able replacement for the Portuguese who added a lot of width to their attack.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
It’s unlikely that Leicester will let two of their best players in Harry Maguire and Pereira leave in the same window.
Also, there is no mention of the transfer fee in the rumours and the deal hence seems far off from materialising.
TRANSFER RATING: 4/10
DAN-AXEL ZAGADOU
Borussia Dortmund -> £26.8 million -> Arsenal
Bild report that the return of Mats Hummels to Borussia Dortmund could pave the way for Dan-Axel Zagadou out of Germany. Arsenal are said to be interested and an asking price of £26.8 million has been set by Dortmund.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
Zagadou reportedly confirmed that he is looking for a way out of Dortmund after the arrival of Hummels has threatened his playing time ahead of the new season.
Arsenal still have issues at the back and with Laurent Koscielny not getting any younger, they will need able reinforcements at the back. Zagadou had a great first half of the season with Dortmund and could do well in London.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
The reported transfer fee of £26.8 million is more than half of Arsenal’s transfer budget and the Gunners are reportedly also after a winger and a striker.
However, if the 20-year-old attempts to force a move out, Dortmund could be compelled to reduce the fee. The arrival of Hummels does render this transfer likely.
TRANSFER RATING: 7/10
