As featured on NewsNow: Football news

TRIBAL TRENDS - TRANSFERS: Liverpool & Buffon the perfect match; Real Madrid serious about Neymar; Man Utd identify left-back;

With the summer market now edging closer, we break down the latest transfer chatter doing the rounds - and whether those crazy deals actually have a chance of landing...



Roberto FirminoLiverpool

Clubs interested: Barcelona

It's not the first time a high profile Liverpool player is being hunted by Barcelona. Coutinho made his spectacular move from Anfield to Camp Nou in January, and it appears that his countrymen Roberto Firmino could follow.

Eduardo Inda of Okdiario had recently suggested that Suarez could be on his way out of Camp Nou, with the Catalans still eyeing up a big move for Antoine Griezman. However, if they're unsuccessful in their pursuit of the Frenchman, Barcelona are almost certain they could nab Firmino with little resistance.

Let's be real, it's hard to resist the lure of such a club as Barcelona, even if your club is about to play in the Champions League final. But the chances of a transfer happening aren't great, seeing as Barcelona would have to sell Suarez and miss out on Griezman to actually consider buying Firmino. They might have the pulling power, but I'm not holding my breath.

Likelihood: He won't be rushing out anytime soon




Sokratis PapasthathopoulosBorussia Dortmund
Caglar SoyuncuFreiburg
Bernd LenoBayer Leverkusen

Clubs interested: Arsenal

After pulling all the strings to finally land Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund, it seems as though Arsenal aren't done with their affection of the Bundesliga, as they prepare for a massive, £75 million swoop for 3 players, according to The Sun.

In the same week that Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of Unai Emery as their new manager, reports have emerged that Sokratis Papasthathopoulos, Caglar Soyuncu and Bernd Leno could be making their way to the Emirates next season.

Greece international Sokratis, who boasts 130 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund, would be a great defensive stalwart as well as an on-field leader. Turkish international Caglar Soyuncu has time on his side, the 22-year-old defender coming leaps and bounds in his fledgling career.

Bernd Leno has been Leverkusen's man between the sticks since 2011, and has represented Germany 6 times in the last 2 years.

The balance between experience and potential bodes well for the Gunners, who will look to bounce back from a disappointing 6th place finish. It falls on Unai Emery to bring the right players in for the next chapter.

Likelihood: You can bet on big changes under the new manager




Neymar – Paris Saint-Germain

Clubs interested: Real Madrid

Well, what have we here. Seems as though French is not the language of love for Neymar as he looks for a spectacular exit from Paris after just one season with the Ligue 1 giants.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was convinced that his star player would stay, but Brazil's ARA suggests that Neymar has had personal terms agreed with Madrid for quite some time. The deal now hinges on an agreement being reached between the two clubs, and the monstrous fee that could be incurred.

Sources in France seem to believe that Al-Khelaifi is prepared to accept an offer in the region of €370 million, a whopping €150 million profit on his initial fee from Barcelona. They'd be making a Coutinho sized profit here people!

We know that Patricio Perez is willing to pay whatever it takes to glam up the faltering Real Madrid squad, but €370 million for a single player is simply outrageous on all levels.

Likelihood: Not in this lifetime





Alex Sandro Juventus

Clubs interested: Manchester United, Chelsea

Despite United's FA Cup loss just days ago, Jose Mourinho has wasted no time in expressing his intent in buying new players for the next premier league season. Apart from midfielders, high on his priority list is Juventus full back Alex Sandro.

The Brazilian international has won the last 3 league and cup doubles in Italy, but a move to Old Trafford beckons with a £50 million bid ready to be tabled.

The problem here lies with United's squad. Mourinho has previously stated he will be relying on Ashley Young next season, which already puts doubt on Shaw's future. Should United be successful in their pursuit of Alex Sandro, Shaw could find himself transferring out sooner than he thought.

The Sunday Times say that United have almost completed the transaction, but Juventus also want to hold onto their 27-year-old Brazilian. Despite 2 years left on his contract, he could look to explore his English options should he wish for a new challenge.

Chelsea have shown an interest in Sandro in the past. But their signing of Emerson Palmieri in January means it is unlikely they'll pursue a deal this summer.

Likelihood: Wait and see after the 2018 FIFA World Cup




Gianluigi BuffonJuventus

Clubs interested: Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain

Finally, the most outrageous sounding, yet plausible of all the rumours, is that of the legendary Gianluigi Buffon. As he comes off contract with Juventus and unwilling to extend his stay, there have been suggestions of a return to his former club Parma, or retirement from the game.

Cue Liverpool. Premium Sport claim the Merseyside club have not only been interested, but have been in contact with Buffon about continuing his storied career in the English Premier League before he hangs up the gloves. Liverpool are set to play their first Champions League final in over a decade, something that will be a tempting element for someone accustomed to success.

PSG are also in the running for the former Italian international, but as of late there have been no hints as to where his playing future lies. With Italy missing out on the spectacle of Russia 2018, Buffon can afford himself some time to ponder his options.

Liverpool have been in the market for a big name goalkeeper for quite some time, and while this represents a real chance at having a legend line up at Anfield, it will be a long wait before we know what Buffon does next.

Likelihood: Like a fine wine, we'll wait and see what matures of this

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Chris Sermeno

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