UEFA’s new fair play rules mean clubs are constrained in a new way, and so big money signings will cease to be quite the rage they once were.
Though doubtless some will still splash some cash. Manchester United have already tried to prise Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund. They had a bid rejected for the talented Japanese midfielder, and will probably make another move for him before the window is out. If he does not arrive they also have Eden Hazard in their sights; also chased by Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham.
United could also turn their attention to Benfica’s Nicolas Gaitan, whom they have long been linked with, or Tottenham’s Luka Modric, who tried to move last summer but failed. This summer, Spurs may have to relent if he pushes for a move once more. Chelsea are another who would want him.
Another midfielder who could be on the move is Yann M’Vila. The French youngster is one of the best midfielders in Europe already at such a young age, and with power and leadership skill, as well as defensive stability, he would be perfect for Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal. Inter Milan are also keen. Arsenal seem likely to be busy too. They have already signed Lukasz Podolski but want another forward. Olivier Giroud could fit the bill, the French striker the top scorer in Ligue 1 and monitored by Wenger. His team mate at Montpellier, Younes Belhanda, is another who could be set to leave for a bigger team. Defender Yanga Mbiwa Mapou was also key for Montpellier and could leave; Newcastle are thought to be interested.
Paris St Germain in France have already pledged a transfer splurge similar to last year. Kaka has been heavily linked and seems set to leave Real Madrid. With Leonardo as their sporting director this is a real possibility. Gonzalo Higuain has pledged to stay at Real but has also been linked and Javier Pastore has tried to convince him to move to Paris. Carlo Ancelotti could also make another move for his former AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato, or Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez.
Tevez would seem set to leave City and an Italian side may make another bid, or Corinthians could be back for the Argentine after a failed bid to resign him last summer.
One player leaving Brazil may be Neymar, the prodigious forward who is linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid among others. But Spain seems a likely destination, and it could be either giant who signs him.
Paulo Henrique Ganso may follow Nemyar out of Santos if a big team come in for him, and Italian sides like Juventus and the Milan giants have frequently been linked.
Another South American on the move could be Matias Suarez, the talented forward who seems set to leave Anderlecht, though possibly for the Bundesliga. Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani has been linked with a move from Napoli, who could be forced to relent to a big offer for him and for Ezequiel Lavezzi, another talented attacker.
Tottenham could be busy if Modric leaves, and Gareth Bale could follow him out the door to Barcelona if they follow up on reported interest. They seem set to sign Jan Vertonghen already, also linked with Arsenal, whilst Emmanuel Adebayor could stay if terms can be agreed.
Gylfi Sigurdsson shone in his brief spell for Swansea last season, and the Welsh side will be keen to keep him. But other sides will also be keen on the Icelandic midfielder. Clint Dempsey is another performer who has done well over the years and attracted interest from big teams. Cheick Tiote at Newcastle is another, whilst they will have to fend off interest in Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse and Yohan Cabaye after a superb season.
Valencia’s highly rated full back Jordi Alba could be a good signing at left back for anyone looking to fill that position, whilst Blackburn Rovers seem set to lose their star players from last season, Yakubu and Junior Hoilett.
In Germany Marco Reus is already leaving Borussia Moenchengladbach, whilst Bayer Leverkusen will hope to keep Andre Schurlle. Andrey Arshavin could make his move to Zenit St Petersburg permanent, whilst Borussia Dortmund will have to fend off suitors for Robert Lewandowski, though Lucas Barrios may leave.
Whomever moves to where, this will be an interesting summer of moves in the transfer window.
