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 a transfer within La Liga, a world record signing and an Argentine in a star-studded team.
RAFINHA
Rafinha Alcantara
Barcelona -> €10 million plus bonuses -> Valencia
Barcelona midfielder Rafinha could be heading to Valencia once the Catalan side return from their pre-season tour of America, Sport reports.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN
Despite his talent, Rafinha will struggle for game-time in the current Barcelona midfield, with Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Arthur, Frenkie de Jong, Arturo Vidal and Carles Alena all higher up the pecking order. Rafinha is therefore better off plying his trade for a club where he can play every week.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
There are no reasons why this deal should be called off. However, Rafinha has struggled to maintain his fitness and the possibility of a failed medical could complicate things.
TRANSFER RATING: 9/10
NEYMAR
Paris Saint-Germain-> €120 million plus Luka Modric -> Real Madrid
The Neymar saga is set to take an interesting twist with Real Madrid attempting to sign the PSG superstar, according to Sport.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN
Madrid president Florentino Perez is a huge admirer of the Brazilian and is desperate to sign him after missing out six years ago. Neymar’s exit is all but certain with the destination still unclear. Should PSG hesitate to sell the player to Barcelona, then Madrid will be well-poised to swoop in and seal his signature.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
Zinedine Zidane is not in favour of the transfer as he deems it unnecessary. Madrid can’t afford to lose Luka Modric as they will then be left with just four players in midfield. The left-wing is already well-populated with Eden Hazard, Vinicius Junior and the option of Rodrygo. Los Blancos are hence likely to prioritise reinforcing their midfield and central defence before adding more firepower to an already secure position on the pitch.
TRANSFER RATING: 5/10
PAULO DYBALA
Juventus -> £79 million -> Paris Saint-Germain
After a deadline-day transfer to Premier League failed to materialise, Paulo Dybala could be heading to the French capital to replace the outgoing Neymar, according to the Daily Mail.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
Neymar’s potential departure from Paris will free up a slot in the PSG frontline. Sporting director Leonardo has reportedly convinced Dybala to replace the Brazilian while earning as much as £11.1 million per season. Neymar’s sale will provide PSG with the necessary budget to complete this move.
WHY IT CAN’T HAPPEN
Like most conditional transfers, this deal is heavily dependent on Neymar’s sale. Should a twist in the tale keep the former Barcelona man at PSG, Dybala could be forced to remain in Italy for the 2019-20 season.
TRANSFER RATING 6/10
