2. Thiago Alcantara (Barcelona to Manchester United)
This outstanding young prospect is surely going to be on his way out of Barcelona this summer after struggling to work his way past some immense competition in midfield at the Nou Camp. Thiago Alcantara has long been rated as one of the club’s best young players, but is unfortunate to find himself up against the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas in Tito Vilanova’s star-studded team.
After a superb performance for Spain, including a memorable hat-trick in the final against Italy, helping them to win the European Under-21 Championships, Alcantara may finally feel he deserves a move away, and he will not be short of suitors this summer, with Manchester United said to be leading the chase for his signature.
Although United will probably also sign PSV midfielder Kevin Strootman, he would like to bring in more creativity into his midfield, as the likes of Anderson, Tom Cleverley and Nani all struggled to provide ammunition for the team’s attackers in 2012/13. While Strootman will likely play deeper in the ‘Scholes’ position, Alcantara will be given a role just behind the likes of Robin van Persie to work his magic. United have already activated his £17million minimum release fee clause and confirmation of the deal could just be days away as a few final touches are sorted.
United were also said to be trying for Alcantara’s team-mate Fabregas, but were rejected by the Spaniard, though they may have landed themselves an even bigger prospect in the 22-year-old.