5 World Cup Stars Heading for the Premiership
There have been some outstanding individual performances at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil and there is no doubt that scouts from all over Europe will have been watching several players ahead of the summer transfer window.
A busy period of dealing always follows a major tournament but who are the players most likely to cross over into the Premier League over the next few weeks?
1) Mats Hummels
Even before a ball was kicked at the 2014 World Cup, Borussia Dortmund centre half Hummels was widely tipped for a move to Manchester United. New boss Louis van Gaal is ready to rebuild his defence after the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand while the sale of left back Patrice Evra is also likely after a disappointing campaign in 2014-15.
The 25 year old is rated at around the £25 million mark and aside from being the solid central defender that Van Gaal needs, Hummels underlined his threat at the other end of the pitch with his side’s second goal in a 4-0 thrashing of Portugal.
The player has suggested that he would like to stay in Germany for another year but United are desperate for a defender of Hummels’ quality and are certain to test Dortmund’s resolve.
2) Memphis Depay
Dubbed by some sections of the media as the new Cristiano Ronaldo, 20 year old Depay has impressed with his pace and eye for goal as the Netherlands marched on to the knockout stage of the World Cup.
Depay has been used sparingly by Louis van Gaal but the winger has electric acceleration and would be a guaranteed starter for a number of Premiership clubs. Liverpool may be prepared to make an offer as interest in Dnipro’s Yevhen Konoplyanka seems to have cooled while Spurs and Manchester United have definitely been linked.
The current PSV man would be a thrilling addition to the Premier League but if reported interest from Real Madrid is followed up, English clubs may be priced out of the market.
3) Divock Origi
19 year old Origi was called a ‘World Cup Sensation’ by one newspaper when he came off the bench to score the winning goal for Belgium against Russia. However, the player’s record at club level suggests he is far from the finished article.
44 matches for current employers Lille have produced just two goals and while Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs have all been linked, a transfer fee of £8m would surely represent something of a gamble.
4) Daley Blind
A number of clubs around the Premier League are in need of a World Class left back and Daley Blind certainly fits the bill. English sides may also be put off by the £30m plus that Southampton are said to be asking for Luke Shaw so the 24 year old Ajax man looks an adequate cut price alternative.
As a Dutch international, it’s obvious that a link with Louis van Gaal and Manchester United has appeared but there could be competition from Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea.
5) Enner Valencia
Everton are the latest side to be linked with the Ecuadorian striker who scored all three of his country’s opening goals at Brazil 2014. The Goodison Park club need a permanent centre forward after selling Nikica Jelavic last season and it’s thought that manager Roberto Martinez will make his move shortly.
Newcastle and Spurs may provide a little competition for a man who has scored 18 goals in his first 23 games for Mexican club side Pachuca.
After a disappointing campaign in 2013-14, it’s no surprise to see Manchester United heavily linked with a number of stars from this summer’s World Cup. Louis van Gaal and his Old Trafford club are third favourites to win the Premiership next season and it will be fascinating to see if they follow through on these rumours to tie up some big money deals.
