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, Bayern Munich and Tottenham.
LEROY SANE
Leroy Sane.
Manchester City -> Undisclosed -> Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich have submitted a first official offer to Manchester City for Leroy Sane, according to Bild+.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: Sane has won everything there is to win in England and a return to Germany must be tempting especially in terms of keeping him in the frame for the national team. He missed out on the World Cup squad in 2018 despite being the PFA Young Player of the Year.
With high-earners Arjen Robben, Frank Ribery, Mats Hummels and James Rodriguez all off their wage bill, Bayern should be able to afford both Sane’s fees and a lucrative contract.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: This story has rumbled on for some time with Nico Kovac even having to apologise to City for speaking too candidly about Sane wanting to join Bayern.
If the Premier League champions weren’t irked already, a low-ball offer could see them exit negotiations. If they feel the need for a replacement, they may be concerned by the lack of time remaining to secure one.
Transfer predictor: 7/10
HARRY MAGUIRE
Leicester City-> £80m -> Manchester United
Manchester United are ready to make Harry Maguire the world’s most expensive defender, Sky Sports report.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: After initially balking at Leicester’s demands, United seem to have walked back to the table. Going into the new season without signing a quality centre-back would be a catastrophe for the Red Devils and Eric Bailly being sidelined for four to five months through injury only increases their need for reinforcements.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: The £80m offer being quoted is still £10m short of what Leicester are said to value Maguire at. If the Foxes insist on being cunning and prey on United’s desperation, they risk the deal collapsing.
Axel Tuanzebe has shone in pre-season following an impressing loan spell with Aston Villa last term. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may decide to fast track his route into the first XI and hope for the best.
Transfer predictor: 7/10
GIOVANI LO CELSO
Real Betis -> €60m -> Tottenham
Tottenham are close to finalising a deal for Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, as per Gazzetta dello Sport.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: This move has looked inevitable all summer and with Betis recently securing the services of Nabil Fekir, it paves the way for Lo Celso to join Spurs.
The midfielder has the attributes to slot in nicely into Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield which has already been boosted by the arrival of Tanguy Ndombele. The Argentine’s introduction would offer Spurs good cover in the event of Christian Eriksen’s departure as well.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: A failed medical? It would take something pretty dramatic for the deal to fall apart now. Maybe Eriksen commits to the club and they decide to negotiate a better deal with Betis at the last moment only to see the whole transfer collapse. Drama!
Transfer predictor: 9/10
