5 top midfielders being eyed by Europe's top clubs
With the World Cup due to be played this summer, the transfer window is set to see a lot of activity as teams will scramble early to identify transfer targets and get them to sign on as quickly as possible.
The 2017/2018 season has seen the exit of quite a few midfield maestros like Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Thiago Motta (PSG) among others. This means that there will be a scramble for the pre-eminent midfield controllers this summer as teams will need to make up for the loss of geniuses such as the aforementioned.
This is expected to lead to an increase in the transfer valuation of central midfielders who have been on the watchlist of the top European sides, the 2018/2019 summer transfer window might just see someone going for a fee higher than the £89m that United paid for Paul Pogba.
Here is a look at five midfield stars who could be in demand this summer:
#5 Jorginho (Napoli)
Age: 26
Height: 1.8m
Nationality: Italy
The 26-year-old midfielder has been one of the key cogs in Maurizio Sarri’s Napoli and their failed charge for the Serie A title this season. The Brazil-born Italian international has been driving the Italian side forward from his deep-lying playmaking role very effectively.
His strength lies in his unique passing abilities and controlling the tempo of the game coupled with having a great eye for a forward pass. Essentially, he plays as a “regista”, a Pirlo-esque midfield role and boasts of one of the best passing records in Serie A this season.
He has been heavily involved in attacks which have resulted in goals for Napoli despite playing as one of the deepest midfielders in the team.
Teams looking to get his signature may have to cough up around £50 million but for managers wanting to recruit a player who can make an impact on the game with accurate through balls, control the tempo and shield the defence, Jorginho is a perfect option.
The Italian could fit in at a few of the top English clubs which are in need out of a midfielder with his unique skillset. He could easily slot in as a partner with Naby Keita at Liverpool, or with Nemanja Matic at Manchester United but the 26-year-old might be tempted to play under Pep Guardiola at City who wants a substitute for the aging Fernandinho.