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, or why not.
Today’s edition features transfers involving Manchester United, Inter Milan and Everton.
PAULO DYBALA
Paulo Dybala
Juventus -> Romelu Lukaku + €20m -> Manchester United
Manchester United’s and Juventus have agreed a deal in principle to swap Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku, with only personal terms needing to be agreed according to Sky Italia.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: Lukaku is desperate to move to Serie A and he fits into Maurizio Sarri’s plans far better than Dybala who in turn is more equipped to operate within Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s style of play and will get a lot more playing time. The deal suits both clubs who will be pushing for it to go through.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Dybala has always been clear he remains happy in Italy. Despite a lack of minutes on the pitch, the Argentine is not keen to leave Juventus. Also, the deal would see him move from a team challenging to win the Champions League to one that isn’t even in it. He’ll need convincing.
Transfer predictor: 8/10
EDINSON CAVANI
Edinson Cavani
Paris Saint-Germain -> €50m -> Inter Milan
Inter have identified Edinson Cavani as an alternative to Lukaku after failing to reach a deal with United, claim La Repubblica.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: PSG will know that Cavani is approaching his sell-by date and with Kylian Mbappe establishing himself as their spearhead in attack, they may be happy to move him on. Inter need to sign a seasoned striker they can rely on and the 32-year-old is an elite player available within their budget.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: While Cavani is €30m cheaper than Lukaku, his valuation is less than €10m short of what Inter were offering for the Belgian who is six years younger and theoretically in his prime. The price could well be a stumbling block. Meanwhile, Inter continue to be linked with Edin Dzeko as well.
Transfer predictor: 4/10
JEAN-PHILIPPE GBAMIN
Mainz -> €32m -> Everton
Everton are confident of reaching a deal to sign Mainz midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin as a replacement for Idrissa Gueye, report the Express.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: Gueye had more tackles per game (4.3) than anyone else in the Premier League last season. Everton are eager to replace him and Gbamin, who is six years younger, seems like a strong candidate. It’s a great opportunity for the midfielder to make the next step in his career.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Everton’s offer of €25m means the two clubs are still some distance away from an agreement. The Toffees have already added Fabian Delph to their roster so they’re not under huge pressure to force a move.
Transfer predictor: 6/10
