As with every major football summer tournament, there are plenty of previously unknown players making themselves heard and putting themselves in the shop window this summer. Premier League sides are on high alert as Euro 2008 comes to an end and players begin to return to their clubs. There’s set to be a real interest in the stars of Euro 2008 as the summer transfer activity kicks in.
So here are some of the possible transfers that could be taking place this summer following an impressive championship in Austria and Switzerland.
David Villa (Spain)
The Spanish hit man has scored a hat-trick in the opening game of his countries’ campaign, hitting three past Russia before also finding the net against Sweden. Villa is currently employed at Valencia after moving from Zaragoza in 2005 but the striker could be tempted into a move to England should no offers come in from the big two in his homeland, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Final destination: Real Mardrid
Ricardo Queresma (Portugal)
Any star of Portugal’s campaign will be immediately linked to their former boss at international level as Luis Philippe Scolari begins his tenure at Stamford Bridge. Queresma made a ten minute cameo against the Czechs and got on the score sheet and his pace and skill would suit an attacking Premier League side.
Final destination: Chelsea
Wesley Sneijder (Holland)
The Dutch midfielder has always had his admirers in England and was rumoured to be on his way to Spurs back in 2007 before his transfer to Real Madrid. The fact that he’s only been at The Bernabau for a year could work against any possible wooing from England but a good bid could persuade the Dutchman to cross the water.
Final destination: Going nowhere
Andrei Arshavin (Russia)
Member of the Zenit St.Petersburg squad that won the Uefa Cup last season, Arshavin has played just twice so far in the competition due to suspension. But he’s stormed into the tournament with goals against Sweden and Holland and will take his place in the semi-finals this week. It would take a good bid to lure Arshavin away from his current club though.
Final destination: Barcelona
Artur Boric (Poland)
The Polish shot stopper was a gem in amongst the poor Polish outfit and was outstanding against the Germans. Martin O’Neill used to manage him at Celtic and he could be tempted to bring him to England as he searches for a new keeper.
Final destination: AC Milan
Nihat (Turkey)
One of the stars of Turkey’s shock progression to the semi finals and twice scorer in the astonishing comeback against the Czech Republic. Nihet had a good season at Villareal and a strong finish to the tournament could really put him in the shop window.
Final destination: Going nowhere
David Silva (Spain)
Left-sided player Silva may be looking for Champions League football next season after Valencia failed to qualify and his tricky performances so far in Euro 2008 could go a long way to getting him that move to compete in Europe’s premier club competition. Arsenal could be the ones to make a move while Liverpool could also add him to an ever growing Spanish Armada at Anfield.
Final destination: Liverpool
Deco (Portugal)
Long time admirers Chelsea could well be back in for the Portuguese playmaker especially with Big Phil now in charge. Deco was originally wanted by Jose Morinho at the Bridge and could be tempted to link up with his former Porto boss at Inter. But Scolari may also be waiting in the wings to attempt to bring him to London.
Final destination: Chelsea
Philip Lahm (Germany)
Manchester United are reported to be interested in the German left back and would certainly suit the style of play that Sir Alex tries to employ with his willingness to get forward.
Final destination: Going nowhere
Lukas Podolski (Germany)
Germany’s hit man has scored three in his opening two games and has always had his admirers in England, particularly with his international performances. Could this be the year that Podolski makes the jump to these shores?
Final destination: Man City
Luka Modric (Croatia)
One of the stars of both Croatia’s tournament and their qualifying campaign as they topped both groups. Modric’s ability to pick out the killer pass would be an asset to most Premier League sides but it was Tottenham that got his signature before the tournament. Spurs fans will be licking their lips at the prospect of seeing him perform at White Hart Lane and could well be a star of the season.
Final destination: Spurs, already signed
