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.
NIKOLA MILENKOVIC
Fiorentina -> €50m -> Manchester United
Manchester United have made an enquiry with Fiorentina over the transfer of Nikola Milenkovic, according to the Gianluca Di Marzio.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: United have so far failed in their efforts to lure more high profile centre-backs to Old Trafford and with pre season training already underway, they’re in a race against time. Milenkovic is someone they’ve watched for a while. Given his age and potential, he fits the profile as someone who could develop into a star. It would be a huge step up in wages and platform for the defender.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: United reportedly had a €40m bid for the Serbian rejected in January. The €50m asking price then may even be hiked now. That could prove to be a stumbling block with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisting that United won’t “overpay” for signings.
TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 6/10
MATTHIJS DE LIGT
Matthijs de Ligt
Ajax -> €67m -> Juventus
Juventus have increased their offer for Matthijs de Ligt to €67m but that’s still below Ajax’s asking price of €75m, according to De Telegraaf.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: De Ligt as well as super agent Mino Raiola appear to be set on a move to Juventus. With Andrea Bargazli retired, the Dutchman will be competing with Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini for a starting role. He will no doubt eventually take over from the two aging centre-backs as the main figure in the back-line.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: If Liverpool decide they do want in, De Ligt could be tempted to join Virgil van Dijk at Anfield. Alternatively, United could get desperate and throw silly money at Ajax and Raiola for the youngster’s services. Ajax digging their heels in and refusing to sell if the asking price is not met remains a possibility too.
TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 8/10
JAMES RODRIGUEZ
Real Madrid -> €42m -> Napoli
James Rodriguez has his heart set on leaving Real Madrid for Napoli, according to Marca.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: The primary reason for James wanting to join Napoli is the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti at the Serie A club. The Colombian has played his best football under the Italian be it at Madrid or while on loan with Bayern Munich. There aren’t many offers for the attacking midfielder at the moment and Real need to recuperate some of the money they splashed in this window.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Napoli’s bid is well below Madrid’s valuation of the player and should they manage to offload another star like Gareth Bale, they may not be under any pressure to move James on for a lower fee.
TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 7/10
