50 Bold Predictions for This Summer's Transfer Window

The 2012 summer transfer window is just around the corner for all of us world football fans.

Not only do we already have a summer full of daily speculation to enjoy, it is also a summer of tournaments.

Poland and the Ukraine host the 2012 UEFA European Championship in June, while London hosts the 2012 Olympic soccer tournament in July.

All the action of this summer is sure to see some great transfers and dealings happen throughout the entire June-through-August window.

Out of those are some moves and happenings that are hard to call or to predict but are rather shots in the dark that could happen if the situation and circumstances provide themselves.

With that said, here are some bold predictions for just that.

Harry Redknapp Takes the England Job

After the last few weeks look to have seen Tottenham fall out of pace for the third-place spot as well as the FA Cup, Harry Redknapp could very well decide enough is enough.

When his side were in strong position to finish third, he seemed ready to stay and enjoy his Champions League delight next season, but right now the falling spirits may be enough to see him take the job that he has been all but signed on to do.

Roberto Di Matteo Named Chelsea Boss

Since he took over at Chelsea for Andre Villas-Boas, former Chelsea player and West Bromwich Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo has been a sensational stand-in.

In ten games throughout all competitions he has seven wins, two draws and only one loss.

If the Blues win either the FA Cup or the Champions League, then there is no doubt he should be named the permanent boss.

Even if they fall to Liverpool in the FA Cup final and are knocked out of the UCL final four by Barcelona, he still deserves at least a chance to lead the Blues next season.

Mario Balotelli Loaned Back to Italy

Mario Balotelli has been nothing but trouble for Roberto Mancini and Manchester City.

However, his talent is beyond many at the age of 21. With 17 goals in all competitions this season despite having two red cards and nine yellows, it is obvious he is talented on the pitch.

The problem is that he doesn't have the guidance he needs and that he has too much ability to throw away for City.

Maybe a season on loan back to Italy, where he spends all day in training, could shock him back to life a little bit before the club decide to cut their losses.

Eden Hazard Snubs Tottenham for Arsenal

French club Lille has one of the world's best and brightest talents in young Belgian winger Eden Hazard.

In February he was linked with a move to Tottenham, but by March both Manchester City and Arsenal had put their names in the hat looking for the youngster's signature.

Manchester United has also recently joined in the race for the youngster.

However, with Spurs' continued falterings and the chance that they could fail to make the UEFA Champions League, Hazard is likely to snub a move to Tottenham, with a move to Arsenal much more enticing than a huge fight for playing time at both United or City.

Michael Ballack Moves to MLS

One of the next big names to take a long flight over the Atlantic is Bayer Leverkusen's German veteran, Michael Ballack.

The New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union and Montreal Impact are all interested in the former Chelsea player.

Stephen Ireland to New York Red Bulls

Aston Villa's former Manchester City outcast Stephen Ireland could be heading for the bright lights of New York City.

Although Michael Ballack is the bigger name on the want list for the Red Bulls, Ireland has youth on his side and could be more influential to the club in the long run.

However, the awful wing tattoo on his back does not guarantee that he can help the Red Bulls grow wings.

Marco Verratti

Pescara, the same side whose ground saw the unfortunate death of Piermario Morosini on Saturday, April 14th, are the holders of one of Italy's hottest young prospects in 19-year-old Marco Verratti.

Goal.com have him linked with both Inter Milan and Juventus, and it is a sure bet that the youngster will be moving on to a major club this summer.

Dirk Kuyt Returns to Netherlands

Dirk Kuyt has been a sensational professional at Liverpool since leaving De Kuip and his partnership with Soloman Kalou in 2006.

However, after finally reaching his 50th Red's goal milestone this season and being a part of the Carling Cup winning side for the Reds' first silverware since before he joined the side, he looks to have reached the end of the road.

Kuyt is consistently the most fit player in the squad, but he is a more natural striker than right-sided player.

Rafael Benitez spent years converting him to a right winger, and his insane work rate made him a great asset in the Spaniard's side, but Kuyt has never found his place under Kenny Dalglish.

After having been the most effective weapon for Dalglish in his run-in for the 2010-11 season, it was thought that Kuyt would play a bigger role alongside Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, but that never happened.

In all likelihood the flying dutchman's time at Anfield has come to a close, with a triumphant return to his old club Feyenoord Rotterdam looking a possibility in the cards.

Henrique Ends Barca Nightmare

Four years ago FC Barcelona signed defender Henrique, believing he would develop into a key member of their future defense.

Now at the age of 25, the player has yet to even make his senior debut for Barca and is now hoping to seal a permanent return to former club Palmerias in his home nation of Brazil, where he has spent this season on loan.

Marouane Chamakh out of Arsenal

This may not seem so bold, but it is almost a guarantee that Arsenal flop Marouane Chamakh will be ousted from London this summer.

Leading the way for his signature look to be former club Bordeaux, who already made a great profit on his sale and now will benefit from a reduced price for the Moroccan.

Luis Muriel

The next great Colombian player to grace the Italian pitch looks like it could be the 21-year-old Udinese-owned Luis Muriel.

This season on loan to Lecce, he has been more than impressive and is looking at a major move to either Inter or AC Milan.

Clint Dempsey to Liverpool

While Arsenal are the main club linked with Clint Dempsey at the moment, according to the Telegraph the American could make a surprise move to Liverpool.

With the club owners John W. Henry and Tom Werner looking at a continued growth of the club's brand in the United States, a marque signing of perhaps the best US player abroad at the moment could go a long way towards helping that goal succeed.

Jamie Carragher Is Put out to Pasture

It is hard to say a player's time is up when that player has been such a loyal steward as Liverpool's Jamie Carragher.

However, after a season that was put into perspective by yet another blunder that nearly cost the Reds a shot at cup glory, it truly may be the end of the veteran's run.

Carragher has always had a mind towards becoming a manager, and he could be headed for a coaching job at Liverpool much faster than he originally intended after this season full of howlers from the vice-captain.

Ronaldinho to Return to Europe

Former Barcelona and AC Milan star Ronaldinho has hinted that he could indeed make an exit from current Rio de Janiero club Flamengo in the summer.

A return to Europe is most likely, but the 32-year-old could also make a move to the MLS.

Nicolas Anelka to Be a Better Manager Than His Brother

Nicolas Anelka has always been the more successful footballer in his family. His brother, Claude Anelka, paid a club to let him be their manager and managed to get a single draw out of 10 matches before he was given the boot.

Shanghai Shenhua will be hoping that the other Anelka will be a much bigger success. However, that cannot be too hard; all he has to do is get two draws in 10 matches.

Raul Moves to England

Even at the age of 34, former Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez still knows how to score a goal or two and is attracting interest from the Premier League.

With 20 goals so far this season with Schalke 04 in the German Bundesliga, he is another player that looks to be only getting better with age.

Paulo Dybala the Next Kun Aguero?

Italian giants AC and Inter Milan are fighting over the chance to sign Paulo Dybala from River Plate.

Dybala has been looked at as possibly the next Sergio Aguero to come out of Argentina, and a move to the Serie A could be a major stepping stone for him.

Neymar Stays in Brazil

While the rest of the world continues to talk about how great Neymar is, I personally think he has a lot more to learn.

This summer he could be signed by Barcelona or Real Madrid or any other side that decides to break the bank for him.

However, he should remain in Brazil on loan back to Santos to continue to developing as he has for another season before being brought to Spain.

Andre Villas-Boas Gets Another High-Profile Job

Chelsea may have sacked Andre Villas-Boas, but the young Portuguese still will have a chance outside of England in many instances.

He has already been linked with a chance at managing Inter Milan, and there is certain to be talk of other opportunities as well.

Manchester United Sign Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Schalke 04 and Netherlands striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has been linked with many different moves to England.

After having failed to make a significant impact at both Real Madrid and then AC Milan, he finally has settled to find his form in Germany.

Two seasons removed from joining the Rhine-based Schalke, Huntelaar is now getting linked to Manchester United on top of all the others.

Ricky Van Wolfswinkel Moves to EPL

Another young Dutch striker with all eyes on him making a move to England is Sporting Lisbon's Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

Goal.com has quoted him as saying that a move to England "would be a step up."

Fernando Torres to PSG

Although Fernando Torres looks to be the future of Chelsea, his snub during the FA Cup semi-final has to have hurt his ego yet again.

He has been on the up in form, but there still seems to be a lot of doubt over his ability to fill the boots of Didier Drogba.

Paris Saint Germain could offer a great escape for him. The French League would definitely be an easier one to get his confidence back in, plus he would be rejoining Carlo Ancelotti, who is the man that brought Torres to Chelsea in the first place.

Alessandro Del Piero to MLS

The Sporting News claim that Alessandro Del Piero is only interested in moving to the MLS if the New York Red Bulls or LA Galaxy are his destination.

However, the draw of a growing league in the world could see several other MLS sides like Chicago perhaps try to make an audacious bid for the player.

Keisuke Honda Moves to Italy

Italian club SS Lazio failed to land CSKA Moscow and Japanese winger Keisuke Honda in the January transfer window.

However, this summer he is likely to make the belated move.

Honda has also been linked with a potential move to England.

Adam Johnson Leaves Manchester City

Manchester City have seen Adam Johnson continue to fight for a full-time place in the club's starting lineup.

However, Johnson continues to be relegated to a substitute role despite his obvious talent.

A product of Middlesbrough's fabled youth system, Johnson is sure to have multiple options this summer and could take his show on the road away from the Etihad Stadium this summer.

David Villa out of Barcelona

David Villa's broken leg in December of this campaign for Barcelona at first was thought to be devastating.

However, it has proven to be no such thing. The emergence of youngsters such as Cristian Tello has all but put Villa out of a job, and we could see the 30-year-old pack his bags this summer and head out of the Nou Camp.

Everton Try to Sign Landon Donovan

Everton truly continue to miss a fresh creative face in their attack. During both of his loan spells to the Toffees, Landon Donovan has truly been at the top of his form.

Ever though the Merseyside outfit are always strapped for cash, I would not be surprised if they tried at least once to make the player move back across the pond.

Liverpool Sign Second Suarez

What is better than having one tricky little Suarez on your side? Why, another Suarez of course.

Liverpool are believed to be the front-runners for the signing of Belgian side ASC Anderlecht's Matias Suarez.

Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard Stay at Chelsea

With the revival that is taking place at Chelsea in recent weeks, it looks like veterans Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba could be set to remain for another season.

If they continue their recent form, now that Andre Villas-Boas has gone there is nothing that should stop them from another year in London.

Wolves Rehire Mick McCarthy

Wolverhampton continue to suffer away at the bottom of the English Premier League table.

The sacking of manager Mick McCarthy continues to look like a mistake, with relegation for the club all but official now.

The last manager to bring them back to the top flight was Mick McCarthy, and it is possible that he could be the man to do so yet again.

Goal-Line Technology Finally Arrives

Goal-line technology continues to be a major issue in the world of football, with the recent FA Cup Juan Mata goal for Chelsea once again bringing it to the forefront. Perhaps this will finally be the summer that sees a change.

Luka Modric and Gareth Bale Leave Tottenham

Goal.com have only stated what is apparently an obvious belief; Tottenham are likely to lose both Luka Modric and Gareth Bale this summer if they continue to falter in the league and fail to make the UEFA Champions League.

Sebastian Giovinco Makes an Upward Move

Sebastian Giovinco is co-owned by Juventus and Parma, but the talented young striker is looking at a possible move up the Italian ladder, with a move to either Inter or AC Milan on the cards.

Juventus have dragged their feet over the player's contract talks with Parma, which has it looking like a move away from both will be his best bet.

Gastón Ramírez to Be Liverpool's Next Uruguayan

Liverpool have been buying up Uruguayan talent each window and could yet again be in the market for another rising South American starlet in Bologna's Gaston Ramirez his summer.

Metro confirms that the Reds could be the club making a move for the player, as he is nearing a summer exit from the mid-table Italian side.

Moussa Sissoko to Italy

Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko has been attracting more and more interest the last two seasons.

This summer should see him make a big move up, as his French club will be looking to cash in on his heightened value in the transfer window.

Hector Herrera Next Mexican Star to Head to England

Pachuca midfielder Hector Herrera looks likely to be the next young Mexican international talent to head across the pond this summer.

Liverpool are one of several clubs linked to him as an interested party for his upcoming summer.

Robinho Heads Back to Brazil

AC Milan seems to be making a habit of sending Brazilian players back to their home country.

After seeing Ronaldinho return to Flamengo, it now looks like Robinho could be returning to Santos this summer.

Rickie Lambert Leaves Southampton

So far Rickie Lambert has scored 31 goals this season for current English Championship leaders Southampton FC.

This summer even if his side are to head to Premier League, he is likely to answer the call of any big-money move that is extended his way.

Someone Buys Hulk

His massive release clause has put many off the prospect of buying him.

However, FC Porto's Brazilian forward Hulk is sure to finally get someone to bite over his price this summer.

Johan Cruyff Heads to England

With both Manchester City and Liverpool looking at new directors of football, former Barcelona mastermind Johan Cruyff is almost guaranteed a spot to fill the English Premier League before the summer is out.

Olivier Giroud Remains in France

Montpellier forward Olivier Giroud has attracted much attention this season ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, despite his fantastic goal-scoring form, I believe he will end up remaining in France over the summer.

Manchester United Sell Nemanja Vidic

It may seem crazy at first, but Manchester United could cash in on defender Nemanja Vidic this summer.

The former club captain has spent the majority of the season out injured, and the club have dealt with it almost with ease.

His sale could further finance the transfer goals of Sir Alex Ferguson this summer.

Paul Pogba Heads out of Manchester

Paul Pogba's agent claims that he has two choices: either stay at United or head to Juventus.

I really only see one scenario: he leaves Old Trafford.

Arsenal Sacrifice Theo Walcott

With Lukas Podolski looking set to move to Arsenal, and with Gervinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looking like the main focus of Arsene Wenger's future, Theo Walcott finds himself in a bad spot.

Wenger has to spend in order to convince captain and star man Robin van Persie to remain a Gunner, and Walcott could be among the likes of Andrei Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner as players sent out the door in hopes of financing a major move for a player like Eden Hazard.

Young Olympians Raided

This summer will see some of the brightest stars of football showcase their ability for their nations in the 2012 Olympic tournament.

Among them are the likes of Spain's Crisitan Tello, Japan's Takashi Usami and Switzerland's Granit Xhaka, who could all become even hotter names after the summer tournament.

Seydou Doumbia

CSKA Moscow's Ivory Coast striker Seydou Doumbia made quite a name for himself in his club's 2011-12 campaign, with 33 goals in all competitions.

That kind of scoring record does not come without acknowledgement, and he could be looking at a move in the summer, most likely to Italy or Germany, where his talents could be more readily showcased.

Gonzalo Higuain Saga Continues

Real Madrid have looked to be offloading Argentine attacker Gonzalo Higuain for two seasons now.

The forward continues to remain and score goals and is a vital part of the squad that is looking to remain in place for the time.

However, he is almost always linked with a move away from the Spanish Capital, despite his stellar form for the Blancos.

Chelsea Sign Axel Witsel

Chelsea could make an interesting signing by bringing Axel Witsel to the club from Benfica.

The young Belgian has been tipped by the Blues' Ramires as a potential great signing, and he could just be right.

Stoke Sign a so-so Striker

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis is hoping that this summer he can land a top striker to provide some much-needed goals for the struggling club.

However, given his track record of signing strikers that are somewhat less than prolific, I don't see a major change in these cards.

Steven N'Zonzi and Junior Hoilett Take Blackburn Leave

Blackburn Rovers have had an up-and-down season so far, but once again they look to be headed for the drop and the subsequent loss of many promising players.

Among those are two of their best youth prospects in Steven N'Zonzi and Junior Hoilett, who are certain to be headed out of Ewood Park.

Conclusion

This is certain to be a summer full of excitement.

Between the UEFA European Championship, the 2012 Summer Olympic football tournament and the transfer window all going on at once, there is certain to be great parody in the market.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out more on Bleacher Report and at the links below. You can follow me on Twitter @thedailyatz and Facebook, or visit my website.