With the football season across Europe’s major leagues having ended over a month ago, clubs are now focusing upon the transfer market, as they bid to strengthen their playing squads for the upcoming campaign. With many clubs armed with seemingly unlimited cheque books, it could well be another record-breaking summer in terms of arrivals and departures, with some of the biggest names in the game reportedly looking for new homes. As a result, many of the most popular bookmakers are taking bets on the destination of such players, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Dani Alves, John Terry and Alexis Sanchez all in contention for big money moves. Let’s take a look at some of their potential destinations, along with the odds currently available for punters.
Cristiano Ronaldo
There is, of course, only one place to start. When the media picked up on the news that the reining Ballon d’Or winner wanted out of Real Madrid, shockwaves were sent through the world of football, with former club Manchester United automatically linked with a move. The Portuguese superstar has found himself in hot water with the Spanish authorities regarding his taxes, and is thought to be unhappy about how his current club have supported him in the matter. While many believe this is simply a ploy to gain a more lucrative contract, the likes of United, PSG and a whole host of clubs from the Chinese Super League have already been linked. As a result, bookmakers Betway are offering United as the 3/1 favourites to sign their former player, should he exit the Bernabeu this summer, while PSG can be backed at 13/2. However, odds of 1/3 for the player to remain at Real perhaps show the current state of affairs.
Alexis Sanchez
Currently away on international duty with Chile, Sanchez almost single-handedly kept Arsene Wenger in a job at times last season, with the attacker time and time again demonstrating his talents in the final third of the field. A move to German giants Bayern Munich looked on the cards initially, however Premier League rivals Manchester City have now seemingly moved into pole position. In fact, City are now as little as 13/8 on with Paddy Power to complete the transfer, with Bayern and Chelsea seen as outsiders at 9/2.
Kylian Mbappe
After dazzling for Monaco last season, the young French striker is the name on the lips of many of Europe’s biggest names. While the Ligue 1 champions seem determined to keep hold of their prodigy, the likes of Real Madrid, PSG and Arsenal are waiting in the wings with offers for the 18-year-old, in what would almost certainly break the world record for a transfer fee. Madrid appear to be the favourites at present, with 888Sport offering odds of just 7/4 for them to win the race. However, Arsenal are given odds of just 5/2, while rivals PSG are at 12/1 currently.
John Terry
Having ended his long association with Chelsea, John Terry is seemingly in no mood to hang up his boots, with a whole host of clubs battling it out for his signature. However, it is Midlands rivals Aston Villa and Birmingham City who appear to be his most likely destinations, with both Steve Bruce and Harry Redknapp determined to sign the former England Captain. Villa are currently in pole position with odds of 1/2 from William Hill, while the Blues can be backed at 2/1.