Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 31st July (Part 1)

As we move in to the off-season an unprecedented amount of managerial movement around Europe will surely see an already frantic transfer market go in to overdrive. This will give plenty of opportunities for transfer rumour and gossip. So how much of it is realistic?

Chelsea could take advantage of Real Madrid’s pursuit of Bale with a £20m offer for 26-year-old Germany midfielder Sami Khedira.

What’s the story? And what does Real bidding for Bale have to do with anything? If this referred to the fact that having signed Illarramendi, Real now have four deep midfielders competing for two spots, then perhaps.

Does it make sense? Obviously the framing of the story doesn’t. It’s not like Real are going to be so focused on Bale that Chelsea merely have to call and they’ll just say yes to avoid the distraction. Football wise it’s 50:50. Khedira is a bit like Ramires, in that he’s best used when given license to get box to box. He’d certainly offer power and energy but isn’t a massive need.

Is the price right? Yes. For once a quoted figure actually makes sense. More is too much to pay, less is too little to sell, so this would be ideal.

Will it happen? 5/10 – I do think Khedira will become available at some point, unless they sell Modric. Chelsea would seem to be a fairly logical suitor if they did decide to sell.