Transfer Predictor: Alexis Sanchez' loan move to Roma scores a 6

David Cooper - Writer 13:47 10/08/2019
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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.

    Today’s edition features potential signings for Roma, Flamengo and Atalanta.

    ALEXIS SANCHEZ

    RUMOUR: Manchester United -> loan -> Roma

    Roma have held talks with Manchester United over the prospect of taking outcast Sanchez on loan, the Telegraph reports.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Roma is a solid destination for the Chilean, who began his European career in Italy with Udinese back in 2006. They can offer Champions League football and a league long known for prolonging careers of aging stars. It also gives the 30-year-old a chance to secure more game time as he is likely to spend the bulk of the season on the bench at United.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: It could be seen as a risk to let Sanchez go following the departure of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan, leaving United a little short up front. If Sanchez is to leave Old Trafford, then he is more likely to exit in January or at the end of the season.

    PREDICTION: 7/10

    MARIO BALOTELLI

    RUMOUR: Marseille -> free -> Flamengo

    Flamengo have opened talks with Mario Balotelli over a move to Brazil, according to the Daily Mail.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: The Italian is a free agent after being released by Marseille, and is believed to be keen on the move to South America after spending his entire career in Europe.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Fiorentina, Parma and Genoa all retain an interest in the 28-year-old, and could be viable options if a deal with the Flamengo doesn’t go through. The only problem for any club remains Balotelli’s £3.6million-a-year wage demands, especially for any team operating on a low wage budget.

    PREDICTION: 6/10

    LUCA PELLEGRINI

    RUMOUR: Juventus -> loan -> Atalanta or Cagliari

    Atalanta and Cagliari are both interested in a loan move for Juventus defender Luca Pellegrini, Calciomercato reports.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Pellegrini only joined Juventus from Roma earlier this summer, but appears unlikely to receive much game time with the Serie A champions this season. The 20-year-old would prefer to play with a club in the Champions League, with Atalanta the most likely to secure his services on a loan deal.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Maurizio Sarri may want the rising star to be around the first team squad and test him against other high-profile players. If an injury does occur, then the Italian has Pellegrini to call upon.

    PREDICTION: 9/10

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