With the opening of the Transfer Window 2 weeks away, Online Sport Editor Tommy John narrows down the top foreign talent seeking a move to the Premier League.
Although England may not boast the greatest football side, their top flight league is something to be proud of. Topping the bill in terms of entertainment and competitiveness, the Premier League has soared financially, leading to a potential TV audience of 4.7 billion worldwide and thus earning the right to be named the most popular football league on the planet.
A hugely significant factor behind the Premier League’s rise has been the influx in foreign talent. Amorebieta’s debut for Fulham in August 2013 signalled the 100th overseas nation to be represented at the summit of English football – a monumental change from the 20 foreign countries exhibited during the Premier League’s debut season in 1992.
The likes of Eric Cantona, Jurgen Klinsmann and Gianfranco Zola graced the league in the 1990’s, setting the tone for Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and company to follow suit in the noughties. Nowadays, players such as Sergio Aguero, Eden Hazard and Alexis Sanchez look set to eclipse the foreign legends of yesteryear, as overseas inclusion in the league goes from strength to strength.
The current transfer window is an opportunity for players across the globe to make that big switch to a top English side. However, only the best can cement a position as a Premier League great. Here are the best equipped candidates worldwide who have the potential to become Premier League legends.
1) Alexandre Lacazette
Club – Lyon
Position – Striker
Destination – Arsenal
Value – £30million
The French hitman caught the eye of several clubs last season. Lacazette’s 27 goals in 33 league appearances made him one of the most prolific goal scorers in Europe, and Lyon’s reputation as a selling club leads us to believe that his future will lay else where sooner rather than later. Not only was his finishing lethal, but the 24 year old took plaudits for his ability from long range, pin point through balls and audacious dribbling, making him an overall attractive proposition for a top English side.
Photo Credit: Utd forum
Arsenal seems to suit the bill perfectly for him, with Wenger being a top class centre forward shy of Premier League glory. The Gunners intricate play around the box suits Lacazette more so than Man United, as Van Gaal’s crossing mentality doesn’t play to his strengths.
Wenger will have to battle Mourinho for his signature, with Costa being the only outstanding striker at the Bridge. However, if Arsène finds the courage to dip into his pocket, he may unearth their most potent goal scoring threat since RVP.
2) Paul Pogba
Club – Juventus
Position – Central Midfielder
Destination – Manchester City
Value – £65million
Likened to Patrick Vieira, this modern day midfield powerhouse has the potential to be as successful in England as his French predecessor.
The Old Trafford faithful must wince seeing the 22 year old tear Serie A apart. Pogba failed to deliver during his stint at Man United, but his jaw dropping ability on the ball and devastating potency from long range has made him one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
At the Etihad, Toure has proved to be a liability defensively for Pelligrini. Even though the Ivorian is unstoppable when on song, Pelligrini must look for even greater dynamism in the middle to secure a greater defensive foundation and launch another competitive title assault. Toure’s future is uncertain, but room will be made for Pogba despite his situation.
Juventus have claimed that only £155million will lure him away from the Azzuri, but it’s believed that anything around the £65million mark will be enough to secure his services – a fee most likely to be met by Manchester City.
3) Mateo Kovačić
Club – Inter Milan
Position – Central Midfielder
Destination – Liverpool
Value – £25million
Roberto Mancini couldn’t save yet another dismal campaign for Inter Milan last season. However, they would have suffered far more without the emergence of Kovačić, who’s 6 goals and 3 assists have plunged him into the EPL spotlight.
Photo Credit: Daily Mail
Although a deeper lying midfield player, the 21 year old is most noted for his silky dribbling and passing precision, as he thrives on taking control of proceedings and setting the pace of a match.
Kovačić fits the player profile desired by Rodgers, being young, full of potential and having a high resale value, and with the departure of Steven Gerrard from Anfield, Liverpool lack that talismanic presence in the middle of the park.
Furthermore, should Rodgers revert to the 4-4-2 diamond formation next season, the young croat could fit into any 1 of 4 positions in the middle. His style of play would enable him to perfectly fit besides Henderson, Lallana and Coutinho – a very appealing combination for the Liverpool Boss.
4) Nicolas Otamendi
Club – Valencia
Position – Central Defence
Destination – Manchester United
Value – £30million
Valencia’s qualification into next year’s Champions League was largely due to their defensive record. The men at the Mestalla lost 5 games last year – less than Real Madrid and Barcelona – and Otamendi took the bulk of the plaudits for this excellent effort.
Although 27 years old, the Argentinean fully found his mojo last campaign, being dubbed one of the most complete central defenders in the game. Not only is he dominant in the air, he very rarely loses challenges on the deck. He beats many attackers for pace, yet can rely on his intelligence to position himself adequately at the best of times. In addition, he’s elegant on the ball and poses an attacking threat, scoring 6 goals last season.
Photo Credit: Mirror
It’s easy to see why Van Gaal is so fond of Valencia’s top defender. Although defensive frailties have patched up somewhat at Old Trafford, many believe that Man United need a world class centre half to maintain a level of consistency when the inexperienced Phil Jones and Chris Smalling inevitably become complacent.
£30million is an extortionate amount for a 27 year old defender, but that fee may be priceless if he brings the Premier League back to the red side of Manchester.
5) Roberto Firmino
Club – Hoffenheim
Position – Attacking Midfield
Destination – Manchester United
Value – £25million
Brazil have made a habit of producing awe-inspiring number 10’s over the years, and Hoffenheim’s Roberto Firmino is the most recent to set the European stage alight.
With 14 goals and 10 assists last season, Firmino has been touted as the hottest prospect in the Bundesliga – and this doesn’t come without attention from giants of the European game.
Photo Credit: Daily Mail
His style of play consists of mazy dribbling, short precise passing and mesmerising movement around the opposition box – a set of attributes priceless to all of the top 4 in England.
Hoffenheim are keen to cash in on the 23 year old, with reports suggesting that £13 million may be enough to move him to Old Trafford. Reports of £60million flop Di Maria leaving Man United are increasing in validity, leading Van Gaal in need to strengthen his attacking force yet again. However, Liverpool and Spurs are both keen to bring the Brazilian magician to their club, with both sides being keen to make the star man a focal figure in their plans. Their interest will increase the fee to around £25million – a risky fee to pay for a potential flash in the pan, but risks are needed for teams to be successful in this league.
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