The season may be edging closer to its climax but, while we’re dreading a summer without football, at least we have a transfer window to keep us occupied.
A summer transfer window brings equal levels of excitement, optimism and apprehension to many fans around the globe. While we’re all eager to see our club spend big on players who will improve the squad, there’s always one or two star players you’re desperate to still see wearing your side’s famed colours come the start of the season.
This summer will be no different. The transfer window landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Now, clubs are able to spend vast sums of money on several players in the same window – even newly promoted clubs like Fulham are able to go big and spend £100m in an attempt to build a squad capable of staying in the Premier League, even if it does backfire tremendously.
So what should we expect to see this summer? Here are the 25 biggest transfers we think will keep us all on our toes in the coming months…
Paul Pogba to Real Madrid
While the French midfielder leads a resurgent Manchester United in the race for a Champions League spot, recent rumors suggest he might not even be with the club come European competition next season.
Zinedine Zidane is preparing his overhaul at Real Madrid and Pogba is said to be among his top targets as uncertainty swirls around the World Cup winner’s future at Old Trafford.
It’s hard to imagine the former £95million man leaving England so easily, but if United fail to qualify for the Champions League, momentum for Pogba’s exit could build fast.
Bruno Fernandes to Juventus
Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus had scouts on hand to watch Fernandes net his 28th goal of the season on the weekend and the two clubs will soon fight for his services this summer.
Juve are set in their attack up front, but will be in search of an attacking-minded midfielder this summer and Fernandes fits the description.
The battle for the Portugal international will be contentious and the asking price significant, but Juventus will be at the front and could be the most likely to purchase Fernandes.
Jadon Sancho to Manchester United
Sancho has broken out in a big way this campaign with 11 goals and 17 assists in 36 appear for Borussia Dortmund, and now the European giants are circling.
Manchester United have been at the forefront of the rumors this spring and appear ready to spend upwards of £100million to bring the crafty winger back to England.
Dortmund have a proven track record of developing and bringing in impressive returns on young talent and Sancho will be the next in line when if leaves the club this summer.
Tanguy Ndombele to Tottenham Hotspur
Following consecutive windows without a signing, Spurs will be ready to spend this summer with the French midfielder at the top of their wishlist.
Mauricio Pochettino will have to battle interest from Manchester United and Manchester City in order to bring in a replacement for Moussa Dembele, but while the competing sides’ focus placed elsewhere Tottenham will have a strong shot to secure Ndombele’s signature.
Lyon have done well in the past to fend off Premier League interest in stars like Nabil Fekir, but the forces just might be too powerful this summer.
Luka Jovic to Real Madrid
The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has scored 17 goals in 21 league starts in Germany this season and is now ready to make a move this summer with Real Madrid reportedly making him their top target.
Jovic won’t come cheap to Zidane and Los Blancos – Frankfurt’s reported asking fee stands around £61million – but Madrid are keen on signing the 21-year old and, from the sound of it, won’t be turned away.
Eden Hazard to Real Madrid
Madrid’s four-year chase of the dominant Belgian appears as though it might finally draw to a close this summer with Hazard nearing a potential exit from Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea star has shut down rumors regarding his future recently, but multiple reports have suggested that a deal for Hazard’s transfer to Spain is already complete and the writing is on the wall for his departure.
Hazard has long dreamed of joining Los Blancos and with the Spanish club ready to open up the cheque book this summer, that dream move may finally come.
Saul Niguez to Manchester City
Manchester City will be looking to add to its array of midfield talent this summer and the Spaniard would make for the perfect addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Saul has reportedly grown unhappy in Spain, and though Atletico’s £70m-plus asking price might prove a challenge, City may be willing to spend for his services.
Daniel Sturridge to Leicester City
With his contract up, the Englishman is expected to leave Anfield on a free transfer this summer with his former boss ready to scoop him up.
Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers is reportedly considering a move to reunite with Sturridge this summer while bolstering the Foxes’ attacking options behind Jamie Vardy.
Sturridge’s best years came playing under Leicester’s new gaffer, and a reunion in the East Midlands might be the perfect remedy to get his career back on track.
Kalidou Koulibaly to Manchester United
Considered to be among the top young defenders in the world, the Senegalese centre-back has drawn the attention of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain with interest for a summer move.
With a hefty budget and a need to improve his defensive options, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the Red Devils appear to be the frontrunners as the newly appointed Norwegian manager seeks a centrepiece in his back line.
Napoli have set a staggering transfer fee and face no need to cash in on 27-year old at the moment, but a strong offer from one of Europe’s heavyweights just might push the needle.
Nicolas Pepe to Bayern Munich
With 19 goals in Ligue 1 this campaign – second only to Kylian Mbappe’s 29 – the Ivorian winger has drawn significant interest from Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Manchester United, among others.
Munich reportedly had scouts on hand to see Pepe help Lille thrash PSG recently and currently stand in pole position to make the £70million move for his services this summer.
Lille’s president has deemed a summer move for the 23-year-old as “certain” and Bayern appear set to beat out its English rivals when the transfer window opens on July 1.