5 Soccer Stars Who Could Be Massive 2016 Summer Transfers
By Ty Duffy
The summer tournaments are over. European club seasons have yet to begin. It’s peak soccer transfer season.
Agents and clubs obfuscate and spew misinformation. Rumors transverse languages and national boundaries. Less savory media outfits just make things up. The whole process makes NBA reporting feel sane, orderly, and well-grounded.
Gauging the wind in a tempest, here are five major stars who could make a move before the transfer window closes in September.
Paul Pogba [Juventus]
Pogba did not dominate Euro 2016. But, the 23-year-old will still be the world’s new most expensive signing, if/when he leaves Juventus. Jose Mourinho wants him at Manchester United and is ready to offer $131 million for him. But, it’s not clear Pogba wants to leave Juventus, at least for Manchester United.
Pogba was a youth player for the Red Devils before he left the club to sign for Juventus five years ago. Real Madrid or Barcelona may be his preferred destination. Though, United may be willing to double his latest contract offer from Juventus, which could be tempting.
Gonzalo Higuain [Napoli]
The 28-year-old Argentine scored 38 goals in 42 appearances for Napoli last season. Purportedly, he has never said he wants to leave, but the smoke has been emanating. He reportedly turned down $55 million per year to play in China.
Both Arsenal and Juventus want him. Neither want to pay his $103 million release clause to force Napoli’s hands. Napoli may need their hands forced to move him.
James Rodriguez [Real Madrid]
James had a monster 2014 World Cup for Colombia. Real Madrid bought him for $88 million from Monaco. But, the 25-year-old attacking midfielder struggled to get playing time last season. James was an unused substitute during the Champions League Final.
Zinedine Zidane admitted he doesn’t have room for him. James has been linked to Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and, in an incredible sign of the Premier League’s financial power under its new television contract, West Ham.
Alvaro Morata [Real Madrid]
Morata has never scored more than eight league goals in a season. But, the 23-year-old Spain striker is, nonetheless, one of international soccer’s hottest prospects.
Real Madrid activated their clause to buy him back from Juventus for $33 million. Already loaded up front, they will probably flip him for a profit. Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and PSG are among the rumored, plausible destinations.
Julian Draxler [Wolfsburg]
The 22-year-old winger had an excellent Euro 2016 for Germany. He just signed for Wolfsburg last summer for $40 million. Wolfsburg are adamant they are not selling. But, Manchester United have rumored interest. Arsenal have been linked for years. He may be a target for Liverpool as well.
Draxler was just spotted partying in Vegas with national teammates Mesut Ozil (Arsenal) and Emre Can (Liverpool), for whatever that is worth. This may be one for a summer or two down the road, but the prospect of Premier League money can unsettle a player.