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.
France
Hugo Lloris – Tottenham Hotspur
The Spurs stopper has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football next term after failing to secure it in north London, and being one of the few players to end the season with his head held high he has naturally attracted some interest in his services. Both Ligue 1 moneybags Monaco and PSG are pondering moves, though so are Manchester United.
Mathieu Valbuena – Marseille
The diminutive playmaker has already told Marseille that he’s off this summer, and after years of faithful service he has wracked up a considerable amount of admirers. Liverpool and Arsenal were said to be battling it out for his signature, though there are sides in Spain that are also keen.
Antoine Griezmann – Real Sociedad
Griezmann burst onto the scene this year with some mature and assured displays in the Champions League, and as such has got the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal salivating at the prospect of bringing him on board. However, big sides in his native France are also watching him closely, and it would be no surprise to see him on the move at some point during the transfer window.
Switzerland
Fabian Schar – FC Basel
The erstwhile defender is just the latest player of a talented crop of stars to be harvested at Basel this year and as such, Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for him to replace the unhappy Thomas Vermaelen. He has already showed that he can handle the big occasion thanks to his performances in the Champions League, and if the World Cup can serve him in the same way then a scramble for his services is sure to ensue.
Valon Behrami – Napoli
The former West Ham star has been impressing in Italy since leaving east London in 2011, and has once again found himself in high demand. A strong season with Napoli has brought him to the attention of Liverpool, who could decide to press ahead with a deal that could finally see Pepe Reina join the Serie A outfit in a permanent deal.
Xherdan Shaqiri – Bayern Munich
Shaqiri was the first major talent to exit FC Basel in 2012, and was tipped to be an instant success. However, after two years at Bayern he is yet to truly establish himself as a first team regular and may decide to move on to keep his rate of progress at a similar level. Liverpool, again, have been credited with a heavy interest, though much could depend on how well he does in Brazil.
Cristian Ramirez – Fortuna Dusseldorf
The pacy left-back has been making a name for himself in the Bundesliga this term and has earned some plaudits for his tireless efforts on the flank when it comes to both going forward and defending. He has made quick progress into Ecuador’s senior side and will be going into the World Cup with just two caps to his name. However, Benfica are said to be watching and could pounce should he continue to grow.
Antonio Valencia – Manchester United
Valencia is the undisputed star of this Ecuadorian side, but coming off the back of another disappointing campaign at Old Trafford the rumours of an exit are continuing to grow. There is a chance that he will be able to resurrect his career under Louis Van Gaal next term, but if he performs to the level many know that he can then he will have no shortage of options come the summer.
Felipe Caicedo – Al Jazira
The former Man City striker has been away from England for three years now and has been bumbling around Spain, Russia and the UAE. However, rumour has it that he is looking to return to Europe and this tournament could provide to be the springboard he needs.
Honduras
Emilio Izaguirre – Celtic
The speedy full-back was signed off the back of his output at the last tournament in South Africa. However, his career in Scotland has hit the skids somewhat lately and he may want to use this at an opportunity to earn himself another switch.
Wilson Palacios – Stoke City
Since first coming to the Premier League back in 2007, Palacios has never managed to settle in England despite performing capably wherever he’s been. This could prove to be a chance to him to earn a move to somewhere he can call home as he approaches 30.
Andy Najar – Anderlecht
The nippy winger has made a meteoric rise in his short career so far having been plucked from MLS outfit DC United by Anderlecht. He has since been watched by the likes of Spurs, Valencia and Hull during his time in the lowlands and will be looking to prove his value to interested parties over the course of the tournament.