Summer is upon us, as the first official day of the season is tomorrow June, 21st, and it’s “Silly Season” for European club football. This is the time of year when the player transfer market is open, and irrational and unfounded claims of player movement are being written in the papers across the European continent. Sure, there will be several high profile footballers who will make a big money move to another club, but the majority, who’ll be talked about at nauseam, will in fact stay put. Thus, I’ll be providing you with a two part summer short focusing on the transfer window that leads up and into the start of the 2017-18 European season. This week I’ll be highlighting key figures involving La Liga’s big 3! Here we go!
Cristiano Ronaldo
Just two weeks ago, Cristiano Ronaldo was leading his Los Blancos side to the pinnacle of European supremacy for the third time in four years as Real Madrid thrashed Juventus 4-1 in the Champions League Final. It seemed in that moment that Ronaldo was on his way to capturing a record tying fifth Ballon d’Or, which he still is, and further cementing his status as Real’s main striker for several more seasons to come despite his ripe footballing age of 32. But my oh my how two weeks can change the landscape of things.
Shortly after Cristiano claimed the Champions League Golden Boot and Champions Winners’ Medal, he was accused of tax evasion by the Spanish government. According to them, CR7 failed to claim taxes on $16.5 million between 2011-14. Thus, a trial is likely ahead for the all-time great and if found guilty, he may indeed see jail time. In light of this news, Real Madrid simply sat silent as opposed to coming out in full unwavering support of their superstar. This pin drop quite is supposedly one of the key reasons for Ronaldo stating that his time is up in Madrid, as he’s reportedly asked to leave the club and seek a transfer out of Spain.
Therefore, if Zidane, Sergio Ramos, and the rest of the Real Madrid camp can’t convince the mercurial striker to stay in the Spanish capital then there are two serious contenders for the Portugal captain’s services. First and most likely is Manchester United. The Red Devils are currently void of a world class forward as Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a one and done player after picking up a knee injury at the tail end of last season and captain Wayne Rooney is far past his prime and nearly two feet out the door himself. Couple that with the fact that Ronaldo used to don the famed red, white, and black kit before plying his trade in Spain, and you have yourself a credible suitor and a homecoming storyline. Plus, Man U possess the biggest sweetener to a deal that Real’s taste buds fancy in Spanish #1 David De Gea.
The other club in contention of landing Ronaldo is Paris Saint Germain. The French club, owned by Qatar Sports Investments, has loads of money to spend. Thus, expect Les Bleus to offer something close to Madrid’s €200 million asking price for Cristiano, as well as a possible pay raise for the player, who already earns around €30 million per season.
Antoine Griezmann
Moving crosstown in the Spanish Capital, Atletico Madrid’s maestro, Antoine Griezmann, has announced he’s staying put. For nearly a year, the French striker was linked with a big money move to Manchester United. However, since Atletico’s transfer ban appeal was upheld not to long ago, I had a feeling that Griezmann would stay another year. Add on the fact that manager Diego Simeone asked him to stay and help open up Rojiblancos’s new stadium, Wanda Metropolitano, this upcoming season and the decision to stay was inevitable. Griezmann penned an extension to 2021 with Atletico, but don’t count on him staying until then. A move to England is forthcoming for Antoine, just not this year.
Marco Verratti
Heading towards the banks of the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona’s #1 summer target is without a doubt the dynamic midfielder Marco Verratti. The young Italian national and PSG player has been dubbed the next great midfielder to roam the middle of Camp Nou’s pitch. La Blaugrana were particularly weak in that department this past campaign, as the midfield has been void of Xavi Hernandez for a couple years now. In addition, Andres Inietsa has begun aging rather quickly, Ivan Rakitic suffered a subpar season by his standards, Sergio Busquets appeared a step slow, and the Andre Gomes experiment was a complete dumpster fire. Thus, adding Verratti is essential for Barca bossing the center of the park again, as well as providing link up play to MSN. There’s a snag however.
Paris SG doesn’t want to let Marco go. Verratti has reportedly told France’s capital club that he wants out. That’s not stopping the Qatari ownership from resisting though, as Verratti is PSG’s best player now and for arguably for the next decade. Thus it’ll be interesting to see who wins out here. I have a feeling that the combination of Marco Verratti demanding to be let go and club powerhouse FC Barcelona flexing their bank muscle, will lead to Marco joining Barca come the start of the La Liga campaign. Perhaps, he will even be a Barca player in time for the El Clasico’s Spanish Supercopa.
Part 2 Preview
Part 2 is set to be released next month, July 11th! Then, I’ll provide updates on Ronaldo and Verratti, if necessary, as well as touch upon noteworthy transfers that have been signed, sealed, and delivered. In the mean time, be sure to tune in next Tuesday, as I prime you for the Confederations Cup Knockout Stage! Have great week!