Copa America: Premier League's Next 5 Big Signings in the Tournament

Copa America: Premier League's Next 5 Big Signings in the Tournament

Isaac Darko
June 27, 2024 at 3:12 AM

The Copa America is in full swing, bringing serious talent to the United States this summer.

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With the transfer window open, Premier League clubs are scouting potential signings.

Jonathan David is among the players at the Copa America who are on the radar of English clubs ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Jonathan David is among the players at the Copa America who are on the radar of English clubs ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Source: Getty Images

Sports Brief highlights five players at the Copa America who are on the radar of English clubs.

Jonathan David (Canada)

Jonathan David has been a long-term target for Premier League clubs, and this summer might finally see his move. With only a year left on his contract at Lille, the French club is likely to entertain offers of around €25m (£21m) for the forward.

Given recent inflated transfer fees, this price seems like a bargain for a player with a prolific record in Ligue 1, scoring 71 goals in 146 appearances for Lille.

David has also scored 27 goals in 51 appearances for Canada, including the decisive goal in their 1-0 win over Peru at the Copa America. Manchester United, Chelsea, Spurs, and West Ham are all in the race for his signature.

Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay)

Paris Saint-Germain might allow Manuel Ugarte to leave this summer if a suitable offer comes in. Ugarte, a €60m signing from Sporting Lisbon, led Ligue 1 in tackles and ranked third in tackles won despite starting only 21 games.

His ball-winning capabilities are elite, and he has shown his prowess in possession recovery. Although his game in possession needs improvement, Ugarte’s aggressive pursuit of the ball aids in maintaining control. Manchester United and Liverpool have shown interest in the 23-year-old midfielder.

Evanilson (Brazil)

Evanilson is back on the radar of English clubs after a career-best season at FC Porto. The 24-year-old Brazilian scored 25 goals in 42 appearances, earning a spot in the national team for the Copa America.

Evanilson is versatile, capable of playing as a sole striker or dropping deeper, showcasing close control and dribbling skills. Although he was an unused substitute in Brazil’s goalless opener against Costa Rica, he hopes for more opportunities. Porto is aware of significant Premier League interest and will not let him leave cheaply.

Piero Hincapié (Ecuador)

Left-sided centre-backs are highly sought after, and Piero Hincapié is a name frequently linked with a move to the Premier League.

Chelsea, Spurs, and Liverpool are among the clubs interested in the Ecuadorian defender. Hincapié was part of the Bayer Leverkusen team that won a domestic double without losing a game in the 2023-24 season. The 22-year-old can play as a centre-back or left-back and excel in Xabi Alonso’s 3-4-3 system.

With his tenacity and composure, Hincapié ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive carries per game among centre-backs in Europe’s top leagues. His £60m release clause could be triggered with a strong tournament performance.

Santiago Giménez (Mexico)

Santiago Giménez has been a prolific presence at Feyenoord, scoring 49 goals in 86 appearances across all competitions.

After a slow start following his move from Cruz Azul, Giménez has thrived in Europe, leading Feyenoord to an Eredivisie title and a KNVB Cup win.

Valued at around £42m, Tottenham are reportedly leading the chase for the Mexico international, who appears well-suited for the Premier League.

Spain and Germain in same Euro draw

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that France and Spain will be on the same side of the draw as Germany and Portugal heading into the Euro 2024 knockout stage.

Pairings are determined by the outcomes of the previous round, ensuring a variety of potential match-ups where winners from one side face fellow winners.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)