This summer looks like being another busy one in Premier League with a host of players linked with transfers to other clubs. Here are 20 Premier League players that could be moving to other clubs this summer.
Michu (Swansea City)
The Swansea City striker has had a fantastic first season in the Premier League, scoring 22 goals for the Welsh club and is being regarded as one of the best transfers of last summer. The Spaniard arrived for £2 million from Rayo Vallecano and was a relative unknown but following an amazing season at the Liberty stadium, the striker has created a lot interest amongst other clubs. A host of big name Premier League teams look to be interested in the players signature, with Arsenal said to be the frontrunner.
Despite Arsenal’s interest in a number of high profile strikers throughout Europe, manager Arsene Wenger is known to enjoy a bargain and could see Michu being as being one of the signings of the summer yet again. Liverpool were also said to be interested in Michu during the season and could re-ignite their interest during the summer.
Ashley Williams (Swansea City)
Swansea captain Ashley Williams is another player who has had a wonderful season under Michael Laudrup at the Liberty Stadium. Williams led Swansea at Wembley in the League Cup final where they beat Bradford City. The 28 year old signed a new contract with the Swans in October 2012 but that hasn’t stopped Williams being linked with other clubs. Both Liverpool and Arsenal appear to be interested in the strong defender who would keep to tighten up their defences. Arsenal appear to be frontrunners for Welsh defenders signature at the moment with the prospect of Champions League football sure to entice Williams.
Swansea value Williams at £10 million and the swans will not want to let their captain go for any less.
Christan Benteke (Aston Villa)
The Aston Villa striker is another player who has had a fantastic first season in the Premier League, scoring goals at important times to keep Villa in the Premier League. But Benteke’s performances have led him to be courted by a number of clubs in the Premier League and throughout Europe. Liverpool see Benteke as an ideal replacement for Luis Suarez should the Uruguay international leave Liverpool for Real Madrid or Athletico Madrid. Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Athletico are also interested in Benteke, who scored 19 goals with 4 assists for Villa last season.
Paul Lambert wants to keep Benteke at Villa Park and is set to offer the Belgian a new contract. Reports suggest that Benteke will not sign a new contract and wants to leave Villa Park for a team that is competing for silverware.
Edin Dzeko (Man City)
Bosnian Dzeko signed for Manchester City in January 2011 for £27 million and had played a big part in Manchester City’s recent success, often coming off the bench to score crucial late goals. This was no different last season when Dzeko scored 14 Premier League goals despite only starting 16 games. However, with a change of manager at the Etihad there is a change of approach and it seems that Dzeko will be surplus to requirements at Manchester City. Luckily there are no shortage of suitors for the Bosnian and they include new Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea’s last success under Mourinho was built around the powerful Didier Drogba upfront and Mourinho feels that Dzeko can perform that role in the managers second spell at Chelsea. Reports suggest that Dzeko will be Mourinho’s first signing at Chelsea and the Bosnian may get to start more games at his new club with Mourinho looking to use him on a more regular basis than at City.
Darren Bent (Aston Villa)
The former England striker has endured a frustrating season at Villa Park. Bent has not been able to force his way in to the Aston Villa starting line-up, with Villa manager Paul Lambert preferring to use Christan Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlour up front. This has left Bent on the bench and he is known to have grown disillusioned with life at Villa. It seems that Bent will almost certainly leave the club this season in a bid to regain his place within the England set-up before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Bent has recently been linked with a move to newly promoted Crystal Palace, with manager Ian Holloway keen to sign a striker who will score plenty of goals in the Premier League. Bent would certainly fit the bill having been one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers just a few years ago.
Marouane Fellani (Everton)
The Belgian midfielder has been a key part of an Everton side that has continuously punched above its weight under David Moyes. Fellani signed for Everton from Standard Liege for £15 million and has been well worth the money that Everton have spend on him scoring important goals and being a powerful presence in midfield and attack. Almost since he signed for Everton, Fellani has been linked with other clubs in Premier League and Europe. It is no difference this summer with interest in the midfielder as high as ever.
One possible reason for this is the departure of Everton manager David Moyes, who has gone to Manchester United. Moyes is a big admirer of Fellani and could pay the £24 million that will trigger a release clause in the Belgians contract. Chelsea are also known to be interested in the Belgian and could rival any bid from Manchester United.
Leighton Baines (Everton)
The Everton full-back is a reliable presence within the Everton team, being solid in defenCe and dangerous in attack. Baines has been ever present in the Everton first team ever since he signed from Wigan and has even been a fixture in the England team, being a regular understudy to Ashley Cole. Baines will surely take over from Cole when the latter retires for England duty.
With such a strong skill set, Baines has been linked with many top clubs during his time at Everton. This season is no exception, especially since manger David Moyes has left Everton for Manchester United. The Scot could try and bring Baines with him to Old Trafford, possibly in a double raid, bringing Maroune Fellini with him to Manchester.
Scott Sinclair (Man City)
Scott Sinclair signed for Manchester City last summer for £6.2 million hoping to test himself playing against the world’s best players in the Champions League. A year later and Sinclair has hardly played for the Premier League runners-up, starting just 3 games for City. He was seen as a replacement for frustrated winger Adam Johnson, who moved to Sunderland.
Now it seems that Sinclair has given up on breaking into the Manchester City first team and wants to move away from the Etihad and play at a team where he will get first team football. Ideally, Sinclair would like to get to the level he was at while playing Swansea and maybe break into the England squad. A possible destination for Sinclair would be a return to Swansea however some believe the club shouldn’t re-sign him, including former Welsh striker John Hartson. Sinclair may not get a permanent move away from City this season and may find himself out on a season long loan.
Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has been a rock at the back for Liverpool for awhile and it now looks like his future may be elsewhere. The defender has struggled to hold down a regular place in Liverpool’s starting eleven this year and with the Anfield club adding Kolo Toure to their books for next season, first team opportunities may be hard to come by for Skrtel.
A move away from Anfield maybe the defenders best chance of first team football with Napoli looking like a possible destination for the defender. A move to Italy would appeal to Skrtel, allowing him to hook up with former manager Rafa Benitez. Napoli will also be playing in the Champions League next season, proving another incentive for Skrtel to move to Napoli. Arsenal are also said to be interested in the defender, with manager Arsene Wenger looking to strengthen his squad for a fresh assult of the Premier League title.
Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)
Vermaelen was once considered one of the most underrated defenders in the Premier League, his small stature betraying his bravery and his defensive skill. The 2012/2013 season has not been kind to the Belgian however. He has lost his starting place at the heart of Arsenal’s defence despite being club captain. Manager Arsene Wenger seemed to prefer the combination of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscienlny at the back. Wenger also seems set to strength the Gunners defence still further, with the Emirates based club looking into transfers for Martin Skrtel and Ashley Williams.
Speculation has mounted that Vermaelen could be moving away from Arsenal in search of first team football. Possible destinations for Vermaelen seem to lie abroad, with Barcelona set to pounce if the Belgian decides its time to leave Arsenal. Rafa Benitez new club Napoli also seem like a possible destination for Vermaelen, with Benitez set to strengthen his defence for the Serie A campaign.
Daniel Agger (Liverpool)
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is another player who has been attracting interest from a number of clubs for awhile. Rumours last season suggested Agger was close to a move to Manchester City for a reported £22 million. That move failed to materialise and Agger stayed at Anfield. The defender hasn’t had the strongest of seasons at Anfield and will be disappointed not to have qualified for next seasons Champions League. Super rick French club AS Monaco are said to be interested in the Danish defender and can pay for any transfer fee that Liverpool demand having signed a host of top players already this summer. Manchester City may get re-ignite their interest in Agger with Liverpool having signed Kolo Toure from the Sky Blues on a free transfer.
Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
The controversial striker is almost certainly going to leave Anfield this summer following another difficult season. The striker has been banned for 10 games for biting Branislav Ivanovic in a Premier League game against Chelsea and feels that the English media have been to unfair on him in their criticism. Liverpool are reluctant to sell their one truly world class player but they may not have a choice considering that Suarez appears to have his heart set on a move to the continent. Real Madrid appear to be interested in signing the striker, and are prepared to pay £40 million for Suarez, although Liverpool are hoping to hold out for more than £50 million.
Real Madrid’s city rivals Athletico Madrid are also set to be ready to bid for the striker as they are looking for a replacement for striker Falcao, who moved to AS Monaco earlier this month. Juventus have also been a rumoured destination for Suarez and with all three playing Champions League football next season, it seems that Liverpool will have to start planning for life without Suarez.
Pepe Reina (Liverpool)
30 year old Pepe Reina has been with Liverpool since 2005 and has been one of the clubs most successful goalkeepers, pulling off many stunning saves and being a rock behind Liverpool’s back for. Last season, Reina wasn’t his usual solid self, making a series of uncharacteristic mistakes leading to goals for the opposition. Reina has since been linked with a move back to his first club, Barcelona.
The Catalan club could be ready to replace current goalkeeper Victor Valdes with Reina. Victor Valdes currently has one year left on his contract and Barca may seek to move the Spaniard before his contract runs out. A move to Barcelona would appeal to Reina as it was his first club and Barca are the current defending La Liga champions. Sunderland’s Simon Mignolet may be lined up as a
replacement should Reina leave for Barcelona.
David Luiz (Chelsea)
David Luiz is Chelsea’s brilliant yet sometimes frustrating Brazilian central defender. He has caught the eye with some eye catching displays, including moments of brilliants such as powerful free kicks and passes that Paul Scholes would have been proud to make. But Luiz insistence in trying taking the ball forward has meant mistakes, making him a frustrating figure at Stamford Bridge. New boss Jose Mourinho doesn’t seem to have time for Luiz and could be about to sell the defender. Barcelona are known to be admirers of the Brazilian, having enquired about his availability last summer.
Chelsea could decide to cash in on Luiz this summer, with Barca thought to be offering £30 million for the 26 year old. Rafa Benitez new club Napoli are also said be interested in acquiring the signature of Luiz.
Andy Carroll (Liverpool)
Andy Carroll currently holds the record for the highest transfer fee for an Englishman. Liverpool paid Newcastle £35 million for the tall striker and many Liverpool fans thought they were buying the next Alan Shearer. Things haven’t gone quite to plan for Carroll since his move to Liverpool.
His career at Anfield was thwarted by injuries and then last summer he agreed to go on loan to West Ham with their being little prospect of first team football at Liverpool. Carroll has re-built his reputation at West Ham to an extent but Liverpool appear to want to offload the striker for good this summer. West Ham are thought to have agreed a fee for Carroll but the striker seems reluctant to move to Upton Park on a permanent basis. There is also the possibility of a move back to Newcastle but it is unknown whether the club would want to pay the transfer fee for such an injury prone striker.
Nani (Man United)
Portuguese winger Nani has been the subject of frustration at Old Trafford since he arrived their in 2007. He was dubbed the next Cristano Ronaldo but hasn’t quite managed to live up to the hype. For every moment of brilliance there has been a moment of disappointment and it could be that new Manchester United manager David Moyes is willing to sell the winger and spend the money on another player. A possible destination for Nani could super rich AS Monaco, who look to be willing to pay £20 million for Nani.
At newly promoted AS Monaco, Nani may get a long run in the first team although he may have to compete with another new signing, winger James Rodriguez who recently signed from FC Porto. Juventus is also another possible destination for the winger and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is known to be a long-term admirer of Nani.
Bacary Sagna (Arsenal)
Arsenal full-back Sagna currently has one year left on his contract at Arsenal and has been hinting for the past year that he is not happy at the Emirates. Sagna was bought as one of Europe’s most highly rated young defenders but has never quite been able to live up to that tag. Too many times a good run in Arsenal’s first team has been stopped by a long injury lay-off.
It now seems that Sagna’s Arsenal future is over with a move back to France thought to be on the cards. Both big spending French clubs, Paris St Germain and AS Monaco, are thought to be monitoring the Frenchman’s situation and may decide to bid for Sagna at some point during the summer. Arsenal may also try and get Sagna to sign a new contract but that doesn’t look a possibility at the moment.
Asmir Begovic (Stoke City)
Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has been linked to many of the top clubs in the Premier League due to some strong displays for the Potters this season. However clubs wishing to sign Begovic will have to pay the £12 million valuation. In what was a difficult season for Stoke, Begovic stood out with a series of fine displays in goal. Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been linked with the Bosnian but maybe unwilling to pay the asking price.
Begovic is unlikely to want to be understudy to David De Gea at Manchester United and should he sign for Arsenal, Begovic would have to compete with Worjech Szezney. A move to Liverpool could be a possibility if the Reds sell Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina. It is up to Stoke if they wish to sell but they do have young English goalkeeper Jack Buckland waiting in the wings if they do decide to sell Begovic.
Wayne Rooney (Man United)
Rooney could be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer following a falling out with the Manchester United hierarchy. Rooney was upset that he was left out of Manchester United’s Champions League 2nd game against Real Madrid in March. He then asked manager Sir Alex Ferguson if he could leave the club in order to get a fresh start. Since then Ferguson has retired and been replaced by Everton manager David Moyes. Rooney was given his first professional start by Moyes and the Scot could persuade Rooney to stay at Old Trafford.
If he doesn’t, many top clubs in Europe appear to be ready to bid for Rooney including Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. French clubs Paris St Germain and AS Monaco appear to possibilities as well.
Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
The Welsh winger is one of the most sought after players in world football at the moment following a stunning season with Tottenham Hotspur. It reminds to be seen whether Bale will stay at Spurs beyond this summer. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is apparently ready to offer Bale a new contract to stay at the club but many of Europes top clubs appear to be turning the Welshman’s head. Real Madrid appear to be leading the pack for Bale, with Los Blancos set to offer Tottenham a world record £85 million, £5 million more than they paid to sign Cristano Ronaldo. Such a sum of money would be hard to turn down for Tottenham.
Also interested in Bale are Tottenham’s Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea. Former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was a known admirer of Bale and the club may look to try and beat Real Madrid to the signing of this summers most prized asset.