We're under a year away from the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia, and soccer enthusiasts are starting to "predict" which players will be traveling to Russia for the Mondial. However, the other side of the coin will be predicting the players that may likely miss out of the tournament on not being called up by their respective national teams due to poor performances and form at club level. Here's is the four Premier League stars that really needs a transfer this summer to improve their chances of nailing down a place at next year's summer World Cup in Russia.
Wayne Rooney
The England forward made it known he'll retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup in Russia, however, should Rooney remain at Old Trafford he may not even travel with England to Russia. The Manchester United captain hasn't been called up by the three Lions manager Gareth Southgate since late last year and Rooney's lack of game-time under United boss José Mourinho means that's not likely to change. However, it has been speculated that Rooney is expected to leave Manchester United the summer, as he needs to be playing for a club where he'll be "guaranteed" game time if he wants to return to the England National Team ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Matteo Darmian
A return to Italy for Matteo Darmian has been mooted for some months now, and it won't be a surprise to see the defender depart Manchester United following a poor season under United boss José Mourinho. The Italy international started fifteen EPL games last season but Darmian remained a "consistent" figure in Italy set-up throughout 2016.
However, the strength in depth in both fullback position mean the 27-year-old defender isn't guaranteed to be called-up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia if José Mourinho continues to overlook him.
Joe Hart
Hart's move to Serie A club Torino last year summer was highly lauded, though his performances in Italy didn't even live up to the "hype." Torino don't want to sign the England goalkeeper permanently and, despite EPL interest in the goalkeeper last summer, it doesn't seem any club wants him this time around.
This is a "major" problem for Joe Hart, who really needs to be playing every week to ensure he remains England's first choice keeper ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. There have already been calls for Joe Hart to be dropped out following a series of "dodgy displays" for the England national team, and should he remain benched at Man City, either Jack Butland or Jordan Pickford are waiting to step-up and claim the number one jersey.
Michy Batshuayi
There's hope Batshuayi can make a "bigger" impact at Chelsea next season following his brilliant end to a generally "miserable" debut season with the Blues. However, if Batshuayi isn't going to be playing consistently, the Belgian needs to move to any one of the numbers of teams interested in him.
The Belgium squad is "stock" with budding talents, and Michy needs to prove himself at the top-level to ensure he gets called up alongside the likes of Christian Benteke and Romelu Lukaku. The Belgium forward started only seven matches last season, and that's nowhere near decent enough for an attacker with serious World Cup ambitions.
