It's a rumour that is becoming more exasperating by the day. Will Jose Mourinho pack his bags and leave his beloved London? Will he relieve his former teacher, Louis Van Gaal, from his duties at Old Trafford, thus repeating every kung fu movie plotline ever? Well, it kind of depends who you ask.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is having a very good year. For a time, he was the highest scoring player in Europe, and his form since losing that title has not exactly been bad. As of today, he has 37 goals in 45 total competitions, per Transfermarkt. Amidst all the good publicity his form has earned him, Aubameyang has teamed up with Dutch freestyler Soufiane Touzani in order to film one bad ass cross bar challenge video.
One of the most talented young forwards in the history of the American game has officially joined Schalke 04, bringing a close to a deal that had been in the works since January.
Haji Wright, an 18-year-old from Los Angeles, California, has been on Schalke’s radar for years. However, he was unable to sign with the club, or any club abroad, until his 18th birthday, a milestone he reached on March 27. Wright and Schalke had agreed to terms earlier this year but he's finally been allowed to put pen to paper.
Forgotten in Brazil after a few seasons, Alexandre Pato is back in the spotlight and apparently, he’s going to do his best to stay this time.
At least, those are the hints given by reports buzzing around the media. According to TeamTalk, Antonio Conte is keen on keeping the prolific striker in the Blues’ uniform when he lands in Stamford Bridge.
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.
Orlando City have signed 34-year-old Brazilian attacker Julio Baptista, who is famous for two things.
Thing number one is enjoying a long career with the likes of Sevilla, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Roma, scoring 94 senior goals so far and earning 47 caps (with five goals) for Brazil between 2001 and 2010..
Thing number two is being completely terrifying (his nickname is "The Beast").