The 2021 summer transfer window officially opened last week and while finances are still tight after one year of no stadium revenue, there are still plenty of big players who will be on the move across Europe. The wheels have already started turning this window with Liverpool spending over £35 million on RB Leipzig central defender Ibrahima Konate and the likes of Sergio Aguero and Gini Wijnaldum signing for Barcelona and PSG on free transfers.
But who are the other major players expected to change allegiances this summer? We bring you upto speed:
5. SERGIO RAMOS
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Real Madrid have officially announced that their captain, leader and poster-boy Sergio Ramos will finally leave the club after 16 years. Ramos won everything there is to win with Real Madrid and his departure is a sign of the times for the Spanish giants, with the club more focused on a long-term rebuild. At 35, Ramos is no longer in his prime, but the Spanish international can still offer plenty of leadership and experience at the back to plenty of top clubs in Europe. Despite being a free transfer, Ramos is expected to command a high wage packet with clubs such as PSG, Chelsea and Manchester United linked to the defender.
4. JACK GREALISH
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The biggest clue that points towards Jack Grealish leaving Aston Villa this summer is their transfer activity so far in this window. Aston Villa have already bought Emiliano Buendia from Norwich for £35 million and have also submitted a £25 million bid for Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe. Both players are attacking midfielders known for their technical prowess and chance creation. In simple terms, they are Jack Grealish replacements.
Like Tottenham did in 2013 with Gareth Bale, Villa are probably spending their Grealish transfer money before he leaves and a move to Manchester City might be on the cards this summer for the Englishman.
3. JADON SANCHO
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Manchester United courted Jadon Sancho throughout the summer of 2020 but a move for the Englishman failed to materialise as negotiations broke down with Borussia Dortmund. In 2021, the reports suggest the two clubs are a lot closer to an agreement and it’s only a matter of time before the switch is made. Sancho has only two years remaining on his contract at Dortmund and is valued at €95 million by the German club. United missed the mark compared to that valuation in their first offer for Sancho but are expected to make a second bid to add Sancho to their ranks as they look to compete with Manchester City for the title.
2. CRISTIANO RONALDO
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One player who surprisingly might be on the move this summer is Cristiano Ronaldo. At 36, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t getting any younger and with one last Champions League and Ballon D’Or on his mind, it is clear that the Portuguese superstar will have to move away from Juventus to make that a possibility. There have been whispers of a move to PSG or a shock return to Manchester United which would put Ronaldo in a more competitive team and give him one final shot at Europe’s biggest prize.
1. HARRY KANE
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It is an open secret in the world of football that Tottenham striker and England captain Harry Kane is looking for a move away from North London. Kane is one of the best strikers in the world at the moment – ending the PL season with both the most goals and the most assists – but is yet to win any silverware at club level. At 27, the time is ticking for Kane and he is looking to engineer a move this summer with both Manchester clubs interested.
With three years still left on his contract, Tottenham have little reason to sell and Kane could cost more than £120 million. Nevertheless, it might be unwise for Daniel Levy to keep a player at the club against their wishes and Kane will likely be leaving Tottenham this summer.
[Image Credit: Ville Lumiere]
Shivaan Shah