SHAREAs another exciting and dramatic Premier League season draws to a close, all eyes will be drawn to what will be an interesting spectacle in the Summer Transfer window. Yes, the football on the pitch will be over, but the action off it continues. Feast your eyes on what is likely to be the most captivating Summer window yet with clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, and the La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona sure to spend bucket loads of cash.
With Chelsea and Tottenham running away with the Premier League in a two-horse race, both Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho will be slightly disappointed they have not been able to match the performances of both London clubs. Expect both coaches to pull out big cheques this summer to strengthen their squads for the new season.
Arsenal on the other hand, are facing an uncertain summer as the future of Arsene Wenger continues to be in question, will he still be at the helm this summer? Reports have long since emerged that the Frenchman will sign a two-year extension to his current deal.
And what about in La Liga? Barcelona themselves will be facing a hectic transfer window as they will not only be looking to strengthen their squad but will also be on the hunt for a new man at the helm to replace Luis Enrique. Will Real Madrid be looking for another Galactico? Eden Hazard maybe? Kylian Mbappe?
There are a lot of questions, debates and uncertainty that will need to be answered as we enter into the summer transfer window. Nonetheless, it will be an enthralling summer filled with transfer surprises and of course, a number of mega-buck deals.
But which of these major signings can we expect? Lets take a look at Part 1 of the expected major signings to happen this summer:
Eden Hazard – Real Madrid
A potential transfer deal that would truly damage not only Chelsea fans but Premier League neutrals also. Eden Hazard has become one of the most exciting players to watch over the years with his unerring pieces of skill and ability on the ball. If Hazard was to move to La Liga this summer, we will be losing of the Premier League’s most prized assets. We all talk about Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar but Hazard should be mentioned in the same class.
Various reports have emerged that Hazard is more than happy to stay with Chelsea for one more season, as the club return to the Champions League after a year out. The Belgian superstar has two Premier League trophies in his cabinet already but he will be dreaming of a Champions League medal.
Hazard would need to decide this summer, which club can match his ambitions ? A move to the mighty Real Madrid who are on course for yet another European gong to add to their heavily decorated Champions League cabinet. Or he can stay it out at Chelsea and see what happens. Hazard does look like he is staying at the Bridge next season but when a transfer deal involves Real Madrid, you just never know…
David De Gea – Real Madrid
Twice over the past three years Real Madrid had failed in their attempts to secure the signature of Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea. This summer may just be the year Madrid finally get their man. Widespread reports have suggested that the Bernabeu club will go all out for the Spanish goalkeeper once the transfer window reopens.
A goalkeeper who has grown into one of the World’s best after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford under Sir Alex, he has matured and grown considerably since then. His confidence and belief in his own outstanding ability has been his biggest attribute over the years at United.
It is reported by various news outlets that United are trying everything they can to offer De Gea a new bumper contract, with only two years left on his current deal, however, it seems as though De Gea has his heart set on a move back to his homeland.
If that was to occur, Jose Mourinho will have a tough job on his hands trying to replace an incredible asset – a goalkeeper capable of winning points on his own, a goalkeeper that can win you a Premier League title in fact.
Kasper Schmeichel – Manchester United
This deal could be in direct response to the above. If David De Gea was to leave Old Trafford – it is believed – according to Sky Sources that Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel could be the potential heir to the Spanish goalkeeper’s throne. And why not? Schmeichel represents a steady replacement for David De Gea, if you look at his form and abilities over the past few years.
Schmeichel’s heroics last season in Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League title triumph and his performances in the Champions League this season have catapulted him to greater heights, meaning he could find himself at a top club like Manchester United before the start of next season.
Bearing in mind, his father used to be an Old Trafford legend. Prophecy?
Marco Verratti – Barcelona/Bayern Munich
The ideal successor to Andres Iniesta’s throne at Barcelona. The Catalan club have been trying to sign Marco Verratti for a while now, and it easy to see why. The diminutive Italian seems the perfect fit for Barcelona’s midfield, so much so that you’d think he’d been moulded from the earth found under the Camp Nou pitch. It’s quite unerring how good a match this would be if Verratti were to seek pastures new and move to Barcelona this summer.
Marco Verratti is a playmaker extraordinaire. Capable of dictating play, threading balls through the eye of the needle – into feet and team mates runs. He can run with the ball, and while he’s no Neymar, he certainly has the ability to dribble past his opponents with ease.
More than his ability to attack, he is a great defender. A shield to the back four at PSG – tenacious in the tackle with a real zeal for dispossessing his opponents. The perfect man to replace the great Andres Iniesta. I ain’t a Barcelona fan at heart, but I would be very excited at the prospect of watching Verratti dominating La Liga for years to come.
Bayern Munich are believed to be interested in the Italian’s services also – a perfect replacement for Xabi Alonso who is retiring at the end of the season. Though his ability would make him a perfect fit for Barcelona.
Written by Anthony Onifade
Follow Anthony on twitter @antzhumbleent
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