We are in the midst of transfer season.
So, as you would naturally expect, the rumour mill is in overdrive and we’ve taken a look at some of the stories from this week and look if they are realistic or merely speculation.
Here are six of them.
Cristiano Ronaldo (from Real Madrid to Juventus)
What’s the story? In what’s becoming a running summer theme, Cristiano Ronaldo – the current (and five-time) Ballon d’Or recipient – is being linked with a move away from Real Madrid his home for the last eight seasons. Across the past few the Portuguese forward has been associated with a Bernabéu exit, former team Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain the most notable destinations, this time around it’s the turn of Italian powerhouse (and perennial Serie A champions) Juventus.
Key stat: Cristiano Ronaldo averages a goal every 80 minutes for Real Madrid.
Key quotes: The former Juventus director Luciano Moggi believes a transfer is all but completed: “In my opinion he has already signed and he had a medical with Juventus in Munich,” he wrote on Twitter. Before elaborating in a conversation with Tele7Gold: “This is what I think after talking to important people.”
Could it happen? As mentioned a departure has previously been mooted, but in the end Ronaldo pens a new bumper deal, a repeat of that remains to be seen. Following the club’s 13th European Cup success in May, there was a hint from Ronaldo his time in Spain could be coming to an end, and reports have surfaced suggesting a breakdown in relationship with Los Blancos president Florentino Pérez and Juve are ready to bankroll a deal if the powers that be in Madrid give the green light.
Gonzalo Higuain (from Juventus to Chelsea)
What’s the story? Sport Mediaset claims Chelsea have reached an agreement with Juventus to acquire the services of striker Gonzalo Higuain for a reported £53m and it would be made official following Maurizio Sarri’s arrival as manager.
Key stat: Gonzalo Higuain has registered 15+ league goals in each of his last seven seasons.
Key quotes: “I have a contract with Juventus and no-one has told me any different,” Higuain told ESPN in Argentina last month.
“I’m very calm, my soul remains in Turin for now. The Premier League? Of course I like it, it’s the most beautiful league in the world and I’d like to play in it.”
Could it happen? Higuain’s present deal expires in June 2021, but if the bianconeri manage to pull off the signing of Ronaldo then it could get crowded with the Argentine a likely victim. His brother, however, has publicly said he wishes to stay.
Yerry Mina (Barcelona to Everton)
What’s the story? Everton, according to Liverpool Echo, want to sign Barcelona centre-back Yerry Mina.
Key stat: Yerry Mina is the first defender to score a goal in each of his first three World Cup matches in the tournament’s history.
Key quotes: “For me, Barcelona are the best team in the world. I don’t want to leave and I never have. I like the club, the city, the people, the players here… everything,” he recently told EFE (via Sport).
Could it happen? Despite only relocating to Barcelona earlier this year, to much fanfare it must be said, Mina’s future at the Camp Nou already looks in doubt. It will not be the first time the Catalan powerhouse have said goodbye to a new recruit as soon as they have arrived (see Dmytro Chygrynskiy), though his recent World Cup performances for Colombia could stem the tide, and grant him a second chance.
Nabil Fekir (from Lyon to Liverpool)
Another twist in the Fekir – Liverpool transfer saga?
What’s the story? The Daily Mirror claims Liverpool have resumed talks with Lyon regarding a deal to sign French international midfielder Nabil Fekir.
Key stat: 27.8% of Nabil Fekir’s goals in Ligue 1 last season, of which there were 18, came from outside the box.
#SquawkaScout: Nabil Fekir
• 90 take-ons
• 59 chances created
• 18 goals
• 8 assistsIn demand. 🧐 pic.twitter.com/rDvbm0ZLho
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 24, 2018
Key quotes: “He has expressed his desire to play at another level,” Lyon boss Bruno Génésio told reporters in France.
“We will need to set a date. If there is a possibility like with Liverpool, Nabil will certainly seize the opportunity, once both parties agree.”
Could it happen? Fekir has made it known he yearns for a new adventure so if a deal can be resurrected, and is reported to have agreed terms. The primary obstacle is Liverpool’s relationship with Lyon after the earlier deal, worth just shy of £50m overall, fell through.
Jack Wilshere (free agent to West Ham)
What’s the story? Jack Wilshere has sat down with West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini ahead of a potential move, according to the Daily Mail.
Key stat: Jack Wilshere is Arsenal’s youngest ever league debutant at the age of 16 years and 256 days.
Key quotes: “I am willing to go abroad if the right opportunity comes up. Also everyone knows I like the Premier League and the battle of it.” he recently told Sky Sports.
Could it happen? Wilshere is not short on options with Turkish giants Fenerbahçe also keeping tabs. West Ham, who are keen to push on under Pellegrini, need to present an ambitious project to convince a footballer who not long ago was playing Champions League football.
Daley Blind (Manchester United to Ajax)
What’s the story? Ajax, in a report published by De Telegraaf, are keen to bring Daley Blind back to his boyhood club.
Key stat: Daley Blind made seven league appearances for Man Utd last season – the fewest since turning professional.
Key quotes: “I can not say much, but everyone knows how I feel about Ajax,” he told De Telegraaf.
Could it happen? Jose Mourinho is happy to retain Blind as a utility player, though being reduced to a squad player at Old Trafford – thus limiting his playing time – is harming his international career. With his father back at the club in an administrative role Blind could be persuaded to return and lead a new look team (featuring Dusan Tadic).
The post Fekir – Liverpool move back on? Ronaldo to Juventus? Key stats and facts behind the latest transfer rumours appeared first on Squawka News.
From Squawka NewsSquawka News https://ift.tt/2KTFGNd
No comments:
Post a Comment