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The 2018/19 season has officially ended after Liverpool's victory in the Champions League final on June 1. With next season in hindsight, several European teams have already initiated business in the ongoing transfer market.
Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich are the prominent sides who are attempting significant changes to enhance their squad and be on par with Europe's elite. On the other hand, Juventus, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain are planning to strengthen and assemble a group which is capable of winning the Champions League next year.
A major rebuild of teams is prevalent across the continent, prompting various star players to evaluate their future options which suit their objective. It promises to be one of the most exciting transfer windows with so many top-class players available in this market.
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With respect to unsettled players, let us glance through some world-class talents who will dominate newspapers in this transfer window.
#7 Gareth Bale
Real Madrid signed Gareth Bale on the deadline day of the 2013 summer transfer window for a then record-fee of €100m. The Welshman's spell in Spain had dream start, scoring conclusive goals in Copa del Rey and Champions League finals.
The relentless injury record and constant change of managers inhibited Bale's progress at the Spanish capital. Gareth never came out of the shadows of Madrid's superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, and the fans have booed him relentlessly due to his inconsistent performances.
Zinedine Zidane, Madrid's manager, reportedly mentioned that Gareth Bale is not in his plans, and Eden Hazard's imminent arrival further complicates the matter. It will be interesting to see where Bale's future lies next season.
#6 Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann released a video on Atletico Madrid's official platforms, notifying his exit from the club. The French striker was set to depart the club last season but he stayed on for another season.
Barcelona would be the 28-year-old's most likely destination but other clubs have encircled Griezmann since his announcement, with Manchester United and PSG entering the scene. The Frenchman's transfer saga is set to prolong as he represents France on international duty and any concrete decision might be taken after the Euro Qualifiers end.
#5 Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt is one of the in-demand youngsters in Europe. His stocks have taken a sharp rise in the past two seasons due to his mature outings for AFC Ajax.
The 19-year-old's rapid ascend in European football has sparked a tug of war amongst the continent's top sides for his signature. While the majority of reports indicated that the Dutchman will almost certainly become a Barca player, some have suggested otherwise. The defender has been link to Manchester United, Juventus, and FC Bayern too.
In the meanwhile, the Dutch sensation is preparing for UEFA Nations League clash with England and will decide his future project after the international tournament ends.
#4 Philippe Coutinho
Barcelona signed Philippe Coutinho during the winter transfer window in 2018, paying a mammoth €142 million fee for his services to Liverpool. The Brazilian has failed to display his skills in Barca's system, constantly drawing jeers from the supporters.
Coutinho's subpar display in the Champions League has forced the owners to evaluate his future next season. The 26-year-old's high valuation could be matched by only a few clubs and he might be at a new club by end of the summer transfer window. According to rumours, PSG and Manchester United are interested in the midfielder.
#3 Paulo Dybala
Paulo Dybala's 2018/19 season was underwhelming at Juventus, scoring only five times in 30 Serie A appearances. Cristiano Ronaldo joined Juventus last summer but his arrival at Turin has somewhat reduced the Argentine's playing time.
Uncertainty over his role in the Juve squad has forced Dybala to fathom other options and there is a chance that the player might move to England. The 25-year-old might take a decision after his international duty ends with Copa America. Until then, rumours galore!
#2 Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba had a successful season for Manchester United from a personal point of view, finishing as club's top scorer and provider with 16 goals and 11 assists respectively in all competitions. Conversely, the Red Devils finished their season in sixth place in the Premier League and without any trophy.
The French midfielder has doubts over United's potential to challenge for major trophies in the near future and is considering a move away from Manchester. Real Madrid are Pogba's long-term admirers, and there is concrete interest from the club to lure the 26-year-old.
Latest reports have suggested that Juventus are inquiring about the availability of Pogba, making matters captivating in this season's transfer market.
#1 Neymar
Neymar moved to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in the summer of 2017 for a staggering €222 million. PSG's project of winning the Champions League appealed to the 27-year-old, but the club has failed to lift the trophy during his two-year spell in Paris.
Barcelona are desperately trying to assemble a squad capable of holding the UCL title after failing to do so once again this year. Messi prefers Neymar over Antoine Griezmann, and a move back is on the cards. The Catalan club might use Philippe Coutinho as a bargaining chip in a potential deal.
It will be highly intriguing to witness the twists and turns which Neymar's transfer saga takes in the coming months.
