The football summer transfer window is upon us, meaning clubs can make new and exciting signings, and the internet is awash with rumours.
As long as a club has money and a playing surface, they're going to be linked with a lot of players. Some links are more believable than others, some rumours turn into full on sagas, which test the very mental capacity of a fanbase.
1. Initial Links
Everton linked with Sevilla and Spanish striker Fernando Llorente #EFC
So it begins. You’re linked to a player, you don’t take too much notice as you know by now transfers take time. You’ll keep an eye out for any further rumours before you start to get excited.
2. More Rumours Appear
Lots of Higuain rumours going on!! :)
You carry on with you normal life for a bit, distancing yourself from any transfers. But then more rumours start to appear, you start asking yourself if there’s something to this. You proceed with caution but not for much longer.
3. You Start Your Own Research
Are they reliable? https://t.co/cRA4YtoiKB
This is where you look into the rumours to see if they’re true. Are the websites reporting them reliable? Does your team need said player? Did he once say five years ago he’d be tempted to play in your league? You think this is a way to get to the bottom of the rumour, but you’re only getting dragged in.
4. The ITKs Appear
Talks with Cech at an advanced stage. Liverpool, Villa & Everton all have an interest in signing Szczesny on loan/perm.
No transfer saga is complete without someone “In the know” revealing information. They’re not journalists, sometimes they’re anonymous, but they know things… or do they? They might be a player’s dog’s stylist and he gives them stories, or they could be a fraud. They say a deal is on and you start questioning everything, is it true? Why would they lie?
5. Imagination Runs Wild
Imagine the pace in a counter attacking Jose Mourinho side with Ibra, Martial, Rashford and Embolo. ð¥ð¥ð¥
You’re invested now, and there’s no way of getting out. You watch clips of him, imagine where he’d fit in the team, contemplate his shirt number. You fantasize about a world class combination with your star player. You’re close to believing.
6. It's Surely Happening
Mario Gotze Welcome Liverpool. #LFC #YNWA ð ðð
Despite vowing it won’t happen this summer, you give in and believe the rumours. A foreign journalist said he’s coming. Your ITK is confident. Your manager smirked. The deal is happening.
7. The Waiting Game
Xhaka would be a lovely addition but let's stop overexcitement... Keep calm and hope nothing falls apart #Arsenal
For now you’re calm, whilst others are photoshopping pictures of your target in your club’s kit, you just wait for an announcement. Keep on checking twitter for any updates, hoping you’re on when the deal goes through.
8. Impatience
She's not coming out until you announce Benzema @Arsenal
It’s all gone quiet, only recycled rumours are appearing now. An “ex football agent” said the deal would be done on Tuesday. It’s now Wednesday. The excitement is going away and you just want it to be over.
9. Doubt Creeps In
If Pogba goes Madrid and City get Kroos I am pretty sure I will spontaneously combust
Deadlines have passed and the impatience starts to turn to fear. Rumours of a change of heart, or even another club being in for him start to appear. This is not a stage for those easily worried.
10. The End
I want to die.
This stage goes one or two ways. The first is simple, the signing is finally announced and you rejoice. The second is something you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy, the deal doesn’t happen. You’re the laughing stock of your WhatsApp group, you have to delete tweets and you vow you’ll never believe a rumour again… Until next time.
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