The Five Top European Transfer Targets For 2011
By Ty Duffy
Alexis Sanchez (Udinese) Sanchez is a tenacious dribbler and a howling dervish down the wing. At 22 the Chilean is just tapping his potential and he’s already among the game’s elite. His Italian club thought they might keep him for another season by qualifying for the Champions League, but, with Barcelona, Man United, Man City, Inter Milan and Juventus submitting bids, it’s time for the team from tiny Udine to cash out. Man U would be a great fit, but joining Barcelona would be too tempting to reject. [Prediction: Barcelona]
Neymar (Santos) The 19-year-old is the next big thing from Brazil. Even if he ends up at the Robinho end of that spectrum, that should mean a hefty transfer fee, potentially around $64 million. Negotiations have purportedly cooled with Chelsea since Real Madrid showed interest. The Bernabeu seems the logical place for soccer’s next flashy superstar to end up. Neymar tamed his mohawk this summer, so you know he means business. [Prediction: Real Madrid]
Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid) He’s an awesome talent, who was considered in the same breath as his Argentine compatriot Messi, before the latter blossomed. He’s 23. He’s been one of the best forwards in La Liga without the support structure of a Barcelona or Real Madrid. The 23-year-old announced it was time to leave Atletico and he’s available for whoever’s willing to meet his $64m asking price. I think that comes down to Real Madrid and Man City. I’m not sure Real signs both Neymar and Aguero to play the same position, a position where they already have Ronaldo, Kaka, Ozil and Di Maria. [Prediction: Manchester City]
Javier Pastore (Palermo) Yet another young, supremely gifted Argentine (look out in 2014). Pastore ettled in during his second season in Italy and gave a monster performance. He said he is happy at Palermo, but ownership has resigned to losing him. Though, since they bought him for $27m it may take close to $70m to pry him. Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Barcelona have rumored interest. I’m not sure Inter can afford him. I think he goes to whatever club does not sign one of the aforementioned four. [Prediction: Chelsea]
[Photo via Getty]