This article is part of our Ball Watching series.
As January approaches, the tangible and the absurdity of the transfer market reopens. If the following transfer rumors, no matter how ridiculous, come to fruition, they will affect current and future pricing of popularly-owned players.
Gareth Bale to Manchester United for £100+ million
This is, by far, the most outlandish rumor in the mill, and it affects every Man U player that's currently being deployed. It would spell the end for Juan Mata and the diminishing value of Angel Di Maria slightly due to the sharing of touches with the Welshman. Furthermore, one would have to think that Wayne Rooney's recent run of being the offensive focal point would come to an end. Lastly, it would be another mouth to feed when it comes to shots, dribbles, etc. Everyone would take a slight step down.
Kevin Strootman to Manchester United for £30+ million
The Dutch box-to-box midfielder may be reuniting with his national coach, Louis van Gaal, and national teammate Robin van Persie, but his fantasy value may not be significant. He and another Dutchman, Daley Blind (sense a pattern here?), would likely compete for the holding midfield role and would marginally improve the defensive prospects for Manchester United, but nothing demonstrative.
Edinson Cavani to Arsenal for £60+ million
Not quite as nonsensical as the above rumor, but it's close. Not only does Arsenal not typically spend this kind of money on one player, but the last time they did, they wound up with the yet-to-impress Mesut Ozil. However, if Cavani does arrive in London, it would be catastrophic to Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck's value due to the Gunners' one-striker system. Also, Theo Walcott's return is imminent and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has already returned.
Winston Reid to Arsenal for £4+ million
This rumor has a rising level of merit to it. If there was any value to Per Mertesacker, it would be gone now, for Reid would be his likely replacement. At best, there would be a rotation between the two. This would also push Calum Chambers and Nacho Monreal back to their more natural fullback positions, which would now contain four players (Chambers, Monreal, Mathieu Debuchy and Kieran Gibbs) for only two spots. Nacho would be the first player to lose playing time, which is good news for Gibbs, but the Debuchy/Chambers battle would only begin -- limiting both players' value.
Saido Berahino to Liverpool for £20+ million
This is more believable than the likes of Bale and Cavani, and it would largely improve the FPL fortunes of the players on the acquiring team. The young Englishman has the energy level to play the fast-paced game Liverpool showcased last season and the finishing ability that would increase his value upon moving to Anfield. The move would also mean that Raheem Sterling would move back to his more accustomed No. 10 role, with Berahino and Daniel Sturridge, once fit, to facilitate. It's a tantalizing combination, that's for sure. Throw in some Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho, and the Reds look like they have their 2013/14 strikeforce back.
Seamus Coleman to Chelsea for £20+ million
Although on a smaller financial scale to Bale and Cavani, this rumor is equally ridiculous. The young Irish defender would be a perfect fit at right back for the Blues and would supplant a popular FPL defender in Branislav Ivanovic. Will it happen? Doubtful, at best.
Eljero Elia to Southampton on loan
This is a done deal and could yield immediate results for the Dutch winger. With Sadio Mane departing for the African Cup of Nations, the path to playing time is clear.
