Hulk: Possible Transfer Destinations for Zenit Striker After Huge Row
Hulk: Possible Transfer Destinations for Zenit Striker After Huge Row
Zenit St. Petersburg striker Hulk might be on his way out of the club within a year having had a massive falling out with coach Luciano Spalletti after being substituted in the recent Champions League fixture against AC Milan.
As per the Guardian, Hulk has said he could possibly be forced into leaving the club he only joined this summer.
If the situation with the coach does not resolve itself I may leave the club in the January transfer window.
With the Russian side having spent almost £40 million on the Brazilian striker just three months ago, it might seem that his chances of finding another club on a permanent basis would be somewhat restricted at present.
Zenit would almost certainly have to take a hit if they were to let him leave, with a loan option the only other alternative. Hulk has said his differences have been resolved since the incident, but it remains to be seen how long the latest reconciliation lasts.
Despite Hulk's words, it would have to be next summer if he were to leave Zenit as he is unable to register for another new club in January.
Here are four sides he could join if tensions between player and club persist.
FC Porto
The first option to consider would be a loan return to his former club Porto.
It's hardly as though they have missed him so far; Porto are joint top of the table and have not lost a game this season in the league.
But Hulk had a great record in the Liga Sagres and he might bring the added goals to the side to help them overhaul Benfica once more. The fans would surely love to see him back too.
Manchester City
According to talkSPORT, Manchester City were said to be interested in Hulk before he left Porto.
With the lack of consistency from their attacking midfielders, in particular Samir Nasri, using Hulk from the right side of the attack might be appealing to manager Roberto Mancini, who is sure to want reinforcements for his squad.
City have the financial resources to pay any asking price for Hulk in a heartbeat if they wish, but it is unlikely that they will be held to ransom either given their recent relative frugality compared to previous years.
City will want to make an impact in the Champions League next season and Hulk could help them do that.
Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho and his men need goals and big points to get back on track in La Liga, where they trail the league leaders by 11 points. In fact the league title could well be gone already this season if Barcelona continue to show the same consistency.
If they fail to retain the league title, there will be changes next season.
Real Madrid's attacking quartet is pretty well set, but Angel Di Maria might be man who could be improved upon and Hulk would certainly have no problems filling his position next season.
Hulk would bring more goals than the Argentine, and Real would have the capacity to fulfil financial requirements without issue, be it on a temporary or permanent basis.
AC Milan
The final team who might benefit from a loan spell for Hulk is AC Milan.
Currently seventh in Serie A, they have plenty of catching up to do to even make up ground on the Champions League spots.
With Stephan El Shaarawy looking like fulfilling his potential from the left side this season, Hulk could provide similar quality and balance from the opposite flank.
Milan have a big rebuilding job to do and while a temporary deal next season wouldn't aid them long term, the goals that Hulk could bring and the added power in their attack could see them back in the Champions League places. And that would be a good start.