Player trades are a staple of American sports. With transfer fees pretty much absent, all of the major American sports leagues depend on trades and free agency to improve their squads. While this is a somewhat more complicated way of player migration in comparison to just shelling out a load of money for a player, it is also more exciting.
Trades rarely happen in football. Sometimes a player can be included as part of a deal, but that is usually accompanied by a transfer fee as well. The Alexis Sanchez - Henrikh Mkhitaryan swap in January of last year was one of the few exceptions.
But what if trades were the only way to go? Let's imagine that player trades were the only way players could swap teams this summer, with transfer fees being banned. What deals would be out there that could benefit both teams?
We have come up with a few, basing them around the needs of teams, as well as some rumours that have been reported in the media. They are also assuming that many of these players have requested to leave their clubs, leading them to take the best deal possible.
Paul Pogba for Casemiro
The Paul Pogba to Real Madrid rumours continue to rage on, and they are only likely to intensify considering United's current form.
If he were to move to the Spanish capital in our hypothetical transfer landscape, who would United seek in return? Bale is too injury prone, while Madrid would be unlikely to part with the likes of Vinicius Jr or Raphael Varane.
Casemiro would be a fair compromise. The Nemanja Matic experiment has been a failure at Old Trafford and they are badly in need of someone to anchor the midfield. The Brazilian is as good as anyone in that position. While he may not have the attacking flair of Pogba, he is far more consistent.
Zinedine Zidane would likely jump at this deal, making no secret of his admiration for his compatriot.
Phil Foden & Oleksandr Zinchenko for Ben Chilwell
Manchester City need a left back, with Leicester's Ben Chilwell believed to be their primary target. This could be a deal to suit both parties.
Brendan Rodgers loves to work with young players, and these are two of the most promising in the Premier League. Foden especially has the chance to be something special, and he is the type of player Rodgers loves to have in his team.
Parting with Foden would hurt for City, but they are built to win now. Chilwell can help them do that and he would seem a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola's system.
Eden Hazard for Marco Asensio
If Eden Hazard really does have his heart set on a move to Madrid, Chelsea could do worse than getting in Asensio. He has not kicked on in the past couple of seasons like many thought he would, but he still has massive potential.
He has just turned 23-years old and would provide Chelsea with a youthful trio of wingers alongside Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic.
Ryan Fraser for Morgan Gibbs-White & Adama Traore
If Wolves want to challenge the top six, they are going to need to score far more goals next season. Raul Jimenez is capable of putting away the chances when they fall to him, but there is a lack of creativity in the team.
Ryan Fraser could be the answer. He has registered seven goals and 12 assists for Bournemouth in the league this season. He would slot nicely in behind Jimenez in their team.
Eddie Howe would be intrigued by the possibility of bringing in Morgan Gibbs-White, one of the most highly rated English prospects around at the moment. He could be moulded into a hugely important player, while Adama Traore is ready to slot into a wide role right away.
Wilfried Zaha for Lucas Moura & Kyle Walker-Peters
Spurs have been linked with Wilfried Zaha for some time now, and it is assumed he will finally move on from Crystal Palace this summer. Lucas Moura would slot straight into their side to replace Zaha, while Walker-Peters is a versatile youngster who can fill a number of positions.
Zaha would give Spurs another player capable of scoring goals, something they depend heavily on Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son for at the moment.
David De Gea for Paulo Dybala
David De Gea is looking increasingly unlikely to sign a new contract. That fact, coupled with his dip in form this season, makes him leaving Manchester United this summer a real possibility.
Juventus are one of the clubs interested in the Spaniard, and Paulo Dybala is a player United could covet in any deal. The Argentine's development has stalled this season after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, with a transfer from Turin now looking ever the more likely.
United would be an interesting destination, with the club searching for a new winger this summer. Ed Woodward also loves a big name, a criteria that Dybala certainly meets.
Nicolas Pepe for Divock Origi, Rhian Brewster & Xherdan Shaqiri
If reports today are to be believed, Liverpool have contacted Lille over a potential deal for Nicolas Pepe. In a world without transfer fees, is there a way to get the transfer through?
Maybe. Divock Origi started his career at Lille, and the club would likely welcome him back if given the opportunity. Shaqiri is also an tantalising prospect and has experience at the top level, an important consideration considering the French club's return to the Champions League next season.
Rhian Brewster could be the clincher here. The 19-year old has a big reputation, as evidenced by the interest shown in him by a number of clubs on the continent in recent months. He has the potential to be a fantastic player, with Lille giving him the opportunity to play plenty of minutes.
As for Liverpool, they would do this one every time. They would be sad to see Brewster go, but Pepe has the potential to be world class.
