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A number of Europe’s top players could be on the move this summer, while some have already revealed they will find new clubs. But where can they go?
Here, we pick nine of the standout names, guess where they might go and which destinations are the most.
Go here:
Lewandowski | Alvarez | Rodri
Fernandez | Vlaovich | advice
Goretzka | Casemiro | Bernardo Silva
Uncertain future
Arguably the No. 1 striker that defined world football over the past decade Poland The international scored almost 600 goals in his career, and with 12 league titles and a Champions League title in his cabinet, he is one of the most decorated players of the modern era. Although his mobility has diminished with age, his positioning and technique are as good as ever — as evidenced by his 17 goals in all competitions this season.
Lewandowski will have plenty of options with Major League Soccer clubs leaving the Camp Nou this summer. Saudi Pro League And the Turkish Super League has repeatedly linked him. But the real question is does he still see himself in one of Europe’s top five leagues? Barcelona have reportedly offered him a contract extension, the Italian giants Juventus And AC Milan Has been rumored to be interested.
Best Fit: No doubt he would add significantly to his list of targets if he were to join one MLS Clubs like Chicago Fire. However, he would be best suited to a team that gives him plenty of opportunities rather than developing himself.
Possible destinations: Staying at Barcelona feels the most likely outcome. If not and he wants to stay at the elite end of European football, AC Milan would be the next best option for his skills.
Few players have been subject to more transfer rumors this season than Alvarez; Although this says more about the demand for his services than the player’s desire to leave Atletico. The Argentina international brings dynamism, sharp off-the-ball movement and great tactical versatility, but it’s his performances in the Champions League this season where he’s shown his best form and has put him on the radar of several European powerhouses.
Sources have told ESPN that Barcelona are keen to find a long-term solution at number 9 to replace Lewandowski and Alvarez would be their dream target. ESPN also reported in January Arsenal Was pondering whether to make an offer for the forward this summer.
Can Alvarez see himself at Atleti next season? “I can’t guarantee I’ll be there next year,” he said last month. “Maybe yes, maybe not. I’m happy here, but you never know.”
Best Fit: His flexibility would suit Arsenal’s fluid front line, although such a move seems far-fetched as he has a contract until 2030 and Atletico will be looking to capitalize on an initial €75m outlay to sign him from Manchester City in 2024.
Possible results: keep Atletico’s position is strong, and it is possible to sign him to an improved contract.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is the epitome of a modern defensive midfielder. His positioning is outstanding, he is difficult to press and is always available to receive passes from teammates. Few players can handle the dirty work of the entire center midfield alone and allow the more attack-minded players to thrive, but Rodri does.
As he enters the final year of his contract, his future should be addressed this summer. City are usually active in this area and he is still vital to their team, but replacing him will not be easy. He is by demand, most notably Real MadridWho have revamped their midfield since leaving Toni Kroos And Luka Modric And have long been interested. They still lack a defensive midfielder to anchor their team and he would be a great fit.
Best Fit: Real Madrid. He is a natural organizer who can stabilize and lead their midfield.
Possible results: A move to Real Madrid seemed inevitable at one point. But the timing – whether this summer or next – could depend on City’s position and Pep Guardiola’s own future as manager.
Fernandez still has six years left on his Chelsea contract, and is still the subject of constant transfer speculation. stem from anything His own comments earlier this year — in which he hinted he had doubts about his future at Stamford Bridge before later apologizing — which landed him in hot water with his club. Some assumptions also come from Chelsea’s wider financial and sporting situation; Given that Fernandez’s departure would command a huge fee and they need to balance the books.
On the field, his value to Chelsea is unquestionable; He covers a lot of ground, moves the ball forward and contributes a lot in both attack and defence. structure is true, Paris Saint Germain And Real Madrid have both been linked with a move, while Manchester City are also said to be interested if he is available.
Best Fit: Real Madrid would offer a clear, undisputed starting slot for Fernandez, although their move for Rodri seems more logical.
Possible results: Tempting Chelsea to accept a bid that wouldn’t lose them money would mean an offer in excess of €100 million, as his contract is set to be long and few clubs are able to do that. Another season at Chelsea is most likely.
Once the subject of interest from all the top clubs Premier LeagueVlaović did not live up to the initial hype that saw him join Juventus Fiorentina for €70 million in 2022. This season, his output has dipped — he’s scored just three goals in 14 games Serie A This season — when an adductor injury kept him out for long spells. With Juventus cooling contract extension talks, he could find himself a free agent this summer.
At only 26 years old, every opportunity is there Serbia Internationally, his career will bounce back. He is a left-footed No. 9 who plays on the shoulders of defenders and primarily operates inside the 18-yard box. The question here is less about talent and more about whether he can rediscover his best form after a fragmented year.
Best Fit: Bayern Munich Would be an interesting landing spot. As a backup option behind Europe’s leading scorer, why harryThe amount of potential Bayern have created will allow him to rebuild his form without immediate pressure. He should receive limited minutes, though.
Possible results: AC Milan have the form to make such signings. Whenever there are high-level players on an expiring contract, they are always in the mix. It seems like a situation they are ready to act on.
Definitely going away
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Could Liverpool sign Kvaratskhelia or Olisse to replace Salah?
Craig Burley debates who Liverpool could sign to replace Mohamed Salah.
The biggest free transfer of the summer, Salah has a decision to make: chase Europe’s biggest title or leave the continent for one final blockbuster move. a comeback AS RomaFrom whom he joined Liverpool in 2017, there were rumours, but those reports quickly died down due to the club’s wage cap. Now the Turkish side Galatasaray Inevitably entered the conversation, as has San Diego FC in MLS, though ESPN sources pour cold water Those steps last month.
When Salah announced he would be leaving Liverpool, the Saudi Pro League seemed the most logical destination and little has changed. He will be a major coup wherever he ends up and to be clear, this is not an early retirement scenario but rather a question of where one of football’s most reliable matchwinners decides to continue his career.
Best Fit: Galatasaray. their signature Victor Osimen And Leroy Sane Show they are willing to attract big players, and Salah will give their European ambitions a huge boost.
Possible results: The Saudi Pro League is impossible to ignore. Although the cost to the country has been measured far beyond his initial absurdity, a player of Salah’s profile is exactly the kind of choice he makes. He will be a huge commercial asset, globally recognized and still performing at a high level. His arrival would be one of the league’s most significant signings to date.
Goretzka’s contract expires this summer and Bayern closed the door on further talks in January. D Germany The international is still capable of covering defensive midfield slots or returning to great effect as a center back and should appeal to clubs looking to add experience and physical presence.
His decision should revolve around his role and status. At Arsenal, he is likely to be one of several rotation options — a useful player, but not the focal point, much like Christian Norgaard — where Napolimilan, Bayer Leverkusen And at Galatasaray, he’ll get a starring role with wider implications.
Best Fit: Both Napoli and Milan could do with him in defensive midfield; Galatasaray offers a similar guarantee in a different competitive context.
Possible results: Either Milan or Galatasaray look most realistic. Both teams can offer a competitive financial package for a player who has a key role, Champions League football and arrives on a free transfer.
Casemiro has already announced he will leave when his contract expires this summer, although that comes after his best season in the Premier League. The expectation is that his next move will take him outside of Europe, with MLS and the Saudi Pro League the most obvious options, although a return to Sao Paulo — where his career began — has also been mentioned.
While the Brazil international’s mobility has been questioned at times, those concerns have eased this season. His game still revolves around positioning, reading the game and skillful use of the ball, an added goal threat from midfield and an impressive aerial ability. Those traits should be valuable wherever he ends up next.
Best Fit: Inter Miami would be a natural destination given the high profile of their MLS project. The former star of Real Madrid can think of feeding the ball to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi?
Possible results: MLS looks the most realistic destination, although Sao Paulo is a credible option if he chooses to return to Brazil.
Few midfielders of the last decade could match Silva for reliability, work rate and tactical versatility; He directs games with his short passes and links City’s attacks. Many star players have had spells in and out of the City team under Guardiola, but there’s a good reason Silva has played 86% of their league games since joining in 2017.
However, Silva has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season, with Barcelona, Arsenal and Juventus immediately linked. Where he’ll go next, though — be it MLS, the Saudi Pro League or another European club — is very much up in the air.
Best Fit: Barcelona’s best match ever. Their control-heavy style seems to suit his strengths, while his nine years under Guardiola should ease any concerns about whether he can adapt quickly enough. The former City star has finally found a home outside of Europe’s major leagues, but it feels premature for the 31-year-old.
Possible results: Barcelona seems the most logical destination, although he will not be short of options this summer.
