Sport
THE RUMOUR MILL
THE RUMOUR MILL
Neymar, Barcelona to Manchester United
Likelihood:0/5
This rumour came out of the blue last week and, though it would initially appear to be something of a ludicrous piece of gossip, the story isn’t going away. I will put my neck on the line and say that I do not think this deal will happen – not this summer, nor during any subsequent summer – and I will also go so far as to say that neither Louis van Gaal nor the player himself are taking the stories seriously. Would he be a star in the Premier League? Perhaps. Does he want to leave Barcelona? No, of course he doesn’t. Credit must go to whoever initially manifested this most speculative piece of transfer conjecture, and for keeping it in the headlines for a couple of weeks. However, I am certain this deal will not happen.
Saido Berahino, West Brom to Tottenham
Likelihood: 4/5
Berahino’s move to Tottenham, which has looked likely all summer, became all but certain after he was left out of West Brom’s side to face Chelsea this weekend. There is no way that the dynamic attacker would have been omitted from the squad for tactical reasons, so one can only assume a transfer is nearing completion. Spurs have been the frontrunners for his signature for a number of months now and, with the Londoners in desperate need of another forward, appear favourites to land the 22-year-old; however, it’s time for silly season in the transfer window, and there could very well be another side waiting in the wings to nab him. My guess is he’ll end up at Spurs, but time will tell….
Mario Balotelli, Liverpool to AC Milan (season-long loan)
Likelihood: 5/5
Why would any side take a risk on Mario? He’s gone past the point of being erratic, and is now firmly settled in liability territory. He seems to have no passion for the sport, no desire to succeed, and appears to ‘play’ football only to ensure he can maintain his flash lifestyle of fast cars and childish, yet expensive, pranks. Brendan Rodgers, despite claiming on a number of occasions that he would be willing to give the striker another chance, finally appears to have lost patience with the enigmatic 25-year-old, and a move back to Italy seems certain. Good riddance, Mario.
Charlie Austin, QPR to Crystal Palace
Likelihood: 3/5
I must admit that I’m surprised Charlie Austin is still a QPR player. I was thoroughly expecting him to be one of the first players snared by a Premier League club, especially as he has been linked with so many sides throughout the window. I am also somewhat astonished by the fact that, with just a few days to go until the transfer window closes, the only team still pursuing him is Crystal Palace; no offence to Alan Pardew and his side, but Austin could arguably get into the first XI of some much bigger clubs. I’ve been impressed by Palace’s business so far this summer – particularly the captures of Cabaye and Sako – and if they can pull this deal off, there is no doubt they will be staying up this season.
Juan Cuadrado, Chelsea to Juventus (season-long loan)
Likelihood: 4/5
I feel a little sorry for Cuadrado. He arrived for a big fee around 6 months ago and, while he has never played particularly poorly, has failed to impress at Stamford Bridge. Moving to a side mid-season is never easy, especially when it’s a team in a different country, with a different language, and a different style of football. Speedy adaptability is key when move to the Premier League, and clearly that’s not an attribute he has been blessed with. He has failed to settle in London – that much is obvious – and now it seems Mourinho is not going to give him the opportunity to earn a place in the team. Despite the boss categorically stating on a number of occasions that the 27-year-old remains part of his plans, I would be surprised to see him playing Premier League football once the window closes.
