As football’s version of Monopoly bursts into life, the eyes of all football fans, punters and – most prolifically – agents will be looking for where the next big move unfolds.
It usually only takes one or two marquee transfers to see the whole market evolve, and there are a number of possible moves that make footballing and fiscal sense for all parties.
So here’s a look at the most likely headline-making transfers this summer:
James Rodriguez
The Colombian is an outstanding talent but one that hasn’t really settled at Real Madrid, and in a squad containing a phalanx of Galacticos – Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Isco and Casemiro are all ahead of him in the pecking order – suggests that a summer move could be on the cards.
SkyBet have Bayern Munich as his most likely destination at 4/1, and that is logical given the retirements and ageing legs (Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben) on the German champions’ books.
But Rodriguez has long been linked with a move to Manchester United, with Jose Mourinho a known admirer, and with the Special One looking to overhaul his under-achieving squad the signing of the Colombian would really get the Old Trafford crowd talking.
Riyad Mahrez
Will he stay or will he go? That’s the question on Leicester City fans’ lips as their want-away winger ponders his future.
The odds are interesting: BetVictor offer a best price of 1/2 that he joins Arsenal by the end of the transfer window, but after the Gunners splurged in excess of £40m on Alexandre Lacazette will they go in again with a similar amount for the Foxes star?
William Hill offer 4/1 that he stays at Leicester – not the worst value we’ve ever seen, while the likes of Monaco (16/1) and PSG (20/1) will naturally appeal for a player who started his career in France.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Borussia Dortmund are now the third best side in Germany according to the Bundesliga table of 2016/17, and so you can’t blame some of their stars for casting a glance elsewhere.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continued his goal-den form despite his team’s failings, and maybe a move away would appeal to the Gabon hitman.
There could be a vacancy at Chelsea coming up, of course. With Diego Costa set to leave after THAT text message from Antonio Conte, and Romelu Lukaku appearing to favour Manchester United, Aubameyang to Chelsea loves a possibility at 4/1.
Naby Keita
The midfield maestro was one of the key components of RB Leipzig’s ascent to Bundesliga runners-up, and it’s no surprise to note that he has plenty of admirers around.
One such watcher is Jurgen Klopp, the former Borussia Dortmund coach who has purchased players liberally from the Bundesliga for Liverpool. Keita is 4/6 to join the Reds, and his all-action style would surely suit the Premier League to a tee.
Joe Hart
What next for England’s number one? Dumped by Pep Guardiola and out of watchful eyes at Torino, Hart’s career is in danger of going down the pan.
Aston Villa have been linked, but would Hart risk his England career by joining a Championship side. No, surely he will remain in the English top flight.
Leicester (25/1) are one option depending on the movements of Kasper Schmeichel, as are West Ham (11/8), who would presumably relish the chance to have an England international between the sticks.
Moussa Dembele
How long will Dembele stay at Celtic? Yes, it’s nice to win trophies, but surely an ambitious young player with bags of talent would seek a big money move as early as possible.
The bookmakers aren’t getting too excited, with Marseille the favourites to sign the hitman at 11/2, so perhaps another year at the Scottish outfit is likely.
But a youngster that is willing to play second fiddle to a main frontman at a big club is worth their weight in gold. Chelsea and Tottenham (both 20/1) will be monitoring the situation.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
The last player on the list is simply a pick of great betting value. Swansea have slapped a £50m price tag on midfield creator Gylfi Sigurdsson, and that is evidence to suggest they will fight tooth and nail for their prized asset.
Everton and Leicester have been sniffing around with bids in the region of £35m rejected, but will they go up to 50 for a 29-year-old?
We suspect not, and so Sigurdsson to stay at Swansea appears outstanding value at 5/1.