Potential Summer Transfers XI

The end of the season is here and if you thought the action was over, barely. For the good clubs, it is a time for deep contemplation and for the great clubs, it is time for swift action to compile a team that shall go all the way next season. This season is peculiar as it sees a lot of managerial changes in spite of some fairly good results. These managers will be involved in putting their mark on the squads, reorganizing and tactical adaptation. The stakes are higher than ever in football now and the patience is as low as ever. Failure is not an option. The case studies are numerous: Rafael Benitez at Chelsea, Mancini at City and so on. This list is a tentative idea of what changes we can expect in top clubs across Europe with a focus on some exceptional footballers who might make a move.

GK: Jose Reina

Reina has been eternally linked to the Catalan giants but due to twin-factors he could actually end up at Barcelona this summer. With Victor Valdes unsure about his future, Barcelona might want Reina’s services and it seems that Brendan Rodgers is not too keen on retaining Reina. Liverpool have already been keeping an eye on Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Even if Victor Valdes chooses to give another year to Barcelona, Reina is likely to have enough suitors.

RB: Bacary Sagna

The Arsenal player has been unsettled at the club and is openly seeking a move away to a club that offers more trophies. This has been the line of argument coming in from every Arsenal player in the past few years and unfortunately Arsene Wenger has been unable to turn the tide with a trophy. Sagna said, “There’s going to be speculation, that is certain. I’m no longer young therefore I’m thinking about it, because I would really like to win something. Whether that is with Arsenal or another club, I would like to win a title.” Sagna has been a consistent performer at the club and Wenger himself rates him very highly. Monaco and PSG are reportedly eager to get his signatures.

CB: Pepe

Pepe might not be a big supporter of Mourinho, but he might be accompanying his former manager to England as Manchester City have shown an interest in the center back. Pepe might be used as a deal-maker to bring Tevez to Madrid. However, Real Madrid have made it clear that the central defender will come with a hefty price tag of his own.

CB: Laurent Koscielny

Another Arsenal player who has been vocal about Arsenal’s trophy drought and has many suitors. Koscielny commands the admiration of PSG and champions League winners Bayern Munich. A move away from Emirates is likely if a reasonable offer is tabled from one of these sides.

LB: Gareth Bale

The left-footed Welshman who had a coming-of-age season with Tottenham is on top of Real Madrid’s wish list. His ability to create magical moments and slip out of his position and turn himself into an attacking winger is unmatched. Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy’s chances to hold on to the miracle-worker were destroyed by their inability to qualify for Champions League once again. In a virtual repeat of last year, Tottenham spurned their advantage over rivals Arsenal and will have to be satisfied with the much-slandered Europa League. However, Bale is unlikely to compromise and Bernabeu has unabashedly seduced him going so far as to say that Bale was born to play for Madrid. Other suitors, however unlikely, include Manchester United.

CDM: David Luiz

The mercurial Brazilian was one of the rare breed of players at the troubled club who looked comfortable and thrived under Rafael Benitez. He showed his diversity as he played in different capacities showing his prowess as a defender and midfield pillar. Barcelona and Napoli are set to be the two possible destinations for this gifted player. It will be interesting to see how Jose Mourinho’s arrival at the club contributes to this affair.

CM: Wesley Sneijder

The Dutchman who was the architect of the Netherland’s run to the finals of the World Cup a few years ago and a key member of Mourinho’s treble-winning Inter Milan side is reportedly interested in a move to Chelsea to forge a reunion with the ‘Special One’. Sneijder joined Galatasaray after a heated battle with Inter over his wages. Though these are preliminary reports, Sneijder’s strong relationship with Mourinho might make the deal a reality.

CM: Luka Modric

The former Tottenham Maestro’s career at Real Madrid has been an unsatisfying one. He has been inconsistent but has had his highs, especially the stunner against Manchester United that took Real Madrid to the semi-finals of the Champions League. A move away from the Bernabeu to more familiar English conditions might be a good option for the charismatic Croat. Newly appointed manager of Manchester United, David Moyes is said to be an admirer of his ability to move the ball and may defeat Manchester City and Chelsea to his signature.

CM: Marco Van Ginkel

However, Jose Mourinho’s first signing is likely to be an emerging player by the name of Marco Van Ginkel who scored 8 goals for Dutch league side Vitesse to secure a Europa League position for them. Mourinho is amazed by the talent of the youngster and is willing to throw him the challenge to make a quick transition into English football.

CF: Luis Suarez

Suarez was controversy’s favorite child this season but his skills speak louder than anything else. He was leagues and miles above everyone on the pitch at Anfield and with competition growing ever tougher in England, the promise of Champions League remains more hopeful than realistic. But more than that, Suarez has already declared his disillusionment with England and his desire to be at ‘supermarkets’ (some weak pun intended) without the glare of the British media. Liverpool would not be too eager to let him go but they are not dismayed at his willingness to leave either because of the heavy suspension he has on his head. Suarez will miss a considerable part of the next season and maybe £50m would be of more substance to Liverpool. Real Madrid were reportedly interested but have shifted their coquettish eyes to Napoli’s Edinson Cavani. Bayern Munich maybe a more likely abode for the eccentric but blessed forward.

CF: Edinson Cavani

Another Uruguayan on the list and another one who is being chased by Real Madrid. Cavani has spent the time of his life at Napoli and with the managerial change of guard he may be looking to fulfill Madrid dreams. He has all the wherewithal in terms of skill and temperament and may be a better option for Madrid ahead of Suarez. He has a better eye for goal and his height and physical presence is likely to impress the incoming manager Carlo Ancelotti.