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World Football: 11 Transfer Rumours That Could Ruin a Team If They Happened

Mikhail TurnerNov 17, 2011

In world football, transfers are usually made to galvanize a team, but some transfers can ruin a team.

In some cases, both teams are affected, and in others it may just be one. In some of these cases, a destination is not certain but the effect on the home club is what matters.

There are various reasons why a transfer could ruin a team. The player could be a known disturbance in the dressing room or a bad fit for his new team, or his departure could have a significant effect on his old club.

As always, any number of players are probably left off this list, so feel free to add them in the comments.

Here is a list of transfers that could ruin a team if they happened.

Yoann Gourcuff: Lyon to Arsenal

1 of 11

Which team would be ruined? Arsenal.

This is not a knock against Yoann Gourcuff, but it is obvious that his star has diminished somewhat since moving to Lyon.

Lyon would not lose too much on this deal, as they have shown an ability to find and nurture a lot of talent over the years.This is very much like Arsenal's approach.

That is the very reason why Arsenal do not need the Frenchman. Arsenal have two young midfielders who could be running the show on the club and international stage for years to come in Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere. There are also older heads such as Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta and the oft-injured Abou Diaby.

Gourcuff may fit into the team with his technical ability and vision, but his inclusion would be a detriment to the younger stars. Gourcuff is at the stage in his career where regular playing time is a must, and it would be hard to see him getting that at the Emirates.

That could in turn lead to a dressing-room disturbance that a young team like Arsenal does not need.

Neymar: Santos to Real Madrid or Barcelona

2 of 11

Which team would be ruined? Santos.

A few months ago, I would have felt it necessary to include all sides into the ruined category due to Neymar's immaturity. It seems he has finally settled down a little after all the attention and—for now—there will be even more time for him to mature.

That being said, it is Santos who will take a knock if or when the starlet leaves. The same could be said for any Brazilian team that has talent stolen away by the European teams, but you just feel it is different in this case.

Okay, Brazilian teams have the capability to spit out talent again and again, and the monetary gain from any deal would be quite sufficient but—as with Robinho's departure before him—Neymar would leave a hole in the team and organization.

It would be difficult to ask any star to stay with the team as Pele did during his time, but such a statement would not just help Santos but the Brazilian league as a whole.

Gareth Bale: Tottenham to Barcelona

3 of 11

Which team would be ruined? Tottenham and Barcelona.

Let's get the Barcelona part out of the way first. Simply put, Gareth Bale would not fit into this team. His runs down the left flank are exciting, and if he were switched to left-back he could be likened to the left-footed version of Dani Alves with his stamina and love to get forward.

But that is where the comparison to Alves stops. Bale does not have the footballing makeup to fit into  Barcelona's style of play, and unless he is willing to work hard to adapt and learn, it will not work.

All of that—added to the astronomical fee—makes it a somewhat easy deal to pass up, and one that Barcelona do not seem like they will consider.

As for Tottenham, it would be a blow to their growing aspirations in England to lose a player like Bale. Money can buy more players, but a team's reputation may take a hit—just ask Arsenal.

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Edinson Cavani: Leave Napoli

4 of 11

Which team would be ruined? Napoli.

Napoli has continued to grow in stature in Italy with the emergence of some key players, including Edinson Cavani. Napoli is team with great history, and this current set of players look set to return some glory to the organization.

If a player like Cavani were to leave for greener pastures, it would have an effect both on and off the field. Just as the case is with Tottenham, losing a player of that importance would not be good for a team that is trying to climb up the ranks .

Would it necessarily ruin the team if Cavani left and a player like Marek Hamsik stayed? Maybe not. But Hamsik's departure could happen just as easily as the Uruguayan's.

Marek Hamsik: Leave Napoli

5 of 11

Which team would be ruined? Napoli.

This is basically the same case as with Edinson Cavani, only a different player is involved. Marek Hamsik has been linked with a lot of the same clubs as his Napoli teammate Cavani.

Hamsik is a driving force in midfield, and if Napoli were to lose him they would hope it is not to someone in Italy. In addition, to lose one of the duo of Cavani and Hamsik would be bad, but to lose both would be quite significant.

The team is currently sixth in the Serie A standings, and if they do not retain their Champions League place and make a good push in the league, a player like Hamsik may be enticed to move on.

Adel Taarabt: QPR to PSG

6 of 11

Which team could be ruined? PSG.

QPR would be letting go of a talented albeit arrogant player who caused some trouble over the summer and still has his eyes elsewhere during the middle of an ongoing campaign. So far this campaign, Adel Taarabt has not shown "it," with only one assist to his name.

PSG would receive a player who may have a detrimental effect on the squad. His lack of performance aside, Taraabt seems to think he is bigger than he is. The question is, where would he fit in a team that has stocked itself with talent in Manchester City-like fashion?

It is always possible that he could help on the field, but one might not bet on it. Taarabt has to change his ways a little before he can move on.

Luka Modric: Leave Tottenham

7 of 11

Which team could be ruined? Tottenham.

If any team is finally able to lure Luka Modric away from Tottenham, they will be on the good side of the deal. Modric has been a talisman for this Tottenham side, but he could have moved over the summer, and it is more than likely any advances will continue for some time.

Unlike Gareth Bale, Modric should be able to fit into any team he does join, as they would most certainly make him a primary playmaker. Tottenham would lose out on those skills and again take a hit in the reputation department.

Mats Hummels: Leave Borussia Dortmund

8 of 11

Which team could be ruined? Borussia Dortmund.

You could put Mats Hummels defensive partner Neven Subotic, or any of his attacking teammates for that matter, in this slide. But it is harder to replace the defensive side of the ball, especially with a player like Hummels.

The predators have been circling this Borussia Dortmund squad since the end of last season, waiting to snag one of the young stars from the team. Hummels departure would not only leave defensive instability but also could be detrimental to the team's resurgence.

Surely, the Dortmund organization is hopeful they can keep key pieces in place to help the team gain some stability back at the top of German football. Losing Hummels would be major blow in that regard.

Robin Van Persie: Leave Arsenal

9 of 11

Which team could be ruined? Arsenal.

This one is a bit easy. If all of the recent developments continue—Robin Van Persie's incredible form and the lack of contract talks—it will be a very uneasy summer for Gooners fans worldwide.

Van Persie has stepped up tremendously to the task placed upon him and could potentially drag the team to some sort of silverware. It could be the last thing that he does for Arsenal.

The departure of Van Persie would be another major blow for Arsenal's reputation and to the overall quality of the team. It is safe to say that no other Arsenal forward can come close to the Dutchman's skill right now, and manager Arsene Wenger would be hard pressed to find a replacement.

Milos Krasic: Leave Juventus

10 of 11

Which team could be ruined? Juventus.

Milos Krasic arrived at Juventus just last year and made a solid contribution to the team's efforts. But after just one season in Italy, he is already being linked to moves elsewhere. Juventus look like a team that is finally recovering from the Calciopoli scandal, but they still have some way to go.

It would not help them if they were to lose a player like Krasic. The arrival of Andrea Pirlo has no doubt rejuvenated the squad, but Pirlo will not be around forever and Krasic could be Juventus' main man in his own way.

The Italian team has lost some its luster, and losing Krasic would hurt on and off the field.

Hugo Rodallega: Leave Wigan

11 of 11

Which team could be ruined? Wigan Athletic.

Hugo Rodallega has attracted interest from a number of sides as he continues to play in England. Rodallega's departure could hurt the team whether it is in January or over the summer. Wigan face a dilemma with the Colombian forward

If Rodallega leaves in January, relegation may almost be assured. If the team survives relegation, Rodallega may still leave if a good-enough offer comes in. If the team is relegated, Rodallega will most definitely leave, and Wigan's chances of climbing right back into the Premiership will be diminished.

While Wigan is no one-man team, it is clear to see the effect of losing Charles N'Zogbia, and the loss of Rodallega could have a similar effect.

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