The Top Targets This Summer

At 27 years old, Llorente has been a one club man so far, 236 games for Bilbao and 79 goals return is not a bad return. Yet in the past four seasons he has averaged 20 goals a season and this season in particular he has shown his quality under the reign of Bielsa. A change in tactics had people worried that Bilbao’s direct style would affect Llorente’s play this year, instead it has brought out the best in him. His performances in the Europa League have been sublime and it would appear that this summer could be the time he moves on. He has a buy out clause of around £40m, it may be more that a £25m offer could persuade the Basque club to depart with their striker. He is a formidable striker, who possesses skill and speed along with strength and power which could allow him to be effective in any league. Reports have linked him with Man City and Barcelona already. Yet if one side need a player like him, then it is Man Utd. With Owen and Berbatov leaving the club this summer United will need a new striker in order to compete with City. Welbeck and Hernandez have potential yet United may need a dynamic target man to play off Rooney and give Valencia a major option for his deliveries. United should see Llorente as a worthwhile purchase, although older than what Ferguson goes for, he should be part of the rebuilding job that United have to do.

One of the biggest players available this summer, the Van Persie transfer will occupy many sports pages this summer. His impressive 18 months without injury has shown the world his class and he almost single handily taken Arsenal into the Champions League next season. He has spoken of his love of London and how his family love the city, yet he should consider the potential he has at Arsenal to be successful. At 29 he is entering the end of his career in terms of the elite level and so his choice this season will be defining for him. For footballing reasons he should decide to leave Arsenal and as with Henry and Fabregas, he should decide to move to Barcelona and look to surround himself with top quality. Arsenal cannot offer him what he seeks, if he stays one more year Arsenal will not get anything for him and with Arsenal’s business model, they would not see that as economical. I am sure Juve, PSG and Malaga would see his signature as a show of intent, yet Barcelona, if only for two years, will be an ideal location for him to win things and for him to improve further.

According to Guillem Balague Higuain wants to leave Madrid. After seven years at the Bernabeau he wants to move on, he hasn’t played in the biggest games which he wants to, Jose favouring Benzema in those games. It would appear that he has his heart set on PSG, who could afford the fee and wages. Madrid say they will not allow him to leave unless his transfer clause of £150m is met, this clearly will not happen, yet if he wants to leave then Madrid may accept it is better to cash in and replace him with a player who wants to be there. A bid of £30-40m may be enough if he puts his foot down, this should alert other sides too, notably Chelsea, who would benefit from such a prolific goal scorer.  

The enigma which is Carlos Tevez continues to fascinate the world of football. Since his arrival in England he has amazed the media with his performances, style and off the field antics. This season he has been at his controversial best, whether his decisions or that of his advisors, it is still a reflection on the player. Man City undermined their position and morals this season by welcoming him back, yet the title was won and his influence was a factor. However, if City wish to progress further they need to rid themselves of this player as he creates far too many issues. City can look to bring in another striker of the quality of Tevez and so shoud see him as expendable. He will have many suitors, most notably PSG and Malaga who can afford the man and who could probably accept his off the pitch issues. Milan sought him in January and I’m sure they’ll look again. Inter could be interested and Tevez could be a player who could put them back into the Champions League. For all his quality he is also a lot of trouble, City don’t need him, yet other do.

In July 2010 Giroud joined Montpellier for £2m and has scored 39 goals for the club in that time. This season he has been a major force in taking Montpellier to the top of Ligue 1. His performances have alerted many top sides in Europe and has resulted in a price tag of £50m being put on him. Wenger has spoken highly of the 25 year old yet would not be able to afford the transfer. PSG may deem him worthy of the fee however, especially as he may be the reason for them not winning the title this season. Expect Malaga to be looking also, as he he and Cazorla could be a lively partnership. Expect Giroud to move on this summer.  

supplement the midfield and be the new Scholes. Chelsea appear to be building a side of small technical players and he could be a great addition to provide the attack with scoring chances. Juventus however could be a great destination for the Croatian, with Pirlo in the twilight of his career, Modric could be a great partner to Marchisio and Vidal and become the playmaker for the Old Lady.

After a relatively poor night in the Champions League final, Robben can be held accountable for Munich picking up only runners up medals this season in all three competitions. By all accounts a good season by the Dutchman yet there has been rumours that he wants to move and made hints of seeking a move to Italy recently. At 28 and with his injury record, Bayern may decide that Robben is not indispensable and will look to cash in. Spurs have been linked yet with no Champions League football on offer it will be difficult to convince him to go to London. Juventus would be interested and would certainly benefit from a player of Robben’s speed and skill. Inter and Roma would see him as a show of intent, yet they too cannot offer Champions League football. PSG may be his best option however, linking up with Pastore, he could be a real show of intent from the Paris side. Expect £25-30m to be the fee necessary to get him.

As Nesta retires from Milan, they may lose another of their defence in Silva. Next to Kompany he is the best defender in the world and is on the top of the list of many top sides. His ability to read the game, his speed and his tackling ability make him a formidable defender. Barcelona have been rumoured to be interested in bolstering their defence, yet do not be surprised if Madrid and Man City come looking, with £30m price tag not unrealistic for player of this quality. He will improve any side he goes to and will make his new club favourites for the Champions League next season, that is how good he is. Expect this transfer to be one of the biggest of the summer. 

Arguably one of the best defenders in the world consistently for the past three seasons. He owes a lot to Dortmund and the trust that Jurgen Klopp has had in him. A man who was deemed too slow for Bayern has become a world class defender for club and country. With Dortmund’s financial situation, they may have to sell some of their stars in order to keep building and Hummels is now a £25m defender. Reports have been of Barca, Madrid and United looking at him. All of these clubs require a player of the quality of Hummels who will improve the sides without doubt. If Silva leaves Milan however, do not be surprised if Milan seek Hummels as a replacement, especially as Nesta has retired from the club.

Kagawa joined Dortmund for £300k from the J-league. The impressive scouting system of Dortmund found a gem in Kagawa and his performances in the past two seasons have brought Dortmund back to back titles. His movement, skill and creativity have been essential in Gotze’s absence yet it appears he is ready for a move. Dortmund just cannot offer the wages for top players. United appear the team ahead in the race to sign him, he will bring much needed speed and skill to play with Rooney. He is not world class, yet has potential to improve further. A fee of £15m will be good enough and that will be recouped with the marketing value in the Asian market.

A few weeks ago it seemed M’Vila was a done deal at Arsenal. Yet with many targets of Arsenal, it hasn’t been easy. If Arsenal cannot get the deal done, then other sides should look at the French international. He is one of the best young defensive midfielders around and after this Euro’s, expect his stock to only rise. United should look to enquiry about a player who will give them what they clearly lack in midfield. PSG would not be a bad location for him to develop under the stewardess of Ancelotti. Do not be surprised if Mourinho considers him for Madrid, Khedira lacks the mobility to influence the big games, the game versus Bayern showed that and M’Vila may the Makelele of which Madrid have never really replaced. If Arsenal don’t act quickly, expect other sides to come looking.

 Javi Martinez

Martinez won the Under 21 tournament for Spain last summer as captain and playing at centre midfield. This season with Bilbao he has been turned into a ball playing centre back under Bielsa and has impressed greatly. It would appear he is ready for a move onwards and he will be a target for many top sides this summer. Barcelona may consider him a good purchase considering his versatility to play in a number of positions, yet it may be that him and Busquets are too similar. United are reportedly interested and his ability to play in defence or midfield will be a major factor if they decide he is worth the £20 million. However, do not be surprised if Man City view him as an ideal replacement for Gareth Barry in that defensive midifield position and also as a back up option in defence if injuries do have an effect. Arsenal would benefit from a player of this quality yet I doubt if they would be willing to spend the money.

One of only a few players to come out of Blackburn’s season with any credit, Hoilett is available on a free transfer this summer and will be sought by many sides. Reports have linked him to Bayern, yet Hoilett may not want to play on the bench for the upcoming season. There is no question that Liverpool would benefit from a player who is quick, skilful and creative and who could be a real supply for Andy Carroll. I don’t think Hoilett is good enough for a top side, yet with teams like Inter, Roma and Atletico Madrid they may look at him as good option.

Chieck Tiote was a title winning player under Steve McLaren in 09-10 with FC Twente and his performances earned him a move to Newcastle United for £3.5 million. His performances at St James’ have propelled Newcastle up the league and has he has received accolades from all in the game. Tiote is signed up till 2017 yet Pardew admitted that Tiote that would be available for around £15m this summer. For Tiote, although he has finished 5th this season, he is good enough for Champions League football. There are two sides who should find Tiote an essential purchase; Man Utd and Arsenal. Both have lacked the drive and dominance in midfield which they once had in Vieria, Gilberto, Keane and Darren Fletcher and as a result they have been over run in midfield this season at times. If these sides wish to compete in domestically and in Europe they will require a defensive mid who is disciplined and able in that position; giving support to the defence and starting attacks for the forwards. One of these clubs will improve greatly by purchasing the Ivorian.

Sahin was one of the best midfielders last season, he was the playmaker who made Dortmund tick and was a big reason in their title winning season. No wonder he moved to a bigger club, yet this season has been pretty bad for him; injuries have curtailed the majority of it, and only 4 appearances was not what he expected. If he wants to kick start his career then he should seek a move, perhaps a move back to Dortmund would  be possible  however I doubt if they could afford the fee or wages. His lack of pace yet creative play means he could be suited for Italian football. He would be a good purchase for Juve, Milan or Udinese and for around £6m it would be a good deal for a talented player at only 23 years old.

 Łukasz Piszczek

Piszcek has been a revelation for Dortmund since joining in 2010. An attacking right back, he has shown his quality and although Dortmund are Champions, they will be resigned to losing players of Piszcek’s class. He has alerted Real Madrid as they look for a more attacking option instead of Arbeloa and for sides like Barca, Chelsea and United who all could benefit from a strong right back. He would be available for £10-12m and would be a good signing for any top side.

The attacking left back for Valencia will be seen this summer making marauding runs for Spain. Alba has been excellent this season and Valencia know that his time at the Mestalla is at an end. Barcelona will need a left back to replace Abidal and Alba, a graduate of La Masia will be ideal for the Blaugrana. Expect £8-10m to be the fee, a very good price for a player of Alba’s quality. If United feel they need to move on from Evra then they should try to hijack the move and get Alba into a new look United side. His speed, skill and ability in both defence and attack will give United more than what Evra has given the past couple of seasons. However, expect Barca to have the first option on the Spanish star.

40 goals this season has put Jordan Rhodes on the list of many Premier League sides, his movement and clinical touch has made many sit up and take note. At 22 years old he clearly has a lot more improvement in him. As players like Grant Holt and Danny Graham have shown, there is talent in the lower leagues and clubs willing to take a risk on someone like Rhodes could be a risk worth taking. If he get’s promoted then expect a £5-8m fee to pry him away. Teams like Villa, Fulham and newly promoted Reading and West Ham would all benefit from a goal scorer like Rhodes.  

 Thoughts? Please comment below. Find me at Twitter @The_W_Address