How we think ten of the longest running transfer sagas will come to an end this summer.
Every summer there is at least one long running transfer saga that usually goes on right up until the transfer window slams shut as soon as the calendar flicks over into September. However, this year there are many, many more. Whether it’s because there has been a World Cup on, or whether clubs are more desperate than ever to inject some fresh blood into their squads it’s hard to say, but below are the ten biggest saga’s that have already ran well over their usual time frame.
10. Dejan Lovren – Southampton
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9. Yevhen Konoplyanka – Dnipro
Linked with: Liverpool, Tottenham, West Ham
The story: Back in January Liverpool had a bid accepted for the Ukrainian international but just missed out on sealing his signature on transfer dealing day. They retained their interest but were seemingly joined by the rest of the Premier League.
What will happen: Nothing. He’s already stated that he’s happy enough with Dnipro, and the prospect of a move to West Ham understandably doesn’t appeal.
8. William Carvalho – Sporting Lisbon
Linked with: Manchester United, Chelsea
The story: United, in desperate need for a competent midfield player, scouted the young Portuguese international over 12 times during the course of the season. Reports that a £32m b/id was accepted appear to be false before he heads off to the World Cup.
What will happen: He will stay in Lisbon. With Van Gaal and Mourinho looking elsewhere, the rest of Europe will wait patiently for another year before someone like Monaco or Real Madrid up their offer to £40m before the English club’s even realise he’s been made available.
7. Eliaquim Mangala – FC Porto
Linked with: Manchester City
The story: City took an interest in the young defender after his meteoric rise lifted Porto ahead of Benfica in the 2012/13 Portuguese title chase. He continued to grab attention, though his game remained massively flawed, and it is only now that the deal has been close to being complete. Also famously told the world that he wanted a move to Chelsea instead of City, but the Blues weren’t even watching him.
What will happen: He will join City, likely before the end of the month.
6. Sami Khedira – Real Madrid
The story: Midfielder gets ruled out for the entire season with injury, only to make it back at the very end to pick up a Champions League and a World Cup winners medal. Suddenly finds out that he’d been wanted for the entire campaign by the two London rivals.
What will happen: Madrid have denied that either side have been in contact, though they will sell to the highest bidder, which for once will probably be Arsenal.
5. Mats Hummels – Borussia Dortmund
Linked with: Manchester United, Barcelona
The story: Two of the world’s biggest clubs race each other for the signature of one of the best centre-back’s in the world. Both sides need a defender, but he had previously expressed a desire to stay at Dortmund.
What will happen: He will go, most likely to Barcelona. Dortmund have sprang for young German stopper Mathias Ginter, which will almost certainly spell the end of the road for his spell with the former champions.
4. Edinson Cavani – Paris Saint Germain
Linked with: Manchester United, Chelsea
The story: Uruguay’s second main goal getter has demanded a move to the Premier League after growing tired of playing second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Ligue 1. However, despite instructing his agent to wrangle him a move to England, the two club’s he’s linked to would likely have him as second fiddle to either Robin Van Persie or Diego Costa.
What will happen: With both sides still looking for reinforcement up front, the likelihood is that Chelsea will be the club willing to shell out the enormous fee that the French side are demanding.
3. Angel Di Maria – Real Madrid
Linked with: Manchester United, Paris Saint Germain
The story: The Madrid man survived the cull that claimed Mesut Ozil last summer finally catches up with him as the club prepare to sign James Rodriguez from Monaco.
What will happen: PSG will outspend anyone in their way.
2. Mario Balotelli – AC Milan
Linked with: Arsenal
The story: After the honeymoon period of his move to Milan ended the outspoken striker has been touted with a return to the Premier League with Arsenal being the most commonly linked side to his signature.
What will happen: Now that the Gunners are sponsored by Puma the sports brand will probably have a huge say on whether he goes or not, but with Arsenal keen on landing another striker there is a good chance that the deal will go ahead.
1. Antoine Griezmann – Real Sociedad
Linked with: Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United
The story: Young French midfielder comes from out of nowhere to become one of the most in-demand players on the planet and follows that up by making it into the France World Cup squad as the natural successor to Franck Ribery.
What will happen: PSG will enter the race towards the end of the window, offer an obscene amount of money and continue to stockpile the hoards of European talent for a year or two before they become disillusioned.
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