The Summer transfer window got off to a pretty slow start but things are finally starting to move. Man United recently completed a 50 million deal for Crystal Palace right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka while Spurs broke their transfer record to sign Ndombele. I think all football fans would agree that transfer fees have got out of hand and that prices no longer match the value of the player. However, there’s plenty of players out there who are of the requisite quality that don’t have that obscene price tag.
Please note that with the ‘possible moves’, for the most part, are just spitballing and not based off actual rumours or links.
Phil Billing
Phil Billing was one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise pretty dire Huddersfield team. The midfielders got that combination of physicality and technical ability that’s so important for modern day midfielders. His attitude has been cited as a problem with many Huddersfield fans criticising him for not giving his all towards the end of the season. However, if a manager/club can hone that talent than they could have a very fine player on their hands. Arsenal and Man Utd are both in need of players in that position but a move to a mid-table club seems more likely at this stage in his career.
Possible Moves: Crystal Palace, Newcastle
Matt Doherty
It’s no secret that Matt Doherty had a fantastic season for Wolves but it’s curious how few clubs have been linked with his services. I suppose you could ask the question ‘why would anyone want to leave this exciting, young Wolves team’ but it’s hard to believe that the Irish international wouldn’t be tempted by a traditionally bigger club. One obvious reason for the lack of solid links may be that, apart from Spurs, the premier league top six have that position pretty much locked down. Man City have Kyle Walker, Liverpool have Alexander-Arnold, Chelsea have Azpilicueta and can’t sign players anyway, Arsenal have Bellerin and while they are in need of a back up , Matt Doherty would surely be too good/expensive for that. Perhaps a club abroad could be tempted by the best attacking full back in the league last year?
Possible Moves: Spurs, Inter Milan, Athletic Madrid
Manuel Lanzini
The fact that the Argentine was injured for much of last season plays a part here but the little midfielder is technically brilliant and West Ham tend to be a much better side when he’s in their team. He’s also got a quick turn of pace and his vision and passing are too good for a mid-table side. If he stays at West Ham, which he most likely will, expect him to rip s**t up and for Man Utd to sign him for 60 million next summer. Financially restricted clubs cough….Arsenal……cough……would be wise to snap him up while they still can.
Update: Just realised his contract expires next summer, sign him up Unai..
Possible Moves: Arsenal, Liverpool
Wilfried Ndidi
The Nigerian midfielder was brought in to replace the Chelsea bound N’Golo Kante. While it’s fair to say he took his time to adapt to English football, he did have a very successful season last year, topping the tackles table with 143. He’s exactly the sort of midfielder that Arsenal have been crying out for for some time and could potentially be an alternative to Idrissa Gueye for Manchester United. He’s strong physically, decent on the ball and reads the game well. If Harry Maguire departs for big money, however, it’s unlikely that Leicester will let another prized asset leave and will be under no pressure to do so.
Possible Moves: Arsenal, Man Utd
Nathan Redmond
The English winger hasn’t quite lived up to his early potential so far but showed promising signs last season under Ralph Hasenhuttl. At 25 it’s not too late to become the player that he’s capable of being. From the big clubs point of view, he may be a cheaper option. He’s set to be offered a big new contract with Southampton so clubs will have to act quick. We already know Peps a fan.
Possible Moves: Man City, Arsenal
Jan Bednarek
Sticking with Southampton, Polish center back Jan Bednarek had a very solid start to life in England. He’s decent on the ball and in the air and has the physical assets to cope with the Premier Leagues burly strikers. He might not be quite ready for starting berth at a big club but perhaps someone that could add a little depth.
Possible Moves: Liverpool, Spurs
Luka Milivojevic
The Serbian midfielder has been a solid presence in the Crystal Palace midfield for some time now and is a much better passer of the ball that people give him credit for. At 28, he might not exactly fit the age profile that the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United are after but he would offer good experience in a vital area of the pitch. He also really knows how to take a penalty.
Possible Moves: Everton, Liverpool
Neil Etheridge
The Cardiff keeper was kept very busy for much of last season. Etheridge kept a very respectable 10 clean sheets and only Fabianski made more saves than the Philippines international. Bournemouth are reportedly after a keeper and could save themselves significant cash by opting for Etheridge over Butland. He could also do a very good job for one of the promoted teams.
Possible Moves: Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Sheffield Utd, Norwich
Diogo Jota
The second Wolves player on the list is the brilliant Diogo Jota. The midfield of Neves and Moutinho, Matt Doherty at right back and Jimenez up top all took plenty of plaudits but the performances of Jota went somewhat under the radar. The former Porto winger scored 14 goals from out wide last season including a hat-trick against Leicester and goals against Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. If 80 million is too much for Zaha, perhaps Arsenal should look elsewhere?
Possible Moves: Arsenal, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid
Fabian Schar
The Swiss Center back was as solid as a rock for Newcastle last year and was a big reason why they conceded just 48 goals , less than Man Utd and Arsenal. He also showed an ability to come out with the ball and his passing is of a very high standard. His center back partner Lascelles drew most of the plaudits but Schar was equally good. Newcastle could make a tidy profit on the 3 million they spent on him but he still wouldn’t cost nearly as much as the likes of Maguire.
Possible Moves: Man City, Liverpool, Spurs, Arsenal
Matt Ryan
While most of the bigger premier league teams are unlikely to be after a goalkeeper in this window, expect bigger clubs in Italy and Spain to make inquires about the availability of the Australian international. It was a torrid season for Brighton and they were lucky to stay up. They might well have done had it not been for Ryan.
Possible Moves: Sevilla, Roma, PSG