The close season may mean time off for football’s biggest stars, but that does not mean that it is quiet for all those associated with the game.
Behind the scenes, staff are working furiously to secure the deals that will set their sides up for glory in the campaign to come. Not only are they looking for the best players, they are also looking to secure the best possible prices for prospective additions.
Often, that means looking in unexpected corners – a talent that some clubs have perfected over the years. Leicester’s vision in securing N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez from France – for cut-price deals – meant that they were able to unexpectedly claim the Premier League title in 2015-16.
So who could be the Kante and Mahrez of the coming year if clubs are brave enough to take a gamble? Here are some players who hope to fill that role.
#5 Dani Ceballos – Real Betis
Currently away on international duty with the Spain Under-21 side, the Real Betis midfielder has caught the headlines in the past due to his inflammatory remarks on social media. More recently, however, he has been in the news for altogether more positive reasons, with his strong performances in the European U21 Championship catching the eye of Real Madrid, who are ready to meet his release clause of just €15 million.
Compared to Andres Iniesta following his demolition of Italy on Tuesday, the Betis youngster looks a steal at that price and could prove one of the signings of the summer. One thing is for sure, though – he won’t be going to Barcelona after making controversial remarks about their fans booing the Spanish anthem on Twitter several years back.
#4 Jetro Willems – PSV
Rather than looking at the Ajax side that reached the Europa League final for a bargain in the Netherlands, attention should, instead, be turned towards PSV, where Jetro Willems could prove to be a very shrewd pick up. Indeed, the left-back has been strongly linked with Roma, who could make a move for him totaling less than €10m.
The 23-year-old’s value has dipped over the course of the last year as he has struggled to find his fitness and form. He had the chance to move to Monaco last summer – a club noted for their abilities to spot a transfer bargain – but turned it down, hoping instead for a move to Spain or England, where he dreams of playing.
He might not quite get that this time around, but instead could team up with national colleague Kevin Strootman, who has impressed in Italy when fit.
#3 Jean Michael Seri – Nice
The Ivory Coast international has won acclaim over the last two years at the Allianz Arena, where he has played quite brilliantly at times. He has the energy of N’Golo Kante in his play but is a far more attack-minded player, offering more creativity in the final third of the field, scoring seven times and creating nine more as Lucien Favre’s men gave an unexpectedly strong title challenge last year.
He is a versatile presence and has shown himself able to play a role as a leader and as an understudy during his time in France.
It would be a surprise to see him move to England this summer – a circulation problem means that he feels the cold in his feet to a chronic degree – so Italian and Spanish clubs should be particularly wary of a potential bargain signing. Roma are among those interested, offering €15m, but Nice are playing hardball over one of their stars.
#2 Adam Ounas – Bordeaux
Looking at Adam Ounas’ numbers from last season, they do not make for particularly impressive reading. The 20-year-old scored only four goals on all competitions and laid on a mere three more, yet there can be little doubt that the winger is a player with vast potential.
He has only been playing professional football for two full seasons, and in the previous term he was simply devastating for Bordeaux before going off the rails in part because of injury but also because of a new coach and other players in his role excelling.
Napoli are set to sign the player up for a fee of around €10 million, which could prove an absolute bargain if he reaches his potential. Fans of the Serie A side can expect a tricky left-footed winger who is most adept at playing off the right and cutting inside to shoot at goal.
#1 Maximilian Arnold – Wolfsburg
Regarded as one of the best young players in Germany when he broke through the ranks of Wolfsburg, the 23-year-old midfield struggled last season, much like his team. Indeed, so poor he was, he fell out of favour towards the end of the campaign and spent a good deal of time among the substitutes.
The central midfielder, though, is surely too talented to endure such a lull of form for such a period and it would be surprising if there was not interest in him this summer, when his price is likely to be at an all-time low.
In 2015-16, he showed what he can bring to the table, impressing against both Manchester United and Real Madrid during his side’s Champions League campaign. It may take a move to allow him to regain that standard.
