Even in the immediate aftermath of a window closing, when boffins are still doing their sums and PR companies are hopefully sending out hopeless releases about how many units of their product could be bought for the price of Paul Pogba, certain players remain at the centre of transfer tittle-tattle. Many thanks, then, to the pre-contract contract, an agreement in principle that ensures wheeling and dealing never sleeps. And already, less than a week after Big Ben tolled to signal the end of summer ‘16 (because one TV channel will try to make you believe it does not ring on any hour of any other day), some players are itching to sign them.
Take Yaya Touré. Unwanted at Manchester City and out of contract when the campaign concludes, the Ivorian will be open to agreeing a deal with a new club while still kicking his heels at the Etihad. And who’s interested in the languid 33-year-old? Half of the Turkish SuperLig, of course, plus a couple of Serie A clubs and numerous MLS sides – where his evident loss of movement will not be as important. Saido Berahino could be in a similar boat apart from the fact that the West Bromwich Albion striker’s attraction is waning because he has one goal in his last 19 appearances, dating back to last season when he was in a funk.
Romelu Lukaku is never too far away from this column and it is amusing to note conflicting reports overnight, with one suggesting he is desperate to leave Goodison Park and another, emanating from Belgium, saying the striker turned down Juventus in the summer to work under Ronald Koeman.
Remember when Manchester United were hailed for such a successful transfer window? Well, it turns out they hit a couple of snags along the way. The Real Madrid centre-half Raphaël Varane said he turned down a move to join José Mourinho, while Southampton’s José Fonte has spoken of his happiness to remain at St Mary’s. Saints do have better away trips in the Europa League, we guess.
In the world of free agency, Martín Cáceres could be on his way to Chelsea as Antonio Conte continues to fret over an ageing and shallow back line that was only bolstered by the acquisition of PlayStation’s David Luiz, who will need to alter his style of play significantly to fit into the manager’s methods.
Clubs growing really desperate could take a punt on José Enrique. Not to put suitors off, he was let go by Liverpool in May, while the club kept Alberto Moreno and then failed to strengthen in the one area where they really needed to. Emmanuel Adebayor is looking for a club. Marouane Chamakh, who has at least had a trial at West Brom with Momo Sissoko, is available. And Royston Drenthe is also searching for work. He is just 29 and at least his new team can proclaim they have signed a former Real Madrid star.
