Here are some of the other high profile transfers from the Premier League which have caught the eye...
Marcos Alonso (From Real Madrid to Bolton for £2.2m)
The young left-back turned down offers from a host of other 'bigger' European clubs - perhaps looking for the safest bet of first team football. The 19 year old however, is unlikely to be ahead of the like of Paul Robinson and Jlloyd Samuel straight away - with Gary Megson stating he would give Alonso time to adjust to the difference in footballing culture. Marcos Alonso is your typical Spanish full-back, as comfortable in the tackle as he is with a ball at his feet. His true potential is yet to be determined. Is Bolton the right club for a youngster to develop?
Chris Smalling (From Fulham to Manchester United for £12m)
Smalling's career highlights currently involve him scoring a crucial own goal at Stamford Bridge last season and, more recently, conceding a penalty against Celtic with Manchester United in a considerably less important pre-season game. More of a Titus Bramble than a Rio Ferdiand, then. Still, there was much uproar when the youngster signed from Fulham and at 6ft 4in, he is unmistakeably a natural born centre-back. He has two great role-models in Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to help him develop his game and United fans and owners alike will hope he was worth the hefty price tag.
Milan Jovanovic (From Standard Liege to Liverpool for Free)
Milan Jovanovic is one of those guys who never quite fulfilled their press-given potential on the big stage. He was originally signed by Rafa Benitez this summer, and even once the comical Spaniard was sacked he was determined to move to Liverpool. Jovanovic is notorious for turning down Real Madrid in 2009 saying "I thought if I went there, it would be as an ordinary player...but maybe I am special." His talents lead him to pick up the Jupiler League's Player of Year. He applies his trade mainly down the left wing which could mean Joe Cole will be in a more central role behind the striker(s) with Stevie G sitting as a conventional centre-mid. Or, the special Serb will sit on the sidelines.
Danny Wilson (From Rangers to Liverpool for £2m)
When I first heard about this move I simply couldn't believe the transfer fee involved. Liverpool could sell this guy on in 12 months for 5 times the initial fee paid (although it is worth pointing out the figure is likely to rise to around £5m). Wilson is the current Scottish FWA and PFA Young Player of the Year. He captained the Scottish under-19 team and currently plays for the under-21s at just 18 years old. Wilson is a capable left-back although he favours the centre. His no nonsense style is likely to make him a hit at Anfield and I think he has huge potential.
Friday 30 July 2010
Thursday 29 July 2010
Manchester City : Squad Analysis
In an interesting summer, Manchester City have been the club most keen to splash the cash so far bringing in Kolarov, Boateng, Silva and Toure. If reports are to believed, Balotelli has also all but signed and Milner may still just about be on the radar. The Drogba link at least, appears to be off the table. So who plays where?
Goalkeeper
Either Joe Hart or Shay Given will be warming the bench next season due largely to City's insistence on not letting Hart out on loan. Shay Given recently supported Fabio Capello's decision not to use Hart in England's miserable World Cup campaign stating, "it would have been a bit too early for him". Hart hit back saying, “I’ve just turned up at City trying to do the best I can.... At the moment I’m just really concentrating on getting that number one spot.” It will be interesting to see how this plays out next season, though I would assume Shay Given is currently the number one in Mancini's mind (although it's worth noting the Italian was the man who pulled the plug on legendary shot-stopper Francesco Toldo in favour of the unproven 25 year-old Julio Cesar at Inter Milan).
Defenders
One would assume the left-back spot is going to Aleksandar Kolarov. Bad news for Wayne Bridge but it is a step up for the club. Javier Garrido then, may well be shown the door soon. Club captain Kolo Toure will surely be one of starting centre-backs but who partners him? £23m Joleon Lescott must be a candidate. But what about new signing Jerome Boateng? And Vincent Kompany was impressive when he played last season..... Nedum Onuoha, you would assume, will be looking for a new club very soon. The right-back area is not as strong with Zabaleta and Richards the main candidates - this is why I thing Jerome Boateng will be pushed out into his secondary roll of right-back allowing Vincent Kompany to get the narrow nod over Lescott at centre-back.
Midfielders
This is where it really gets interesting. City's abundance of wingers leads me to assume Mancini will employ a 4-4-2 system. One certainty is that Yaya Toure will be a starter. Due to the attacking nature of the rest of the team, I think he will be partnered by a defensive minded player - ruling out Stephen Ireland. The 23-year-old has been linked in a move away from Eastlands - possibly being offered to Aston Villa as part of any James Milner deal. At 34 years old, Patrick Vieira surely won't be first choice next season. Michael Johnson is another player who may be better off applying his trade elsewhere as he has fallen out of favour in recent years after a promising start to top-flight football. One option is to employ Joleon Lescott at centre-back allowing Vincent Kompany to play in midfield though this seems unlikely given the calibre of the alternatives at the manager's disposal. The remaining two candidates; Gareth Barry and Nigel de Jong - with the likely nod going to the former. It is likely de Jong will be looking for a way out of City in the near future as he knows competition for places is growing.
The flanks are equally confusing for City. One of the wingers in question is Vladimir Weiss. "I've got three years left on my contract. I'm going to try to stay at City if possible." Weiss has expressed interest in moving out on loan next season - perhaps hoping to make an impact once some of the dust has settled. Craig Bellamy is also on his way out. The Welshman looks likely to join up with Mark Hughes at Fulham although Harry Redknapp has reportedly tabled a £4m bid. Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal have allegedly shown interest in Shaun Wright-Philips although the latest rumours link him with Aston Villa. £24m David Silva is a nailed-on starter at least. His ability to play on either wing leaves the final vacant midfield spot open to a number of people. The prodigal Robinho is reluctantly coming back to City this summer and will be difficult to leave out if he reproduces his international form. Despite the brave words on Macini, I can't help thinking Robinho is the sort of player who will find a way out if he really wants to. Adam Johnson impressed everyone last season by making the transition from Championship star to Premier League wonderkid with apparent ease. His biggest competition comes from guys yet to sign - namely Milner and Balotelli. The James Milner link has been cooling slightly of late with a £30m price tag slapped on his signature. The Mario Balotelli deal on the other hand is all but done. The reported £24m fee is representative of the sheer quality of the guy.
Strikers
Felipe Caicedo and Jo are likely to be sold this season after failing to make an impact and spending recent seasons out on loan. Roque Santa Cruz looks set to put his Manchester misery behind him with a move away to another Premier League side at a cut-price possible. Assuming no new signings, that leaves Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor. City fans will be hoping for more of the same from these two - particularly Carlos Tevez who is threatening to make the club a powerhouse all by himself. It's worth noting Mario Balotelli's ability to play up-front (freeing up Robinho/Johnson to play out wide) although this would require Mancini to drop one of his talismanic top two. As for Didier Drogba - his agent is now saying the big Ivorian isn't interested in a move. The other reported target Fernando Torres looks set to make a dramatic move to Chelsea this summer.
There is definitely going to be crazy amounts of selling going on as City look to cut their squad down to 25 to meet Premier League regulations. Stand by for madness.
Manchester City (4-4-2) : Given, Boateng, Kompany, Toure, Kolarov, Balotelli, Yaya, Barry, Silva, Adebayor, Tevez
What do you think is Manchester City's strongest eleven?
Goalkeeper
Either Joe Hart or Shay Given will be warming the bench next season due largely to City's insistence on not letting Hart out on loan. Shay Given recently supported Fabio Capello's decision not to use Hart in England's miserable World Cup campaign stating, "it would have been a bit too early for him". Hart hit back saying, “I’ve just turned up at City trying to do the best I can.... At the moment I’m just really concentrating on getting that number one spot.” It will be interesting to see how this plays out next season, though I would assume Shay Given is currently the number one in Mancini's mind (although it's worth noting the Italian was the man who pulled the plug on legendary shot-stopper Francesco Toldo in favour of the unproven 25 year-old Julio Cesar at Inter Milan).
Defenders
One would assume the left-back spot is going to Aleksandar Kolarov. Bad news for Wayne Bridge but it is a step up for the club. Javier Garrido then, may well be shown the door soon. Club captain Kolo Toure will surely be one of starting centre-backs but who partners him? £23m Joleon Lescott must be a candidate. But what about new signing Jerome Boateng? And Vincent Kompany was impressive when he played last season..... Nedum Onuoha, you would assume, will be looking for a new club very soon. The right-back area is not as strong with Zabaleta and Richards the main candidates - this is why I thing Jerome Boateng will be pushed out into his secondary roll of right-back allowing Vincent Kompany to get the narrow nod over Lescott at centre-back.
Midfielders
This is where it really gets interesting. City's abundance of wingers leads me to assume Mancini will employ a 4-4-2 system. One certainty is that Yaya Toure will be a starter. Due to the attacking nature of the rest of the team, I think he will be partnered by a defensive minded player - ruling out Stephen Ireland. The 23-year-old has been linked in a move away from Eastlands - possibly being offered to Aston Villa as part of any James Milner deal. At 34 years old, Patrick Vieira surely won't be first choice next season. Michael Johnson is another player who may be better off applying his trade elsewhere as he has fallen out of favour in recent years after a promising start to top-flight football. One option is to employ Joleon Lescott at centre-back allowing Vincent Kompany to play in midfield though this seems unlikely given the calibre of the alternatives at the manager's disposal. The remaining two candidates; Gareth Barry and Nigel de Jong - with the likely nod going to the former. It is likely de Jong will be looking for a way out of City in the near future as he knows competition for places is growing.
The flanks are equally confusing for City. One of the wingers in question is Vladimir Weiss. "I've got three years left on my contract. I'm going to try to stay at City if possible." Weiss has expressed interest in moving out on loan next season - perhaps hoping to make an impact once some of the dust has settled. Craig Bellamy is also on his way out. The Welshman looks likely to join up with Mark Hughes at Fulham although Harry Redknapp has reportedly tabled a £4m bid. Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal have allegedly shown interest in Shaun Wright-Philips although the latest rumours link him with Aston Villa. £24m David Silva is a nailed-on starter at least. His ability to play on either wing leaves the final vacant midfield spot open to a number of people. The prodigal Robinho is reluctantly coming back to City this summer and will be difficult to leave out if he reproduces his international form. Despite the brave words on Macini, I can't help thinking Robinho is the sort of player who will find a way out if he really wants to. Adam Johnson impressed everyone last season by making the transition from Championship star to Premier League wonderkid with apparent ease. His biggest competition comes from guys yet to sign - namely Milner and Balotelli. The James Milner link has been cooling slightly of late with a £30m price tag slapped on his signature. The Mario Balotelli deal on the other hand is all but done. The reported £24m fee is representative of the sheer quality of the guy.
Strikers
Felipe Caicedo and Jo are likely to be sold this season after failing to make an impact and spending recent seasons out on loan. Roque Santa Cruz looks set to put his Manchester misery behind him with a move away to another Premier League side at a cut-price possible. Assuming no new signings, that leaves Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor. City fans will be hoping for more of the same from these two - particularly Carlos Tevez who is threatening to make the club a powerhouse all by himself. It's worth noting Mario Balotelli's ability to play up-front (freeing up Robinho/Johnson to play out wide) although this would require Mancini to drop one of his talismanic top two. As for Didier Drogba - his agent is now saying the big Ivorian isn't interested in a move. The other reported target Fernando Torres looks set to make a dramatic move to Chelsea this summer.
There is definitely going to be crazy amounts of selling going on as City look to cut their squad down to 25 to meet Premier League regulations. Stand by for madness.
Manchester City (4-4-2) : Given, Boateng, Kompany, Toure, Kolarov, Balotelli, Yaya, Barry, Silva, Adebayor, Tevez
What do you think is Manchester City's strongest eleven?
Wednesday 28 July 2010
Signings Of The Summer : Part 5
Sandro (Tottenham, £10m)
I don't quite know where Sandro would fit into Spurs' setup just yet considering Palacios and Huddlestone both had fantastic seasons last year. Sandro fits the mould of the modern day powerhouse brick wall ball winning playmaker - and he's sure to be a hit at White Hart Lane after turning down a move to Arsenal. Perhaps Harry Redknapp will opt for a 4-5-1 with Modric and Lennon out wide and Defoe up top? Lethal if it clicks. Sandro will need to avoid being yet another South American midfield flop in England. If he does, it wont be long before Europe's top clubs are knocking on 'arry's door.
Pablo Barrera (West Ham, £4m)
Manchester United were linked with Barrera and there is no way they could have signed him for a small sum like £4m. Avram Grant was very smart in signing the flamboyant winger and Upton Park could be an ideal platform for Barrera to grow into English football under the radar. In Carlton Cole, Barrera may have found an ideal striker to latch onto his infamous crosses and this season could mark the start of Barrera's rise in football.
Thomas Hitzlsperger (West Ham, Free)
Why is Hitzlesperger in this list? Well, he's Premier League proven having played 99 league games for Aston Villa. He has a hammer of a shot that can trouble any goalkeeper. He's been capped by the German national side 51 times. He's a leader on the pitch with a never-say-die attitude. He's still only 28. He cost nothing. Shrewd move by Avram, but signing of the season?
I don't quite know where Sandro would fit into Spurs' setup just yet considering Palacios and Huddlestone both had fantastic seasons last year. Sandro fits the mould of the modern day powerhouse brick wall ball winning playmaker - and he's sure to be a hit at White Hart Lane after turning down a move to Arsenal. Perhaps Harry Redknapp will opt for a 4-5-1 with Modric and Lennon out wide and Defoe up top? Lethal if it clicks. Sandro will need to avoid being yet another South American midfield flop in England. If he does, it wont be long before Europe's top clubs are knocking on 'arry's door.
Pablo Barrera (West Ham, £4m)
Manchester United were linked with Barrera and there is no way they could have signed him for a small sum like £4m. Avram Grant was very smart in signing the flamboyant winger and Upton Park could be an ideal platform for Barrera to grow into English football under the radar. In Carlton Cole, Barrera may have found an ideal striker to latch onto his infamous crosses and this season could mark the start of Barrera's rise in football.
Thomas Hitzlsperger (West Ham, Free)
Why is Hitzlesperger in this list? Well, he's Premier League proven having played 99 league games for Aston Villa. He has a hammer of a shot that can trouble any goalkeeper. He's been capped by the German national side 51 times. He's a leader on the pitch with a never-say-die attitude. He's still only 28. He cost nothing. Shrewd move by Avram, but signing of the season?
Signings Of The Summer : Part 4
Aleksandar Kolarov (Man City, £16m)
Rip off? No way. Bargain. But what happens to Wayne Bridge? The Serb is a definite step-up in quality (sorry Wayne) but Bridge is left in the same old dilemma he was in a Chelsea - that too after a fantastic season. "I want two top-class players for each position," said coach Roberto Mancini upon signing Kolarov - a statement which would only anger his squad even if it does scratch the itch of transfer-hungry City fans. Kolarov provides a powerful shot and an unbreakable spirit that will definitely help bolster City's back-line - provided Mancini can get it organized and game-ready as soon as possible. Kolarov is definitely one for the fantasy football teams by the way.
Javier Hernandez (Man Utd, £6m)
Chicarito impressed in the World Cup which allayed the fears of many United fans who were suspecting another Manucho/Dong deal. Hernandez has surprising strength and blistering speed which is sure to get the Stretford End out of their seats. Hernandez also has the ideal role model waiting at Manchester United - Michael Owen. The similarities in playing styles between these two is unquestionable and Javier has all the tools needed to fulfill his potential. Bobby Charlton recently said he was excited to see the young Mexican in a Reds shirt which is high praise indeed but it is as yet unknown whether Ferguson will opt to loan the starlet out to get some European football experience. One things for sure - the fans need to give him time to settle before jumping to conclusions about his football calibre. Remember Forlan?
Dan Gosling (Newcastle, Free)
Newly promoted Newcastle landed Dan Gosling on a free transfer after Everton simply failed to offer him a contract - apparently having a verbal gentleman's agreement in place which Gosling went back on at the last minute. Gosling is proven to be a hard-working versatile utility player with a bright future and he will be one of the keys in ensuring Newcastle do not yo-yo back down. Can't really go wrong at the price but Gosling will get an interesting reaction upon returning to Goodison Park next season.
Rip off? No way. Bargain. But what happens to Wayne Bridge? The Serb is a definite step-up in quality (sorry Wayne) but Bridge is left in the same old dilemma he was in a Chelsea - that too after a fantastic season. "I want two top-class players for each position," said coach Roberto Mancini upon signing Kolarov - a statement which would only anger his squad even if it does scratch the itch of transfer-hungry City fans. Kolarov provides a powerful shot and an unbreakable spirit that will definitely help bolster City's back-line - provided Mancini can get it organized and game-ready as soon as possible. Kolarov is definitely one for the fantasy football teams by the way.
Javier Hernandez (Man Utd, £6m)
Chicarito impressed in the World Cup which allayed the fears of many United fans who were suspecting another Manucho/Dong deal. Hernandez has surprising strength and blistering speed which is sure to get the Stretford End out of their seats. Hernandez also has the ideal role model waiting at Manchester United - Michael Owen. The similarities in playing styles between these two is unquestionable and Javier has all the tools needed to fulfill his potential. Bobby Charlton recently said he was excited to see the young Mexican in a Reds shirt which is high praise indeed but it is as yet unknown whether Ferguson will opt to loan the starlet out to get some European football experience. One things for sure - the fans need to give him time to settle before jumping to conclusions about his football calibre. Remember Forlan?
Dan Gosling (Newcastle, Free)
Newly promoted Newcastle landed Dan Gosling on a free transfer after Everton simply failed to offer him a contract - apparently having a verbal gentleman's agreement in place which Gosling went back on at the last minute. Gosling is proven to be a hard-working versatile utility player with a bright future and he will be one of the keys in ensuring Newcastle do not yo-yo back down. Can't really go wrong at the price but Gosling will get an interesting reaction upon returning to Goodison Park next season.
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.
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.
Signings Of The Summer : Part 2
Martin Petrov (Bolton, Free)
At the age of 31, Martin Petrov could be yet more proof of the two-years-too-late transfer policy often associated with Bolton. If Petrov still possesses the pace and explosive ability seen almost 3 years ago with Manchester City, there can be no doubt that signing him was a no-brainer. His set piece ability and experience can only be a good thing for Bolton however - who have been taking one step forward and two steps back in recent seasons.
Yossi Benayoun (Chelsea, £5.5m)
The Israel captain's was one of the more interesting transfers this summer as he switched form Liverpool to League champions Chelsea. Benayoun has taken Joe Cole's no. 10 shirt which may indicate he is simply a like for like replacement after Cole went the other way switching to Anfield. Many, including myself, question Benayoun's class although he does at times produce moments of inspiration and can find a killer ball in a seemingly stale-mate contest. he is almost certain not to displace Malouda, Lampard or Anelka (depending on Chelsea's formation) but does carry vast experience and Premier League know-how.
Jermaine Beckford (Everton, Free)
The Leeds strike was clearly too good for League One and sent shock-waves through the Premier League when he put Manchester United to the sword in last years FA Cup. The question remains - is he top flight standard? At 26 years old, it's now or never for Beckford - who now has to compete with the likes of Saha and Yakubu for a starting spot. Is he just another Ebanks-Blake?
At the age of 31, Martin Petrov could be yet more proof of the two-years-too-late transfer policy often associated with Bolton. If Petrov still possesses the pace and explosive ability seen almost 3 years ago with Manchester City, there can be no doubt that signing him was a no-brainer. His set piece ability and experience can only be a good thing for Bolton however - who have been taking one step forward and two steps back in recent seasons.
Yossi Benayoun (Chelsea, £5.5m)
The Israel captain's was one of the more interesting transfers this summer as he switched form Liverpool to League champions Chelsea. Benayoun has taken Joe Cole's no. 10 shirt which may indicate he is simply a like for like replacement after Cole went the other way switching to Anfield. Many, including myself, question Benayoun's class although he does at times produce moments of inspiration and can find a killer ball in a seemingly stale-mate contest. he is almost certain not to displace Malouda, Lampard or Anelka (depending on Chelsea's formation) but does carry vast experience and Premier League know-how.
Jermaine Beckford (Everton, Free)
The Leeds strike was clearly too good for League One and sent shock-waves through the Premier League when he put Manchester United to the sword in last years FA Cup. The question remains - is he top flight standard? At 26 years old, it's now or never for Beckford - who now has to compete with the likes of Saha and Yakubu for a starting spot. Is he just another Ebanks-Blake?
Signings Of The Summer : Part 1
Before you vote on our new poll, take a look at some of our top candidates for signing of the summer so far...
Marouane Chamakh (Arsenal, Free)
Signed at Arsene Wenger's favourite price, the 26-year-old Moroccan attracted interest from many of Europe's major clubs before joining the Gunners under the Bosman ruling. His pace, power and presence could make him the "big man up-front" Arsenal fans and players alike have been calling for to get on the end of some of those glittering passing moves which, in recent history, have been more style than substance. The departure of Eduardo to Shakhtar could createa clear path for Chamakh to be an instant hit at the Emirates.
Nikola Zigic (Birmingham, £6m)
At £6m, the 6ft 8in Serb represents Alex McLeish's first attempt to cement Birmingham City's status as mid-table Premier League side. Valencia once payed £20m for the target man who was chased by surprisingly big names in 2007. He's a regular for his country but there are question marks over how well he will settle at his new club. Zigic will obviously have no problems adjusting to the physical side of the English game but who would Birmingham's record signing partner up-front? The traditional big/small partnership may have to be ditched in favour of an uninspiring big/bigger pairing alongside Cameron Jerome.
Ben Foster (Birmingham, £6m)
Birmingham were possibly a little unfortunate with just how quickly Joe Hart stepped his game up last season. The result was Manchester City deemed it wiser to hold on to Hart this year as a back-up or potential successor to Shay Given. Birmingham had to shell out for a new goalkeeper - and had an initial offer of £4m for Ben Foster accepted by Manchester United. Foster knows he has to be playing week in and week out at club level to have any hope of getting near the national team and he will get that opportunity with his new club. Both he and his club will have a point to prove this season.
Marouane Chamakh (Arsenal, Free)
Signed at Arsene Wenger's favourite price, the 26-year-old Moroccan attracted interest from many of Europe's major clubs before joining the Gunners under the Bosman ruling. His pace, power and presence could make him the "big man up-front" Arsenal fans and players alike have been calling for to get on the end of some of those glittering passing moves which, in recent history, have been more style than substance. The departure of Eduardo to Shakhtar could createa clear path for Chamakh to be an instant hit at the Emirates.
Nikola Zigic (Birmingham, £6m)
At £6m, the 6ft 8in Serb represents Alex McLeish's first attempt to cement Birmingham City's status as mid-table Premier League side. Valencia once payed £20m for the target man who was chased by surprisingly big names in 2007. He's a regular for his country but there are question marks over how well he will settle at his new club. Zigic will obviously have no problems adjusting to the physical side of the English game but who would Birmingham's record signing partner up-front? The traditional big/small partnership may have to be ditched in favour of an uninspiring big/bigger pairing alongside Cameron Jerome.
Ben Foster (Birmingham, £6m)
Birmingham were possibly a little unfortunate with just how quickly Joe Hart stepped his game up last season. The result was Manchester City deemed it wiser to hold on to Hart this year as a back-up or potential successor to Shay Given. Birmingham had to shell out for a new goalkeeper - and had an initial offer of £4m for Ben Foster accepted by Manchester United. Foster knows he has to be playing week in and week out at club level to have any hope of getting near the national team and he will get that opportunity with his new club. Both he and his club will have a point to prove this season.
The New Season Is Approaching
Premier League 2010/2011 Season Preview
It's been way too long since we've had any football to watch but the pre-season friendlies are finally in progress and squad lists are being submitted. That can only mean one thing : football is back!
Over the coming days, ease those withdrawal symptoms with The Football Insight. We'll be offering our thoughts on all the important summer transfers as well as the teams and players we will be tipping for success over the coming season.
Until then, we want to know what you think.
Have your say on our new polls on the side of this page.
Which team will win the Premier League? Which signings are you most excited to see in action? Which teams are going to be in the relegation scrap? Let us know and come back soon. Big updates on the way.
It's been way too long since we've had any football to watch but the pre-season friendlies are finally in progress and squad lists are being submitted. That can only mean one thing : football is back!
Over the coming days, ease those withdrawal symptoms with The Football Insight. We'll be offering our thoughts on all the important summer transfers as well as the teams and players we will be tipping for success over the coming season.
Until then, we want to know what you think.
Have your say on our new polls on the side of this page.
Which team will win the Premier League? Which signings are you most excited to see in action? Which teams are going to be in the relegation scrap? Let us know and come back soon. Big updates on the way.
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