Every summer, countless transfer rumours circulate. It looked like the current economic uncertainty – caused by the global pandemic – would affect the transfer market this year. But it seems as though the majority of Premier League clubs are unfazed by the situation.
So, with most EPL clubs very much taking the “business as usual” approach, here are five transfers that need to happen before the transfer window closes.
Thiago Alacantara – Bayern Munich to Liverpool
It could be argued that Jurgen Klopp doesn’t need to strengthen his squad. But after being linked with Thiago for quite some time, it would surely feel like a big disappointment if Liverpool were to miss out on him.
The midfield maestro – who topped the 2019/20 Champions League passes and tackles charts – played a key role in Bayern Munich’s European triumph and would undoubtedly add a different dimension to a Liverpool midfield that is often accused of lacking creativity.
Kai Havertz – Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea
Chelsea have been on a spending spree this summer, with Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell all joining the club for hefty fees. But if the Blues want to lure Havertz to Stamford Bridge, they will have to break the bank further.
This move has been in the pipeline for months, and while a fee has reportedly been agreed, a deal is yet to be finalised. The 21-year-old racked up 18 goals and nine assists in all competitions last season, including six goals in eight Bundesliga outings after the coronavirus lay-off.
Lionel Messi – Barcelona to Manchester City
Let’s be honest here. Fans of English football would love nothing more than to see the Argentine magician weaving his magic in the Premier League, and if Messi is going to arrive in England, the blue side of Manchester is definitely his most likely destination.
Not only are Man City the only club that could realistically afford the 33-year-old, but the opportunity to work under former manager Pep Guardiola again could lure Messi to the Etihad Stadium. This move has countless stumbling blocks. But we can all dream, right?
Thomas Partey – Atletico Madrid to Arsenal
Arsenal have been crying out for a midfielder of Thomas Partey’s stature for years. The Ghanaian enforcer would provide steely protection for the Gunners’ backline, and he is rumoured to be keen on a move to England.
However, with Partey’s release clause sitting at £44.5m, it is thought that Arsenal will need to offload players before making an approach for the Atletico star. If Mikel Arteta can pull off the move, his Arsenal team would be significantly stronger.
Dayot Upamecano – RB Leipzig to Manchester United
With the widely-reported move for Jadon Sancho seemingly off the table and Ajax’s Donny van de Beek on his way to Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must now turn his attention to sorting out Man Utd’s defensive problems.
Upamecano is being linked with just about every major European club at the moment, although a move to Man Utd seems most likely right now. Harry Maguire is in desperate need of a reliable centre-back partner, and there is no denying that Upamecano ticks all the right boxes.