Signings Of The Summer : Part 3

Joe Cole (Liverpool, Free)

The one everyone wanted. We all know how could Joe Cole can be if he stays fit. But will he? Cole hasn't truly regained his sharpness yet but he's making all the right noises about his move to Liverpool and seems in the mood to roll the dice one more time in the Premier League. Joe Cole was reborn in a more central attacking role in the tail-end of his Chelsea career (a role currently occupied by a certain Steven Gerrard) although it is unknown what new tactics Roy Hodgson has up his sleeve. Perhaps with Mascherano's reported impending exit Gerrard will be forced into a more conventional midfield role freeing up Joe Cole? Regardless, an absolute steal for no money.

Yaya Toure (Man City, £28m)

Can I be confusing and controversial for a second? I think Yaya Toure is such a good signing because he's such a bad signing. I'll explain. Yaya Toure was always "the other guy" in the Barcelona midfield. In fact, Seydou Keita was as good if not better most of the time. Yaya seems to be presumed good through association. He's really not great. But. What he does carry is (surely) a guaranteed starting spot. Roberto Mancini wont want to be seen as the mastermind behind £28m worth of flop so Yaya will get games. This would provide some much needed stability to the City midfield and allow the glamour names to apply their trade further up the field. Let's see if he proves me wrong but I'm not convinced by this signing.

David Silva (Man City, £24m)

When I heard about this signing I though What a bargain!... then I thought... but where will he play?...There's no questioning this guy's ability (at all) which could explain why Martin Petrov is gone, Robinho wants to go and Bellamy may not make City's season squad. But Balotelli is on his way in. Milner may be too. Even in a 4-2-3-1, either Tevez or Adebayor would have to miss out in that situation. Wright-Philips may be forced onto Villa as part of any Milner deal. What about Adam Johnson? Still, Silva should really be the first name on the team sheet when the new season rolls around and he will undoubtedly relish to challenge.