With champions having been crowned in England, Italy, France and, very shortly, Germany, the 2015/16 domestic season is drawing to a close. While we have both the European Championship and Copa America Centenario to look forward to this summer, it's also invariably that time of year when we're subject to constant summer transfer rumors. The 2016 summer transfer window is highlighted by some big names who are hungry for a change of scenery.
Before Mexican striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez set the world on fire at Bayer Leverkusen, he was a backup Manchester United striker who just wanted some playing time. He almost went to MLS to get it.
Bayer Leverkusen ended up with Hernandez, but also in the mix were Juventus, Lazio and Orlando City, among others.
From ESPNFC:
It's a rumour that is becoming more exasperating by the day. Will Jose Mourinho pack his bags and leave his beloved London? Will he relieve his former teacher, Louis Van Gaal, from his duties at Old Trafford, thus repeating every kung fu movie plotline ever? Well, it kind of depends who you ask.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is having a very good year. For a time, he was the highest scoring player in Europe, and his form since losing that title has not exactly been bad. As of today, he has 37 goals in 45 total competitions, per Transfermarkt. Amidst all the good publicity his form has earned him, Aubameyang has teamed up with Dutch freestyler Soufiane Touzani in order to film one bad ass cross bar challenge video.
One of the most talented young forwards in the history of the American game has officially joined Schalke 04, bringing a close to a deal that had been in the works since January.
Haji Wright, an 18-year-old from Los Angeles, California, has been on Schalke’s radar for years. However, he was unable to sign with the club, or any club abroad, until his 18th birthday, a milestone he reached on March 27. Wright and Schalke had agreed to terms earlier this year but he's finally been allowed to put pen to paper.
Forgotten in Brazil after a few seasons, Alexandre Pato is back in the spotlight and apparently, he’s going to do his best to stay this time.
At least, those are the hints given by reports buzzing around the media. According to TeamTalk, Antonio Conte is keen on keeping the prolific striker in the Blues’ uniform when he lands in Stamford Bridge.
On June 28, 2012, Mario Balotelli peaked. His thunderous second goal in the first 40 minutes of Italy’s Euro 2012 semi-final clash with Germany highlighted a stupendous tournament for the mercurial striker. Named in the Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament and finishing the joint top scorer, Balotelli’s summer exploits concluded a maniacal season for the Italian.
Mexico international Carlos Vela better be a member of a frequent flyer program because he sure has logged a lot of miles in his career for a 27-year-old. After beginning his youth career with Chivas in Guadalajara, he was signed by Arsenal as a teenager. Then came the loans. While waiting, and hoping, for his Arsenal career to take off, he spent time with Celta Vigo, Salamanca, Osasuna and West Bromwich Albion. Arsenal was still uninterested in keeping Vela with their first team.
Neymar signed for Barcelona from Brazilian side Santos after long speculation in 2013. Many argued he wouldn’t work out and that he wouldn’t mesh well with the side. Others spoke of his similarities to former Barcelona and Brazilian international Ronaldinho, and argued these would lead to success for the young winger.
Manchester United are probably the most widely known club in soccer and were quite dominant on the pitch under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson. As of recently it’s been quite the opposite.
They have struggled throughout the current season just to barely secure a Europa league spot. Spending millions to bring in top talent in hopes of getting back on their pedestal as a force to be reckoned with, but always falling short of expectations.