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.
Today’s edition features potential signings for Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
FRANCK RIBERY
Bayern Munich -> Free -> Western Sydney Wanderers
Football Federation Australia are prepared to contribute towards Western Sydney Wanderers’ ambitious plan to snare free agent Ribery, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: Ribery, 36, is open to embracing a new experience after his trophy laden 12-year stint in Germany. The ex-France winger had already admitted that a link-up with ex-Bayern defender Markus Babbel appeals. Help from the FFA, as with Melbourne Victory’s successful pursuit of Japan star Keisuke Honda, can only help.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Lucrative offers have already been fielded from the Middle East and former club Galatasaray. If it comes down strictly to financials, WSW cannot compete.
Transfer predictor: 4/10
HARRY MAGUIRE
Leicester City -> £80m -> Manchester United
Manchester United are ready to renew their interest in Leicester defender Maguire, sources have told ESPN.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: Maguire is a long-term target for a Red Devils outfit who’ve endured an abysmal 2018/19 – with a glaring weakness in defence key. If the 26-year-old is determined to push for a switch to an underperforming giant, United could be in business.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: A world-record £80m fee for a centre-back was demanded by the Foxes last term after Maguire’s fine World Cup 2018. They are unlikely to flinch in any future negotiations about a player who they have locked down until 2023.
Transfer predictor: 6/10
CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI
Chelsea -> €50m -> Bayern Munich
Chelsea winger’s promising response to treatment on a ruptured Achilles tendon has boosted chances of a summer move to the Bundesliga, according to The Sun.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: With veterans Ribery and Arjen Robben headed out the exit door, Bayern desperately need promising wingers. Hudson-Odoi is yet to extend a contract that runs out next summer, plus is now looking set for a September return from injury.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Chelsea will be loath to loose Eden Hazard to Real Madrid and his in-house replacement. A run of games in the tail end of the campaign under Maurizio Sarri could yet convince the starlet to sign on. A £35m bid in January could not convince the intransigent Blues to sell.
Transfer predictor: 6/10
