Ranking the Week's 25 Hottest Transfer Rumours
Instead of scouring the internet for the latest football transfer gossip, Bleacher Report makes your life easier by providing you with a weekly power ranking of the 25 hottest transfer rumours in one slideshow.
Whether it is the Bundesliga, Eredivisie, La Liga, Ligue 1, Premier League, Serie A, alternative European leagues or non-European leagues, this slideshow will be inclusive.
These 25 players will be subjectively ranked via name recognition.
25. Tom Rogic
1 of 25
Uncertain Future
Celtic manager Ronny Deila will assess Australian attacking midfielder Tom Rogic, 21, before deciding on his long-term future.
At least Rogic will have a chance to prove his worth to Deila, rather than management arbitrarily selling him because of his fitness problems.
"I haven't seen [Rogic] play so much [and] we'll need to wait until he's back, but that will take some months," Deila said, per Scott Mullen of the Evening Times (Glasgow). "We've spoken as he's training with us, but it's on the pitch I have to see him."
Rogic is one of Australia's most talented players.
His ball control is immaculate, he is a smooth dribbler and he can open up opposing defences with his creativity.
24. Salih Ucan
2 of 25
January Loan?
Roma's Turkish central midfielder Salih Ucan, 20, will persevere and is unlikely to leave in the January transfer window, according to his agent Omer Uzun.
"I don't think that he'll move to another team in January, but everything is possible," Uzun said, per Fanatic.com.tr (h/t Enrico Passarella at GianlucaDiMarzio.com). "[Roma manager Rudi] Garcia is very satisfied with [Ucan]."
Ucan is one of several gambles Roma have taken on prospects, such as Alan Arario, Antonio Sanabria, Daniel De Silva, Leandro Paredes, Tin Jedvaj and Valmir Berisha.
23. Martin Odegaard
3 of 25Stromsgodset → Barcelona
Norwegian attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard, 15, is open to having a trial at Barcelona, per Verdens Gang (h/t The Local).
The key word being "trial" because it would be a glorified training session for Odegaard. When Mario Balotelli was 15 years old, he scored eight goals in three games on trial at Barca.
Having a trial is fine, but Odegaard signing a permanent deal for Barca right now would be ill-advised.
At the end of the day, Odegaard is better suited playing senior football in Norway than dropping back into youth-level football at Barca.
22. Daley Sinkgraven
4 of 25Heerenveen → Manchester United or Liverpool
Dutch midfielder Daley Sinkgraven, 19, is one of the most complete teenage prospects in recent memory.
His world-class upside has alerted the attention of major European teams, such as Manchester United and Liverpool, per Bill Cooper at the Daily Mirror.
He is a pass-first creative midfielder, who is strong in the tackle, can take the ball past opposing defenders and is flashing scoring potential.
Yes, he has more goals (two) than assists (one), but when you watch him, he will generally always play in open teammates.
He averages 2.1 key passes to 0.9 shots per game and is a massive talent.
However, if he is not guaranteed playing time at a major European club, he should stay at Heerenveen.
21. Anderson Talisca
5 of 25
Benfica → Arsenal and Liverpool.
Brazilian deep-lying forward Anderson Talisca, 20, is technically flawless and can create his own opportunities.
That is why Arsenal and Liverpool want to sign him, per John Cross at the Daily Mirror.
Six goals in his opening seven league games for Benfica demonstrates the world-class scouting system the Portuguese giants have.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho recently claimed that work permit issues were the reason why no English club signed him.
Talisca has proven he is a once-in-a-generation talent at a big club like Benfica, so he is likely to qualify for the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa should Premier League clubs attempt to sign him in the January transfer window.
This was how Chelsea signed Willian from Anzhi Makhachkala, per Dominic Fifield at The Guardian: "Chelsea busied themselves preparing a case for Willian to be granted a permit under the exceptional talent clause as he is not a regular with Brazil."
20. Suso
6 of 25
Liverpool → AC Milan
Spanish attacking midfielder Suso, 20, is readying himself for a move to Milan, per Jamie Anderson at the Daily Express.
It would not be a smart choice by Suso.
On the right wing, Suso will be second choice to Keisuke Honda, who has scored four times and registered two assists in six Serie A games this season.
From the left, Suso would be competing with Jeremy Menez, Giacomo Bonaventura and Stephan El Shaarawy.
19. Yevhen Konoplyanka
7 of 25
Will the Real Agent Please Stand Up?
The long-running transfer saga of Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk's Ukrainian attacking midfielder Yevhen Konoplyanka, 25, has a new subplot.
His father, Oleg, refuted claims that sports management company World in Motion were handling the future of Konoplyanka, per Sky Sports:
"Following the comments from James Lippett of World In Motion agency to the Italian media regarding supposed interest of Roma and Inter Milan, it is necessary to clarify that James Lippett and World in Motion are not the agents of my son Yevhen and therefore do not have the right to speak to anyone on his behalf.
As both his father and agent, I am the only person who represents his interests.
"
Oleg is not doing a great job as Konoplyanka's agent because his son is still stuck in Ukraine.
Embarking on his eighth season for Dnipro, Konoplyanka should have made a move to one of Europe's elite leagues two seasons ago.
18. Jozy Altidore
8 of 25
Sunderland Exit
United States centre-forward Jozy Altidore, 24, is discontent with his minimal role for Sunderland this season.
"I've done everything I could this season to come in fit and get as fit as possible with the injury and try and make an impact when I play," Altidore said, per Jeff Carlisle at ESPN FC. "If it doesn't turn around...then I'll be looking to start elsewhere."
Altidore is one of the worst No. 9s to play in the Premier League.
In 59 combined Premier League games for Hull City and Sunderland, he has scored two goals.
He looks as bewildered on the field as Lee Dong-Gook did for Middlesbrough.
17. Wilfried Bony
9 of 25
New Contract on the Horizon.
Swansea City's Ivorian centre-forward Wilfried Bony, 25, revealed he is open to extending his contract.
"If I wanted to go, I would have done. There has never been anything other than speculation about the departure in Monaco, Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur," Bony said, per Neil McLeman at the Daily Mirror. "I’m fine in Swansea. It is even possible that I [will] extend my contract."
It is important to keep Bony—a No. 9 who can dominate opposing centre-backs—happy.
But it is madness to increase his wages when he has only scored once from 18 shots in the Premier League this season.
16. Marco Borriello
10 of 25
Roma → New York City FC
Italian centre-forward Marco Borriello, 32, is considering a move to Major League Soccer franchise New York City FC, per Enrico Passarella at GianlucaDiMarzio.com.
Borriello is behind Francesco Totti and Mattia Destro.
Last season, Borriello scored one goal in Serie A, so a move to MLS might be the right decision.
15. Fabio Borini
11 of 25
Not Quitting Liverpool
Italian forward Fabio Borini, 23, will continue to toil away at Liverpool, according to his agent Marco De Marchi.
"The boy [Borini] is happy to remain at Liverpool," De Marchi said, per Omnisport (h/t SBS). "The situation is exactly the same as it was in September, in the sense that he is very happy to be part of this important team."
Playing 23 minutes in a UEFA Champions League game in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Ludogorets Razgrad is just the beginning for Borini as he seeks redemption.
A gritty and intuitive finisher, Borini can have a Filippo Inzaghi-style impact if given an extended starting run in a central role.
14. Glen Johnson
12 of 25
Contract Extension Problems
Liverpool are hesitant to extend the contract of English full-back Glen Johnson, 30, who is no longer an undisputed starter, per Andy Hunter at The Guardian.
His performance level has deteriorated so much that it makes more sense for Liverpool to sell him for a nominal fee in the January transfer window.
There is no point giving Johnson playing time when Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno are such bright prospects.
13. Yohan Cabaye
13 of 25
January Exit?
Paris Saint-Germain's French central midfielder Yohan Cabaye, 28, is unhappy with being rotated in and out of the starting XI.
"You have to accept being a substitute, but I don't resign myself to that. Am I completely happy? To be honest, no," Cabaye said, per L'Equipe (h/t the Press Association via The Guardian). "Do I sometimes miss England? Yes. Sometimes I think about it, but I immediately sweep that away because it would cause distraction."
Translation: If a major Premier League team offers me a week-in-week-out starting role, then I would seriously consider it.
Cabaye has started four of the seven Ligue 1 games he has been involved in this season, so it is not like PSG have demoted him to being an impact sub.
Perhaps he is fearful that his reduced role could lead to him being cut from the French national team, hence why he is speaking out.
12. Emmanuel Adebayor
14 of 25
Tottenham Hotspur → Queens Park Rangers
Togolese centre-forward Emmanuel Adebayor, 30, is a transfer target for QPR manager Harry Redknapp, per Tony Little at The Sun.
Adebayor is 1-7 in goals-league games, which is worse than current QPR centre-forward Charlie Austin's 2-6.
Signing Adebayor on a loan would be advised.
He plays like an elite centre-forward to ensure he receives another top-flight contract when on loan. But once he gets a guaranteed contract, he wavers.
11. Kevin Strootman
15 of 25
Roma → Manchester United
Dutch central midfielder Kevin Strootman, 24, will not be sold in the January transfer window, according to Roma owner James Pallotta.
"I have told the papers that they should stop wasting paper [because] we don't have any interest in selling Kevin," Pallotta said, per BBC Radio 5 Live (h/t Ben Smith at BBC Sport). "Our view is that we want to put a great team out there, but we are not saying, 'we have to make a ton of money.' Our goal across the board is stability."
It is a win-win situation for United and Roma.
- United don't need to be rushed into signing Strootman, who has injury problems.
- Roma hold on to Strootman, who is a viable cash cow, should he overcome his injuries.
10. Alex Song
16 of 25
Barcelona → West Ham United.
West Ham want to make Cameroonian central midfielder Alex Song's loan a permanent deal, according to club chairman David Gold.
"Alex Song is an outstanding player and a great character," Gold tweeted. "I would love to sign him permanently."
After being a bit-part player at Barcelona, Song is gradually getting used to being a regular starter. He still needs time before getting back to his 2011-12 form.
9. Ramires
17 of 25
Chelsea → Real Madrid
Brazilian central midfielder Ramires, 27, is being lined up as a major signing for Real Madrid, per TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t talkSPORT).
It is unlike Real president Florentino Perez to wave the white flag so early and admit he was wrong about Asier Illarramendi.
Illarramendi is still 24 years old and has the potential to turn into a world-class midfielder. Signing Ramires would all but end Illarra's chances of making it at the Bernabeu.
8. Marco Reus
18 of 25
Borussia Dortmund → Manchester City
German deep-lying forward Marco Reus, 25, is being targeted by Manchester City, per Jamie Anderson at the Daily Express.
It is irrelevant if Reus is made available because his body is breaking down.
If City's medical staff do not accurately project Reus' durability and he suffers another injury, the Premier League champions risk paying him to sit out.
Why not consider Borussia Monchengladbach's Max Kruse as an alternative?
7. Victor Valdes
19 of 25
Free Agent → Liverpool
Spanish goalkeeper Victor Valdes, 32, is facing a make-or-break medical at Liverpool, per Wayne Veysey at Goal.com.
After suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear and failing a medical at Monaco, there are big question marks surrounding Valdes' fitness.
Is he still capable of making last-ditch reflex saves?
If he is fully fit, he is going to replace Simon Mignolet, whose performances have deteriorated this season.
6. Petr Cech
20 of 25
Chelsea Departure?
Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech, 32, wants a definitive answer on his standing at the club.
He has implied he will leave if he continues to sit on the bench.
"With the European Championship in 2016 and the national team in mind, there is no time for me to sit on the bench," Cech said, per Czech Radio (h/t Sky Sports). "If the situation will not start to improve for me, then I will want to solve it."
The desperation of Thibaut Courtois trying to play on after receiving a blow to the head against Arsenal gives you an idea how intense his rivalry with Cech is.
Both are world-class goalkeepers, but with Courtois being 22 years old, it is understandable why Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has opted for the Belgium international.
5. Sami Khedira
21 of 25
Real Madrid → AC Milan
German central midfielder Sami Khedira, 27, is one of Milan's primary transfer targets, per Chisanga Malata at the Daily Star.
This could be Fernando Redondo all over again.
Redondo, one of the most elegant players of his generation, signed for Milan from Real but was plagued by injury problems.
Unable to play and riddled with guilt, Redondo "offered to give up the car and house provided to him by the club, but [the offer] was rejected by Milan," per UEFA's official website.
Khedira has yet to start a La Liga game for Real this season.
4. Arturo Vidal
22 of 25
Juventus → Manchester United
Chilean central midfielder Arturo Vidal, 27, has revealed he never was close to joining Manchester United.
"I have a pact with my agent, if there is something concrete it's up to him to let me know," Vidal said, per Tuttosport (h/t Sky Sports). "And he never called."
Vidal went on to say: " [My] family is happy, and for me this is more important than money or any other thing."
If Vidal is such a family man, then what was he doing getting into a bar fight during a night out?
Not a great look for a seasoned player such as Vidal.
3. Raul
23 of 25
Free Agent → New York Cosmos
Spanish centre-forward Raul, 37, is in the process of making a move to North American Soccer League team New York Cosmos, per David Sanchidrian of AS.
The NASL is a level below Major League Soccer, so there may be off-field incentives luring Raul to the Cosmos.
Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul dominated in the No. 7 shirt at Real Madrid, where he scored 323 goals in 741 games.
2. Iker Casillas
24 of 25
Real Madrid → Arsenal
Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas, 33, confirmed Arsenal were open to signing him.
"I did not do anything about leaving. There was no concrete offer [from Arsenal]," Casillas said, per Canal+ (h/t Nicholas Rigg at The Independent). "My idea was, and is, to finish my career here [at Real]."
Arsenal have a strong No. 1 and 2.
- First choice: Wojciech Szczesny
- Second choice: David Ospina
- Third choice: Damian Martinez
Since Casillas was symbolically reinstated as Real's No. 1, he will hold on to his job (whether that is warranted or not).
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
25 of 25
Real Madrid → Manchester United
Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 29, needs to take a pay cut in order to facilitate a move back to Manchester United, per Mark Ogden at The Telegraph.
Ronaldo is averaging 2.2 goals per La Liga game this season. If anything, he deserves a pay rise.
Provided Real president Florentino Perez doesn't do something rash to hurt Ronaldo's feelings, don't expect any serious development in his proposed move to United.
Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes claims his client "will retire [at Real]," per Cadena Cope (h/t AS).
Statistics via WhoScored.com
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