Potential Summer Transfers XI
The end of the season is here and if you thought the action was over, barely. For the good clubs, it is a time for deep contemplation and for the great clubs, it is time for swift action to compile a team that shall go all the way next season. This season is peculiar as it sees a lot of managerial changes in spite of some fairly good results. These managers will be involved in putting their mark on the squads, reorganizing and tactical adaptation. The stakes are higher than ever in football now and the patience is as low as ever. Failure is not an option. The case studies are numerous: Rafael Benitez at Chelsea, Mancini at City and so on. This list is a tentative idea of what changes we can expect in top clubs across Europe with a focus on some exceptional footballers who might make a move.
GK: Jose Reina
Reina has been eternally linked to the Catalan giants but due to twin-factors he could actually end up at Barcelona this summer. With Victor Valdes unsure about his future, Barcelona might want Reina’s services and it seems that Brendan Rodgers is not too keen on retaining Reina. Liverpool have already been keeping an eye on Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Even if Victor Valdes chooses to give another year to Barcelona, Reina is likely to have enough suitors.
RB: Bacary Sagna
The Arsenal player has been unsettled at the club and is openly seeking a move away to a club that offers more trophies. This has been the line of argument coming in from every Arsenal player in the past few years and unfortunately Arsene Wenger has been unable to turn the tide with a trophy. Sagna said, “There’s going to be speculation, that is certain. I’m no longer young therefore I’m thinking about it, because I would really like to win something. Whether that is with Arsenal or another club, I would like to win a title.” Sagna has been a consistent performer at the club and Wenger himself rates him very highly. Monaco and PSG are reportedly eager to get his signatures.
CB: Pepe
Pepe might not be a big supporter of Mourinho, but he might be accompanying his former manager to England as Manchester City have shown an interest in the center back. Pepe might be used as a deal-maker to bring Tevez to Madrid. However, Real Madrid have made it clear that the central defender will come with a hefty price tag of his own.
CB: Laurent Koscielny
Another Arsenal player who has been vocal about Arsenal’s trophy drought and has many suitors. Koscielny commands the admiration of PSG and champions League winners Bayern Munich. A move away from Emirates is likely if a reasonable offer is tabled from one of these sides.
LB: Gareth Bale
The left-footed Welshman who had a coming-of-age season with Tottenham is on top of Real Madrid’s wish list. His ability to create magical moments and slip out of his position and turn himself into an attacking winger is unmatched. Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy’s chances to hold on to the miracle-worker were destroyed by their inability to qualify for Champions League once again. In a virtual repeat of last year, Tottenham spurned their advantage over rivals Arsenal and will have to be satisfied with the much-slandered Europa League. However, Bale is unlikely to compromise and Bernabeu has unabashedly seduced him going so far as to say that Bale was born to play for Madrid. Other suitors, however unlikely, include Manchester United.