Ten players that could move on for a fresh challenge elsewhere this summer.
10. Mathieu Valbuena – Marseille
The diminutive France international has been with the south coast club for eight years now and has already gone on record saying that he hopes to secure a move away at the end of the season in order to test himself elsewhere before he gets too old. With admirers in England, Italy and Spain, he will most likely get his wish, especially after Marseille confirmed that they would not stand in his way should a suitable offer come his way.
9. Axel Witsel – Zenit St Petersburg
The all-action midfielder has been one of the quiet driving forces of the rejuvenation of the Belgian national team, but has not overly enjoyed his time in Russia despite playing well. He is said to be keen on making a move to Atletico Madrid this summer, but there is also interest from the Premier League as well.
8. Iker Muniain – Athletic Bilbao
The winger-cum-attacking midfielder has raised alarm bells at San Mames by putting off fresh contract talks to stay at the club. With interest coming from both the Premier League and the Bundesliga as well as at home he could have his head turned by the prospect of playing regular European football.
7. Douglas Costa – Shakhtar Donetsk
The athletic Brazilian is still under contract for another four years with the Ukrainian giants, but rumours close to the club have suggested that he has grown restless after being at the club since 2010. He is believed to be eyeing up a switch to Serie A or the Premier League as he feels the styles there would best suit his game.
6. Ivan Rakitic – Sevilla
The Croatian has thrust himself into the spotlight this season by starring in a side that were so depleted over the summer, with impressive performances in both La Liga at in Europe. It is these performances that have caught the attentions of Liverpool and Chelsea, who have sent several scouts to keep a close eye on him. He is enjoying his new role at the club, but could be tempted by the chance to win trophies with someone financially able to do so.
5. Jackson Martinez – Porto
Martinez may only have been at the club for coming on two years, but is already outgrowing the club as his goalscoring exploits have meant that some serious interest has been generated from elsewhere. Arsenal, Chelsea and Napoli have all expressed an interest, but the player himself is believed to be keen on a move to London.
4. Hulk – Zenit St Petersburg
Like Witsel, Huk has not enjoyed his time in Russia as tensions with the fans have threatened to boil over, coupled by his dip in form has left him feeling rather disillusioned. Reports coming out of Moscow also have him earmarking a move back to western Europe after the World Cup. However, Zenit paid big bucks for his signature and will want to recoup as much of that as possible should they allow him to make an exit.
3. Mats Hummels – Borussia Dortmund
The centre-back has been linked with a plethora of big sides, mostly in England and Spain, but has had a tug of conscience in deciding to stay with Dortmund thus far. However, with Dortmund’s squad continuing to fall apart, he may decide that his best course for success is to follow suit, and with Barcelona looking at him to replace Carles Puyol, he may not be able to resist.
2. Radamel Falcao – Monaco
The Colombian was one of the most sought after strikers in the world last summer, and he raised eyebrows when he decided to join Monaco above everyone else. However, he is already growing weary of playing in half-full stadiums at home and slipping behind PSG so early on and is said to be seeking a way out after only a year.
1. Mario Balotelli – AC Milan
Super Mario thought he’d arrived home when he joined Milan in January of last year. An early run of hot form made everyone else believe so too. But just a year on and the form is being made redundant thanks to the rest of the team not being up to scratch and now even the new manager has seen his job come under threat. One thing Mario needs is stability, and it’s likely that he won’t get it in Milan.
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