By Emily Bluestein
The current football transfer window has hit the headlines like no other, thanks largely to Neymar’s record breaking move to Paris St. Germain, but also due to a whole list of other transfers, near transfers and rumored transfers.
For many, the gossip, misinformation and general carnival atmosphere that accompanies transfer time is as entertaining, or even more so, than the football season itself. It is also a topic that is popular with those who like placing a bet, and the good news is that it is not over yet.
The Evans Question
One of the main topics still buzzing around the soon to be closing transfer window is where West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans will be playing his football. The 29-year-old Belfast boy spent eight years at Manchester United before moving to West Brom for an undisclosed fee in 2015. According to some of the most knowledgeable sites, he could soon be heading back to northwest England.
However, if you think this means a return to The Red Devils, think again. Bookmakers predict that local rivals Manchester City are set to swoop, and have gone so far as to offer even money on him wearing a City shirt before the window closes.
The move is by no means a foregone conclusion, though, and an added hint of spice has been thrown into the mix. West Brom Manager Tony Pulis revealed that Evans had the opportunity to move to Arsenal last year – but the Baggies demanded the Gunners increase their £18 million offer.
Some bookmakers think that a renewed approach from Arsenal could still happen, with odds of 9-4 being offered.
Other outstanding business
There are two big name transfer possibilities still dominating media coverage, and these concern Alexis Sanchez and Philippe Coutinho.
Arsene Wenger has consistently stated and restated that Sanchez is going nowhere, but the fact that he has still not signed a new contract with the Gunners speaks volumes. Given that he will be available on a free transfer next year, there must be some logic in losing him a year early. After all, the player clearly has no wish to remain and there is the possibility of pocketing a transfer fee that could amount to some £70 million. If Sanchez does move, Manchester City is again the most likely destination, but don’t rule out a potential trip across the channel to join Neymar at Paris St. Germain.
As for Coutinho, the star midfielder has publicly stated his desire to join Barcelona, and the Spanish club keeps upping the ante. It most recently launched a fourth offer of £138 million to prise him away from Anfield. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp continues to maintain that Coutinho will remain at the club, but the bookmakers are less convinced, with some offering even money on a transfer in the coming weeks.