In the modern-day betting world, more and more punters are looking to place bets using cryptocurrency, taking reassurance from its popularity to attempt to make a regular profit. Just like people will weigh up the pros and cons to suit their own needs, the football world is about to encounter similar change with clubs, regardless of their level, looking for more effective ways to use their money. Whether owners and managers have short or long-term visions, value for money is going to be made a priority, and it will inevitably see players targeted who have less than 18 months remaining on their contracts due to the fear at their clubs of losing talent on free transfers. With that in mind, which players could be at the top of shortlists around Europe?
Just like punters should take the time to read Smartbettingguide, clubs around Europe will be conducting their research regarding opportunities to sign some of world football's best prospects, and attention will undoubtedly be paid to Mohamed Ihattaren's situation at PSV Eindhoven. Illness and an alleged poor attitude has resulted in the 19-year-old falling down the pecking order, but the fact remains that many of European football's top clubs will be waiting to pounce. The playmaker's market value has been on the downturn, and PSV will have to consider a sale if they do not qualify for the Champions League. A fee in the region of £10m could be enough to get a deal over the line.
Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare has been on the radar of Premier League clubs for the past 18 months, and nothing has changed on that front with the defensive-minded midfielder playing an important role in Lille's bid to win Ligue 1. The 22-year-old has been used on 33 occasions this season, but club officials will recognise that they will have to cash in on the Frenchman if he does not extend his contract past 2022. There are going to be clubs willing to pay £30m to sign Soumare, something which only increases the chances of a hotly-contested race for his signature.
If admirers still needed convincing about the ability of Franck Kessie, their uncertainty would have ended after witnessing his outstanding performance for AC Milan against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The 24-year-old had been strongly linked with a switch to a mid-table Premier League side, but it is now inevitable that he will spend next season at a big club. Milan are doing everything possible to hand Kessie a long-term contract, but the Ivory Coast star is aware that he will have his pick of clubs if he bides his time until the summer.
Sticking with Serie A and it appears realistic that Andrea Belotti will finally depart Torino at the end of the season. The 27-year-old has already established himself as a legendary figure at the Italian side, and the free-scoring forward will inevitably attract interest from all over Europe if he does not pen a new contract by the summer. The national team forward is yet to experience Champions League football, but he will naturally receive offers from clubs in that competition if he rejects the offer of a pay-rise at his current club.
While Denis Zakaria has endured a stop-start season, the Switzerland international will likely leave Borussia Monchengladbach for a bigger club later in 2021. The 24-year-old, who can play in central defence or midfield, is unlikely to be convinced to pen fresh terms now that boss Marco Rose has agreed to move to Borussia Dortmund, and representing his country at Euro 2020 will be viewed as his window to enhance his reputation. Although few people will be surprised if he follows Rose to the Westfalenstadion, Liverpool have reportedly identified the player as a potential replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum.
