The top transfer targets at the World Cup this summer.
As the World Cup approaches, clubs the world over will have their eyes peeled for bargains, hidden gems and big stars to spend their cash on during the transfer window, and we’ve compiled a list of the best three players from every country at this year’s tournament that could tempt teams to get the chequebook out.
Argentina
Marcos Rojo – Sporting Lisbon
The flying full-back has been a star for Sporting this term as they have once again spent another season in Benfica’s shadow. His strong running and impeccable crossing ability have won him several admirers from the Premier League and La Liga, and there could be quite a scramble for his signature following a strong showing in Group F.
Javier Mascherano – Barcelona
The midfielder-cum-defender has seemingly been put up for sale by the Catalan giants this summer and former club Liverpool are rumoured to be interested in bringing him back to Merseyside as they look to sign more experienced players to help them push on from a successful return to form this term. However, it is former manager Rafa Benitez who may win the race for his signature by taking him to Napoli.
Angel Di Maria – Real Madrid
The tricky attacking midfielder hasn’t been happy under Carlo Ancelotti this term and he could finally be set to follow Mesut Ozil out the door one year later. Everyone from Arsenal to Juventus are keeping a close watch on developments, but it will take a big offer to prize him away from the Bernabeu even though the club are now said to be willing to listen to offers for him.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Asmir Begovic – Stoke City
The Stoke stopper has spent the past few years making a strong case for being one of the top custodians in the Premier League and this summer could see him get the leg up that he deserves. With Arsenal in the hunt, it appears that north London could be his most likely destination, though if he is able to shut Lionel Messi and co out there could well be a few more names to add to the list of possible destinations.
Miralem Pjanic – Roma
Pjanic has finally began to fulfil the enormous potential he displayed during his time in France and put in a series of displays for Roma last term that truly set him apart from others in his position. Manchester United are deeply interested in securing his services, though so are Barcelona. Others are sure to be keen, and the World Cup will provide a huge platform for him to add a few more zeros to the end of his transfer fee.
Edin Dzeko – Manchester City
Dzeko was entrusted a little more under Manuel Pellegrini this term than he had been under Roberto Mancini, but his position in the squad still isn’t safe. If there were any left who were unsure of his abilities, the world Cup will give Dzeko the chance to drive up his value even further. Inter milan remain interested amongst several other targets.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh – NEC
The 20-year-old winger has been an unsung star in the Eredivise this term, as his strong dribbling skills and eye for goal kept the club from dropping straight back down to the second tier, securing a relegation playoff spot instead. Having been a resounding success in his first year in the Netherlands, there will undoubtedly be some significant interest in his availability. Liverpool would be a good match for him as Brendan Rodgers looks to keep in line with blooding young talent in his side.
Ashkan Dejagah – Fulham
Scorer of one of the goals of the season this term, he will made available for a cut price fee by the west London club following their relegation down to the Championship. Classy, calm and able to pull a goal from out of nowhere, he will be interesting lower level Premier League sides and clubs back in the Bundesliga, where he first made a name for himself.
Sardar Azmoun – Rubin Kazan
The 19-year-old has been dubbed as the “Iranian Messi” and has already showed that he has the potential to be a world class talent in the handful of games he has featured in for the Russian side. Arsenal were previously linked with making a move for his signature, but Spanish and Italian sides also remain keen.
Vincent Enyeama – Lille
Anyone looking for a new goalkeeper would do well to keep a close watch on Enyeama, who is second in the list of consecutive clean sheets without conceding in Ligue 1. Powerful, fast, and with lightning fast reactions, he has taken no prisoners in establishing himself as a regular first choice ‘keeper in the French top flight.
John Obi Mikel – Chelsea
The combative midfield ace has been made available by the Stamford Bridge outfit this summer after eight years of service and looks to be heading to Italy as part of Inter Milan’s rebuilding project. However, sides in the Premier League could be tempted to make an approach upon getting another look at him with the Super Eagles.
Ogenyi Onazi – Lazio
The 21-year-old has been a revelation in the middle of Lazio’s midfield alongside Antonio Candreva this season, and as such has caught the eye of several Serie A sides as well as Liverpool. Yet to be tested at Champions League level for his club, the World Cup will provide those interested parties with the ideal chance to make a decision as to whether he would be worth the £10m that the capital based club are asking for.