Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
The European Championship in France may have taken centre stage, but it has not stopped clubs across the continent from planning ahead of the 2016/2017 through significant moves in the transfer market. Bringing in the right quality of players in areas that need addressing can be the difference between success and failure, with managers becoming shrewd negotiators in the hope of improving results on the pitch.
The rumour mill has already kicked into overdrive, and although fans are often left to decipher whether the speculation is true or false, there is no smoke without fire. Many of Europe’s top players have been linked with big-money moves, and it may take just one deal to trigger a domino effect that sets the transfer market alight. Headline-making transfers have the power to alter title odds with Betway across every European league, and while Euro 2016 may delay negotiations with players who are participating at the tournament, the latest rumours may result in top players moving clubs.
Robert Lewandowsi (Bayern Munich to Real Madrid)
There is no question that Robert Lewandowski has become one of the best strikers in world football, with the 27-year-old enjoying yet another superb season in front of goal. Lewandowski not only finished as the Bundesliga’s top goalscorer with thirty goals in just thirty-three appearances, but also fired Poland into Euro 2016 with thirteen goals to his name during their successful qualifying campaign.
Bayern Munich are lucky to have one of the most clinical strikers at their disposal, but with reports that recent contract talks have stalled, there is the possibility that new manager Carlo Ancelotti could immediately lose one of his star players. Lewandowski is believed to favour a move to the Premier League at some point in his career, but his next step could be Real Madrid who see the Poland international as the next “Galactico.” The La Liga giants may have to make a monumental bid in order to convince Bayern Munich to sell, but with the prospect of Lewandowski becoming unsettled if they are unable to agree on new terms, they may be forced to cut their losses.
Paul Pogba (Juventus to Barcelona)
Any club in Europe would be blessed to have a player of Paul Pogba’s immense talent at their disposal, with the France star set to show just how good he is for the Euro 2016 hosts. It is incredible to think that, like Lewandowski, Pogba moved clubs as a free agent, with many believing Sir Alex Ferguson made one of the biggest mistakes of a hugely successful managerial career when he let the midfielder leave Old Trafford back in 2012.
The Juventus star has since blossomed into a fantastic player; his strength, pace, skill, vision and a wonderful array of passing allows Pogba to dictate the play and be an integral player for club and country. Pogba certainly has ambition that matches his ferocious talent, but it remains to be seen how long he remains in Serie A before he sets his sights on a money-spinning move elsewhere. His current focus will be on France’s upcoming fixture, with Betway providing odds on every match this weekend and throughout Euro 2016 for those who believe that Pogba will lead France to glory. However, his future at club level has once again been the subject of speculation, with Barcelona reportedly sizing up a mega-money move to bring Pogba to the Nou Camp this summer.
The La Liga champions have made no secret of their admiration for the multi-talented Frenchman, but they may be dragged into a bidding war if Real Madrid and Manchester United also show their hand. Pogba would unquestionably fit into Barcelona’s style of play, and with the club’s profile and rich success on the pitch suiting his ambitions, then it could be a match made in heaven.
Julian Draxler (Wolfsburg to Manchester United)
Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Old Trafford may be the beginning of a major overhaul at Manchester United, with the “Special One” seen as the perfect manager to bring success back to a club who have flattered to deceive in the Premier League in recent times. Failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League could affect their chances of bringing marquee signings this summer, but the lure of playing for one of the most illustrious clubs in world football will always work in their favour.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, but rumours also suggest that 22-year-old Germany international Julian Draxler is also a transfer target. Despite Wolfsburg enduring an indifferent season, the creative midfielder made a big impression in the Bundesliga and Champions League, with his ability to create chances and contribute on the goals front a big reason why he has been linked with a big move this summer.
He deservedly earned a place in Joachim Low’s 23-man squad, with Draxler likely to play a big role as Germany aim to secure their dominant hold on international football by adding the European Championship to the World Cup they won in Brazil two years ago. Mourinho is likely to keep an eye on Draxler’s progress, but with Juan Mata and Ander Herrera reportedly surplus to requirements, the German star could be one of many who arrive through the doors at Old Trafford this summer.
