Five stars of the 2014 Belgium World Cup squad who could be set for big transfers this summer.
Belgium are seen by many to be dark horses for the 2014 FIFA World Cup title, and Marc Wilmots’ side kicked off their
campaign with a narrow victory over Algeria in Group H after falling behind to an early Sofiane Feghouli penalty. The
Belgium squad contains 12 players from the English Premier League, a number that could be added to, or indeed reduced, if some of these rumoured big money deals involving Belgian players go through this summer.
1) Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
It now looks as though Belgian number one Thibaut Courtois will be staying at Stamford Bridge, but the summer has thus far seen plenty of rumours linking the former Genk man with another move to Atletico Madrid, whether permanently or on another season-long loan deal.
Courtois is yet to make a senior appearance for the Blues since arriving from the Belgian Jupiler League, but has established himself as one of the world’s finest goalkeepers during his time in Madrid, winning the 2014 La Liga title in the process.
Even if he does stay at Stamford Bridge, however, the return of Courtois to the club as a goalkeeper ready to have the same kind of impact as Petr Cech did on his arrival is as exciting as a new signing for Blues fans.
2) Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)
Former Ajax star Thomas Vermaelen tends to play out of position at left back for his national side – but at Arsenal he is no longer able to get into the team at all.
This has led to Vermaelen being heavily linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United, who are looking to strengthen their defence to coincide with the arrival of new manager Louis van Gaal from the Dutch national team.
3) Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid)
Centre back Toby Alderweireld, who plays at right back for Marc Wilmots’ team, looks set to leave La Liga champions Atletico Madrid this summer after a frustrating season in which he struggled to nail down a place in Diego Simeone’s impressive defence at the Vicente Calderon.
Tottenham Hotspur have already been linked with a move for the former Ajax defender as Mauricio Pochettino looks to rebuild his squad at White Hart Lane.
4) Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)
Marouane Fellaini may have been the Belgian hero when he came off the bench to bag the equalising goal against Algeria, but the former Everton man still doesn’t appear to have a future at Old Trafford.
According to newspaper reports this summer, one of new manager Louis van Gaal’s first acts as Manchester United manager may be to sell Fellaini, who has struggled to adapt to life at the club since joining in a rushed deadline day move from Goodison Park last year.
5) Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)
Despite a fine goalscoring season on loan at Everton last season, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho still does not appear to be convinced by young striker Romelu Lukaku and may choose to cash in on the former Anderlecht man this summer. A number of clubs have been linked with the 21 year-old, including La Liga champions Atletico Madrid, but wherever he may end up it seems unlikely that Chelsea fans will see Lukaku pull on their blue shirt again.
It is a curious move from Chelsea, considering Lukaku’s status as one of Europe’s finest young strikers, but fans aren’t likely to care too much if Mourinho can tie up a deal for Spanish international Diego Costa.
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