10 huge transfer rumors that won't go away during the hiatus
Transfer rumors continue to swirl despite the football world being shut down. If anything, with no on-field action to focus on, the barrage of speculation has ramped up a few notches. Below, we highlight 10 of the biggest transfer storylines that show no signs of slowing down during the hiatus.
Paul Pogba ?? Juventus or Real Madrid
If it feels like this rumor’s been around forever, that’s because, well, it has. Paul Pogba’s been openly angling to leave Manchester United for nearly a year now, and if when he ultimately departs Old Trafford, it seems almost certain we’ll have one of two outcomes: a return to Juventus or a blockbuster move to Real Madrid. Pogba’s still a very popular figure among his former teammates in Turin, but Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is also a known admirer of his compatriot.
Harry Kane ?? Manchester United
As Harry Kane’s body continues to betray him, Tottenham are said to be growing increasingly willing to part with the prolific striker. The two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner would, in theory, be an ideal foil for ever-improving star Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford, but his checkered injury history should be cause for concern. There’s also the small matter of notoriously tough negotiator Daniel Levy, who will surely only sanction the sale of the England captain for an ungodly sum.
Philippe Coutinho ?? anywhere
Everybody in the Premier League wants a piece of Philippe Coutinho. The little Brazilian playmaker, on loan at Bayern Munich after a downright miserable spell at Barcelona, is widely expected to be sacrificed by the Camp Nou brass in an effort to improve what’s reportedly a tenuous financial situation. With Bayern unlikely to make his temporary switch permanent, the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham have both been tipped as suitors. Coutinho’s most fruitful years came in England, so he’d surely jump at the chance to return.
Neymar ?? Barcelona
Not unlike Pogba’s bandied move, Neymar’s future in the French capital has been the subject of constant speculation. Since the moment he left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain, rumors of his eventual return have been rampant. A reunion failed to materialize last summer despite Barca’s best efforts, and the Catalan side is expected to make another strong push for the Brazilian’s services come season’s end – whenever that may be. Antoine Griezmann could potentially be used as a makeweight in the deal, given his struggles.
Jadon Sancho ?? Premier League
Speaking of diminutive players set to incite a Premier League bidding war, Jadon Sancho is arguably the most in-demand talent on the planet right now. Borussia Dortmund are resigned to losing the rising English superstar at some point – even if it’s not this summer – but the electrifying 20-year-old will cost a small fortune. Manchester United are reportedly in pole position ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool in the hotly contested race for the dynamic winger.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ?? not Arsenal
With his contract set to expire in 2021 and talks over an extension thus far proving unfruitful, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future remains a hot topic, both in north London and beyond. The president of Gabon’s football federation, Pierre Alain Mounguengui, said his country’s prized star should look for another club in order to escape the “collective failing” at Arsenal. Ouch. Losing the 30-year-old would be a massive blow for the Gunners.
Lautaro Martinez ?? Barcelona
Amid internal strife in the boardroom and concerns over transfer funds, Barcelona need a replacement for Luis Suarez. It won’t be cheap. Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez is the name that keeps coming up, with the 22-year-old Argentine seen by some within the club as the ideal long-term replacement for the 33-year-old Suarez, who continues to battle various injuries. Real Madrid are sniffing around Martinez, too. The competition for his signature will ensure that even as the pandemic craters transfer values, Martinez will cost a pretty penny.
Timo Werner ?? Liverpool or Bayern Munich
Liverpool’s push for Timo Werner seemed to be barreling ahead prior to the work stoppage, with the German forward even talking up a move to Anfield, where he would get the chance to work with compatriot Jurgen Klopp. But that trail has gone cold in recent weeks as clubs turn their attention to more immediate matters, which has apparently allowed Bayern Munich to reignite interest in RB Leipzig’s 24-year-old gem.
Eduardo Camavinga ?? Real Madrid
Rennes are about to cash in huge on world football’s most prodigious young talent. Eduardo Camavinga, 17, is already being hailed as the game’s next great midfielder after a breakout campaign this season, which included a dominant showing against Paris Saint-Germain. Unsurprisingly, Real Madrid are being heavily linked with the French teenager. Depending on whom you listen to, Camavinga is either the club’s top priority right now, or he could be signed and left on loan for a season to develop at the Ligue 1 side.
Sandro Tonali ?? Serie A powerhouse
Camavinga isn’t the only teenage central midfielder who’s captured the attention of his entire country. Sandro Tonali is being heralded as a future pillar of the Italian national team. The Brescia product, 19, is being tracked by Juventus – of course – but Inter and AC Milan are also circling. PSG, no strangers to snapping up Serie A talent, are in the conversation, too. Still, a move within Italy to one of the division’s traditional powerhouses seems most likely, with Juve reportedly putting in extensive work on a deal already.
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