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.
Colombia
Fredy Guarin – Inter Milan
The midfield schemer has been in great form for Inter, when he can get into side. And his performances have garnered some significant interest from the Premier League as the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United have made tentative offers to take him away from the San Siro. However, he stayed and penned a new deal, but that doesn’t mean that interested parties won’t make a return for him later in the summer.
Luis Muriel – Udinese
The 23-year-old has been touted as one of the most mercurially talented strikers in the Italian top flight as his performances have often led to comparisons with Brazilian legend Ronaldo. Liverpool had been known to be keeping an eye on him, but if he can replicate his explosive league form on the international stage then the Reds may have their work cut out for them during the transfer window.
Radamel Falcao – Monaco
The big one! Falcao raised eyebrows when he linked up with the French title contenders last summer, and though he started the season well he ended it on the sidelines with a knew problem that threatened to derail his chances of appearing at the World Cup. However, he is said to be unhappy at playing in front of half empty stadiums and is already looking for a way out. Chelsea and Real Madrid remain poised.
Cote d’Ivoire
Serge Aurier – Toulouse
Aurier has been the name on everybody’s lips in certain sections of north London recently as he has been tipped to be the player to take over from Bacary Sagna in Arsenal’s right-back slot. Having spent the past two years with Toulouse, he has been quietly making a name for himself in Ligue 1, and he will now give the whole world a chance to see what he is made of.
Yaya Toure – Manchester City
Despite only just coming off the back of winning another Premier League title with the Sky Blues, rumours have it that Toure is unhappy at the club and could be tempted to make an exit in the coming months. Everybody know’s what the 31-year-old is capable of, but only a select few can afford him. All the usual suspects have been linked with making a move, but the World Cup could convince one of them to press ahead with a concrete offer.
Didier Drogba – Galatasaray
Drogba may be entering the twilight of his career, but he is still worth a goal and a few £££ signs in terms of revenue, and as he prepares to leave Turkish giants Galatasaray this summer he will get the chance to prove that he is still a top quality frontman as he searches for one final club to turn out for.
Japan
Atsuto Uchida – Schalke 04
Arsenal have earmarked the Bundesliga star as another name in a long line of potential replacements for the outbound full-back Bacary Sagna. However, with more and more Japanese players making their way to top European leagues there may be a few more scouts than usual at the country’s games this summer as his tireless energy and outstanding quality will make him one of the squad’s best players.
Yuto Nagamoto – Inter Milan
Earlier on in the season north London exploded with rumours as both Spurs and Arsenal displayed a tentative interest in the 27-year-old. Having spent three of the past four years at Inter the time could be right for him to move on to a new challenge and express what he can do on a regular basis after finding himself in and out of the Inter match day squad.
Hiroshi Kiyotake – FC Nurnberg
The diminutive playmaker has been gaining a steady number of admirers over the past two seasons in Germany, and last summer Aston Villa were reportedly close to bringing him to the Premier League. Many believe that he is worthy of a much higher platform, and providing he makes a good account of himself then he may very well get his wish.
Greece
Sokratis Papastathopoulos – Borussia Dortmund
Having only joined Dortmund last summer following impressive form with Werder Bremen, the Greek stopper is already in high demand across Europe with both Liverpool and Arsenal keeping watch. More will join them, though, as his excellent reading of the game coupled with his formidable strength make him an incredibly attractive proposition.
Georgios Samaras – Celtic
Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon already hinted that the lanky striker would be moving on over the summer, as a number of clubs in both England and Spain have placed him at the top of their priority list. Never been one to find the net on a regular basis, he would suit a club looking to add a striker capable of holing play up to bring others into the game.
Konstantinos Mitroglou – Fulham
Having initially been linked with Arsenal he must have been slightly disappointed to link up with Fulham – especially seeing as their campaign ended with relegation. However, his stock remains high in Europe as clubs in the Premier League and La Liga all seek to take closer looks as him during the tournament.