da dobrowin： Transfer fees in the Premier League have gotten crazier with every season of its 25-year existence. But the current summer transfer window, which opens internationally today, feels like it could be a real watershed moment for the English came, where collective spending spirals further out of control than ever before.
da heads bet： There are now six sides who could realistically win the title in any given season, not to mention dark horses like Leicester City lingering in the background, and the financial incentives on offer are so vast that clubs will be desperate to keep themselves in the top division at all costs.
Accordingly, managers and chairmen alike will undoubtedly get itchy fingers this summer, feeling like they should be putting pen to cheque at practically every opportunity to ensure they have enough playing quality to reach their respective aims.
But which deals could shape the 2017/18 Premier League season? Which signings are likely to have the biggest impact on the rest of the league? And who is likely to come and go from the Premier League’s biggest clubs?
FootballFanCast takes a look…
Romelu Lukaku
Most commonly linked: Chelsea
He’d also suit: Manchester United
Likeliness to move this summer: 9/10
Why so influential: Having established himself as the Premier League’s most consistent goalscorer after Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane during three seasons at Goodison Park, Romelu Lukaku seems almost destined to fire his future employers over the finishing line in next season’s title race – or at the very least improve upon his 25-goal tally for Everton last season. He’s made no secret of his desire to leave Merseyside and a return to Chelsea is the likeliest scenario.
Joe Hart
Most commonly linked: West Ham
He’d also suit: Liverpool
Likeliness to move: 10/10
Why so influential: He’s England’s No.1 and a two-time Premier League winner, but Joe Hart just can’t find a club after falling afoul of Pep Guardiola and spending last season on loan at Torino. The simple fact of the matter is that there aren’t many openings for goalkeepers at the Premier League’s top clubs, but that could prove to have a massive impact on the mid-table sides looking to push for a Europa League spot – for a club like West Ham, Hart would be a fantastic coup.
Nemanja Matic
Most commonly linked: Manchester United
He’d also suit: Arsenal
Likeliness to move this summer: 5/10
Why so influential: Whereas Nemanja Matic’s importance seemingly regressed towards the end of last season, losing his place in the starting XI to Cesc Fabregas, he’d unquestionably be an invaluable addition to Manchester United’s midfield, one that suits Jose Mourinho’s game-plan perfectly and can provide the sturdy, defensive platform for world-record signing Paul Pogba to truly thrive. It could be a watershed signing for the Red Devils.
Blaise Matuidi
Most commonly linked: Manchester United and Arsenal
He’d also suit: Chelsea
Likeliness to move this summer: 5/10
Why so influential: A serial title-winner with PSG boasting plenty of experience in the Champions League and at international level with France, Blaise Matuidi would be a dependable addition to any of the midfields in the top six and most appealingly, his contract in Paris is due to expire at the end of next season. That could well force PSG to sell on the cheap this summer, which already makes Matuidi a strong candidate to be the Premier League’s best value-for-money signing.
Alexis Sanchez
Most commonly linked: Manchester City
He’d also suit: Chelsea
Likeliness to move this summer: 7/10
Why so influential: Deals between top Premier League clubs are becoming rarer and rarer these days but with his contract due to expire in twelve months, Arsenal may not have much of a choice if they receive the right money for star commodity Alexis Sanchez.
Should a move go ahead, with Manchester City the likeliest destination in England, it would signal a drastic shift in power, severely weakening Arsenal’s attack whilst strengthening the forward line at one of their divisional rivals. The Gunners would likely prefer to sell abroad, but neutrals will be desperate for Sanchez to stay in the English top flight.
Alexandre Lacazette
Most commonly linked: Arsenal
He’d also suit: Liverpool
Likeliness to move this summer: 5/10
Why so influential: Potentially Arsenal’s replacement for Sanchez, potentially another super-quick addition to Liverpool’s front-line, there’s plenty of interest in Alexandre Lacazette after four in-excess-of-20-goals seasons at Lyon.
There’s no question the France international has outgrown his surroundings there and if he can transition his potency to the Premier League, he could be one of the most lethal weapons in next season’s top-six scrap.
Virgil van Dijk
Most commonly linked: Chelsea and Liverpool
He’d also suit: Arsenal and Manchester City
Likeliness to move: 6/10
Why so influential: Until a season-ending injury in January, Virgil van Dijk was the most impressive centre-back in the Premier League last term by quite some distance. A combination of domineering physicality and the technique and confidence to bring the ball out of the back makes the Dutchman an incredibly modern defender and a potential world-beater in the making. He’d suit Chelsea’s three-man defensive system perfectly and further enhance what is already a near water-tight backline.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Most commonly linked: Everton
He’d also suit: Spurs and Newcastle
Likeliness to move this summer: 5/10
Why so influential: Gylfi Sigurdsson was by far and away the top talent in the bottom half of the Premier League last season, sparing Swansea City from relegation almost single-handed with a consistent supply of assists and goals – many from set pieces.
Indeed, his dead ball delivery would be of benefit to practically every team in the top flight, adding a new weapon to their armoury, whilst his departure from Swansea would inevitably impact the less glamorous end of the table too. He’s been billed as one of Everton’s key targets this summer, with Ronald Koeman looking to build a side that can push for the top for. The Icelander is certainly of that calibre.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Most commonly linked: Manchester United
He’d also suit: Every team in the league
Likeliness to move: 4/10
Why so influential: Very much the next Gigi Buffon in terms of ability, nationality and likeliness to set a new world-record goalkeeper fee by moving to a top club at a young age, ensuring maximum longevity, Gianluigi Donnarumma is AC Milan’s teenage No.1 seemingly destined to eventually make his way into the beautiful game’s goalscoring hall of fame.
Whether he turns up in the Premier League this summer, however, will largely depend on the likes of De Gea or Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois moving on.
Ross Barkley
Most commonly linked: Tottenham
He’d also suit: Arsenal
Likeliness to move this summer: 6/10
Why so influential: English players moving for big money always creates controversy and Ross Barkley may be unable to avoid that this summer; he’s allowed his contract to enter its final twelve months and Ronald Koeman has been nursing him towards the Goodison exit door practically since being appointed manager last summer.
Aged 23, Barkley probably hasn’t reached the level many expected when he first turned out as a teenager. But moving to a new club and playing in a slightly different set up could bring out the best in him.
Alex Sandro
Most commonly linked: Chelsea
He’d also suit: Manchester City
Likeliness to move: 5/10
Why so influential: An example of Chelsea showing the ruthlessness required to become the first Premier League title retainers since 2009, despite Marcos Alonso’s impressive performances last season Alex Sandro would be an impressive upgrade at left wing-back, one who – theoretically – would make their 3-4-3 setup even more effective.
He’s another who’d also suit what Pep Guardiola wants from his defensive flankers, but there’s nothing to suggest he’ll definitely be leaving Juventus this summer.
James Rodriguez
Most commonly linked: Manchester United
He’d also suit: Chelsea and Arsenal
Likeliness to move this summer: 6/10
Why so influential: It simply hasn’t worked out for James Rodriguez at Real Madrid, failing to replicate the Golden Boot winning form at the 2014 World Cup that earned him a big-money move to the Bernabeu. But taking El Clasico castoffs and turning them into top Premier League stars is nothing new and that could well be the case for the Colombian international, provided a major club is prepared to take a punt on him.
Zinedine Zidane seems more than happy to sell after leaving Rodriguez out of his Champions League final squad; it’s more a question of finding a buyer.
Leonardo Bonucci
Most commonly linked: Chelsea
He’d also suit: Manchester City
Likeliness to move this summer: 4/10
Why so influential: Unquestionably one of the best in the centre-back trade, Leonardo Bonucci would be a fantastic asset for any Premier League club who manage to get their hands on him. A vastly experienced title winner famed for his ball-playing qualities and leadership skills, the likes of City and Chelsea could easily rebuild their defences around the Italy international. However, it’s by no means guaranteed that he’ll leave the club this summer.
Tiemou Bakayoko
Most commonly linked: Chelsea
He’d also suit: Manchester United and Arsenal
Likeliness to move this summer: 8/10
Why so influential: Billed almost as a Yaya Toure incarnate after two stunning seasons at Monaco, Tiemou Bakayoko could prove to be a key Premier League midfielder over the next decade. That’s big talk for a player who has never stepped out of French football before but on the most part it seems justified.
Furthermore, he appears to be a crucial part of Antonio Conte’s plans to rebuild his title-winning side for next season, tipped to replace Nemanja Matic in midfield, which should make them a different and much less predictable proposition for the 19 clubs looking to claim a scalp against the reigning champions.
Thomas Lemar
Most commonly linked: Arsenal and Tottenham
He’d also suit: Liverpool
Likeliness to move this summer: 5/10
Why so influential: A potential replacement for Mesut Ozil, Thomas Lemar is another member of the Monaco side that took Europe by storm last term, producing an impressive nine goals and ten assists from midfield in Ligue 1. With Arsenal and Tottenham both linked with his services, albeit the former club more convincingly, where Lemar ends up could be a signal of the change in the balance of power in north London. However, Monaco remain adamant they’re under no pressure to sell the 21-year-old.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Most commonly linked: Manchester United
He’d also suit: Every club in the Premier League
Likeliness to move this summer: 4/10
Why so influential: As one of the two top talents in world football, signing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer would unquestionably change the dynamics of the Premier League title race, adding a serial Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most prolific goalscorers of all time to an already complicated equation.
Having fallen afoul of the Spanish tax-man, a return to Manchester United has inevitably been mooted, but the Red Devils don’t appear to be entirely convinced by the idea – not least because the Portuguese could command another world-record fee at the age of 32.
Benjamin Mendy
Most commonly linked: Manchester City
He’d also suit: Arsenal
Likeliness to move this summer: 7/10
Why so influential: Capable of playing at left-back or left midfield, Benjamin Mendy is a manager’s dream in an age when dynamic, creative full-backs have become amongst the most important players on the pitch.
That’s exactly what Pep Guardiola needs at the Eithad Stadium to turn last season’s third-placed side into Premier League champions and there’s certainly room for the prodigious Frenchman in the starting XI following the departure of Gael Clichy.
Furthermore, aged just 22, Mendy represents a long-term investment that could have a huge say on the many Premier League campaigns to come.
Kylian Mbappe
Most commonly linked: Arsenal
He’d also suit: Any club who can afford him
Likeliness to move this summer: 5/10
Why so influential: One of the driving forces behind the Monaco side that unexpectedly claimed last season’s Ligue 1 title and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, producing a return of 26 goals across all competitions in the process, 18-year-old Kylian Mbappe is the most sought-after youngster in Europe. Any club who get their hands on him could have a world-class striker for the next decade, but Monaco are holding firm.
Michael Keane
Most commonly linked: Everton and Liverpool
He’d also suit: Manchester United
Likeliness to move: 9/10
Why so influential: One of the most in-demand England internationals this summer, Michael Keane’s old school style of defending stands out in a league increasingly obsessed with centre-backs acting like playmakers.
That’s not to suggest the Burnley defender is in any way poor on the ball, but his reading of the game, strength and aerial ability would certainly add a hard-man edge to some of the backlines in the top six. Everton appear to be the front-runners for his signature, which could be crucial in Ronald Koeman’s revamp of the Toffees squad.
Mesut Ozil
Most commonly linked: N/A
He’d also suit: N/A
Likeliness to move this summer: 7/10
Why so influential: Arsenal’s other star entity finds himself in the exact same situation as Alexis Sanchez, his contract set to expire at the end of next season. That puts the Gunners in an incredibly difficult position with another talismanic entity potentially heading for the exit door. If both leave this summer, Arsenal will face an incredible rebuilding job and a season of transition, something that suggests that they won’t be part of the Premier League title race.
Fabinho
Most commonly linked: Manchester United
He’d also suit: Chelsea and Manchester City
Likeliness to move this summer: 7/10
Why so influential: One of the many Monaco players tipped to move onto pastures new, Fabinho was one of the first players of their title-winning side to garner heavy attention from the Premier League and has since proved himself to be an exceptionally capable midfielder and right-back, excelling in both roles. Add in proficiency from free kicks and the beastly Brazilian has a lot to offer the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Alvaro Morata
Most commonly linked: Manchester United
He’d also suit: Chelsea
Likeliness to move this summer: 8/10
Why so influential: Agile and energetic yet also a handful in the air, Morata looks a great fit for the Premier League and has been linked with English clubs practically every summer since he first burst onto the scene as a promising youngster at Real Madrid. Manchester United are in the market for a new front-man after parting with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and when combining the aforementioned traits with the kind of opportunist streak Jose Mourinho tends to adore, the Spaniard is seemingly the prime candidate. His arrival could be what transforms the Red Devils from a sixth-placed outfit to genuine title challengers.
Ivan Rakitic:
Most commonly linked: Manchester City and Manchester United
He’d also suit: Liverpool
Likeliness to move this summer: 3/10
Why so influential: A longshot in comparison to many in this article but with Barcelona appointing a new manager and seemingly in need of freshening up, especially in midfield, Ivan Rakitic could become a casualty before the end of the transfer window at the age of 29. Goalscoring midfielders are on the decline in the Premier League – Glyfi Sigurdsson topped last season’s charts with nine – but that’s arguably the Croatian’s greatest asset, netting 43 across the last five campaigns. His Nou Camp career is by no means dead in the water, however, so don’t hold your breath for this one.
David De Gea
Most commonly linked: Real Madrid
He’d also suit: N/A
Likeliness to move: 3/10
Why so influential: Losing David De Gea would inevitably put a huge dent in Manchester United’s starting XI, one that Jose Mourinho will struggle to adequately address before the summer transfer window slams shut. The Spaniard is a three-time Player of the Year winner at Old Trafford and arguably the top shot-stopper in world football.
Alas, rumours of a big-money move to Real Madrid simply haven’t gone away – especially after he was left out of last season’s Europa League final for understudy Sergio Romero.
Kyle Walker
Most commonly linked: Manchester City
He’d also suit: Chelsea
Likeliness to move this summer: 8/10
Why so influential: Another potential internal Premier League transfer that would strengthen one club and weaken another. That being said, the general feeling at Tottenham is that Kieran Trippier has what it takes to step into Kyle Walker’s shoes.
At the Etihad Stadium, however, amid a full-back exodus, he could well be the signing that sees Pep Guardiola’s attacking philosophy finally take shape, mimicking the pace, power and offensive instincts of ex-Barcelona man Dani Alves down the right-hand side. He’d be a fantastic candidate for Chelsea’s right wing-back role as well, but a deal between the London rivals seems unlikely.