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I love transfer season. There is so much speculation and hope, so much possibility about what your team could like next season.
Usually we all come back to reality by the time the season starts, but at least for now we can live in the world of hope and possibility (at least until Arsenal signs another center-back. Sigh).
Speaking of transfers, I’ll lead with this bit of news: NMA’s FPL mini-league is open! Create a team and join us!
News
OK, now back to reality. Here are some players who have changed EPL teams or transferred in already:
Ibrahima Konate. Defender. Liverpool from RB Leipzig. Liverpool signed the 22 year old as continued cover for their back line, which had to adjust to injuries throughout the year.
Emiliano Buendia. Midfielder. Aston Villa from Norwich City. This move seems indicate that Villa may be thinking about life after Grealish. He’s a strong play maker and great addition.
Ashley Young. Defender. Returns to Aston Villa from Inter Milan. Young was part of Inter’s Serie A winning side. 16 starts and 10 sub appearances means he isn’t a sure starter, but does add some depth.
Theo Walcott. Midfielder. Southampton from Everton. Walcott returns to the team of his youth, but this seems like a chance to take a bow.
Danny Rose. Midfielder. Watford FC from Tottenham Hotspur. Watford is looking for some experience as they come back to the EPL. Rose provides that, not he’s not the same as he once was.
Rumors
But in the world of speculation there are few hot stories to watch:
Harry Kane. Forward. Tottenham. This is definitely the biggest and most likely transfer hanging over our heads. The England forward is heavily linked to Manchester City, which needs a true striker after Sergio Aguero’s exit. Most recently, there are rumors of a player swap being a part of a deal. Gabriel Jesus’s name has popped up, but I’m not sure who would want to move from City to Spurs at this time.
Jadon Sancho. Midfielder. Borussia Dortmund. Today Man United upped its bid to £73M.
Also talked about:
Jack Grealish. Midfielder. Aston Villa. His name continues to be thrown around by the “big” clubs, most recently Chelsea.
James Maddison. Midfielder. Leicester. My heart fluttered a little when I heard Arsenal may be interested. Not sure that he shares that same interest. But the playmaker would be welcome at any top club.
Erling Haaland. Forward. Borussia Dortmund. Chelsea and City are both mentioned often in the race for Haaland. He would be a huge signing for anyone.
Martin Braithwaite. Forward. Barcelona FC. The Danish forward won’t be needed in Barcelona next year, and mid table EPL clubs are currently looking.
Billy Gilmour. Midfielder. Chelsea. It looks like Gilmour will find himself outside the regular rotation. A loan deal looks possible, and he becomes an interesting fantasy option in the right setting.
James Rodriguez. Midfielder. Everton. Another player who looks like he is on the way out. He had moments of brilliance, especially early on, but his time at Everton is likely coming to a close.
Martin Odegaard. Midfielder. Arsenal. The Real Madrid loanee made an impact last year for the Gunners. But that loan spell looks like it may be ending.
Managers Move Too
Wolverhampton: Wolves have replaced Nuno Espirito Santo with another Portuguese manager, Bruno Lage. Lage last managed Benfica. In the 2019-2020 season, he led Benfica to the title. After a horrendous start to the 2020 season, he was sacked.
Tottenham: Jurgen Klinsmann “is keen” to replace Jose’ Mourinho at Spurs, but the latest offer went to and was rejected by Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui. Add the name to the likes of Paulo Fonseca and Antonio Conte who have stayed away. Your guess is as good as mine here.
Everton FC: Rafael Benitez’s name keeps coming up as the likely replacement for Carlo Ancelotti.
Crystal Palace: Lucien Favre is slated to sign with Palace any day now. Roy Hodgson’s replacement has coached at Borussia Dortmund, Nice, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Hertha Berlin.
The summer transfer window closes August 31, after EPL GW-3. Be on guard against fantasy assets who are in talks; some teams keep such players off the field during negotiations.
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What news or rumors have you heard? Whom would you really really love to see transfer into the EPL? Please share your thoughts and speculation (and even football fantasies) in the comments below!
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