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With the World Cup due to be played this summer, the transfer window is set to see a lot of activity as teams will scramble early to identify transfer targets and get them to sign on as quickly as possible.
The 2017/2018 season has seen the exit of quite a few midfield maestros like Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Thiago Motta (PSG) among others. This means that there will be a scramble for the pre-eminent midfield controllers this summer as teams will need to make up for the loss of geniuses such as the aforementioned.
This is expected to lead to an increase in the transfer valuation of central midfielders who have been on the watchlist of the top European sides, the 2018/2019 summer transfer window might just see someone going for a fee higher than the £89m that United paid for Paul Pogba.
Here is a look at five midfield stars who could be in demand this summer:
#5 Jorginho (Napoli)
Age: 26
Height: 1.8m
Nationality: Italy
The 26-year-old midfielder has been one of the key cogs in Maurizio Sarri’s Napoli and their failed charge for the Serie A title this season. The Brazil-born Italian international has been driving the Italian side forward from his deep-lying playmaking role very effectively.
His strength lies in his unique passing abilities and controlling the tempo of the game coupled with having a great eye for a forward pass. Essentially, he plays as a “regista”, a Pirlo-esque midfield role and boasts of one of the best passing records in Serie A this season.
He has been heavily involved in attacks which have resulted in goals for Napoli despite playing as one of the deepest midfielders in the team.
Teams looking to get his signature may have to cough up around £50 million but for managers wanting to recruit a player who can make an impact on the game with accurate through balls, control the tempo and shield the defence, Jorginho is a perfect option.
The Italian could fit in at a few of the top English clubs which are in need out of a midfielder with his unique skillset. He could easily slot in as a partner with Naby Keita at Liverpool, or with Nemanja Matic at Manchester United but the 26-year-old might be tempted to play under Pep Guardiola at City who wants a substitute for the aging Fernandinho.
#4 Jean Michael-Seri (OGC Nice)
Age: 26
Height: 1.68m
Nationality: Ivory Coast
Michael-Seri has enjoyed widespread affection from the club’s fans due to his impact on the team and their European endeavours in the past two years as the 26-year-old-Ivorian international has been at the centre of the French team’s league exploits.
The midfielder's style of play is reminiscent of Barcelona great and his role model, Xavi. Add to that Seri’s desire to don the Blaugrana jersey, there is a possibility that he might fancy a move to Spain this summer despite heavy interest from England.
He will command a high price if he indeed moves on from the French club but it would be justified since his range of passing and his versatility makes him a difficult player to defend against. Possessing creative flair backed up with a well-honed defensive nous, he could be an asset to any club seeking to challenge for the big silverware.
However, clubs need to keep in mind that he suffers from chilblains which prevent him from training in cold weather and is a cause of great discomfort for the player. This could even be a deal breaker and needs to be discussed with the player himself before a transfer is agreed.
His versatility is something that the Gunners could use as the pairing of Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey has not been as fruitful as former manager Arsene Wenger hoped for. With a new manager coming in, Arsenal could seek to get someone like Seri to make the difference with his distribution and defensive work.
How much he would cost remains to be seen but reports suggest that Nice hold all the cards and can ask for a high fee.
#3 Fabinho (AS Monaco)
Age: 24
Height: 1.89m
Nationality: Brazil
AS Monaco’s midfield sentinel, Fabinho was on the verge of securing a move away from the club if it would not have been for the mass exodus of players from last year’s French champions but as it stands, the Brazilian international is still a vital component of Leonardo Jardim’s side. The 24-year-old has adapted to his defensive midfielder role flawlessly despite playing at right back a few seasons ago.
This is what makes Fabinho such a vital player for the French side as his experience as a former right-back allows him to cover the space vacated by the fullback, and force the opposition to pass backward. His ability to put in tackles, come out on top and stitch a perfect pass after that is his greatest quality.
He might not dictate the play with threaded forward balls but his footballing IQ is there for everyone to witness. Fabinho is the primary penalty taker for Monaco scoring 8 goals in all competitions this season and as the deepest lying midfielder with an eye for a tackle, Fabinho is the man for someone aiming to bring in a talented and proven, defensive midfielder.
With Jose Mourinho in the market for possibly multiple midfielder purchases, Fabinho fits in as the perfect replacement for Michael Carrick and the space left vacant by the veteran English midfielder.
The Brazilian is rumoured to be available for £45 million which will be a bargain price for a player of his calibre but the Red Devils should be prepared for a bidding war as Atletico Marid and Paris St. Germain have also shown interest with both teams also needing midfield reinforcements.
#2 Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Age: 25
Height: 1.69m
Nationality: Brazil
Shakhtar Donetsk’s prized asset, the 25-year-old is one of the hottest properties expected to make the next big move in the summer. Having been brought in from Brazil by the Ukranian club, the midfielder has risen to prominence in the five seasons he has spent in Europe.
The central midfielder cemented his place in Shakhtar’s XI a while ago which aided his inclusion into the national side as he replaced Luiz Gustavo in the Canarinho team and will be on the plane to Russia as well.
Blessed with both offensive and defensive abilities, he is an exceptional dribbler who can move past players like they are practice cones and his well-timed runs are a reason as to why he is difficult to pick up on the pitch.
His passing and ability to create chances are exceptional and he tracks back a lot and puts in an effort to help the defence win the ball back. A high work rate, exceptional passing, set-piece ability and intelligent decision-making all combine to make Fred, one of the most complete midfielders in European football.
After Jose Mourinho's comments on Brazilian players in a team, the chances of the Red Devils acquiring the player's signature looks good. The Brazilian's creativity could be key for Mourinho as United have looked bland when they don't have Paul Pogba on the pitch as the playmaker.
United's crossroad rivals, Manchester City have also been linked with Fred with Guardiola wanting another defensive midfield option alongside Fernandinho.
It seems that he is bound for Machester this summer as suggested by his Shakhtar teammate, Darijo Srna and may move when one of the clubs decide to pay the £53million asking price.
#1 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (SS Lazio)
Age: 23
Height: 1.92m
Nationality: Serbia
"The Sergeant", as he is known by his teammates, Milinkovic-Savic seems to be the one who will dominate headlines this summer. The box-to-box midfielder is said to be valued at around £80 million which suggests just how highly he is rated.
The Lazio midfielder has flourished under Simone Inzaghi this season and been contributing all over the pitch - goals, assists, creating chances for the forward line, putting in tackles and recovering lost balls. The towering number 8 has been wowing the Lazio faithful with his displays.
With 14 goals and 6 assists in all competitions this season, Milinkovic-Savic is the perfect midfield sentry to partner with a defensive minded midfielder and given his adeptness at fulfilling both offensive and defensive duties.
Savic has been heavily linked with Manchester United and with Mourinho planning an overhaul of the midfield this summer, the Portuguese manager would love to have a player like him play alongside his countryman, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba in a powerful, three-man midfield.
However, there are also rumours of interest from Real Madrid, Italian champions Juventus and Ligue 1 winners Paris St. Germain, all of which would also benefit greatly from signing the former Genk midfielder.
