This season has typically seen a number of top players across Europe linked with sensational summer transfers away from their current clubs.
The futures of David de Gea and Gareth Bale, along with Radamel Falcao and Mats Hummels, have covered the back-pages this term, as they – and more – could stun the football world by seeking adventure elsewhere.
Here’s how we think the biggest ongoing transfer sagas will end this summer, with a busy summer expected for Manchester United…
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Gareth Bale – Real Madrid
For almost the entire season, Gareth Bale, the world’s most expensive player, has been linked with an exit from Real, as reported by the Telegraph – into just his second season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, despite the intense speculation, we cannot imagine the Welsh wizard agreeing to an exit from the Spanish giants so soon after sealing his dream move to Madrid – despite have suffered tremendous backlash from the Real faithful this term.
Where he’ll play next season: Real Madrid
David de Gea – Manchester United
With Iker Casillas’ career at Real coming to an end, and his performances unconvincing, the La Liga giants have reportedly earmarked the Red Devils’ stopper as they man they want to replace the Spaniard at the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to the Express, de Gea is undecided on whether to sign a new contract at Old Trafford or make the transfer to Madrid – where his long-term partner Edurne Garcia also lives.
We believe the lure of walking out as Real’s no.1 at the Santiago Bernabeu could be an opportunity too great for the 24-year-old to turn down, and we reckon his refusal to sign a new Man United deal could hint that his mind is already made up.
Where he’ll play next season: Real Madrid
Mats Hummels – Borussia Dortmund
Louis van Gaal, according to quotes in the Daily Mail, ‘was crazy about’ bringing the German to Old Trafford last season in his first summer in charge of the Red Devils.
The confirmed exit of Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp is expected to see a number of top players exit the Westfalenstadion, and we firmly expect Hummels to be one of those to leave.
Louis van Gaal is likely to be more serious about landing the centre-back in the summer, and with United’s defensive worries, would be guaranteed playing time.
Where he’ll play next season: Manchester United
Memphis Depay – PSV Eindhoven
Sky Sports confirmed that Manchester United had made an official enquiry regarding the availability of the Dutch winger at the end of the season, and are expected to lodge an official bid in the summer.
The 21-year-old has been linked to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, too, but Manchester United have the upper hand with former Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal, as well as international team-mates Robin van Persie and Daley Blind, there to help him settle at Old Trafford.
UPDATE: Manchester United confirmed on Thursday 7 May, via their official Twitter account, that a deal – reported by the Daily Mail to be £25m – had been agreed with PSV for the exciting forward. Subject to a successful medical, Depay will be making the switch from the Philips Stadion to the Theatre of Dreams when the summer transfer window opens next month.
Where he’ll play next season: DONE DEAL – Manchester United
Raheem Sterling – Liverpool
The England international has been the subject of much transfer speculation since his BBC Sport interview, and apparent refusal to sign a new deal at Anfield.
In the interview, the 20-year-old revealed his flattery at being linked to the Reds’ Premier League rivals Arsenal, and he is also rumoured to be on the radar of Manchester City, according to the Mirror, who are keen to add to the number of home-grown players at the club.
However, despite his name a constant on the transfer grapevine, it’s difficult to see Brendan Rodgers agreeing to allow the youngster to leave Anfield in the summer. What’s more, his performances haven’t dipped – suggesting he has no problems in remaining at the club.
Where he’ll play next season: Liverpool
Nathaniel Clyne – Southampton
The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Manchester United for most of the season – with his contract set to expire next summer – where he would team up with former Saints team-mate Luke Shaw.
However, the full-back was recently quoted in the Daily Mail expressing his happiness to remain at St Mary’s.
What’s more, with the disappointing seasons of Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert, who all left Southampton last summer, the England international could be tempted into staying put a little while longer, and avoiding the same possible fate.
Where he’ll play next season: Southampton
Radamel Falcao – Manchester United
It’s been plain to see just how difficult the Colombian has found coping with the pressure of being Manchester United’s no.9, as well as the intensity of the Premier League – and not only in his poor stats, but his body language on the field, too.
The Red Devils, according to the Mirror, aren’t interested in signing the forward on a permanent deal.
There’s little doubt that Falcao is a top striker and could grab 20+ goals for a Premier League club – if he can recover his confidence. A switch to Liverpool could happen – with Brendan Rodgers in need of a marquee signing.
Where he’ll play next season: Liverpool
Edinson Cavani – PSG
The Uruguayan has, ESPN reported, been unhappy for the whole season with being played out of position at the Parc des Princes to allow room for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and such is his frustration that he apparently wants out in the summer.
Radamel Falcao is poised to exit Old Trafford at the end of the season when his loan spell expires, and Cavani could be the man to take over the no.9 shirt.
Where he’ll play next season: Manchester United
Paul Pogba – Juventus
The Frenchman has been linked with an incredible number of clubs – including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, the Daily Star report.
Nonetheless, the midfielder, despite all the speculation and his agent’s endless comments over his client’s future, is settled in Turin and we would expect him to spend another season in Serie A.
Where he’ll play next season: Juventus
Ilkay Gundogan – Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund confirmed via Twitter that Gundogan wouldn’t be renewing his contract with the club – which is set to expire in June 2016 – and BVB sporting director also recently confirmed, in quotes by the Daily Star, that he wants a transfer away in the summer.
Manchester United have been linked with his name, but given the plethora of attacking options at Louis van Gaal’s disposal, he will surely know that he could spend much of his time warming the Old Trafford bench.
Arsenal could be a more exciting option, and would add to the club’s German connection – with Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski there to persuade him to a move to the Emirates.
Where he’ll play next season: Arsenal
James Milner – Manchester City
The England international’s contract expires with Manchester City in the summer, and he isn’t expected to sign a new deal given his playing time at the Etihad is limited.
Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with the midfielder, the Independent reported. With the Reds having disappointed this term, and Arsenal showing their quality in the second half of the season, a switch to the Emirates would be more the inviting option.
Though his future remains firmly in his hands.
Where he’ll play next season: Arsenal
Danny Ings – Burnley
It was reported earlier in the season, by the Daily Mail, that the striker would see out the remainder of his contract and leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Liverpool and Real Sociedad have been linked with the 22-year-old, but, according to the Mirror, he has had his heart set on a move to Anfield.
With the dismal form of Mario Balotelli, combined with Daniel Sturridge’s injury and Rickie Lambert not fitting into Brendan Rodgers’ plans, Ings could be just what the club needs.
Where he’ll play next season: Liverpool
Lukas Podolski – Arsenal
Arsene Wenger doesn’t appear to have warmed to the German on the field, which saw the forward try to remedy his Arsenal situation by sealing a loan spell with Inter Milan until the end of the season.
However, his time in Italy hasn’t gone as he would have like, leaving his future up in the air.
It’s unlikely Wenger will consider the 29-year-old to be a key player in the Gunners’ future, as they look to mount a title challenge next season, and therefore could be heading out of the Emirates permanently in the summer.
The Germany international has proved that he can more than handle the intensity of the Premier League, which could tempt a mid-table team from England’s top flight into making an offer. Perhaps a club, such as West Ham, who showed their intent in moving forward by signing Barcelona’s Alex Song on loan, could be tempted.
Where he’ll play next season: Mid-table Premier League club
