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 a Uruguayan hitman, a Bayern Munich legend and a former Bundesliga star potentially returning to the league.
EDINSON CAVANI
Paris Saint-Germain -> Free transfer -> Inter Miami
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that David Beckham-owned MLS club Inter Miami and Paris-Saint Germain striker Edinson Cavani have an agreement in place ahead of the expiration of the Uruguayan’s contract in 2020.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN
It’s standard for players to shift to the MLS during the twilight of their careers. The hefty paycheck and the prospect of playing in a league of considerably inferior quality when compared to top European clubs offers great incentives.
The 32-year-old Cavani is likely to be phased out of the PSG team this season. Pablo Sarabia was roped in from Sevilla to bolster the frontline and a marquee signing can be expected next summer.
Cavani still possesses a rare striker’s instinct that should enable him to take the MLS by storm – much like Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
South Americans usually have a soft spot for the club at which they started their journey. Although Cavani has not particularly been vocal about his desire to return to his home-town club Danubio, this option can’t be completely ruled out despite the report suggesting he has already agreed on terms with Miami. He may also believe he has a fair bit left in the tank in Europe at 33 next season.
TRANSFER RATING: 7/10
FRANCK RIBERY
Bayern Munich -> Free transfer -> Everton
Everton have been offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribery on a free transfer according to 90min.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN
Ribery’s contract with the German giants expired this summer but the Frenchman is yet to decide is on his next move. It is believed that the winger has offers from America, the Middle East and Serie A side Fiorentina but has offered himself to Everton.
Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is a fan of bringing big-name players to the club and Ribery could prove to an exciting but experienced option to a front line already boasting Richarlison, Bernard and Moise Kean, given he will be available on a free.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
Manager Marco Silva has not yet decided if signing the 36-year-old on a short-term contract would be worth it. The Toffees have enjoyed a good start to their season, picking up four points in two games. The squad seems balanced and the addition of a superstar past his prime might not be the best option.
TRANSFER RATING: 5/10
BAS DOST
Sporting Lisbon -> €17 million -> Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt have confirmed that they are close to signing former Wolfsburg forward Bas Dost from Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
The departure of Luka Jovic has left a void in Frankfurt’s attack that can only be filled by a forward who makes scoring goals look easy.
Dost netted 36 goals in 85 games for Wolfsburg in the league between 2012 and 2017 and could garner bigger numbers at a superior club. The player also boasts bundles of Bundesliga experience and should be able to get the numbers ticking in no time.
WHY IT CAN’T HAPPEN
Only a medical stands between Dost donning Frankfurt’s colours, given the club officially announced they are close to signing him.
TRANSFER RATING 9/10