Looking at the the beautiful game from a number of different angles, providing reason for debate, and focusing on some of the more obscure and under valued discussions related to the game.
Thursday, 5 June 2014
World Cup Shop Window
Want-away strikers, coveted midfielders, and those simply seeking more game time - the World Cup is a chance for players to showcase their talents to suit their own agenda, and for clubs to add to their summer transfer lists. Here is a group to group rundown of those who might be on the move.
Group A
Javier Hernandez: Little Pea was shockingly underused by David Moyes last season and appears unhappy with his substitute role. A number of Spanish clubs have been linked with the Mexican in the past, and as the vocal attacking point for his country, he will get the opportunity to remind them why he is one of the best finishers around.
Samuel Eto'o: Without a club for the first time in his career, Eto'o has reiterated his desire to continue playing at the top level. He may struggle to make an impact in what is a tough group for Cameroon, whose current squad lack creativity. Should he score well, it may convince a top European side to take a punt.
Paulinho: After a tough first season in English football there has been some talk of Paulinho moving on. A consistent performer for Brazil, and favourite of Phil Scolari's, a good tournament for Paulinho could attract European buyers, or even open up the possibility of a return to Corinthians.
Mario Mandzukic: Robert Lewandowski's arrival at Bayern Munich means Mandzukic will have to settle for being second choice should he decide to stay. Arsenal are said to be interested, and a good showing in Brazil would make a move even more likely.
Group B
Fernando Torres: Torres' career has reached a crossroads. Unable to find any long term form in a Chelsea shirt, he may feel that the time is right to return to Spain. Whatever his own feelings, they may not under consideration, with Chelsea apparently eager to rid themselves of the Spanish forward anyway. It remains to be seen whether or not he will get any serious game time, but if he can contribute goals, it will be a timely reminder that he can still deliver under pressure.
Gary Medel: Captain of Chile, it is highly unlikely that Medel will stick around at Cardiff. The club will be hoping he stands out, so to add to his value, before cashing in on him in July. Likely to head to Spain, where Valencia have been monitoring his situation.
Cesc Fabregas: If you believe what the papers are saying, Fabregas has already been offered to most major European clubs by Barcelona. Reports suggest he is almost certainty on the way out, but surprisingly there has been a lack of interest. del Bosque rates him highly and will give Fabregas the freedom to influence matches in Brazil, which should bring potential buyers to their senses.
Group C
Yaya Toure/Kolo Toure: Out of nowhere, it has started to look increasingly possible that Yaya Toure will leave Manchester City this summer. It is hard to think of any club who would not make space for him, and inspiring the Ivory Coast to the knockout stages and beyond could set up a bidding war between Europe's top clubs. Brother Kolo is surplus to requirements at Liverpool, and will need to show that he can still cut it against strong opposition if he is to secure a decent move.
Freddy Guarin: A host of English clubs are interest in the bustling Colombian midfielder, and a solid World Cup showing may convince one of them to splash out on the Inter man.
Konstantinos Mitroglou: Having played little part in Fulham's struggle against the drop, Mitroglou is not viewed as the man to roll up his sleeves in the Championship. Fulham will be desperate for him to do well with Greece and attract a European buyer, though they are unlikely to recoup the £12 million they paid for him in January.
Shinji Kagawa: Louis Van Gaal may yet fancy Kawaga, but there is just as much chance that he wont. If United do decide to sell, they will want a decent sum, and with Japan pinning their hopes on Kawaga and Keisuke Honda's intricate passing, the playmaker should impress. Will hope to convince Jurgen Klopp that he is good enough for a return to Dortmund.
Group D
James Milner: Rumours that Milner has grown tired of his subordinate role at City have spiked the interest of the Premier League's top clubs. There is no better time for Milner to rediscover the kind of form which made City so desperate for his signature in 2010.
Luke Shaw: It seems inevitable that Shaw will leave Southampton in the summer. Should Leighton Baines get injured, Shaw can prove himself against world class opposition. Unless Manchester United move quickly before the tournament begins, they may find they have company for the full backs signature come the end of July.
Diego Godin: Atletico Madrid's squad is already in the process of being disbanded, as many critics anticipated, with Diego Costa to Chelsea nearing a done deal, and David Villa off to New York City. Godin's dominant performances have been key to the side's success this season, and helping Uruguay navigate their way through a tough group will only enhance his reputation. Both Manchester sides could do with a defender of Godin's quality, and could end up battling it out for him.
Group E
Loic Remy: A class act, Remy's form tailed off sharply at Newcastle after Christmas. Aiming to prove his credentials to a top four side in the Premier League, or even one of France's main players, Remy should get goals in a group France are expected to qualify from.
Xherdan Shaqiri: The talented Swiss winger has found it hard to usurp Bayern's dynamic duo of Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery. Too good to sit on the bench, he has plenty of suitors, and could help Switzerland exceed expectations, with his eye for spectacular goals and dangerous crossing.
Antonio Valencia: Ecuador's play revolves around the United winger, meaning he should see plenty of the ball. In one of the competition's less challenging groups, his ability to run at defenders is certain to catch the eye. In and out of United's side all season, Valencia may have to seek a fresh start if he wants to further his career.
Group F
Ezequiel Garay: South American defenders are in high demand and Garay is top of many European clubs' lists. Argentina will score plenty in their group, but there are question marks surrounding the defence. If Garay can steady a rocky back four and take Argentina far, Benfica will find it hard to keep hold of him.
Asmir Begovic: Stoke will already be expecting offers for Begovic this summer, after another fine season. The stopper could steal the headlines in a group where he will find himself tested by the world's top strikers. A great chance to increase his stock, whilst attracting the attention of clubs both in England and abroad.
Victor Moses: Moses' career at Chelsea appears over. With so much competition in front of him, and a less then impressive spell on loan at Liverpool, he is likely to be shown the exit door. Brilliant for Nigeria in the 2013 African Cup of Nations, he will be a constant threat off the wing. Expect a move to a mid-table Premier League club.
Jon Obi Mikel: A key player for Nigeria, Mikel has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea. Jose Mourinho will only sell him if the price is right, and with the Super Eagles playing Mikel in a more advanced role, he will get the chance to impress.
Group G
Germany's entire midfield: None of Germany's dazzling midfielders are pushing for moves, but they are certainly being coveted by other clubs. The chances are that at the very least, one of Toni Kroos, Julian Draxler, or Marco Reus will leave, and strong individual performances will put their respective clubs in a powerful bartering position.
Nani: If Valencia is kept on, Nani will probably be the player moved on. A return to Portugal may suit the winger best, but he needs to show more than just trickery. A willing attitude, and a few goals to boost in Brazil, will increase interest.
William Carvalho: It looks as though Europe's top clubs are waiting to see how Carvalho fairs in Brazil, before making an offer for the Sporting Lisbon powerhouse. High praise has been coming from all quarters in Portugal, and if he can contain Germany's tricky midfield in the opening game, interest and value will soar.
Group H
Romelu Lukaku: Mourinho has been coy about his intentions for Lukaku, and this has led to interest from a number of high profile clubs. As Belgian's only recognised striker, he is expected to get goals in Brazil. Enhancing his reputation is likely to take him out of Everton's reach, and it will require a big offer if Chelsea are even going to consider letting Lukaku leave.
Thomas Vermaelen: Arsene Wenger gave a strong hint after the F.A Cup final that the defender will have to move on if he wants serious game time. Having lost his way in recent seasons, a change is needed. Must show the the kind of form which caught the eye when he joined the Gunners.
Ki-Sung-Yueng: Loaned out by Swansea last season, Ki stood out in a lacklustre Sunderland side. A clever midfielder, with a determined work rate, South Korea will hope that he can bring his excellent form to Brazil, where he could secure a good deal.
Labels:
2014,
brazil,
transfer window,
world cup
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Mandzukic will definitely leave, as Lewandowski is joining and Pizarro has signed a new one year deal. Not sure where though, Arsenal is one possible destination, Atleti maybe another. Shaqiri I would have thought will go on loan somewhere for the year, maybe Wolfsburg. Dortmund just spent €19m on Immobile so don't see them splashing out on Kagawa too. Draxler and Reus will both stay, and Kroos won't move because Thiago is injured. Hope this helps haha
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