With different leagues across Europe entering the business end of the season, this is a good time to evaluate which players might be on the move this summer.
The biggest clubs are already preparing for what could be another blockbuster, exciting and eventful summer transfer window, with some high-profile players expected to switch clubs at the end of this campaign. As the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is scheduled to commence in November, the clubs must get their business done quickly to have their desired players available at the start of the new season.
Without much ado, let us take a look at the top five big-name transfers expected in Europe.
Erling Haaland
Potential destinations: Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona
Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland is arguably the most coveted player in Europe, owing to his special talent and sky-high potential. Manchester City and Real Madrid are locked in a transfer battle for the Norwegian international, while Barcelona have also been linked with a move.
It is reported Manchester City view Haaland as a long-term successor to Sergio Aguero and already have a deal in place to sign him. But signing him won’t be that straightforward, and with the young striker available for €75m due to a release clause in his contract with Dortmund, expect a big scramble for his services.
Kylian Mbappe
Potential destination: Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe looks a certainty to leave Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer at the end of the season, with Real Madrid touted as the potential destination.
Real Madrid tried their level best to sign the French superstar last summer, but PSG were hellbent on keeping hold of him with the hope of tying him down to a new contract. However, Mbappe’s continued reluctance to sign a new contract and PSG’s failure to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals is sure to hasten the player’s decision to leave.
And going by the latest reports, Mbappe already has a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid in place since late January.
Paul Pogba
Potential destinations: Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain
Like Kylian Mbappe, Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is out of contract at the end of the season.
The Frenchman has been in a position to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs since the January transfer window. The central midfielder is yet to make a decision over his future, with extending his contract at Man United still a possibility.
Pogba has been heavily linked with a move back to Juventus, while Paris Saint-Germain want the World Cup winner to be a part of their new revolution from next season.
Robert Lewandowski
Potential destinations: Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid
One of the world’s most prolific goalscorers, Robert Lewandowski will have just 12 months remaining on his contract at Bayern Munich and will be in a strong position to push for a move or a lucrative new deal. This means the summer transfer window would be the best opportunity for Bayern to cash in on their superstar. Ardent football fans can remain updated and can take a punt on a choice of their own among the best betting sites in Nigeria.
Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid have been reportedly touted as potential destinations for the Polish striker, and with a renewal nowhere in sight, chances of Lewandowski ending his glittering career with Bayern in the summer has become higher than ever.
Antonio Rudiger
Potential destinations: Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG
Antonio Rudiger is almost certain to leave Chelsea on a free transfer at the end of the season, despite efforts by the west London club’s hierarchy to persuade the Germany international to sign a new contract to stay at Stamford Bridge.
The central defender, who won the Champions League with Chelsea last year, is likely to be in big demand due to his availability on a free agency, skill-set and rich pedigree of playing at the highest level in recent years.
With Chelsea in turmoil following the UK government’s decision to sanction Roman Abramovich and freeze his assets, Rudiger’s decision to end his stay at Stamford Bridge has certainly accelerated. As a result, Manchester United, Real Madrid and PSG have all been put on red alert.