The season is over, but does football ever really stop? With the Summer transfer window now open, rumours are rife, fans, managers (and some players!) are itching for changes.
Regarded by many as the best league in world football, the Premier League is home to supremely talented footballers.
As well as being considered as the most competitive, it’s also one of the most lucrative, clubs from the Premier League routinely eclipse the spending of other European leagues.
With that said, the lure of plying their trade in a different environment with prestigious clubs in La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, or Ligue 1 can be enough for a player to make the move from English football.
Let’s take a look at a few players who could move from their club for a fresh challenge in the same league or seek pastures new abroad.
1. Harry Kane
This man’s name is synonymous with goals and makes him one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
At 29 years of age, the Englishman has already amassed 213 Premier League goals. It’s reported that the striker is determined to beat the record of 260 goals set by compatriot Alan Shearer.
It’s this notion that gives Manchester United hope that they could tempt him to swap Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag is desperate to add goals to his squad, but with Daniel Levy being infamously difficult to negotiate with – especially with rival clubs – it’s likelier the number 10 would move abroad.
In the past, Bayern Munich have been linked. The Bundesliga isn’t known for splashing cash, but if any German club has the resources, it’s the current champions.
They’d feel Kane has all the attributes to sufficiently replace Robert Lewandowski, likewise, Real Madrid would see him as the ideal candidate to fill Karim Benzema’s boots.
Despite interest from a number of clubs, it’s not out of the question that the man lauded ‘one of their own’ by fans could stay in the capital. We can expect this saga to rumble on for a while!
2. Declan Rice
Young, English (sorry, Ireland) and dynamic, Declan Rice is hot property. The West Ham midfielder has captained The Irons to a European trophy but now looks set to switch allegiances.
Towards the end of last season, Arsenal fell short of capturing the league title, bolstering their midfield might be the difference. Mikel Arteta is said to be a huge admirer of the centre midfielder and is keen to recruit him.
Annoyingly for the Arsenal manager, the man who he lost out on the league to, Pep Guardiola, has also allegedly registered interest.
Could we see the midfield duo of Rice and Phillips that Gareth Southgate employs for England at Manchester City?
3. Kai Havertz
After standout seasons with Bayer Leverkusen, one of Germany’s most exciting prospects secured a move to Chelsea.
Whilst his technical ability is clear to see, the young forward has lacked the potency that made him a defender’s nightmare in the Bundesliga.
In his defence, it’s been a turbulent time at Stamford Bridge, there’s been changes in management, ownership and an influx of new players.
Arsenal and Real Madrid clearly believe there’s a top talent that can be acquired. Carlo Ancelotti was keen until Chelsea wouldn’t budge on their valuation.
Last season, Arsenal relied on Gabriel Jesus for their goals, and for a period of time his injury was a huge blow to their campaign. At present, they’re seen as the favourites to land Kai’s signature.
4. Bernardo Silva
The Portuguese midfielder is part of the historic squad that won the treble for Manchester City. Once you’ve won it all, is there a temptation for a change of scenery?
Although the silky playmaker has a Ligue 1 medal to his name, Paris Saint-Germain are said be very eager to add him to their squad.
It’s this type of quality that could be the difference on their quest for that elusive Champions League trophy.
Also in the race to sign the 28-year-old is Barcelona. Though with their financial difficulties well documented, and with City sure to demand a significant fee, it’s not likely we’ll see Silva in La Liga.
A fan favourite to the City faithful, don’t be surprised if the little magician stays at City and helps them achieve a fourth successive title.
5. Harry Maguire
Since leaving Leicester, the centre back’s Manchester United career probably hasn’t gone as smoothly as he wanted.
He arrived with a hefty price tag and was quickly made captain of the club. Performances were inconsistent and there were murmurs that perhaps the pressure of captaincy and the demands of MUFC were too great.
This was all but confirmed when Erik ten Hag took the helm. The Dutchman brought in Lisandro Martínez from Ajax and a solid partnership was formed with Raphaël Varane.
From this point, Maguire struggled for minutes, and with the season over and United on the hunt for another centre back, it looks as though his departure is imminent. Tottenham, Aston Villa, Everton and Newcastle are said to be monitoring the situation.
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