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As another breathtaking season of European football draws to an end with the conclusion of the Champions League and Europa League finals next week, it is time for us to look back at what a great 2018/19 we have witnessed. Congratulations are in order for all the league and cup winners, and condolences go out to all the clubs who will have to go through the traumatic process of relegation.
Having said that, the rumor mill has begun to operate in full swing already, and there are a number of big name transfers to look forward to this summer. Most clubs have already held talks regarding roster changes for the coming season, and some have already shown early signs of intent - for instance, Borussia Dortmund's roping-in of Thorgan Hazard and Julian Brandt in a space of two days is bound to make the Bundesliga even more interesting than it was this season.
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Clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are expected to make the most noise this summer, as they look to either replace big personnel departing or to simply keep up with the league leaders.
Let us look at five big transfers that are likely to happen this summer, if you are to believe the reports, that is.
#5 Rodri (Atletico Madrid to Manchester City)
Rodrigo Hernandez, more popularly known as Rodri, is one of the brightest midfield prospects in Europe at this moment. At 22, Rodri has already become an important part of Atletico's midfield, appearing for the Rojiblancos 47 times across all competitions this season.
While he has only 3 goals and 1 assist in those games, his contribution to the team is something statistics can barely begin to reflect. Rodri has been likened to his fellow countryman Sergio Busquets, which in itself is massive praise. Rodri is one of those rare midfield linchpins who hardly has a weakness; short passing, interceptions, tackles, strength and stamina - he's got it all.
He'll fit right into Manchester City's midfield who desperately need a defensive midfielder to replace the brilliant, but ageing, Fernandinho who is 34. He is said to have a £70 million release clause which will most likely have to be triggered in order to force a move away from Madrid. However, City face tough competition from the likes of Bayern Munich.
#4 Eden Hazard (Chelsea to Real Madrid)
Eden Hazard and his wish to play for Real Madrid is one of the worst kept secrets in modern day football, and the transfer that seemed inevitable for a few seasons now is finally about to take place - bar something extraordinary. Hazard has enjoyed yet another stellar season, racking up 16 goals and 15 assists in the Premier League in 37 games. It came as a bit of a surprise when the Belgian was snubbed by the PFA and missed out on a spot in the Team of the Year.
Hazard only has a year left on his contract and is determined to leave Chelsea, which explains why Real are getting themselves one of the best players in the world for a modest fee. It's another 'galactico' signing for the Los Blancos who will be a totally different force with Hazard on their side.
#3 Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid to Manchester United)
What a signing Antoine Griezmann has been for Atletico! Joining from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2014, Griezmann developed himself from a promising talent to a player on the level of Messi and Ronaldo, at least in his own right. He underwent a changed in position, moving to a more central position as opposed to out wide.
He added more assists and many more goals to his game and became Atletico's talisman. When he arrived after the World Cup in Brazil to replace Diego Costa, one didn't know what to expect of Griezmann. He leaves with nothing left to prove.
The 2018 World Cup winner confirmed he'd be leaving Atletico in the summer, and though he did not mention his next destination, Barcelona were thought to be long-time admirers, and clear favourites to pair him up with Messi.
However, Manchester United have reportedly barged in and are determined to steal Griezmann away from Barcelona's hands. If they can manage to do so, it'll be one of the biggest signings in recent Manchester United history, and one that will certainly improve their roster a fair bit. Moreover, it might be a case of necessity more than luxury, as the Red Devils are considering selling their star striker.
#2 Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United to Inter Milan)
A summer of big changes, laden with big-name arrivals awaits Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri flattered to deceive all season, and they sit on the fourth spot in the Serie A table, with Champions League football not yet secured. Antonio Conte is set to replace Luciano Spalletti as the Inter boss, and wants to bring in Romelu Lukaku to Milan to replace Mauro Icardi, who might be on his way out to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus.
Romelu Lukaku is still just 26, and perhaps a change is exactly what he needs to get his career back on track. The Belgian managed a paltry 12 goals and 1 assist in 32 games in the Premier League, far from his potential tally. Conte believes he can rejuvenate Lukaku and help him rediscover his scoring touch.
Manchester United value him as highly as £70 million, which is £20 million over Inter's valuation. It will be interesting to see who wins this negotiation battle, although United might have to accept defeat if they are to seal the deal with Antoine Griezmann.
#1 Leroy Sane (Manchester City to Bayern Munich)
Make no mistake - a talent like Leroy Sane should to starting pretty much every game irrespective of the club he is in. However, such has been the level at which Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva have played consistently all season for City, that Sane has found himself coming off the bench more often than not.
Still, Sane has managed to put up some amazing numbers, and is one of the only three players to have both goals and assists in double figures in the Premier League this season, with 10 and 11 respectively.
Sane has also scored some priceless goals for City, including the winner against Liverpool at the Etihad which ultimately proved vital in their victory. His quality is beyond any doubt - he is one the fastest, most skillful, and deadliest wingers in the world right now - at just 23!
Sane looks set to leave Manchester in search for more game time, and back home in Germany, champions Bayern are in need of players to replace club legends Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. £90 million feels like a fairly modest price for the potential that Leroy Sane carries, and he'll certainly be a big signing for Bayern if they manage to pull it off.
