When Alex Ferguson was scouting for talent in 1992, he had eyes on Leeds United Irishman Denis Irwin. Ferguson returned to Old Trafford with Irwin, picking up the fiery Frenchman Eric Cantona with him. Still convinced these miraculous transfers are nothing more than a coincidence? Nothing more than a marvelous yet inexplicable choice like your parents magically agreeing you can sleep over at Jimmy’s because you’ve been a good lad?
Nonsense! We all know there’s no such thing as coincidence and everything has a reason, … until the transfer windows open that is. Here are The18’s predictions on five of the most speculated about summer transfer talks.
5 Summer Football Transfer Rumors
Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale has allegedly been in talks with Jose Mourinho to join Manchester United over the summer. The Special One, who willingly buys players at a higher rate than what your local Bedouin chief asks for a dowry payment, just might be successful as Bale’s prominence at Real Madrid slowly fades.
The 28-year-old winger, suffering multiple leg injuries this past year, has been taken out of the spotlight by Zinedine Zidane. Despite his injury, Bale managed to score nine goals out of 19 La Liga appearances yet only played a total of 36 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain in two legs of the Champions League Round of 16. You never know, Man United did try to convince Bale last year but the likeliness of his return to the EPL is higher than ever now.
Another prospect: Arturo Vidal. This one’s a stronger possibility since Vidal and Alexis Sanchez share the same agent, Fernando Felicevich. The Chilean was allegedly interested in Manchester United in 2014 but Vidal snubbed the opportunity for another year in Juventus and then moved to Bayern Munich. Rumor has it Marouane Fellaini isn’t due for a contract renewal and the push for Vidal is doubly encouraged as the Red Devils would need another formidable midfielder.
The18’s Likelihood Meter: Very likely, … for Vidal that is.
Claudio Marchisio
Claudio Marchisio, the blue-eyed Adonis and Juventus midfielder, has New York City FC’s eyes wide open on him and a contract ending soon with his childhood club. Even though NYCFC established itself in 2015, it has signed international stars like Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard quite easily, which makes its quest for Marchisio all the more likely.
Lampard and Pirlo both transferred to the Big Apple’s club after the age of 30, Marchisio is 32, and we all know that’s when soccer stars tend to look for a more casual life in soccer. If Marchisio does follow through with the transfer, he shouldn’t feel professionally displaced as New York does have David Villa and let’s not forget the club’s boss Patrick Vieira. All the more reason to switch, then again the Italian might not enjoy New York style pizza. That’s just, … ew.
Plus, if Marchisio follows through, we might be lucky enough to see some sort of dramatic rivalry between New York City FC and the LA Galaxy as former Juventus teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already begun his MLS conquest.
The18’s Likelihood Meter: Most likely … as in please, I’m begging you. Zlatan vs. Marchisio? Wouldn’t miss it for my mother’s birthday.
Joao Cancelo
Joao Cancelo, the Portuguese defender with 18 Serie A appearances this season, was loaned to Inter Milan last summer from Valencia FC. Inter has expressed much interest but the stingy San Siro blues have no interest in paying the $42 million buyout agreement, hence the Manchester United and Juventus entries to the equation.
Cancelo’s contract with Valencia is set until 2021, but since Mourinho is rumored to lead a clearance in the summer, a capable defender, like Cancelo, looks very attractive. On the other hand, there’s Juventus, the Serie A dominator, which may seem more attractive to Cancelo given he wouldn’t have to migrate that far and could remain in the Italian League.
Mourinho, who’s shown us repeatedly that there is no difference between Monopoly money and real money, just might get away with this one if Cancelo falls for the good ole “fat check” trick. Inversely, Cancelo has three assists and 18 appearances so far in Serie A, why would he leave if the going is good so far, unless yet again money trumps loyalty.
The18’s Likelihood Meter: Very likely transfer to Juventus.
David Alaba
According to Spanish soccer news, Lionel Messi wants Bayern Munich’s David Alaba on the team and has been in contact with Barcelona officials about it. David Alaba, the Austrian international, has developed the reputation to be an arduous defender, one of which Barcelona could benefit greatly.
Given Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets are heavily depended on in Barcelona without a clear contingency when they’re injured, Alaba would be an efficient addition in the defensive line. Alaba has been supposedly eyed by Real Madrid as its newest summer interest but rumors also say Alaba has stated he would stay in Germany if Barcelona doesn’t act on Messi’s suggestion.
First Antoine Griezmann, now Alaba, what is Barcelona preparing for? A World War? Maybe Real Madrid is becoming more intimidating lately and the Catalan’s need fresh reinforcements.
The18’s Likelihood Meter: Likely, just likely. Griezmann’s transfer might suffice for now but Messi just might have some say in this one.
Mo Salah
At first, the rumors surrounded three big names said to be eyed by Real Madrid and they are Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said he has no doubt Lewandowski will remain playing in the Allianz Arena next season.
“I had a meeting with the ECA in Rome last Monday and Tuesday,” Rummenigge told Goal.com. “There were also representatives of Real Madrid. No word was spoken about Robert Lewandowski. I think they know in Madrid that Lewandowski still has a contract for another three years here in Munich. Therefore, he will play at Bayern Munich next season. I will accept any bet on this matter.”
Robert is out of the equation. Now we have an easier speculation: Will it be Hazard or Salah to join the Madridistas in the summer? Guillem Balague, a Sky Sports pundit and soccer journalist, claims Hazard and Lewandowski were begging to come to Real Madrid with little to no interest in Salah. Oh, really? Hmm …
If Hazard goes to Real Madrid, we can safely assume Chelsea’s defense will be a bit shakier given the loss of a strong attacking midfielder. We can also assume Liverpool will be doubly happy as they eradicate a team allegedly interested in Salah whilst also maintaining the team’s strength. Let’s face it: The Egyptian is almost single-leggedly dominating Liverpool’s adversaries.
Perhaps Madrid isn’t interested in Salah and want Hazard or perhaps, just maybe, they’re pulling a Machiavelli on all of us. I don’t think they’re that smart but who doesn’t want the scorching hot Mo Salah right now? This is what it would feel like if we had a soccer-themed The Apprentice. Oh god, the thought of that is just wrong, isn’t it?
The18’s Likelihood Meter: Unlikely, for both Hazard and Salah because pessimism is refreshing every now and then.
