A look at what could be a fascinating summer of transfers

By: Rob | April 18th, 2008

Berbatov for Man United? After Sir Alex Ferguson announced today that he intends to ‘Stock up’ on players over the summer, it struck me this summer could be a real classic one for big transfers. And in my excitement I decided to bring you this insight into the possible moves this summer.

It surprising that Man United are planning to strengthen in the summer - after spending a hell of alot of money last year - Fergie was assumed to be content with his squad. Man United’s links with Sporting Lisbon mean that the club are constantly linked with talented midfielder Joao Mountino, and the rumours about the signing of Tottenhams Dietmar Berbatov are undimmed after a disapointing campaign for the north london club.

Another striker languishing in an underperforming squad is David Villa, he’s almost certain to leave Valencia in the summer despite the club securing a UEFA cup place through the cup. He’s a world class talent, and will look to follow fellow Spain striker Fernando Torres toward a Champions League club. Speaking of Torres, rumour is Liverpool can’t afford to keep him, and will have to head to Juventus

Another big club who look like they might fail to reach the Champions League are Milan, and although Maldini might disagree, its probably time for the club to make wholsale changes. Despite pleas from Leo Messi they look likely to bring in Ronaldinho, and seem to have been courting Shevchenko since before he left them originally. Rumour also has it that they are going to get shot of Rino Gattuso, despite Kaka’s plea who would probably favour a move to England (Man United wanted him before they got Hargreaves) as he enjoyed his time in Scotland with Rangers, and has a Scottish wife.

The other Milan club, Inter, are still trying to convince Ronaldinho to join them instead of thier rivals. They are also supposedly courting Roma’s Mancini, who is talking of buying out his contract. Alot of Milan’s transfer dealings will depend of whether Roberto Mancini is still manager by the end of the season.

In fact, most of the big clubs are courting a manager rather than a player this summer, with Jose Mourinho looking to get back into a job. He’s stated that it’ll be a Champions League club, in either Spain or Italy. Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan (who might not make the CL), Liverpool (obviously in England, not Spain or Italy), Inter Milan and Juventus (who look like they will make a return to the Champions League) have all been linked with him over the last few months.

The Special One’s former club, Chelsea are going to go through a huge overhaul. Avram Grant has stated his position is safe, so he will be given £100m to rebuild the side. Grant might be talking of buying Kaka’ and Messi, but more realistically he might look to buy players like David Villa, and also Deco who is out of favour at Barca.

Chelsea will likely lose Didier Drogba who seems to have been planning his escape since the day after he joined the club. They will also loose Tal Ben-Haim, Shevchenko and probably many Jose favourites like Ferreria and Malouda.

Frank Lampard has still not signed a new contract despite announcing his love for Chelsea all the time, and he recently left the dressing room 30 minutes before Kick-Off aginast Wigan. This was we are assured a family issue, but Lampard didn’t play against Everton, and the cynic in me suggests that he may well be on his way out of the club. Obviously the rumour mill suggests to wherever Jose will be.

Liverpool’s spending will depend on whether Rafa is still in a job, and whether the powers that be can stop having a go at him for five minutes to give him some money. The club looks a bit of a mess at the moment so its unclear whether they will spend any money.

Arsene Wenger is not one for spending frivilously, but he has been linked with a few French players as well, Ben Afra and Benzema. Both of which seem unlikely to leave Lyon. They might not really buy anyone, but they probably will bring back talented striker Carlos Vela from his loan spell in spain.

Real Madid may have been talking up a £100m move for Cristiano Ronaldo recently but they can’t afford to go through will it. Supposedly the club is in big debt, and is more likely to sell players than buy them. Cassano will be first, Sampdoria will look to make the loanee a permanent move. Unless he does some typically crazy shit right as I am writing this.

There have been rumours that Ruud Van Nisolrooy might be on his way out of Madrid as well, apparently he’s another Milan target. Both spain clubs are apparently looking at Van der Vaart, who has made no secret of his desire to get out of Germany and into a big Champions League club.

Juventus are planning to ‘create a Ronaldinho rather than buy one’ but expect them to spend a bit in the Transfer window. They are close to buying Palermo’s Amauri, and can be expected to bring in a couple more names to keep the rebuilding process going.

Roma are currently in the middle of being bought out, and so that will dictate how they act in the transfer market. The American buyer has promised to turn Roma into a world-beating squad by pumping money in, so there could be an exciting revolution in Rome. Fingers Crossed.