Top 15 World Cup Players Likely on the Move During the Transfer Window

Football fans’ attention has been on the 2010 FIFA World Cup but clubs have already started getting busy in this summer transfer window. Check out 15 names that have featured in South Africa and that are likely to be on the move during the transfer window.

Carlos Tevez, Kaka, Robinho, and even Wayne Rooney have made the cut!

Argentina and Inter Milan Star Diego Milito

If you’ve won the Coppa Italia Nazionale, the Seria A, and most importantly the UEFA Champions League title, what more do you need? Diego Milito might be asking himself this question.

Does he want to take the challenge of winning it all over again? Wouldn’t it be a case of taking too much risk?

Jose Mourinho—the manager under whom he was able to transform his life from a “Real Zaragoza La Liga Survival Fighter” to a treble winne—–has left Inter Milan for Real Madrid. The former Porto and Chelsea coach has hinted at a move for the Argentine striker.

Why not join Mourinho in Spain? Why not close the chapter of his career under a Nerazurri shirt with the best of memories?

Brazil and Sevilla FC star Luis Fabiano

The ‘Luis Fabiano fever’ struck top flight football clubs in Europe last year after the Brazilian player inspired his country to Confederations Cup glory in South Africa, and symptoms of this fever have appeared again.

Actually, the Fabiano-hunt is something normal. How many clubs will resist fighting for the signature of a player who had scored over 25 international goals in only 41 appearances for Brazil?

After the 2010 FIFA World Cup, there might be tough battles between Sevilla and other clubs—most likely AC Milan—for Luis Fabiano's pair of legs.

England and Chelsea star Frank Lampard

The Blue Devil tops Jose Mourinho’s summer transfer list. Frank Lampard enjoyed a successful season at Chelsea which could well be his last.

The midfielder has been involved in transfer rumors since the past three or four years now. Real Madrid have always been the most interested in Frank Lampard who is applauded for his influence as a center attacking midfielder.

This is the man that Jose Mourinho is eying to replace Kaka this summer, and Real Madrid have assured the Portuguese coach that money will be available on the table to price Lampard out of Chelsea.

Argentina And Manchester City Star Carlos Tevez

Why should Carlos ‘Tasmanian Devil’ Tevez endure yet another season without tasting delightful Champions League football?

The little dynamic man is too precious on the field to be lost from the eyes of European football followers.

Tevez has already hinted at an exit from Manchester City following the Sky Blues' failure to clinch a top-four finish in the English Premier League last season. What could be Carlos Tevez’ next destination?

You would like to think about Real Madrid since his good buddy Cristiano Ronaldo is already there.

But don’t forget that the former Red Devil player already stated at times that Los Blancos were a great team, but not one he dreams of. Maybe Jose Mourinho’s former club, Inter Milan, could be his next location.

Brazil and Real Madrid star Kaka

During the most part of last season already, Florentino Perez and his board members were discussing about Kaka’s influence in the Real Madrid squad.

The former AC Milan superstar didn’t enjoy a dream start with the Spanish giants—essentially because of the hernia injury which kept him more than two months on the sidelines.

Rumors kept filling the atmosphere about a possible summer transfer exit for Kaka. The Brazilian could indeed be on his way out since Jose Mourinho has found his way in at Real Madrid. Besides, the Portuguese manager tipped Kaka as a player that will not fit with his tactical plans. Expect Chelsea to be the greatest candidate to sign the midfielder.

Now what about a move back to AC Milan? Maybe Kaka can attempt to help restore the pride that Italy lost after crashing out from the group stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Brazil and Inter Milan Star Maicon

Here’s another Inter Milan star that might just be making the right choice to leave Italy during the transfer window.

His obvious new destination: Real Madrid.

His reason behind his choice to move to Spain which he made public is also very evident.

“My wish is to play in Madrid. For me, that would be a honor because, like I said before, it will come out as an opportunity in my career.

“Mourinho is a great coach, and I don’t think anybody can deny this fact. My relationship with him is a great one and for me, it would be nice to play under him once again.

“It makes me proud that a club like Real Madrid is interested in having my signature. That’s something very important which fills me with hope.”

Aren’t Real Madrid and Maicon making up a perfect match?

England and Manchester United Star Wayne Rooney

It’s hard to imagine Wayne Rooney taking off his red jersey to carry on another one on his shoulders. Since switching from Everton to Manchester United, the young English man has imposed himself as a Red Devil for life idol.

But who knows what great surprise this summer transfer window will create? Who knows what Wayne Rooney can really be up to in his decisions?

Above all, England’s 2010 World Cup campaign was disastrous—one that Wazza would rather love to forget. Spanish giants Real Madrid are just around the corner and ready to splash cash on the table for Wayne Rooney’s pair of legs. Barcelona have also been rumored to be hugely interested in the services of the striker.

Manchester United are suffering from huge debts and they might just give in to money even if it means selling Wayne Rooney to any of their rivals. Which club in debts would like to keep a player that has been the 2010 World Cup’s biggest flop, especially when money is there to benefit from?

Real Madrid are ready to offer as much as in the region of £100 million while Jose Mourinho has added fire to speculations by stating, “I wish to manage Wayne Rooney one day.”

France and Barcelona star Thierry Henry

Since leaving Arsenal for Barcelona, Thierry Henry has transformed into nothing more than a football match spectator. For fans of the Gunners legend, it’s sad to see how Henry’s form faded away never to come back again.

The French man used to assure anxious supporters that time will allow him to settle and hit top form at Barcelona but the reality proves that Thierry Henry is no more the one people loved to watch and cheer in England. But in business, it is believed that the striker has a high value.

This fact gives more reason for MLS side New York Red Bulls to be interested in Henry. In fact, reports claim that a pre-contract between both parties has already been signed.

It’s time for the 32-year-old to completely go out of the way of rising stars like Pedro and join David Beckham in the USA.

Italy and Fiorentina star Riccardo Montolivo

The 8.51 Castrol Index rated midfielder is very much likely to move away from Fiorentina where he has been since the 2005/2006 season.

Riccardo Montolivo is quick and intelligent on the field. These qualities have transformed him into Arsene Wenger’s hottest target as the Gunners are looking at options to replace the departing Cesc Fabregas.

Should the Spaniard indeed join Barcelona, then Riccardo Montolivo could arrive at Arsenal for a fee of around €20 Million if reports are to be believed.

Gunners supporters have been moaning about Arsene Wenger’s transfer policies. For once, will the French manager be right to make a move for Riccardo Montolivo?

Brazil and Santos star Robinho

Where will Robinho actually land after the World Cup in South Africa? Manchester City, Santos, or Barcelona? The winger is reported to be on the Blaugrana’s radar and surely now, speculations are starting to transform into genuine reports.

European football would put Robinho back in the limelight. Is there a better place for the Brazilian than Barcelona—where a partnership with Argentina's Lionel Messi promises to be dazzling?

England and Liverpool star Steven Gerrard

No-one thought of Steven Gerrard quitting Liverpool back in 2005 or even after the 2008/09 season. But the Liverpool skipper could shock fans with an exit this summer.

The Merseyside club are enduring one of the toughest moments in their history of football. Finishing 7th in the English Premier League standings has deprived Gerrard of UEFA Champions League football next season.

This situation has left Steven frustrated and fed up, according to reports. So the Liverpool skipper is leaving for good; Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Manchester City are all hot favorites to capture the star midfielder.

Ghana and Portsmouth star Kevin-Prince Boateng

The Ghanaian star midfielder can look at his 2010 World Cup campaign as a good one. But besides it, there is also a need for him to look upon the future of his club career.

The former Bundesliga-based player inspired English club Portsmouth all the way to the finals of the 2009/10 F.A Cup where his team finished as runners-up.

Kevin-Prince Boateng is now definitely eying options to leave Portsmouth—who went into administration last season. According to the player himself, Seria A side Lazio are willing to offer him an escape road.

Japan and CSKA Moscow star Honda

Honda is under a four-year contract with CSKA Moscow with three more years remaining. But the Japanese player’s captivating performances at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa has given him more recognition than ever.

Clubs from top European leagues will be trying to lure him out of the cold weather of Russia.

If Honda cannot resist the prospect of becoming one of the only few Japanese players to have maximum exposure – whether in Spain, England, or Italy—then papers will be filled with rumors stories about the player’s future while clubs will get busy competing for his signature.

Cote d’Ivoire and Barcelona star Yaya Toure

Is Yaya Toure a Blaugrana? Well, let’s assume he is already a Mancunian in the blue skies that cover the City of Manchester Stadium.

The Ivorian is set to move from Spain to England with reports suggesting that a deal with Manchester United rivals Manchester City is done and dusted.

Expect Yaya Toure to announce his reunion with his brother Kolo Toure in Man City anytime soon.

Mexico and Barcelona star Rafael Marquez

Rafael Marquez is very close to reuniting with former Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard as Galatasaray have gone public with their wish to have the Mexican player in Turkey.

The 31-year-old has struggled over the past few years to play regular football for the Blaugrana. With Joan Laporta out of his presidential post now, it is likely that the Catalans will force Rafael Marquez out as part of their summer transfer plans.

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