Again, Gold Cup would be a good topic to write about, but I'll be honest, I missed most of the USAvCRC game. And I have a gripe about that which I will post in the near future. Moving on!
There haven't been many big names moving around over the course of the week, but I'll take a look at those who have, and some potential transfers on the horizon.
Edinson Cavani (Striker) - Napoli to PSG
Cavani is a beast. He has lit up the scoring charts in Italy for the past few seasons with Napoli, and helped them to a second place finish last year. The Parisians have been buying up big names since the Qataris became majority shareholders in 2011. With a team of stars (and egos that come with them *cough*Ibra*cough*) I think it's only a matter of time before there is some lockerroom discontent. If Ibrahimovic isn't moved after this season, or if Monaco (or anyone else, for that matter) usurps PSG's short-lived championship, look for heads to roll in Le City of Lights.
Asier Illarramendi (Midfielder) - Real Sociedad to Real Madrid
I may have seen a total of two Real Sociedad games over the last 3+ years. But, I had heard of Illarramendi as a kid with a bright future. He has been touted as the next Xabi Alonso, which is exactly what Real Madrid need. Alsonso isn't getting any younger, and his injury before the Confeds may worry Los Galacticos. We'll all learn a little bit more about Illarramendi this season with the spotlight on him.
Emanuele Giaccherini (Winger) - Juventus to Sunderland
This one is a bit of a head-scratcher. Giaccherini has established himself as a regular for the Italian national team over the last two years. They way top Italian clubs swap players, it is surprising to see one of their own jump ship for the Prem. Even more surprising is that Giaccherini landed in Sunderland, of all places. It seems as though the Black Cats are tired of finishing at the bottom half of the table, and they're making their push towards European qualification.
Thiago Alcantara (Midfielder) - Barcelona to Bayern Munich
"Greed, for lack of a better word, is good." Gordon Gekko said it, Pep Guardiola seemingly lives by it. Forget, for a moment, the fact that Bayern won the Champions League last season, and that they demolished Barcelona to get there. When Pep was at Barcelona, his roster was stacked. Yet, he continued to bring in players that proved to be somewhat surplus to requirements. Boasting Xavi, Iniesta, and even Busquets in the center of the field, Pep brought in Javier Mascherano and Cesc Fabregas. Both players were previously stars for their respective clubs, but have since struggled to break in regularly for Barca. Mascherano moved to center-back, while Fabregas has come off the bench more than he would have liked.
Queue Thiago, who spurned a likely starting role at Manchester United for Bayern (much to Wugene's dismay), which already features the likes of Schweinsteiger, Muller, and now Mario Gotze. Granted, the German giants will probably play close to sixty games this season, and depth is definitely needed, but someone will be left out in the cold, featuring mainly in cup matches and occasionally in the league or Champions League. Bayern may not need much help anywhere on the field, but the midfield was probably the least of their concern. Pep, quit being so greedy!
Keep an eye out for...
Luis Suarez: Hopefully he goes to Madrid instead of Arsenal. I would be extremely annoyed for him to criticize the British media only to stay in England.
Wayne Rooney: David Moyes has said he is staying in Manchester, but Chelsea, Arsenal, and PSG have all been interested this summer.
Gonzalo Higuain: Federico's younger, and more famous brother (well, outside of MLS circles perhaps) is on his way out of Madrid. Arsenal were the favorites, but he may decide to go to Italy with Napoli looking for a Cavani replacement. Liverpool have also surfaced as a possibility with a potential swap for Suarez.
Thiago Silva: The Brazil captain seems to be leaving Paris for Barcelona. Silva's dominance at the heart of defense would be greatly appreciated in Catalonia.
Christian Benteke: One of two big reasons Villa has lived to fight another year in the Prem (the other being Brad Guzan... USA! USA!), the Belgian has been fiercely linked with Tottenham.
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