THE MTAG WRITERS PICK 5 TRANSFERS THAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED

As the mania of the summer transfer window has finally come to an end, in what can be classed as a window that would put video games to shame, the MTAG writers handpicked 5 transfers that they still reckon should have happened.

It only makes sense to say here we go for this one. Or not actually because they didn’t happen.

1. Samridh Sinha: Harry Kane to Manchester City

In my humble opinion, the blue half of Manchester is an established No. 9 away from a winners medal in the Champions League this season.

Topping the charts in goals and assists last season, Kane was custom-made for this City side. Don’t get me wrong, City are well equipped to go back-to-back in the Premier League this season.

However, after 5 domestic titles since 2010, winning the Champions League is the dream.

And while the interest, especially from Guardiola was undeniable, the club reciprocate the same level of interest, seeing as they left the deal till the final week while Levy played his role of “tough negotiator” to a tee once again.

All things said and done, with KDB and Grealish, the English captain would have feasted, game in game out, making even the most elite outfits fear the worst.

As for Kane, the prospect of working under the best manager in the game as well as not being in the hunt to just make the numbers for every trophy would have been a no-brainer. A lose-lose for both parties.

2. Arnav Khanna: Ruben Neves to Manchester United

Ruben Neves would have been the final cog that takes Ole’s reds from “nearly men” to actual title challengers. Intelligent and industrious in equal measure, the Wolves No. 8 has an excellent range of passing to go along with his envious package of tackling, intensity and work-rate.

Assuming that he slots alongside Scott McTominay in the pivot, he is an upgrade on a certain Manchester United No. 17 in nearly every aspect. Furthermore, he has the tendency to let passes fly as soon as he gets his head up and spots a runner, a quality tailor-made for United’s transitional style of play.

Combine his ability to offer these qualities consistently along with his “Premier League Proven” stamp and you have what could have been a no-brainer signing.

Shoulda woulda coulda.

3. Harshavardhan Ghadge- Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid

Karim Benzema is in the final lap of his career, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have squeezed out every ounce of magic they could, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes are only teenagers and Gareth Bale? You can’t help but feel the Welshman has fallen out of love with the game. Kylian Mbappe offers everything that a Madridista’s heart desires. The frenzied runs, lightning quick feet, numbers galore and flair off the pitch.

The Frenchman has always fit the Madrid mould and was the heir apparent to Cristiano Ronaldo in the royal whites.

With a certain Lionel Messi gone, the acquisition of the World Cup champion would have sealed the league and made the bookkeepers scram to change the odds of Les Merengues amongst the European elite.

But as two businessmen with loaded cash reserves played hardball, the Madridistas will have to wait in anguish for yet another season before Fabrizio approves with a “Here We Go!”.

4. Srinivas Sadhanand: Houssem Aouar to Arsenal

Arsenal are stuck in limbo- where signing a younger profile of players indicates direction but them taking time to kick into gear kicks into crisis mode. Ultimately and unfortunately, it is a results business. News flash: Houssem Aouar is one of Europe’s most well-rounded midfielders at 22 years of age.

With misfits such as Xhaka and Elneny continuing to smear their inescapable mediocrity on the Gunners, the lack of class and depth in the midfield is a double-whammy.

Aouar, unlike the maligned duo ticks most boxes. His ability to play deeper could have allowed either Ødegaard or ESR to weave their magic in their natural No.10 roles as the creative burden is shared. Against superior opposition, the Frenchman would have no qualms, being the tip of a conservative midfield, anchored by Lokonga and Partey.

Reportedly, the king of Lyon was available but Arsenal and smart business go together like oil and water so it’s not a surprise.

5. Amogh Panse: Jesse Lingard to West Ham

If you can shell out enough to get Nikola Vlasic, a top defender in Kurt Zouma and a quality goalkeeper in Alphonse Areola on loan, why haven’t West Ham gone the extra mile to secure a player that literally turned their whole season around in the span of 5 months?

It’s disappointing to see that a mere £6 million in valuation distinguishes the signing of Vlasic over the brilliance of Jesse Lingard who has a strong claim to be hailed as the Premier League’s greatest ever loan deal. Be it as a No.10 or a wideman, the Manchester United man bagged 9 goals and 5 assists in 16 appearances, ultimately bringing Moyes’ team Europa League football along with a cheeky Premier League Player of the Month for his gaff in April.

When it was crunch time, there was no stopping J Lingz.

Unthinkably strange business from the Hammers on this one.