The football transfer market is an arbitrary science with a mind of its own and trying to predict who will move where at any given notice can sometimes feel like nailing a jelly to a cloud. That uncertainty can be multiplied to the power of ten this summer and with so many different narratives jostling for position it could feel by August’s end as if English football has pressed its reset button.
Don’t believe me? Then let’s look at the evidence.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and, to a lesser extent, Arsenal and Chelsea face massive overhauls in the space of two short months overseen by new managers, possible new managers, and managers enjoying the luxury of their first full window. That’s an awful lot of ins and outs and that’s before we get to Spurs inevitably strengthening, Leicester having Champions League clout, and a resurgent West Ham with a swanky new pad to entice talent to.
Oh and then there’s the small matter of £5.2 billion being shared among the top flight meaning clubs like Crystal Palace can approach clubs like Napoli and say “We want this player and we won’t take no for an answer. Here’s an extra few million to sweeten the deal”.
It will, in short, be absolutely mental and among the multitude of switches that will range from the straightforward to the surprising there will be at least one mind-blower. I guarantee it. There will be at least one transfer before Jim White walks off-set at one minute past midnight on September 2nd for a well-deserved chai tea that will explode our freakin’ brain-matter to smithereens.
It borders on insanity to try and predict transfer movement at the most normal of times. Like nailing jelly to a cloud. Even so that’s too easy. Let’s strap on a straightjacket and attempt to second-guess the jaw-dropper…
Yaya Toure to Man United
It would be a surprise to many if the Ivorian remains pivotal to City’s plans next season and judging by his agent’s recent comments the powerhouse midfielder knows it. Pep has previous for moving on Toure to make way for players who better fit his footballing template and the initial speculation linked the 32 year old with a lucrative winding-down period in the MLS or even China.
Not so claims Dimitry Seluk. Yaya is determined to stay in the Premier League.
Now who has the status to lure him from the two-times title holders and additionally has a penchant for aging, slow midfielders on huge salaries?
He would never agree to go there you say. This is a man who kicked up a royal fuss over the lack of birthday respect remember. He would.
David Silva to Villarreal
On the face of things the exquisite talent nicknamed Merlin by the City supporters goes hand in silky glove with Pep Guardiola’s philosophy. Yet all is not right with the sumptuous Spaniard and in truth hasn’t been for some time.
A persistent ankle injury has contributed to an underwhelming 2015/16 and his discontent and frustration comes through in his performances where he has become something of a flat-track bully: influential at home against the Bournemouths and Villas but anonymous in the big games.
It would be a big call by Pep to offload a player who is truly loved at the Etihad but from Silva’s perspective he has reputedly been hankering for a return home for some time. A sentimental reunion at Valencia seems impossible due to their current woes while Real Madrid and Barcelona are out. Which leaves Champions League chasing Villlarreal.
John Terry to Leicester
Though not yet finalised the talismanic Terry’s exit from the Bridge after two decades of outstanding service looks increasingly likely with a move across the Atlantic the safest bet.
Especially so after the 35 year old recently ruled out any short-term move to another Premier League outfit not wishing to taint his loyal legacy at Chelsea.
A free transfer to join the Leicester adventure however may yet appeal. It would reunite the centre-back with his former charge Claudio Ranieri, afford him the luxury of one last Champions League, while the Foxes would benefit enormously from his vast experience.
Watch this space.
Jordan Henderson to Spurs
With a limited squad Jurgen Klopp has took Liverpool to a major final while keeping the Reds in contention for a top four spot. Imagine what he’ll do once he’s culled the deadwood, brought in his own players, and had an entire pre-season with his personnel.
Henderson is anything but ‘deadwood’ but the whispers are building to half-whispers that Stevie G’s supposed heir apparent might be surplus to requirements this summer should a decent bid come in, a bid sufficient in size to help fund Klopp’s necessary shopping spree.
Tottenham is the neatest fit here. After all they love a midfielder more than anyone.
Serge Aurier to Arsenal
Suspended by PSG following his insulting remarks about Laurent Blanc and Ibrahimovic it’s perhaps not the biggest gobsmacker to suggest the Ivory Coast full-back might be Premier League bound this summer. His situation at the French champions certainly looks untenable despite the 23 year old being a much coveted talent.
A switch to Arsenal has been mooted and here’s where the surprise may occur with Aurier coming to the Emirates allowing Hector Bellerin’s return to Spain. You heard it here first.
