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.
Germany
Matthias Ginter – Freiburg
The young defender has enjoyed a meteoric rise to his career over the past two years and his hard work has been rewarded by his inclusion into the German senior squad for the World Cup. At Freiburg he is being given the time to grow in a low pressure environment, but the sacrifice is he is not getting used to high pressure situations and he is playing with a lower calibre of player. Arsenal are looking to change that this summer, but they may be joined by any number of teams closer to home if he manages to get on the pitch in Brazil.
Sami Khedira – Real Madrid
Even though Khedira missed the majority of the season through injury interest in his services remain high, and now that he is fit again he has the chance to show that his days on the sidelines are well and truly behind him. Chelsea and Manchester United had been credited with an interest, but Italian giants Fiorentina are also sniffing around as they look to make a challenge for the Champions League once again.
Julian Draxler – Schalke
At one point his future seemed destined to lie with Arsenal, whose year long interest came close to being wrapped up in January. However, since then Schalke have reiterated that he will be stain put for another season at least. Though both the Gunners and Real Madrid may look to test their resolve should he make a lasting impression at the tournament. A big fee will be involved, though, that’s for sure.
Portugal
Fabio Coentrao – Real Madrid
The fullback could be forgiven for being unsure as to whether he is coming or going as his lack of activity with the Real first team has led a number of sides to be linked with his signature. But despite that Madrid have been keen not to let him go. Events may reach a head this summer, though, as Manchester United, Tottenham, Fiorentina and Monaco all continue to sniff around.
William Carvalho – Sporting Lisbon
The young midfield star has been a revelation for Sporting this season, and his tireless efforts for the Lisbon outfit have inevitably caught the eye of some of Europe’s biggest and brightest. However, it is Manchester United who are said to be the keenest, having him scouted over 10 times over the course of the campaign and at the moment are the only side willing to met his huge release clause. If his form continues on to the national stage then Juventus and Real Madrid may be tempted to snag him from under United’s feet.
Nani – Manchester United
After a desperately poor season with United, he has been linked with a move away from the club in a bid to rebuild a career that seems to have lost its way. Juventus had been keen, being linked with him extensively during the January transfer window, but reports have recently suggested that he could be used as a makeweight in the deal that could see William Carvalho head to Old Trafford.
USA
Omar Gonzalez – LA Galaxy
IT would be no surprise to see the centre-back as the next great American import to one of the major European leagues. His performances for Galaxy has seen several sides on this side of the Atlantic sit up and take notice and as a number of English and Spanish sides look o make defensive improvements. However, with the USA’s ever growing links with Germany, a Bundesliga side could be tempted to make a move after getting a closer look at him during the group stage.
Alejandro Bedoya – Nantes
Bedoya has taken Ligue 1 by storm this season, proving that he can make the step up to a top division following a season in Norway. The former Rangers star will be looking to make an impact at the World Cup with several top clubs in both England and Spain keeping a close watch on him.
Aron Jóhannsson – AZ Alkmaar
A native of Mobile, Alabama (yes, really!) Johannsson has spent the majority of his career in Iceland where his family originate from. His first season in the Eredivisie has been a resounding success, bagging 26 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions. This form has led the likes of Stoke and Borussia Monchengladbach to send a series of scouts over to check him out.
Ghana
Sulley Muntari – Milan
The former Pompey star has been long linked with a return to England ever since leaving in 2010. A disappointing campaign with Milan could see him look to make one final big move before he turns 30, and there will be no shortage of interest in his services.
Kwadwo Asamoah – Juventus
The powerful midfielder became more of a central figure for Juve this term, making 45 appearances across all competitions. Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have registered an interest, and though the Italian champions have resisted so far, they may find themselves presented with an offer that is too good to refuse should he impress in Group G.
Jordan Ayew – Marseille
Marseille are gearing up for a mass clear out this summer as financial constraints grow tighter. As a result some of their finer players will be moving on, including Ayew, who spent the second half of the campaign on loan with Sochaux. Arsenal and Newcastle have been watching him with great intent, and a move could very well be on the cards once the tournament comes to a close.