With the January transfer window truly up and running, let’s take a look at the deals that are the most likely, according to pundits, to occur:
- Isco to Manchester City/ Chelsea – This one is a little bit tricky, or at least, that’s what it seems at first, but when you delve into it, it becomes crystal clear. The player is not getting the role that he wants at Real Madrid. He clearly doesn’t get the nod in front of James. Which is why he is said to be unhappy at Real and could be seeking a move away from this club to reach his true potential. I, personally, completely agree with him. He hasn’t been on a long-run starting for Real, but there are glimpses when you feel that he possesses supreme talent which can benefit from proper nurturement. Meaning, he needs to get on a long run of games more often if he is to discover his real potential. Excuse the pun.
Anyways, as such, even though he is considered second fiddle to James Rodriguez at Real, he is pretty much good enough to start at any other club in the world. And this results in him being linked with some of Europe’s top clubs. And when you mention Europe’s biggest clubs, Manchester City make sure that their name is said. Along with Chelsea. The chances of him moving to either are very high, though which one is the million-dollar question. At Chelsea are his international mates Azpilicueta, Fàbregas, Pedro, and Costa. While, in Man City, he will get support from David Silva, as well as Jesús Navas. So, the chances are quite evenly split as far as that goes.
Numbers: 50-60% chance of him moving during this window. 70-80% chance of him moving on in the summer.
- Alex Teixeira to Chelsea – As far as we know, the Brazilian has already had an agreement with Chelsea, and it’s a matter of time before the club makes an official announcement. Oscar and Willian have, of course, played their part in persuading him to the Stamford Bridge club. But, having scored 25 goals in 21 matches in all competitions this season for the Ukrainian outfit, Chelsea should do whatever they can to sign this player.
Numbers: 90-95% chance that the deal has already been agreed, and just needs to undergo some formalities.
- Gareth Bale to Manchester United – Bale is reportedly ‘intensely disappointed’ at the sacking of Rafa Benitez, and as such is seeking a move away from Real Madrid. Regardless, the new boss and club legend Zidane will try his best not to let his star players leave. Heck, he even specified Bale as being a ‘fundamental player’ to Real. So, the chances are pretty slim that he moves in January.
Numbers: 20-25% chance he moves during this window, and the number’s even that high solely because Manchester United are what they are: Manchester United. They have as much money as any club in this world, and Ed Woodward needs to make an impression on the United faithful.
- Eden Hazard to Real Madrid/ PSG – Hazard, frankly put, has had a terrible season with Chelsea so far this season, and he’s currently out with an injury. He is yet to score his first goal for Chelsea this season in any competition, and regardless of all of which I just said, CIES reports that he is now more valuable than Cristiano Ronaldo. His value has been calculated at around €130 million, just behind that of Messi and Neymar. Anyways, the most important piece of information that points to him staying at Chelsea in the long-term is him coming out, you might remember, about a month ago and saying that he wants to stay at Chelsea. But, we know more than to trust what a player says, now, don’t we? After the Delph deal in the summer…;)
Numbers: 10-15% chance that Chelsea even considers moving him on during this window. 30-40% chance in the summer if Zidane comes calling.
