Euro 2020 has proved to be another memorable tournament with an abundance of high-scoring matches, thrilling knockout games, and a host of players showcasing their talents. As the Euros ended, many of those who impressed for their respective national sides could now be on the move in the transfer market.
Nine Players Who Impressed At Euro 2020 And Could Be On The Move Following The Tournament
With a big year of sport coming up, you can also bet on the latest soccer matches using online sportsbooks such as those provided by Best Odds. Using a reputable gambling educational site will help you find the best offers available and the latest betting tips and odds, and keep updated with the latest sports news.
Patrik Schick
The Czech Republic’s Patrik Schick made history when he scored the longest-distance goal for 40 years in the Euros against Scotland in the group stage. While the Czechs eventually lost to Denmark in the quarter-finals, Schick remained at the top of the scoring charts alongside Cristiano Ronaldo with five goals.
On the eve of the tournament, the 25-year-old said that he felt “very attracted” to the prospect of a move to the Premier League. Schick currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, but his eye for goal and all-round play could tempt English sides to secure his services this summer. West Ham and Brighton have already been linked with a transfer.
Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka was one of the driving forces in Switzerland’s progression to the quarter-finals, where they eventually lost out to Spain on penalties. The combative midfielder has been criticized at times during his five-year spell at Arsenal, but his ball-winning abilities, vision and passing were on full display at the Euros.
Xhaka was linked with a move to Roma before the tournament began as the Italian club’s new boss, José Mourinho, is believed to be a long-term admirer. The 28-year-old appears to be open to a new chapter in his career, so it looks likely that he will be lining up for a new team when the 2021/22 season gets underway.
Renato Sanches
After a challenging few seasons at club level, Renato Sanches returned to the big stage with a series of eye-catching performances for Portugal. Still only 23, Sanches has spent the last two seasons at French side Lille, where he recently won the Ligue 1 title.
The central midfielder showed his skill, pace and trickery on a number of occasions against the likes of France and Germany at the Euros and a number of elite sides are now interested in making a move as a result. Liverpool and PSG have been linked with a summer switch, but Bayern Munich could activate a buy-back clause to bring Sanches back to the Allianz Arena.
Manuel Locatelli
Italy won every game during the group stage and central to that run was midfielder Manuel Locatelli, who provided vital energy and quality for Roberto Mancini’s side. Locatelli currently plays for Sassuolo in Serie A, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see a bigger team make a move in the coming months.
There is already speculation that Locatelli, who was also impressive at club level in 2020/21, could move to Juventus in a £40m transfer. However, other European teams will be keeping an eye on developments, with Arsenal and Man City among those rumored to be interested.
Danny Ward
While Wales crashed out in the second round following a 4-0 humbling by Denmark, goalkeeper Danny Ward raised his standing with several fine performances during the group stage. Ward is currently with Leicester City but has yet to play a single league game for them since his transfer from Liverpool in 2018.
The 28-year-old, who produced a world-class save against Switzerland, might now want to seek out more first-team opportunities. Leicester have apparently been “inundated” with enquiries for the keeper since the Euros, and Wolves are among the favorites to land his signature.
Denzel Dumfries
The Netherlands are another team that fell at the first hurdle in the knockout stage, but by that time, Denzel Dumfries had already cemented his position as one of the most exciting full-backs in Europe. The 25-year-old was a major goal threat despite his defensive position, and he scored two goals and assisted another as the Dutch cruised through the group stage.
Dumfries currently plays for PSV in the Eredivisie, but other sides are now on red alert, and he could be the subject of a big transfer bid in the coming weeks. Several clubs are believed to be interested, including Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Everton.
Mikkel Damsgaard
Denmark were one of the surprise packages at Euro 2020 with winger Mikkel Damsgaard one of their star performers as they advanced to the latter stages. The 21-year-old only moved to Sampdoria 12 months ago, but after an impressive season in Serie A, he now looks ready for a switch to a team that competes in the Champions League.
Leicester City have recently been linked with a transfer, but Borussia Dortmund, who are renowned for nurturing young talent, may be the best option for the youngster. Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla are also reportedly interested.
Raheem Sterling
Far from a breakout star, Raheem Sterling has featured for England at several international tournaments now. However, the Man City star has shone in Gareth Southgate’s setup this summer, with his three goals playing a crucial role in his country’s impressive showing at the Euros.
Pep Guardiola is believed to want to keep hold of the prolific forward, but rumors suggest that Sterling could be open to an exit from the Premier League champions and that Real Madrid could be a possible destination. Whether any team will have the funds required to make a transfer happen remains to be seen.
Jérémy Doku
Belgium fell short at the Euros again, but winger Jérémy Doku flourished in a wing-back role at the tender age of 19. Doku only joined Rennes from Anderlecht in 2020, and it may be best for him to continue learning his craft in France’s top division before a move elsewhere.
However, rumors are already claiming that Liverpool have enquired about his availability and that “many” other European clubs are interested. Doku is reportedly happy to remain in France for the time being, but a big offer could tempt Rennes to sell before the transfer window shuts.