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.
Belgium
Thomas Vermaelen – Arsenal
The Gunners stopper has spent the majority of the season on the sidelines, either through injury or just left on the bench, and understandably he has grown frustrated with his situation. A series of top clubs have all been alerted to his situation as recent comments he made have hinted at a switch away from the club this summer. Roma, Fiorentina and Barcelona have all taken an interest in taking him away from the Emirates.
Romelu Lukaku – Chelsea
The powerful striker looks geared to continue his career away from Chelsea after recent reports suggested that the Blues are set to keep both Fernando Torres and Demba Ba. Everton want him back at Goodison Park, but now Borussia Dortmund are lining up a move to take him to the Bundesliga as a replacement for the Bayern bound Robert Lewandowski.
Eden Hazard – Chelsea
Another Chelsea star who is wanted across Europe. He has been in electric form for the Blues this term, but that form has attracted the interest of both Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain, who have both been tipped to make respective £50m moves when the transfer window re-opens in the summer.
Igor Akinfeev – CSKA Moscow
No longer a hot young prospect at the age of 28, the highly-rated stopper has resisted a move away from Russia for years, but as he nears the end of his contract this summer, a few good performances could prompt a lucrative offer to come from one of Europe’s top leagues. Arsenal had been linked with him in the past, as had Manchester United, but Italy would appear to be his most likely destination.
Alan Dzagoev – CSKA Moscow
The diminutive playmaker remains one of the most sought after stars in Europe and with the World Cup coming up an offer from a top European side is likely. Manchester United are still fans, as are Real Madrid, but CSKA won’t let him go without a fight and will demand a high fee to release him.
Aleksandr Kokorin – Dynamo Moscow
The big forward has been making a name for himself as a handful in Russia and has such been attracting interest from the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Swansea City. However, he will most likely want to go somewhere able to offer him European football.
Algeria
Faouzi Ghoulam – Napoli
The rangy, marauding full-back was so impressive with Saint Etienne that Napoli boss Rafa Benitez wasted no time at all in securing his signature. However, Liverpool were also interested in making an offer, and since his switch Brendan Rodgers has kept a close watch on his development with the intention of making a second move for him over the summer.
Yacine Brahimi – Granada
Several Premier League sides were rumoured to be interested in signing him last summer, only to miss out to Granada instead. However, this time around Everton are reportedly ready to come back with a substantial offer to finally get him to the English top flight.
Nabil Ghilas – Porto
Ghilas has struggled for game time in Portugal, and though the club only signed him for €3m, an buyout clause of €30m was installed into his contract. Understandably, that fee has put off interested parties from making a move, but the club are now said to be willing to lower their asking price in order to get him off their books.
Kim Bo-kyung – Cardiff City
Kim was one of Cardiff’s better performers in a disappointing season that ended with their relegation from the top flight. However, a number of Premier League sides are keep on keeping him where he is in the shape of Hull, Sunderland and Leicester City all interested in making an offer.
Ki Sung-yueng – Swansea City
The combative midfielder was a key figure in Sunderland’s survival this season as his tireless patrolling of the middle ground earned the Black Cats a generous share of points. However, since his return to South Wales his future is still very much up in the air. A host of sides are interested in bringing him on board, and a good showing at the World Cup could see a concrete offer being made.
Son Heung-min – Bayer Leverkusen
Undoubtedly the star of the South Korean side, the 21-year-old joined Bayer Leverkusen last season from Hamburg, and the latter struggled without him this term. However, Liverpool and Arsenal are still making glances at his transfer fee and both will weigh up possible moves after the tournament.