TRANSFER ROUNDUP: Zlatan’s Next Destination Confirmed, Real Madrid Identify Rodriguez Replacement, And More
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Next Destination 90% Confirmed
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s next destination has been 90% confirmed by Sky Italia journalist Alessandro Alciato.
Zlatan’s contract with Paris Saint Germain expires this summer, and the Swede star has been linked with numerous clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, AC Milan, as well as outfits from the MLS and Chinese Super League. Various reports have stated that the striker’s preferred destination is the Premier League, with Manchester United being the front runners in the race due to Zlatan’s special relationship with the ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho, who many believe will take charge as the next Red Devils’ boss as soon as this season comes to an end.
However, Sky Italia journalist Alessandro Alciato has contradicted these reports and revealed some extremely surprising information regarding the 34-year-old’s future. According to Alciato, Ibrahimovic has a very low chance of moving to Manchester United, or even the Premier League for that matter, because the Swedish international will be heading to the United States instead and join MLS giants LA Galaxy, who are the prime candidates for Ibrahimovic’s signature and have a staggering 90% chance of signing the forward.
If Alciato’s claim does turn out to be true, Zlatan will join the likes of Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, Robbie Keane and Giovani dos Santos, thereby ensuring a star-studded LA Galaxy total MLS dominance.
Liverpool Make Official Approach To Sign Mario Gotze
Liverpool have made an official approach to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Mario Gotze, according to German newspaper Bild.
Mario Gotze struggled quite a bit under the management of Pep Guardiola, and as per Suddeutsche Zeitung, the midfielder has been told by Pep’s successor, and the new incoming manager Carlo Ancelotti, that he is not in his plans either, making it very likely that the 2014 World Cup winner will leave the German Bundesliga Champions this summer and put an end to his disappointing spell with the Bavarians.
Mario Gotze’s most likely destination now seems to be Liverpool, with a reunion with his former Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp the decisive factor behind this potential transfer. Klopp is believed to be seriously interested in signing the 23-year-old and reviving his career, thereby aiding the youngster in achieving his full potential. And as per Bild, Liverpool are officially the only team to have approached Bayern for Gotze’s services, and would successfully sign the play-maker if they meet Bayern’s £19 million asking price.
Las Vegas City FC Want Brazilian Legend Ronaldinho
MLS outfit Las Vegas City are interested in signing Brazilian legend Ronaldinho.
Ronaldinho has been out of regular action since his two-month stint at Fluminense ended in September 2015, but he did feature in this week FIFA All Star legends game against the Mexican All Stars in Mexico. However, the Brazilian magician did confirm that he’ll be returning to play regular football during the event in Sao Paulo on Thursday night, where he revealed: “At the moment I’m only getting involved in [promotional] events but in the second half of the year you can be sure that I’m going to play again.”
The 38-year-old is being linked with potential moves to the Turkish Süper Lig as well as the Chinese Super League, but MLS seems to be his most likely destination, with Las Vegas City FC the forerunners in the race. Ronaldinho is set to make a special appearance for the club on Saturday, but the Vegas based club are looking to turn his one-time appearance into a permanent move.
Las Vegas City’s Brazilian president Marcio Granada told Brazilian outlet Globoesporte: “The doors are open. We have only agreed to this match. He is a good friend of Adriano (who joined Las Vegas City earlier this year). It would be a dream come true if he signed with Las Vegas City.
“If Ronaldinho wanted to, he could still be among the top 10 players in the world. The quality that he has, the strength, his natural physical fitness is at another level. It’s a matter of asking him what he wants and what he needs. What do we need to do so that he is our No. 10?”
Leicester City Star N’Golo Kante’s Next Club Revealed
Leicester City star N’Golo Kante’s next destination has been revealed, as per a report by L’Equipe.
N’Golo Kante – Leicester City’s midfield general – has been one of the most consistent performers for the Foxes throughout the season, and has played a crucial role in helping them lift the Premier League trophy for the first time in the history of the club. His individual performances were recognised when he was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year Award, which was eventually scooped by his fellow teammate Riyad Mahrez.
After playing such a great season and winning a league medal with Leicester, however, N’Golo Kante has decided to move on to another club, as per reports. According to L’Equipe today, Kante’s representatives have discussed a potential move with Manchester City, but the French midfielder is believed to prefer a move to London instead. And according to France Football, North London club Arsenal have already expressed their interest in Kante’s services, and have reportedly submitted a double enquiry to Leicester City for their star duo N’Golo Kante as well as Riyad Mahrez. Kante’s release clause is somewhere around £20 million – a figure Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be happily ready to meet.
Real Madrid Eyeing Dimitri Payet
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on West Ham star Dimitri Payet, as per the reports by CalcioMercato.com.
The Spanish Giants want to sign Payet as a potential replacement for Colombian sensation James Rodriguez, who is set to leave the club in only his second year in La Liga, after falling out of manager Zinedine Zidane’s favour. And according to Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, Manchester United are the front runners in the race to sign the £60m rated Real Madrid star.
Zidane is however, ready to cash in with the help of the money the club will gain from Rodriguez’s sale, and sign fellow Frenchman Dimitri Payet, who has had a terrific season with West Ham United, with his top quality performances nominating him for the PFA Player of the Year Award.
