After the usual slow start to the Premier League transfer window, things are really beginning to move now with the new season just over four weeks away.
Eden Hazard has already headed from Chelsea to Real Madrid in the biggest move so far, and Marko Arnautovic has finally departed West Ham for the Chinese League in the most likely move.
Leicester City have done some impressive business already, and Brendan Rodgers’ side is shaping up for an assault on a top-seven place. He has already confirmed the £40 million signing of Youri Tielemans from Monaco and striker Ayoze Perez in a £30 million switch from Newcastle United.
But much of the gossip still surrounds the future of one man. Paul Pogba has rarely been out of the Premier League 2019 news since his return to Old Trafford three summers ago.
His agent recently announced that he was ready to leave Manchester United, backing up the 26-year-old’s assertion back in June that he needs a “new challenge somewhere else.
Juventus and Real Madrid have both been linked, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reckons the media have an agenda against Pogba as he continues to be linked here, there and everywhere. Loyal Red Devils fans just want the matter resolved and for OGS to start a red revolution fuelled by players who actually want to be at the great club.
On that note, striker Romelu Lukaku could be on his way out of Old Trafford, with Inter Milan officials reported to be on the way to the UK. The Nerazzurri want to get in early as Juventus are also rumoured to be interested in the Belgian hitman.
Solskjaer has already moved to strengthen his squad with some younger, hungrier players. Aaron Wan- Bissaka and Swansea wide man Daniel James have been brought in for a combined total of £60 million, and they could be set to feature in the upcoming International Champions Cup.
The early-season Premier League 2019 betting odds will take a lead from the biggest deals at the top end, and there are two potential outgoings which could shake things up in North London.
Christian Eriksen has made it clear that he is tempted by a new start away from Tottenham Hotspur. Maybe the Danish midfield maestro is keen to win some silverware, and he has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, though no firm offers have been received as yet.
If Eriksen goes, I think he will be a big loss to Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s unsettled star Mesut Ozil has been linked with a move to Turkey, with Fenerbahce in the hunt. And on his way to the Emirates could be Barcelona winger Malcom, though the Gunners will have to be quick, as Everton have already tabled a £31.5 million bid for the Brazilian.
West Ham are hoping to improve on a stop-start season which saw them finish in mid-table, and after missing out on Maxi Gomez – who chose Valencia over the Hammers — they have turned their attention to Marseille’s star.
They aim to tempt Florian Thauvin to the Premier League by offering the French giants £36 million plus Mexican striker Javier Hernandez.
Of the newly promoted teams, Aston Villa are looking the most likely to thrive, or at least survive. The Villans have already been active in the transfer market with the £25 million capture of Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings. Our SBOBET tips reckon the Villans will finish around the 15th mark, and they’ll be delighted with that.
And there has been an emotional return to Turf Moor for striker Jay Rodriguez, who has rejoined Burnley on a £10 million move from West Brom. The Clarets are continuing their policy of calculated and careful improvement as they enter a fourth consecutive season in the top flight, already landing experienced Dutch left-back Erik Pieters from Stoke City.
On the managerial front, all eyes are on Newcastle after the departure of Rafa Benitez. Aston Villa coach John Terry has already been linked with the job as has Mikel Arteta, who has impressed at Manchester City alongside Pep Guardiola.
But the most recent name to be mentioned is Sheffield Wednesday boss Steve Bruce. The Northumberland-born 58-year-old knows the region well, but I’m not sure how happy the Geordies would be to welcome a former Sunderland manager!
Newcastle looks like a club in danger to me, after the departure of Rafa and their main striker Perez, so the Magpies need to make an appointment, and the right one, pretty soon.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
