The pandemic curtailed 2019-20 English Premier League season concluded recently with Chelsea and Manchester United bagging the Champions League spots. Whereas despite their efforts, Watford and AFC Bournemouth were relegated on the final matchday. Leicester City missed out on the Champions League action which was in their hands for the majority of the season. With the transfer window open for the clubs to buy the required players to grip their position in the Premier League.
Every club needs quality signing at least to compete in the elite European competition. Though clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City are good enough with their squads, they also need a bit tweak to fight against the clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus, who possess ammunition in their arsenal. On the other hand, Manchester United and Chelsea need to beef up their midfield and defense as they have relied on one or two players throughout the season.
Here are the three players whom clubs are rumoured to sign as they have got the ticket to Champions League:
Nathan Ake: (Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United)
The AFC Bournemouth central defender has caught the attention major Premier League clubs after he performed well for the drowning boat of Eddie Howe. Despite the efforts, Bournemouth couldn’t stay up in the league and fell in the trap of relegation. During the tough times too, Nathan Ake has tremendous stats for his club.
The former Chelsea player has 1.1 interceptions per game and 5.1 clearances per game for Bournemouth in 29 appearances. The player has been a leader for Eddie Howe’s men and has found the net twice. In the due process, he has also assisted his side twice in the top-flight.
The Blues have struggled throughout the season and have shipped in 54 goals. Also, the club has just nine clean sheets in 38 games. Chelsea and Frank Lampard can activate the buy-back clause and sign the player who will be a major upgrade for their defense. On the other hand, reports suggest that Bournemouth have accepted a bid of £41 million from Manchester City who also struggled in the absence of Laporte throughout the season. Pep Guardiola will look to strengthen his defense by adding the 25-year-old who can play as left-back too.
Jadon Sancho (Manchester United, Liverpool)
Ever since the blockbuster performance in 2018-19, the English international is touted for a return to England. However, the move hasn’t materialized since then, but the player might be on his way to Old Trafford or Anfield. The stats of 40 G/A in Bundesliga and other domestic cups is insane for any player. Jadon Sancho has 17 goals and 17 assists for Borussia Dortmund in the 2019-20 season.
Manchester United have lacked a proper right-winger who can operate on flanks. Since the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the club is looking to sign a talented British player. If the reports are to believe, Red Devils are on the verge of signing the player. However, a German outlet stated that the player might prefer a move to Anfield as the chances of winning the title is more. It remains interesting to see where the player ends up with.
Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool, Manchester United)
A deal that seems to be completed is always a tricky one to complete. Thiago has entered the final 12 months of his contract after he rejected the improvised contract of Bayern Munich. This activates his 30 million euros clause, and Liverpool are looking to benefit from it at any moment.
Since the move of Coutinho to Anfield, the team has looked for a playmaker and Thiago looks to fit the bill. On the other hand, Manchester United are looking to strengthen their midfield. Though Bruno Fernandes has been pivotal to Red Devils’ CL qualification, the team still lacks a quality midfielder. TO all the midfield woes and aging Nemanja Matic, Thiago can be a long-term solution. It remains interesting if the player starts a bidding war in the transfer market.
