On June 28, 2012, Mario Balotelli peaked. His thunderous second goal in the first 40 minutes of Italy’s Euro 2012 semi-final clash with Germany highlighted a stupendous tournament for the mercurial striker. Named in the Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament and finishing the joint top scorer, Balotelli’s summer exploits concluded a maniacal season for the Italian.
Mexico international Carlos Vela better be a member of a frequent flyer program because he sure has logged a lot of miles in his career for a 27-year-old. After beginning his youth career with Chivas in Guadalajara, he was signed by Arsenal as a teenager. Then came the loans. While waiting, and hoping, for his Arsenal career to take off, he spent time with Celta Vigo, Salamanca, Osasuna and West Bromwich Albion. Arsenal was still uninterested in keeping Vela with their first team.
Neymar signed for Barcelona from Brazilian side Santos after long speculation in 2013. Many argued he wouldn’t work out and that he wouldn’t mesh well with the side. Others spoke of his similarities to former Barcelona and Brazilian international Ronaldinho, and argued these would lead to success for the young winger.
Manchester United are probably the most widely known club in soccer and were quite dominant on the pitch under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson. As of recently it’s been quite the opposite.
They have struggled throughout the current season just to barely secure a Europa league spot. Spending millions to bring in top talent in hopes of getting back on their pedestal as a force to be reckoned with, but always falling short of expectations.
Having one of the worst seasons in his young career, Eden Hazard could be looking to trade that deep blue kit for an all-white kit in the Spanish capital. Before this season, Hazard was one of the top young talents in all of Europe, especially the summer of his big move to Chelsea.
Racking up 49 goals in 162 games as well as a few trophies his first couple of seasons, Hazard was the new face of Chelsea FC. Unfortunately, a poor season for Hazard has taken all that from the young Belgian.
Where the hell is Zlatan Ibrahimovic playing next season? What the hell do all these Zlatan transfer rumors mean?
One thing is for certain, he is leaving PSG. The Parisian municipal government won’t pony up the dough for a larger than life size statue of Zlatan, you know the one that’s gonna replace the Eiffel Tower. So just where is he set to go?
Gabriel Barbosa, a.k.a. Gabigol, has a very similar story to many Brazilian youngsters. Born in the suburbs of São Paulo, the talented 19-year-old decided to try to mae a better life to him and his family via a football career. The first club to take a chance on him was São Bernardo do Campo, and soon he received an offer to come to Santos FC.
At Santos his career took off. Santos is known to have a a very strong Youth Academy, discovering Brazilian stars such as Pelé, Robinho and Neymar.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably at least heard a few whispers about Ousmane Dembele. The young Rennes prodigy could be the new Cristiano Ronaldo, at least according to former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre, who is now an advisor at the French outfit.
The Carlos Vela Spain experience just might be drawing to a close. The Mexican striker hasn't exactly been lighting the world on fire this season for Real Sociedad this season, and the Vela-to-MLS rumors seem to hold more weight than ever.
Vela, 27, was left out of Mexico's latest squad, and has four goals in 29 appearances in all competitions so far this season for Sociedad. For a striker, those numbers aren't enough to impress anybody.
Chance he goes to Manchester United: 9%