5 big-money transfers that could happen before the transfer deadline

The summer transfer window has always been a source of entertainment for football fans, with the rumour mill churning out new topics for interminable discussion on a day-to-day basis.

This transfer window has also been no different as clubs splurged millions in a bid to buttress their squad for the upcoming 2018/19 season and ensure success like no other.

Some of the biggest stories that made the rounds this summer were Cristiano Ronaldo's sensational switch to Juventus, Alisson's record-breaking move to Liverpool, Fred's transfer to Manchester United, Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City and Thomas Lemar bidding adieu to Monaco in order to join Atletico Madrid.

Nevertheless, the transfer window has not ended yet and there are still days (only some though) left before we are bereft of the ever-intriguing rumours and gossips that have engulfed the footballing scene for the past few months.

So without further ado, let us take a look at 5 big-budget transfers that can still happen before the transfer window slams shut.

Note: Even though Premier League's transfer window closes on 9 August this year, it is important to know that the English clubs can sell their players to foreign teams until the respective league's deadline day, which is 31 August in most cases apart from Serie A's transfer deadline which is 17 August 2018.

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#5 Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid

Thibaut Courtois

It's quite surprising that this transfer has not materialized yet, particularly after the deal gained serious traction post World Cup courtesy of reports from reliable sources which claimed that the deal had been all but sealed between the two clubs.

However, here we are discussing it as a possibility rather than mulling over the repercussions of such a monumental switch. Apparently, the only hold-up that has been thwarting the agreement for a long time is Chelsea's inability to find Courtois' replacement (which is definitely not a five-finger exercise in view of the Belgian's exceptional stature).

All the same, we could see this transfer happening before the window closes thanks to Thibaut Courtois' eagerness to move to Spanish capital and his reluctance to agree to a contract extension with Chelsea, which could compel them to offload him for a cut-price fee instead of letting him go for free next summer (he only has one year left on his contract).

#4 Willian to Manchester United

Willian

The Willian transfer saga has been going on for quite some time as the Brazilian still feels unsettled at the Stamford Bridge despite the exit of Antonio Conte.

Other than Manchester United, the 29-year-old was also previously linked with Barcelona, but the deal fell through owing to his astronomical valuation which led to La Blaugrana signing Malcom from Bordeaux.

Nevertheless, the Red Devils are still mired in hot pursuit of him and the Daily Mirror reports that the hunt is still on with the transfer market entering its final phase.

#3 Anthony Martial to Chelsea/Real Madrid

Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial has been seeking a move away from Manchester United for yonks by reason of his fractious relationship with Jose Mourinho and the dearth of game time available for him, having fallen down the pecking order with Alexis Sanchez, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard assuming his berth.

As a result, the Frenchman has attracted interest from a host of clubs over the transfer window including the likes of Spurs, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Chelsea. However, United are disinclined to sell him to a Premier League rival and the Bavarians have pulled themselves out of the race, which has boosted Real Madrid's interest.

Nonetheless, Martial could also head to Stamford Bridge in a swap deal for Willian - a deal that suits both the parties to a T!

#2 Robert Lewandowski to Chelsea

Robert Lewandowski

It's hardly news anymore that Robert Lewandowski is looking for a change of scenery in the ongoing transfer market having spent four years at the Allianz Arena.

And consequently, he has been linked with several high-profile clubs, with a move to Premier League on the cards. Presently, Chelsea are in pole position to swoop in for the Polish striker as Maurizio Sarri is on the prowl for a talented centre-forward and Lewandowski could be the ultimate backstop as it stands.

Nevertheless, the Pensioners will have a hard time prising the 29-year-old away from Bayern with Niko Kovac, Bayern Munich's new manager, playing hardball.

#1 Paul Pogba to Barcelona

Paul Pogba

Now, this is a transfer that caught fire in recent times after Tuttosport reported that a secret meeting between Barca’s new technical director Eric Abidal and Paul Pogba took place in Beverly Hills where talks regarding a move were also held.

Since then, innumerable reports have surfaced which claim that the Frenchman is all set to make a move for Camp Nou and if the report from Daily Star is to be believed, Mino Raiola is keen to broker a £100 million deal for Pogba with Barcelona.

La Blaugrana are currently scouring the transfer market for a top-quality midfielder following the departures of Andres Iniesta and Paulinho from Camp Nou, and Pogba seems to have caught the eye of La Liga champions.

Needless to say, if Barcelona pulls off this momentous move, it will be the biggest story of the 2018 transfer window and will obviously break a multitude of records.