International tournaments are not only a great way for players to show off their skills on the international stage, but a tried and tested method of securing a dream move. With transfer season in full swing, managers will be looking to take on new signings – and they’ll all have their eyes fixed on the top players.
With clubs desperate to pick up the players who have shined in a major international tournament, this transfer season is set to be even more hectic than most. Here’s our guide to the players who are wanting to make a move, and the clubs they’re expected to transfer to.
The England squad
Unsurprisingly, the most popular football players in the Euros tournament according to this social tracker are in the England team. Just like with the 2018 World Cup, the Three Lions overcame all odds to make it even further than the frontrunners, resulting in one of their all time best performances.
This has naturally made the team in high demand to managers worldwide. Although currently on contract at Manchester City until 2023, reports are suggesting that star striker Raheem Sterling is open to offers to leave the club.
He’s previously been linked to Real Madrid in the past, but they’re likely to be far from the only club interested. As for now, spokespeople have suggested they’d be at the front of the queue to sign the star player.
After winning the Premier League for the 2020/21 season, Manchester City were in an enviable position when it came to signing new players. Or at least they were, until manager Pep Guardiola said the top strikers were “impossible” for the club to afford.
This was in relation to the news that the club aimed to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham, and Jack Grealish from Aston Villa. However, both have come with eye watering price tags – with the £150 million demand from Spurs all but ruling out a Kane move, despite the player’s desire to be transferred.
It is widely assumed that Grealish has already signed a contract with City, despite Aston Villa’s claims that the midfielder will be returning this coming season. With two potential high profile new signings, speculation is rising about which players could be sold.
Of these, Portugal’s Bernardo Silva, who failed to make a major impression for his country during the tournament, is expected to have his future open to question. But Man City aren’t the only club planning to clear house to make way for some of the national team’s brightest talents.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are reportedly interested in Ben White, with Brighton likely to sell for a substantial fee after tying him to a new contract prior to last season.
The European heavyweights – and the clubs that can actually afford them
The impact of coronavirus has hit the finances of most clubs. Manchester City and Paris St-Germain were talked up as the two most likely to be flexible with their spending, although Pep Guardiola’s recent comments have put City’s financial flexibility in doubt.
Manchester United are expected to flash the cash this year though. There’s speculation over whether Paul Pogba will extend his contract (which expires in 2022), and he’s not the only player from the French team they’re hoping to get on board.
Raphael Varane has given the club his word that he will be making the move to Old Trafford for the upcoming season. But no contracts have been signed yet – and Real Madrid want £51 million for the star, compared to the £38 million United are planning on offering.
Portugal may have had a disappointing Euros, but for Renato Sanches, a brief spell on the pitch was described as further career rehabilitation following a rough few years after rising to fame in the triumphant 2016 squad. His record signing at Bayern Munich, and subsequent loan to Swansea, were disastrous – but since signing with Lille, he’s recaptured his earlier powers.
Now, Liverpool are reportedly eager to bring Sanches back to Britain, which could bring his comeback to the next level. He’s helped Lille recover against PSG, and after Liverpool’s mixed 2020-21 season, could help bring them back in Premier League contention.
Another player linked with Liverpool is Swede Alexander Isak. However, his £60 million fee means that this move isn’t necessarily a given.
Elsewhere in Merseyside, Everton are in of talks to bring over Dutch player Denzel Dumfries. The club are looking for a replacement to Seamus Coleman, although they have competition from Inter Milan.
Everton are also reportedly interested in the Czech Republic striker Patrick Schick, although they face competition from Crystal Palace. German Robin Goesens has been linked with a move to Leicester, although talks seem to have progressed to the final stages of a £30 million Barcelona move.
The upcoming season looks set to have plenty of dramatic transfers, making for a season as unpredictable as 2020.