Euro 2012 Shop Window: Which players have earned a big move?

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Andrew Younger

Buying players off the back of a tournament performance has often been a tainted piece of business. But as the cream of European football continues to dazzle fans in Ukraine and Poland, certain players are making club managers stand up and take notice. We all remember John Jensen and his move to Arsenal after his Euro ’92 heroics.

What about Karel Poborbsky’s moved to Man Utd after his Euro’96 exploits? Both players are examples of how a great Championship performance does not necessarily force an upturn in the fortunes of a players fortunes. The class of 2012, though, are out to prove that their talents are above and beyond the showing in a solitary tournament and prove that they are the real deal.

Mathieu Debuchy

It seemed a nailed on conclusion that the adventurous France right-back would be linking up with fellow coutryman Yohan Cabaye at Newcastle at the end of Euro 2012. However, after standing out in his first 2 appearances at the tournament, Debuchy caught the eye of clubs from all over Europe including Inter Milan and Real Madrid. Although his destination is now unclear, what is for certain is that the current Lille defender will be leaving for pastures new come August, a decision which could be influenced because of his exploits in this tournament.

Alan Dzagoev

Dzagoev has been branded ‘the future of Russian football’ and did not let that tag hamper his performances at Euro 2012. Despite Russia crashing out at the Group Stages, Dzagoev was widely regarded as the best performer in the tournaments opening stages after scoring 3 goals in as many games. Arsenal were the first club to declare an interest in the player who has stated he is open to a move abroad. After his showing in Poland and Ukraine, it looks as though he won’t have to look far for future employers.

Mats Hummels

In 2009, Bayern Munich sold Hummels for just over £3m. Three years later he is attracting interest from Europe’s elite after establishing himself as a leader in the German back line. Manchester United are long term admirers of the defender, but after their interest cooled, Italian Champions Juventus have placed the Borussia blocker on top of their wish-list. Already at a title winning side, Hummels may not be looking for a move this summer, but with inevitable interest in his services from all over Europe, will he be able to turn down a move to another one of the continents biggest clubs?

Jetro Willems

The youngest player to play at the Euro’s, Willems has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the footballing ranks in the last year. Playing in the Eerste Divisie little over a year ago for Sparta Rotterdam, Willems moved to PSV last summer and made 20 league appearances in his debut season. Injury to usual PSV and Holland left back Erik Pieters meant that Willems was given more game time than first thought and has gone on to make a huge impact and attracted interest from beyond the Netherlands. In December, Willems was targeted for a move to Manchester United, with Alex Ferguson looking for ‘the next Patrice Evra’ and it is thought the door may still be open for a move during the summer. After just one year at PSV though, will any potential move come too soon for the teenager?

Simon Poulsen

The Denmark full-back made a big impression in the opening game of the tournament as his marauding runs from left-back were instrumental in his country’s shock victory over the Netherlands. The Az Alkmaar defender is reportedly wanted by Ajax and Aston Villa following his performances for Denmark, who narrowly missed out on a place in the quarter finals of the tournament. Despite only playing 3 games at the tournament, it seems like Poulsen is a wanted player and will most likely move on this summer.