Isco
Real Madrid’s Isco is one of the most naturally talented players you’ll see, despite this, the 23 year old is having a tough time under Rafael Benítez and rumours have it that Isco is looking to leave Real Madrid in search of first team football.
Although it’s unlikely that Isco will be allowed to leave the Bernabeu, (especially for the rumoured £30 million), the thought of seeing the World Cup winner playing week-in-week-out at another club leaves most football fans rubbing their hands with glee.
Juventus are among the clubs linked with Isco and he would be the ideal man to end the Old Lady’s prolonged search for a number 10. A move to Juve would be a great fit for club and player, it’s just a shame a deal is so unlikely.
Manchester City are another club linked with Isco however with Kevin de Bruyne, David Silva and Raheem Sterling to compete with, Isco may well struggle for the regular starts he desires.
Felipe Anderson
Felipe Anderson has been hot and cold since joining Lazio from Santos in 2013, his first season was somewhat underwhelming, but not worrying for a young player in a new league. Last season, Anderson’s second, was a huge success for player and club, the 22 year old was part of the highest goalscoring midfield in Europe that was crucial to Lazio’s third place finish in Serie A. This season Anderson’s impact has been limited, showing flashes of his quality but not regularly enough to merit the £30+ million prices being suggested.
Felipe Anderson leaving this January is feasible, following his lack of form and Baldé Keita’s desire for more game time, if the right offer comes in for the player, the club would probably accept it.
His most likely destination seems to be Manchester United, a team in desperate need of someone with his attributes. But doubt lingers as to wether he will be able to show what he can do often enough to have the impact a player costing over £30 million should. One thing that is for sure is that Manchester United fans will hope he’s better than the last Anderson on the wage bill, should he join.
Manolo Gabbiadini
Having only signed for Napoli a year ago it’s surprising that Gabbiadini is already reportedly looking for a new club. Unfortunately for Manolo, in Mauricio Sarri’s single striker formation Gonzalo Higuaín is unsurprisingly the main man. Sarri doesn’t see Gabbiadini as a right winger in his 4-3-3 either, another position he occupied under Rafael Benítez last season.
Gabbiadini has been linked with Inter Milan and West ham, for me he would improve both teams, however at Inter it would be as a rotation option, club captain Mauro Icardi will be seldom dropped and Jovetić is having a good season as a second striker. West Ham would be the better option for Gabbiadini, although he might get shifted around the front line, the Hammers’ ongoing injury problems would see him get more game time. What’s more his exquisite left foot could help fire West Ham into Europe.
There’s not much news on the potential transfers but I’m sure Gabbaidini will be eyeing first team football in the lead up to the European Championships.
Islam Slimani
Islam Slimani is a physically strong and imposing striker with a good eye for goal, he would be a real asset to many teams. However a combination of the Algerian’s fine form and Sporting Clube de Portugal’s title challenge mean that controversial boss Jorge Jesus will be far from keen to sell Slimani.
Crystal Palace are probably the team most strongly linked with Slimani and he could well be the answer to their striking problems. But one should always bare the previous exports from the Portuguese league in mind when eyeing a signing. He could be one extreme (think Bebe) or another (Cristiano Ronaldo). My overall assumption is that he’ll be pretty good where ever he goes, providing they play to his strengths.
Leroy Sané
FC Schalke’s season has been rather underwhelming so far, but one bright spark has been the performances of Leroy Sané. Since bursting onto the scene with a screamer against Real Madrid last season, Sané’s development has been impressive.
The newly capped German international has scored some decisive goals for FC Schalke this season, showing he is capable of dealing with the pressure of important moments.
Sané possesses great pace and has been particularly effective on the counter attack this season, particularly late in games when his pace has been unmanageable for tiring opposition defences.
Manchester City have been strongly linked with the sensation, however, like I said before in regards to Isco, trying to get game time behind Kevin de Bruyne, David Silva and Raheem Sterling will be tough and probably not the best move for the players development. That being said, seeing Sané coming from the bench with his electric pace and smooth dribbling skills would get fans across the nation off their seats.
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