Transfer Predictor: Paulo Dybala could tempt Tottenham into sending Christian Eriksen to Juventus

Matt Jones - Editor 12:09 30/07/2019
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  • Struggling to pick out the facts from the figures? Reality from the rubbish? Sense from the silly season?

    We’ve got you sorted in our daily dose of the Transfer Predictor, where we round up the latest rumours with an analytical spin.

    We sort through the most eye-catching transfer reports of the past 24 hours and give a balanced judgment on whether the move really will happen – and why, or why not.

    Today’s edition features Christian Eriksen and Paulo Dybala possibly doing the old switcheroo, a Manchester United flop wanted by Barcelona, and Everton raiding Chelsea for a player who was resplendent as a Ram last season.

    CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN

    0401 Eriksen

    Tottenham -> £70m -> Juventus

    Maurizio Sarri is still looking to add quality to his stacked midfield and is targeting the wantaway Spurs star, according to Calcio Mercato.

    WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: The Dynamic Dane wants out after several years of excellent service for the north Londoners and Maurizio Sarri is believed to be in the market for a marquee signing.

    The Bianconeri are bursting with midfield talent following the acquisitions of Adrien Rabiot and Aaron Ramsey, but Blaise Matuidi or Sami Khedira may be on their way out. With a year left on his deal, Spurs may also feel like cashing in.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: See above. With such a stacked engine room, is Eriksen really a priority? Plus, as much as he’s keen to leave London, would he really be willing to sacrifice playing time to sit on the Allianz Stadium bench?

    In addition, Eriksen’s hefty price and Daniel Levy’s notoriously tough negotiation style are big obstacles, though the Turin side could tempt Tottenham by including Paulo Dybala in the deal.

    Transfer predictor: 6/10

    MATTEO DARMIAN

    Matteo Darmian

    Manchester United -> £9m -> Barcelona

    It might seem a bit far-fetched, but the Blaugrana are considering cheaper options if they can’t land first-choice Junior Firpo, say ESPN.

    WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: The oddest transfer story of the summer? Quite possibly. Why would Spanish champions Barcelona want a player who’s proved to be a flop at Man United?

    But while Barca would prefer either Firpo, Philipp Max or David Alaba as they look for cover at left-back, 29-year-old Darmian has emerged as a cheaper option. The Italy international can play at left or right-back, so adds depth and versatility.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Although he would be a cheaper option, Darmian would also appear to be more of a last resort. Darmian’s first season at United was solid but since then he’s looked very much out of his depth at the elite level, although he has featured more prominently on the left, where he really has not looked comfortable. So why would Barca want him again?

    Transfer predictor: 2/10

    FIKAYO TOMORI

    Fikayo Tomori

    Chelsea -> Loan -> Everton

    The Chelsea academy product is highly-rated and after a number of successful Championship loan spells, Everton could be ready to give him his Premier League chance, says Sky Sports News.

    WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: Tomori spent last season on loan at Derby and was a beast for the Rams – typified by the fact the 21-year-old won their player of the year award.

    He has featured in every pre-season game so far for the Blues but remains stuck behind David Luiz, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma. Ironically, Tomori might well replace the Frenchman at Goodison Park, where he was on loan last season.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Tomori spent last season under the watchful eye of Frank Lampard, who just so happens to be his new boss at Stamford Bridge.

    Lampard is keen on giving youngsters their chance and might well have seen enough of the stocky centre-back last term to gauge whether he is ready for the step up to the Premier League.

    Transfer predictor: 4/10

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