Transfer Predictor: Neymar to Barcelona is a 6, Fred to Fiorentina 7

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 11:27 27/08/2019
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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 a Paris Saint-Germain star (guess who), a Manchester United outcast and a crucial element of Borussia Dortmund.

    NEYMAR

    neymar 123

    PSG -> Ousmane Dembele plus cash-> Barcelona

    Several Spanish publications including RAC1 and Sport have claimed that Barcelona will make what could be their final offer for PSG star Neymar. It is reported that either a loan with an obligation to buy for €170 million, a larger sum to be paid over two seasons or a reduced fee in addition to Ousmane Dembele moving the other way could be offered.

    WHY IT CAN HAPPEN

    Barcelona are relentless in their pursuit for Neymar and when the Spanish giants want a player, they usually get him. Philippe Coutinho, Dembele and Antoine Griezmann serve as examples.

    It seems highly improbable that the Brazilian will stay at the French club and his desire to return to Spain is no secret.

    Dembele was a monster under Thomas Tuchel and if he is added to the deal, PSG should be motivated to go ahead with it.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN

    Barcelona have always been patient with the currently injured Dembele and have reiterated several times that he will stay at Camp Nou. It’s surprising that they are willing to offload the Frenchman in the first place. Also, PSG have reportedly made clear several times that they prefer a cash payment close to the amount they paid for him (€222m). Barcelona are not eager, or perhaps capable, of spending that kind of money.

    TRANSFER RATING: 6/10

    FRED

    FredManUnitedCity (1)

    Manchester United -> €37m -> Fiorentina

    Manchester United flop Fred could be shipped to Serie A side Fiorentina side for a €22m loss according to calciomercato.

    WHY IT CAN HAPPEN

    Fred is beginning to look like deadwood at the Premier League side, having not even been named among the subs’ bench in 2018/19 thus far. It’s no surprise that United are desperate to offload him, taking a loss in the process. Fiorentina have lost players in the centre of the pitch and need a midfielder who has a wide passing range and top-tier experience.

    With Franck Ribery arriving at the club on a free, now could be the time for the Serie A side to invest heavily and produce a competitive squad as they look to challenge for a European spot.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN

    Despite the desperation, United should be in no hurry to sell Fred, given his contract runs till 2023 and they should be able to get a good price next summer too. The Red Devils are in a position to hold out until a better offer arrives – and has he truly been given a fair run-out so far, having only spent a season in Manchester?

    TRANSFER RATING: 7/10

    RAPHAEL GUERREIRO

    Borussia Dortmund -> Free transfer -> PSG

    Guerreiro

    The Borussia Dortmund left-back could move to PSG at the end of his contract next summer according to Bild.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN

    Guerreiro has reportedly not yet accepted a new contract from Dortmund, despite the increased salary. It is believed that he is waiting for PSG to make an offer when his current deal expires.

    He will be allowed to sign a pre-contract in January and since Dortmund will have no say in the negotiations, this deal will be facing very few complications.

    WHY IT CAN’T HAPPEN

    Guerreiro is an important member of the team that Dortmund can’t afford to lose. The German side made a statement with quality signings over the summer and will make it a priority to tie the core down for a long time. They should be able to make an offer the left-back will find hard to turn down.

    TRANSFER RATING: 6/10

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