The long-awaited transfer deadline day is finally here! By 11 pm today, the transfer window slams shut and clubs will have to make do with what they have at least until January. It’s that time when clubs become desperate and rumours are finally put to bed. Some mega deals are still to be completed; these are the deals to look out for.
It’s already a given fact that Premier League clubs have spent a combined fee of over £1.2 billion on transfers this summer alone. That’s excluding a deadline day rush which could see that figure rise to £1.6 billion. This gives you an insight on how much these Premier League clubs are willing to spend in order to measure up and compete favourably.
We’ve seen some big and overly expensive transfers go through this summer, but there’s still more to come. We are yet to witness the marquee signings from the deadline day. Here are a few to look out for.
Phillipe Coutinho to Barcelona
Phillipe Coutinho is a darling at Anfield. They absolutely love him. But the Brazilian’s heart has left Merseyside, even though Liverpool continues to cling to him like a suckling child to the mother. Jurgen Klopp understands Coutinho’s situation quite well; he faced similar with Robert Lewandowski and Mario Götze as Dortmund boss. Coutinho dreams Barcelona and the longer he remains at Anfield, the more frustrated he’ll get.
Reports say Liverpool has already turned down a fourth bid of £138 million for the attacker and the Catalans are yet to return with another bid. Albeit, the Spanish transfer deadline day is tomorrow, so this deal could still materialize. Fingers crossed for this.
Alexis Sanchez to Manchester City
Almost everyone is interested in this transfer. Alexis Sanchez is clearly fed up with life at the Emirates; it’s why he’s not signed a new contract. He’s currently away on international duty with Chile, but that wouldn’t be a problem if Arsenal agrees to sell.
Rumors are rife that Arsenal has already rejected a £50 million bid for the winger from Manchester City, but they certainly can’t hold out for long. They risk losing the Chilean powerhouse for free, given he’s already in the last year of his current deal.
Virgil van Dijk to God knows where
Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are all interested in the towering Dutchman with Southampton still proving adamant. There’s a big question mark over the defenders future. On a deadline day this where clubs are growing ever so desperate, Virgil Van Dijk could easily smash the world record fee for a defender – I predict £70 million and above. Watch out for this one.
Jonny Evans to Manchester City or Arsenal
A cheaper alternative to Virgil Van Dijk for both Manchester City and Arsenal is Jonny Evans. Also on international duty, the Northern Irishman has become hot property all of a sudden and West Brom is said to have a rejected a £25 million bid for him from Manchester City; Arsenal is yet to table a bid. For a guy who is nearing 30, the Baggies won’t hold out for long. We wait to see what happens before midnight.
Diego Costa to Atletico Madrid
The Premier League bad boy could finally be on the move today. The Chelsea faithful will be interested. Costa is yet to return from his self-extended holidays in Brazil and fines by Chelsea have been ignored by the Brazilian-born Spaniard. Chelsea has done their bit in holding out for a bigger deal for the striker but they’ll be forced to a sit down with Atletico Madrid today or risk selling an out of shape striker for a cut-price in January.
Ross Barkley to Chelsea or Spurs
Ronald Koeman has said he’s 100% certain that Ross Barkley will depart Everton before his contract expires. His destination most likely would be London. It’ll, however, be interesting to see which part of London that’ll be – will it be North London for Spurs or West London for Chelsea. It’s what makes the deadline day so interesting and we all can’t wait to find out.
