Transfer predictor: Bruno Fernandes to Tottenham gets a 5, Kieran Tierney to Arsenal is a 9

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 15:09 02/08/2019
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  • 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 Barcelona, Tottenham and Arsenal.

    JUNIOR FIRPO

    Real Betis left-back Junior.

    Real Betis left-back Junior.

    Real Betis -> £23 million -> Barcelona

    Fabrizio Romano claims that Junior Firpo’s move to Barcelona could soon be completed. Betis have lowered their asking price from £32 million to £23 million but Barcelona are not willing to pay more than £18 million. But the player has his mind set on joining the Catalans and has told the club the same.

    WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: The slot for a back-up left-back is vacant at Barcelona and despite his quality, the clear dip in Jordi Alba’s form towards the end of the season has warranted the need for some competition in that position.

    Firpo boasts of qualities that Alba himself prizes. The Betis full-back is solid in defence and likes to venture in the final third. He has shown that he has enough quality to ply trades for a top European club. Besides, the player has informed the club of his desire to move to Camp Nou and is eager to see it completed.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Offloading dead wood is Barcelona’s priority and arrivals might have to wait until some players are sold. The transfer of Malcom and Rafinha could play a part in Firpo’s move to the Spanish giants.

    Transfer predictor: 8/10

    BRUNO FERNANDES

    Bruno Fernandes

    Sporting -> £55 million -> Tottenham

    Manchester Untied target Bruno Fernandes could join Premier League rivals Tottenham, according to Sky Sports. Spurs have reportedly opened talks with Sporting regarding the transfer of Fernandes as they look to secure an alternative to Giovani Lo Celso.

    WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: The Champions League runners-up medal and the prospect of playing under one of the best managers in the world are bound to provide great incentives for top talents to join Spurs.

    The 24-year-old midfielder will be looking for an upgrade after a stellar season at Sporting and Spurs appear to have the edge over United in the two-way tussle.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: It is believed that Spurs will pursue the player if they fail to land Lo Celso. Although Betis are holding out for a better offer, it’s unlikely that they will pull out of the deal, given they have already signed a replacement.

    Also, United are financially superior and their ability to swoop in and land the player despite the lack of Champions League football can’t be underestimated.

    Transfer predictor: 5/10

    KIERAN TIERNEY

    Kieran Tierney

    Celtic -> £25 million plus add-ons -> Arsenal

    Arsenal could be third time lucky in their quest to add Celtic defender Kieran Tierney according to the Daily Express. The Londoners have seen two of their bids being rejected at £15 million and £25 million, with the Scottish club unhappy with the add-ons in case of the latter bid.

    WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: Celtic are interested in selling the player to Arsenal and the player is interested in becoming a Gunner. But the Scottish side are unhappy with the structure of payment and the add-ons from Arsenal’s previous offers.

    Arsenal’s new bid will see a rise in the initial fee, a decrease in the number of add-ons and a small sell-on percentage. The new bid will hence be a significant improvement from the earlier bids and is likely to be accepted by Celtic.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Arsenal will not entertain any drama should Celtic play hard-ball. It is believed that Unai Emery’s bosses will seek an alternative to Tierney if they fail to land him this time.

    Transfer predictor: 9/10

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