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 Juventus, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Adrien Rabiot
PSG -> free transfer -> Juventus
Adrien Rabiot confirmed in an interview with Corriere dello Sport that he is in talks with Juventus as he seeks a move away from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
Rabiot has been ostracised from the PSG squad after his infamous antics last summer and, with his contract at Parc des Princes expiring later this month, his departure is imminent. Juventus are favourites to land the midfielder and, with no transfer fee involved, the move can materialise smoothly.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
The possibility of Rabiot extending his stay with PSG following the potential departure of Thomas Tuchel cannot be ignored, no matter how unlikely it seems. Also, Manchester United are believed to be in a tussle with the Serie A champions, with the player previously admitting that he is yet to make a decision between the two clubs.
Transfer rating: 8/10
Antoine Griezmann
Atletico Madrid -> £95 million -> Manchester United
Goal are reporting that the Griezmann transfer saga could see a new twist with Manchester United making a last minute bid for the Frenchman.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
Unlike at Barcelona, Griezmann could be the undisputed king at United and have the team built around him. His friendship and good chemistry with compatriot Paul Pogba could convince him to sign for the Red Devils.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
Atletico Madrid CEO Gil Marin confirmed earlier this week that Barcelona have won the race to sign the forward and should announce the move by the start of July. If rumours are to be true, the agreement between clubs and player is already done and the move in inevitable. Should the transfer prove to be false, PSG could make a last minute bid to secure the 28-year-old’s services.
Transfer predictor: 4/10
Joao Cancelo
Juventus -> undisclosed -> Manchester City
Joao Cancelo could become a Manchester City player by as early as next week, according to Tuttosport.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
Despite investing heavily in defenders, the back-line is still the weakest link in City’s system. Cancelo can bring a lot of quality to Pep Guardiola’s defence, while providing fire-power in the final third. Danilo has been linked with a move to Inter and a versatile full-back like Cancelo, who can play on either side of the pitch, will be a solid signing at the Etihad. With the prospect of playing under Pep, Cancelo could make a switch to the Premier League this summer.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
With four years still to run on Cancelo’s contract, the Serie A side would demand a hefty transfer fee that might put off City. Besides, there are lots of incentives for Cancelo to continue at Juventus. He has already established himself as a crucial player at the club and would be guaranteed more game time in Turin.
Transfer rating: 6/10