The 20 players most likely to be on the move this summer, including a host of surprising Premier League stars
Romelu Lukaku is just one top flight big name set for a change of scenery this window, with Jamie Vardy primed for switch
THE summer transfer window is fast approaching with a number of clubs acting early to beat the inevitable mad rush following the European Championships in France.
Manchester City have already brought in Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund, while Liverpool have signed Mainz stopper Loris Karius.
And with rumours swirling, SunSport have run down the top 20 players likely to make a move this summer.
Using numbers from the CIES Football Observatory — which takes into account factors such as players’ age, position, contract, international status, experience and levels of performance, as well as team achievement — we list the biggest names set for a summer switch.
Most likely to make a big-money move is Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain, who — fresh from an outstanding Serie A campaign, leading the league in scoring with a whopping 36 goals — is now firmly in the sights of new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.
Some big names from Ligue 1 also feature heavily, with stars Alexandre Lacazette, Michy Batshuayi and Bernardo Silva aiming for moves away this window.
But the big surprise is the amount of Premier League stars potentially primed for a summer change of scenery.
Everton duo Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley sit fifth and 12th respectively, according to the Football Observatory, with a combined transfer fee of around £76million.
That fee of course is based on contract, form and other such factors, meaning if the Toffees do choose to cash-in, they can really re-build their squad under new management.
Other European big names such as Schalke’s Leroy Sane and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann look set to be on the move for astronomical fees — with the Frenchman valued at an eye-watering £93m.
Former Chelsea man Mohamed Salah could be on the verge of a move away from Roma, but the big story revolves England and Leicester hero Jamie Vardy.
According to the stats, the Premier League-winning forward is set for a £27m move this summer, with a host of clubs interested in bringing the prolific hitman to the club.
Southampton’s Sadio Mane may also seek a summer move after an impressive term at St Mary’s.
Meanwhile Liverpool target Mario Gotze sneaks onto the list as he could well be on the move from Bundesliga giants.
Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for the forward suffered a blow as they failed to obtain Champions League football, but the chances are Gotze won’t stay in Munich for such little playing time.
Check out the full graphic above to see the top 20 summer movers...