In around a week’s time or thereabout, the longest running event in the world of football this summer will come to an end. The summer window transfers will come to an end and the next moves for players will only be possible in January.
The tail-end of the summer transfer window – or any other transfer window in the world of football – is usually characterized by managers trying everything to either get the player(s) to improve their squad or offload the player(s) that is surplus to requirements.
It’s the same with the players and their managers too. They’re either holding out for a better offer, or looking at the ‘greener grass on the other side.’ All these put together makes the end part of any transfer window as dramatic as can be.
So far so good, it’s been a transfer window that saw the setting of a world record 9-digit transfer fee, tantrums by a certain Brazilian and Barcelona’s twitter account hacked, probably by fans who wanted to see Di Maria play for Barcelona. And the window has not even slam shut yet.
Names like Ousmane Dembele, Thomas Lemar, Alex Sandro, Matteo Kovacic and Philippe Coutinho are some of the names that have become regular features as the deadline hour approaches with each passing day – 7 days and some hours to go as of the time of writing.
Liverpool insists that their Brazilian playmaker is not for sale while Borussia Dortmund’s Dembele is still a player owned by the Germans. This leaves Barcelona, a club that has had both players on their radar, in a state of dilemma.
Because most of the “really good ones” are off the market, Barcelona have been sort of forced into panic buying after they were linked to Nice player, Jean Michael Seri. Whether or not they will get their man is still very much unknown.
While Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been linked with a return to Manchester United, one club that may be looking for a striker – or at least an attacking player – is Manchester City. They’ve still got their sights on Alexis Sanchez and may also be looking at developments in PSG as Lucas Moura has become surplus to requirements.
Talking about defenders, Van Dijk still hasn’t left Southampton even though he obviously wants a move away from the Saints. Manchester City’s move for Johnny Evans is still surprising while AC Milan look to continue spending with the Italian giants linked with a move for Rafinha.
Those are just some of the many moves that may pull through or fall through before the end of the window – not forgetting the Oxlade Chamberlain saga that continues. Yes, the rumors sometimes make the window unbearable with all the news, gist and “gossips.” But there’s no denying it has been one hell of a transfer window.
The big question is this: who will stay and who will go? It’s hard to say. We can only keep our fingers crossed and watch as events unfold.
PS: Which transfer would you like to see happen before the window slams shut? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment. We’d love to hear from you.
Tags: summer transfer window
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