The top transfer targets at the World Cup this summer.
As the World Cup approaches, clubs the world over will have their eyes peeled for bargains, hidden gems and big stars to spend their cash on during the transfer window, and we’ve compiled a list of the best three players from every country at this year’s tournament that could tempt teams to get the chequebook out.
Spain
Iker Casillas – Real Madrid
Saint Iker may finally decide that enough is enough in the Spanish capital now, as he has spent another year in the wilderness behind Diego Lopez. He had seen his spot as Spain’s number one come under threat, but an injury to Victor Valdes has most likely seen him slot back in safely. However, he can show the world that his lack of activity has not affected him by helping Spain to another final.
Cesc Fabregas – Barcelona
Much like his club mate Alex Song, Fabregas has seen his future with the Spanish giants come into question. Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City all want to bring him back to the Premier League, and a strong performance at the World Cup may cause one of those sides to get a jump on the others by sneaking in with an early bid.
Fernando Llorente – Juventus
The big striker was one of Europe’s most in demand stars whilst at Athletic Bilbao, but he has since endured a difficult first year in Turin this season even though he came away with a respectable 15 goals in 33 appearances in Serie A. However, a club with deep enough pockets could convince the Italian champions to sell, thus landing him a lucrative move to a club in need of a target man.
Netherlands
Daryl Janmaat – Feyenoord
The talented full-back is said to be winding down his contract with the Eredivise side in the hope of snaring himself a move overseas. A number of Premier League sides, including Arsenal, are said to be running the rule over him, though they could face some significant competition should he perform as well as critics believe he will.
Daley Blind – Ajax
The young midfielder has enjoyed a stellar season in Amsterdam, featuring as a key figure in the side’s title winning season. There has been some strong interest in his services from both England and Italy, and though he has not expressed any strong desire to move on this summer, he may be given the chance to fast track his career elsewhere if he makes a positive impact on Group B.
Leroy Fer – Norwich City
Perhaps the only Norwich player to come out of this season with any sense of pride, Fer was by far and away the best player at Carrow Road this term and is already being circled by Liverpool. If he manages to gain some playing time in Group B this summer then the Reds will not be the only ones vying for his signature come July.
Chile
Gary Medel – Cardiff City
The hard man midfielder/defender saw his Premier League adventure end in failure this summer as the Bluebirds made an instant return to the Championship. However, his combative qualities have earned him many admirers as he managed to keep his temper in check to impress with a series of classy displays. Clubs in both England and Spain are said to be sizing him up already.
Arturo Vidal – Juventus
Vidal has established himself as one of the best central midfielders in the world during his time with Juve, but his performances have garnered interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United. Not that either of those sides will need much persuading to make a concrete offer, but a good showing against tough opposition in Group B could convince them to make a concrete move.
Alexis Sanchez – Barcelona
The diminutive forward filled in admirably during Lionel Messi’s injury earlier on in the season, but there is still a sense that his place with the former La Liga champions is not entirely safe. He already has a lot of fans, and if he can translate that domestic form to the international stage then he will likely receive an offer that he will find too good to turn down.
Mile Jedinak – Crystal Palace
Just because Palace ended the season on a high note, doesn’t necessarily mean that the new campaign with go in the same direction. However, in Jedinak the club have a tough, powerful central midfield dynamo that can do everything. They may find subsequently find holding onto him difficult should he impress in a challenging Group B.
Josh Brillante – Newcastle Jets
The impressively beaded midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise to success in his homeland and has apparently caught the eye of several top European clubs this season. Young, combative and wise beyond his tender years, he would represent quite the bargain should he be trusted to patrol the Socceroos midfield.
Ben Halloran – Fortuna Dusseldorf
The 21-year-old forward has been quietly making a good impression in the Bundesliga this term, and though he has yet to earn a full cap for the Australians he will be looking to get off the bench and break into the side in the games building up to the tournament. He has been with the German side for two years now, and a rising Premier League side could be tempted to make a move for him if he manages to pierce the Dutch or Spanish defence.