Premier League Transfer Rumors: Top 25 Foreign Players Linked To England
The summer is one of the most exciting times of the year for European football. Any player can leave at any time, and as much as we try to predict, some moves just can't be seen coming.
For this article, I have listed (not ranked) the best 25 players that I could see coming to an English Premier League club next season. All of these players played outside of the Premiership last season, and they all have some connection to an EPL team.
Obviously, I have missed some players that could come to England (there are quite a few more than 25). So, feel free to let me know of any glaring oversights, or let me know if you don't think a player or two belongs.
Sergio Aguero, Atletico Madrid
1 of 25
Sergio Aguero is one of the premier strikers in the world.
He has found many ways to find the net at the club level, and he is looking to leave Atletico Madrid.
Aguero would fit in with Manchester City just fine, for he would work well with fellow Argentinian Carlos Tevez. Once Tevez leaves (which is nearly a foregone conclusion for each club he plays for), Aguero will step in nicely as one of the top strikers for City.
Ricky Alvarez, Velez Sarsfield
2 of 25
Ricky Alvarez is already Arsenal-bound, and he should be happy. He has incredible speed and an ability to play multiple positions well.
He will thrive in Arsenal's open-attacking play, and he should be extremely fun to watch.
With Alvarez, Arsenal continues to build for the future. Soon enough, that future will have to turn into the present.
Karim Benzema, Real Madrid
3 of 25
This is a long shot, however, I think Arsenal may want to make a big-time splash in this market.
Karim Benzema would be that splash.
After slipping up, Benzema returned to form this past year, and he looks like an elite striker once again. If he moves to Arsenal, he will have chance after chance.
With a good year, Benzema has a legitimate chance to score 25 goals for the Gunners. It's just a matter of them deciding to spend big on him or not.
Bojan, Barcelona
4 of 25
No one is quite sure how good Bojan really is, but I imagine he's pretty darn talented.
Unfortunately, he is stuck in a log jam of strikers (Affelay, Messi, Pedro and Villa) at Barcelona, and he will want out soon.
He has won all the silverware a player could ask for, now he will want to win it while being a consistent starter. Liverpool seem to be looking for another striker (why not, right?), and his quick feet would work well alongside either Luis Suarez or Andy Carroll (whoever he may be playing with).
Bojan may stick around Camp Nou another season, but I doubt he will continue to be satisfied being just another striker on a great team.
Leandro Damiao, Inter Milan
5 of 25
Leandro Damiao is a fantastic scorer, and he would translate perfectly into an open-style team.
Tottenham Hotspur are always on the lookout for a striker, and Damiao could just be their guy. He is close friends with Sandro, who recently transferred to Spurs, and he seems interested in playing in England.
Given the right persuasion, Damiao could find himself in North London next season.
Lassana Diarra, Real Madrid
6 of 25
Lassana Diarra is a conditional transfer.
If Arsenal lose either Cesc Fabregas or Samir Nasri, they will want a new midfielder, which could entice them to bring in Diarra.
He is a fantastic talent, and he would be a great addition to the Gunners; however, I don't think Arsene Wenger will have any reason to make the move if he doesn't lose one of his midfielders from this past season.
Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
7 of 25
Landon Donovan seemed unlikely to ever be successful in Europe. Then, on loan, he shined for an energetic Everton club. Upon his return to the MLS, he decided to stay another year and use the offseason for rest rather than more playing time.
Now, Everton are looking for attacking help, which could bring Donovan back to England. Although the MLS is wary about letting him go, it would be in the United States' best interest to keep its best players in England.
Radamel Falcao, FC Porto
8 of 25
Simply known as Falcao, the Colombian international has become a scoring machine for FC Porto. After back to back 30-plus goal seasons, he is looking to move to bigger competition.
Once again, Arsenal and Spurs are in the heat of the transfer talks, but I think Spurs are more likely to lock him up. They are in more need of a striker, which will force them to make a bigger deal.
Whatever team Falcao ends up with will have a gem, and they can expect him to score at least a dozen goals in the next campaign.
Kevin Gameiro, Lorient
9 of 25
Newcastle United recently upped their bidding for the Lorient striker.
It is evident that the Magpies want to replace Andy Carroll quickly, and Kevin Gameiro could be the solution.
He is about to enter his prime, and Newcastle could lock him up before he becomes a huge name. He has the skills to make it in the EPL, and as long as Newcastle uses him intelligently, he will make a big name of himself.
David De Gea, Athletico Madrid
10 of 25
Manchester United are losing long-time goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar, but they are not worried.
Although he has a tough spot to fill, David de Gea has all the talent necessary to be successful for one of the best clubs in the world.
His teammate, Diego Forlan, encouraged him to join Manchester United, for they have one of the best coaching staffs and fan bases in the entire world. De Gea will always have support, which is the key for any young player.
Given a few years, de Gea could be considered the best goalie in the world.
Gervinho, Lille
11 of 25
Many people have compared Gervinho to fellow Ivorian Didier Drogba. While those are big boots to fill, I think Gervinho has the ability to make a successful striker at the top level.
He has been linked to multiple Spanish clubs, but he could still end up in the Premier League. Arsenal and Liverpool seem to be the frontrunners for him, and both teams would add to their already astute attacks.
Even though he may end up in Spain, the possibility of another Ivorian star in the EPL is not far out of the question.
Eden Hazard, Lille
12 of 25
Eden Hazard has some extreme hype.
He has been likened to a cross between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Not too shabby, huh?
While I won't say that he will be that good, the winger has the pace and ball skills to be a top-notch player. Arsene Wenger has set his sights on Hazard, and he could be added to make the team even more dominant offensively.
Nothing is for sure, but if not this year, we will see Mr. Hazard in the top flight very soon.
Nikica Jelavic, Rangers
13 of 25
Nikica Jelavic has been a consistent scorer for Rangers. Accordingly, Manchester United have reportedly been interested in his services.
Although they would not use him right away, his skills would be honed under Sir Alex Ferguson, which would allow him to become an elite striker as soon as they need him.
Some sources have compared his development to that of Chicharito. I'm not sure he will be that great, but it is something to consider.
Ferguson usually knows what he's doing, and I wouldn't be surprised if he put some stock in Jelavic this summer.
Kaka, Real Madrid
14 of 25
For me, this is one of the most exciting rumors floating around.
Chelsea seem to have a commitment to more creative players, and there aren't many more creative players than Kaka. Real Madrid does not seem like the best place for him, which is why he appears to be moving.
Chelsea are always looking for talent, and Kaka is one of the most talented in the world. If he comes to London, he could be constantly feeding goals to whichever strikers are left (the Blues seem to be shopping nearly everyone nowadays).
The Blues were a brief drop in form away from a title this season. If they add Kaka, that drop in form will not be nearly as long, which could equal another Premier League title next year.
Miroslav Klose, Bayern Munich
15 of 25
Another striker, another Spurs target.
Although this is not an extremely serious rumor, Miroslav Klose does not appear to be too happy in Munich. As a result, he could end up in England.
Spurs have reportedly been linked to Klose, and he would do wonders for their club. He is a big name, a great talent and a fantastic finisher.
Spurs could use all three.
While this might be a long shot, this could end up being one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
Romelu Lukaku, Anderlecht
16 of 25
Romelu Lukaku is one of the most highly touted young strikers in the world. He just turned 18, and Chelsea and Liverpool are both targeting him.
He may not see the EPL right away, but in the future, he could make a huge impact for either club. Both squads like to stock up on strikers, so I wouldn't be surprised if we see him in either uniform next season.
Regardless of when he makes his impact, be sure to remember the name Lukaku.
Sylvain Marveaux, Rennes
17 of 25
Sylvain Mordeaux wants to play in England.
He even said it was certain that he would enter the Premiership this upcoming season. Liverpool seems to be the main destination, but that isn't certain.
He causes a lot of havoc all over the field, and any attacking team (Liverpool) would love to have him. His pace is great, and once he adapts to the English game, he will be a force on any wing he plays.
Neymar, Santos
18 of 25
Neymar is widely considered "The Next Big Thing." He has tremendous foot skills, finishing ability and blazing speed.
Although he was left off the Brazil World Cup squad, Neymar has continued to improve, and he seems to look better each time I see him play.
He has gone back and forth on whether he wants to play in Europe or not, but at some point, he will end up going. I think this summer is a good time to transfer. Chelsea are blatantly pursuing him, and they have shown that they want him at all costs.
Once Neymar is in the Premiership, just watch his skills and speed create dozens of chances for both him and his teammates.
Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, Espanyol
19 of 25
Pablo Osvaldo has struggled with injuries lately, but he still manages to find the back of the net. He is a crafty striker, and he can find the net in a variety of ways.
He would fit perfectly for a squad like Fulham, as they wrestle with overcoming their reputation as a mid-table team. With more goals, they could find themselves climb the table.
They seem pretty intent on acquiring him, and I think he will provide an instant impact.
Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan
20 of 25
Big names always pop up in the transfer window. Big clubs also pop up. When one of the greatest clubs in European history is linked to one of the best players of the time, it is big news.
Manchester United are determined to get Wesley Sneijder.
Sir Alex Ferguson is ushering in a new era at Old Trafford, and Sneijder seems to be a big part of that.
He would fit well at United, and I see this move happening soon, for United want to send the message that they are determined to defend their EPL crown, as well as take the Champions League title.
Gregory Van Der Wiel, Ajax
21 of 25
Gregory Van der Wiel is an outstanding attacking right back. He can defend, but he is at his best when he is pushing forward on the attack.
Both Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked to him, which raises some questions as to how they will adjust their current rosters.
Nothing is set in stone, but I think Van der Wiel could bring some excitement to any club this next season. Attacking outside backs are always fun to watch, and I expect no different from him, regardless of the club he plays for.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy
22 of 25
The Dutch international is another solid striker that Tottenham Hotspur seem interested in.
I don't think he is at the top of their wishlist, but he would certainly make any team happy.
He is well past his prime, but he still has the ability to find the back of the net. Plus, his experience could help any club that is trying to make the leap to elite status (Spurs).
It may not be the biggest transfer of the summer, but van Nistelrooy could play a big role in determining next year's champion.
Raphael Varane, Lens
23 of 25
When you are consistently referred to as the "best teenager in the country," you usually are pretty talented. Raphael Varane is known as the most talented teenager in France, and Sir Alex Ferguson seems to be buying in.
He is a strong central defender, and with time, he could become an elite center back. United will probably train him before they throw him into the Premier League fire, but he will find his way onto the pitch for United, and he will make a big impact once that happens.
Jan Vertonghen, Ajax
24 of 25
Jan Vertonghen is a strong defender that is in the eyesight of Manchester City.
Although they boasted one of the league's best defenses last season, they will not remain passive in the transfer window.
Accordingly, I could see City signing the young Belgian defender and creating him into one of the top defenders in the world. If not, he does have the ability to play a defensive midfield role.
Vertonghen is a good player now, and soon enough, he could make himself into a great player.
Mirko Vucinic, Roma
25 of 25
The Roma striker simply finds the net. He has scored 29 goals in the past two seasons for Roma, and he seems ready to help a lower-skilled team out.
Blackburn has expressed interest in his services, and they could use some help. They only scored 40 goals in the league last season, and they narrowly escaped relegation.
If the Rovers want to remain up this year, they will need to score more goals.
Vucinic could provide that for them. If they bring him in, I expect double-digit goals out of him.
