Rating Transfer Rumours 1: Havertz, Håland and Diop
I just remembered that this time last year a wrote a couple of articles looking and giving my opinion transfer rumours for the January window. So, I thought I’d do the same this year. If you’d like to see me talk about a specific rumour you can tweet me with it. Today I’ll be looking at:
- Kai Havertz to Manchester City
- Erling Håland to Manchester United
- Issa Diop to Spurs
Kai Havertz to Manchester City
Havertz is still only 20 and at 19 had an unbelievable individual season in 2018/19. It saw him place in the Bundesliga team of the year and runner up for player of the year, scoring 17 goals in 34 appearances in the league. He also got 3 assists producing a total of 0.46 expected goals and assists per ninety minutes.
He already has 8 caps for Germany and broke a lot of records in the Bundesliga last season with his goalscoring at such a young age. Bayer Leverkusen eventually finished 4th in the Bundesliga, but quite a distance from the top 3.
This season has been a disappointent as they sit 8th, but the Bundesliga is so tight this year, they’re 9 points off first place RB Leipzig. The biggest disappointment for many has been Havertz who hasn’t looked the same this season. His midfield partner who he was good friends with, Julian Brandt, was sold to Dortmund in the summer and he hasn’t had the same link and chemistry on the pitch with the new signings. He’s still producing 0.46 expected goal contributions p90 but with his head seemingly being turned by transfer interest his price tag and performance is dropping.
Guardiola’s Manchester City have also been disappointing. They’re 14 points off of leaders Liverpool and the title looks out of reach this season. But, they’re still chasing down the Champions League despite a tough draw against Real Madrid.
Havertz is a all rounder who is excellent in various roles. He’s played over 100 games and 7500 minutes in the Bundeliga as a 20 year old. He contributes to goals and could make a great impact on a Manchester City side that has disappointed at times this year. David Silva is 33 and will need replacing at some point and Hazertz could be a great player to do it. It would unfortunately harm Foden’s first team chances as a player who needs minutes.
It could be a great move for Havertz, but he might see less time on the pitch due to competition and will no longer be the star of the show. But it gives him the chance to win silverware and learn under Guardiola.
Bayer Leverkusen: ⭐⭐
Manchester City: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Havertz: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Erling Håland to Manchester United
Håland is one of the most sought after teenagers in the world now after an extraordinary goal scoring record in both the Austrian Bundesliga and Champions League this season. The big Norweigan is already a complete forward who is a huge goal threat.
Manchester United are 6th in the table and topped their Europa League group. They’re light on front line options with Martial, Rashford, Greenwood and James making up the front three. A fast, direct, young front line. But they’ve only scored 12 league non-penalty goals between them this season. They lack a physical presence and have often relied on penalties this season.
Håland would be a great option. However he comes at a big financial cost. Mino Raiola is pushing a hard bargain and wants a big agent fee as well as high wages. But, to be honest he’s probably worth it.
Despite being a massive club with financial power, I don’t see much draw of United if you’re Håland with the choice of any club you want. OGS isn’t a top class manager, they are in the Europa League and will be again next season with no hopes of winning the Premier League.
RB Salzburg: ⭐⭐⭐
Manchester United: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Håland: ⭐⭐
Issa Diop to Spurs
It’s obvious Spurs need to sign a new centre half. Alderweireld did just sign a new contract and Vertonghen is rumoured to be signing one too which makes to less of a necessity and priority. However, they’ll be 31 and 33 respectively when we start the new season. They were the best centre back pairing in the league just a few seasons ago, but at times this season they haven’t been their former selves and age has shown. Davinson Sanchez is a good option but hasn’t quite lived up to what some Spurs fans thought he would be by now. I really like Juan Foyth but he isn’t ready to be first choice.
Diop is still only 22 and every few months gets massively hyped on Twitter after a good performance against a good side. He’s a big defender playing for the 7th worst defence in the league. West Ham apparently want £50m for him.
I think he’s a good player but think there is better value out there such as Kabak, Sarr, Pongracic or Anderson depending on their price tags. And that £50m could be better spent on other areas of the squad such as full back and bringing in a defensive midfielder. At the end of the day, Spurs should have got Saliba in summer.
West Ham: ⭐⭐
Spurs: ⭐⭐⭐
Diop: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
