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The transfer market is slowly picking up pace. Now that the Euros and the Copa America are over, all the spotlight is back on how clubs can improve their squads.
Manchester United have already signed Jadon Sancho in a big-money deal, while more such moves are expected. There could be heavy movement in the Premier League, with star players linked with moves away from their current club.
Barcelona have already concluded the lion's share of their business, while little is expected from Real Madrid. Having said that, anything can happen during the summer transfer window, and it is always better to expect the unexpected.
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In this article, we look at 5 big transfers which could still happen this season.
#5 Antoine Griezmann to Atletico Madrid
It would be fair to say that Antoine Griezmann has never truly settled at Barcelona, and it is not surprising to see him linked with a move away.
Griezmann was one of the best players in the world during his time with Atletico Madrid. He made 257 appearances in all competitions for Diego Simeone's men, scoring 133 goals and providing 50 assists. During this period, he also won the World Cup with France, and was one of his country's best players at the tournament.
Barcelona signed him for £108 million in 2019, and are yet to see the best of him. The France international has made 99 appearances in all competitions, scoring 35 goals and providing 17 assists. He is one of the highest wage earners at the club, and given Barcelona's precarious financial situation, the forward is one of the players who looks likely to leave the club this summer.
Atletico Madrid have been linked with him in a deal which will reportedly see midfielder Saul go to Barcelona. The Blaugrana have already strengthened their attack this summer with the additions of Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero. The 30-year old Griezmann is said to be happy to return to his former club.
#4 Erling Haaland to Chelsea
Chelsea are after a striker this summer, with their incumbent choices failing to inspire confidence in manager Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel is clearly not a fan of Tammy Abraham, while Timo Werner's first season with the club was decidedly mixed. Veteran striker and able backup Olivier Giroud recently signed for AC Milan and it is evident that strengthening the attacking department is of primary importance for the Blues.
Signing one of the best young strikers in world football would be an instant solution to the problem. Chelsea are reportedly heavily interested in signing Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland this summer. The 20-year old is already a superstar. He has made 59 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga giants, scoring 57 goals and providing 15 assists.
However, signing him this summer will not be easy. Borussia Dortmund have already sold Jadon Sancho to Manchester United, and it seems unlikely that they will sell another of their big names this time around. It has been suggested that Chelsea could include Abraham or Callum Hudson-Odoi in the deal in order to get their man.
#3 Paul Pogba to Paris Saint-Germain
Paul Pogba has been perennially linked with a move away from Manchester United and could depart the Old Trafford outfit this summer.
The France international has only one year left in his deal with Manchester United, and could leave the club on a free transfer next summer. Considering that Manchester United paid a then world-record fee of £94.5 million in 2016 to sign him from Juventus, letting him go for nothing does not seem optimal.
Pogba's stint with Manchester United has polarised fans and critics. He has made 199 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 38 goals and providing 45 assists. However, there is a feeling that the midfielder is capable of much more, and his inconsistent performances have frustrated viewers.
The 28-year old is one of the most talented players in world football. Some of the biggest clubs in the world have been linked with him, but Paris Saint-Germain right now seem to have the resources to sign the midfielder.
#2 Harry Kane to Manchester City
Harry Kane has made his ambitions clear. The striker is keen to win trophies, and is willing to leave Tottenham Hotspur to do so.
One of the best strikers in world football, Kane enjoyed a brilliant 2020/21 campaign. In 35 Premier League appearances, Kane scored 23 goals and provided 14 assists. He was the top goalscorer and the highest assist provider in the Premier League last season.
Despite this, Tottenham Hotspur finished a disappointing 7th in the league. Reliable reports have confirmed that the England international is keen to leave his current club, and Manchester City are leading the line for his signature.
According to rumors, Manchester City have already had a bid rejected by Tottenham Hotspur. Pep Guardiola wants to replace Sergio Aguero, who joined Barcelona a few weeks ago, and Kane is seen as an ideal target. The 27-year old will not come cheap, though.
#1 Raphael Varane to Manchester United
For some time it seemed like a ruse to get a better contract from Real Madrid, but Raphael Varane looks set to leave the club this summer for a new adventure.
Regarded by many as one of the best centre-backs in world football, Varane has been at Real Madrid since 2011. The France international has made 360 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos and has won four Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles with the club.
With just a year left in his contract, it now looks unlikely that the centre-back will sign a new deal with the club. Manchester United are circling and there have been reports that personal conditions have already been agreed between the player and the club.
Varane's potential departure will increase Real Madrid's worries. With Sergio Ramos having already left the club, Varane's move to Manchester United could see Los Blancos field a centre-back pairing of Eder Militao and David Alaba next season.
Also Read: 5 best attacking trios in Premier League history
