Transfer speculation

[shenmue]

Story here

Winter is transfer season, and the BBC has collected the scuttlebutt on possible destinations for fifty players. Story at link.

[Ron Obvious]

1. Interesting stuff

I had heard rumours of Mats Hummels to Man United, but didn't see it listed. He'd be a great signing for Van Gaal to shore up that leaky defence, IMO. With him, they'd be title contenders.

I've heard Rodgers say that Balotelli isn't going anywhere. That probably means nobody wants him.

[Aquavit]

2. Mats Hummels

Part of me feels like Mats should come home to FC Bayern. With Badstuber hurt again and Benatia appearing to be a card magnet lately, we could use a bit of help in defense.

Die Schwarzgelben won't be selling their captain, though. And they really, really shouldn't. It would be a massive and idiotic "sell low" move by BVB, exactly the type of transfer they cannot afford immediately after Bayern bought Goetze and signed Lewandowski. And it would be a loud and clear announcement to all of their fans that they don't expect nor want to stay in the Bundesliga next year.

If Dortmund can get Hummels and Subotic back on the pitch, and if Marco Reus ever gets fit again, then Dortmund will once again return to Bundesliga and European prominence. I have to believe they know that, and that they will forcefully resist all attempts (especially those of foreign clubs) to poach their captain.

[Ron Obvious]

4. What is it with Dortmund?

It's impossible surely, but they could go down at this rate. I once thought Klopp would be perfect as Arsenal's next manager, but I confess to having serious doubts now.

[Aquavit]

5. Injuries, mostly

They've had hideous luck with the injury bug this year, and they've not had the depth to make up for it.

It would help if they could score to save their lives, too. They seem to do well setting the attack up, but don't seem to have the killer touch like they did when Lewandowski was there.

If Klopp ever did leave Germany, and I hope he doesn't as he's a fantastic coach and the Bundesliga is better with his presence, Arsenal would be an interesting destination. I would be very interested to see Ozil under the direction of Klopp.

[Aquavit]

9. Don't look now, but here come BVB

Granted Schalke were brutal, but the 3-0 this weekend leaves UCL qualification relatively in reach yet for die schwarzgelben.

Despite their disastrous first half, BVB are still one of the best teams in Germany and Klopp is one of the best coaches in Europe. I would love to see him in the home dugout at the Allianz Arena.

[Ron Obvious]

10. Only 8 points from the Champions League spots I believe.

Amazing turnaround. I think they'll do for Juventus in the return leg too.

[Aquavit]

3. Shaqiri is almost certainly gone

I fully expect Xherdan Shaqiri to be wearing a different shirt by the time Bayern kick off their second half next month. He's a fine player, and would likely be a terror for Liverpool or whomever else takes him on. Die Bayern just don't have the minutes to offer him, though, with Robbery and Mueller (and Goetze, and Juan Bernat, and eventually Thiago) all ahead of him and the likes of Sinan Kurt, Julian Green, Gianluca Gaudino and (fingers crossed!) Martin Odegaard pushing for minutes right behind him.

I could see him doing very well at Liverpool, but would prefer to see him sold to an Italian team. Unless Liverpool are willing to grossly overpay....

[Aquavit]

6. Martin Odegaard to Southampton?!?!??

[link]https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/417731/Arsenal-Liverpool-Man-Utd-Martin-Odegaard-make-SHOCK-transfer-decision[/link]

If this is true, I'll be bummed that he's not going to FC Bayern....but on the other hand, I can see him being absolutely phenomenal with a youth-friendly team like Southampton. It would be interesting to see how long it takes him to break into the first team, and then where on the pitch he plays.

[Aquavit]

7. Steven Gerrard to leave Liverpool

No link at this point, just heard it announced on TV. Wow....I'm so bummed for Liverpool supporters

[Aquavit]

8. Wilfried Bony to Man City for ~30M

This has to be seen as a huge blow to Swansea this year I would think, although you can get a lot of young quality and promise for 30 million pounds.