Fran Merida (From Arsenal to Atletico Madrid, Free)
From the Barca youth system to North London, the youngster proved to have all the technical ability you would expect from a Spanish central midfielder. Remind you of anyone? Arsenal are now staring at the prospect of losing both Cesc Fabregas and Fran Merida in the same season after the latter refused a contract extension last year. The ex-Barca man has now finds himself in Madrid (the red half) in a bid to fast-track his progress to the pinnacle of both domestic and international football. There are few better places for a young midfielder to hone his skills then Arsenal or indeed Barcelona but Merida joins the likes of Jose Jurado, Ignacio Camacho, David de Gea, Sergio Asenjo, Raul Garcia, Eduardo Salvio, Leandro Cabrera and German Pacheco in a side full of gifted young talents with a point to prove. It's an excited time to be an Atletico fan.
Adriano (From Sevilla to Barcelona, £7.9m)
Adriano has become the 5th Brazilian in a prodominantley Spanish squad (Henrique, Keirrison, Maxwell and Alves are the other 4 Brazilians). He is the opitome of a utility player able to play on either flank in defense or midfield. "The truth is that I began my career at Curitiba as a left-back and that is where I can best show off my virtues. I feel most comfortable on the left, but I am accustomed to playing in other positions without too much problem." Clearly Barcelona have no midfield problems and Guardiola has suggested that Adriano was bought primarily as cover for the left side of defense; "Abidal can play as centre-back, that's why we preferred to sign Adriano. Besides, we also have some stars coming."
David Villa (From Valencia to Barcelona, £33.2m)
Here is one of those stars. Valencia's financial troubles were well documented and this signing was always on the cards. Barcelona look to have capitalised by signing one of the worlds best players at a more than reasonable fee (just £5m more than they received for Yaya Toure!). The biggest question marks are now over the future of Zlatan Ibrahimovic - recent reports linking the sharp-elbowed Swede with AC Milan of all clubs. Barca fans are now staring at the prospect of a Pedro-Villa-Messi front 3 - an attack that can literally shred any defence to pieces, especially when supposted by the likes of Iniesta and Xavi.
Jonathan de Guzman (From Feyenoord to Mallorca, Free)
After running out of contract, de Guzman entertained the idea of coming to the Premier League before settling on cash-strapped Mallorca. The 22-year-old has had his fair share of injuries and was once one of Europe's highest rated playmakers. He will once again have a chance to build his reputation at a club where his services are desperately needed in a midfield lacking creativity.
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Serie A Transfer Update : Part 2 (Bonucci, Martinez, Veloso, Eduardo, Cavani)
Leonardo Bonucci (From Bari to Juventus, £12.8m)
Bonucci made his name as recently as 9 months ago when he and Andrea Ranocchia formed a rock solid central-defensive pairing that ultimately secured a mid-table finish for Bari. Ranocchia picked up a mid-season injury but Bonucci went from strength to strength. The 6ft 3in 23-year-old has already been capped twice by Italy and is seen as a long term successor to Nicola Legrottaglie and partner to Giorgio Chiellini.
Jorge Martinez (From Catania to Juventus, £10m)
9 goals in 25 league games least season prompted Juventus to take notice of Martinez who is capable of playing on either wing. He was instrumental in Catania recording their greatest ever Serie A points total though the the 27-year-old is likely to be a bench-warmer behind the likes of Del Piero, Camoranesi and Pepe.
Miguel Veloso (From Sporting to Genoa, £5.4m*)
Alberto Zapater was sent to Sporting as part of this deal which significantly bolsters the strength of Genoa's midfield. Despite his deep-rooted love for Lisbon, Veloso is eager not to become one of football's nearly men and knows he needs to prove himself in a more competitive league. “I feel a little sadness. I am leaving the club that made me, both as a player and as a man, so I feel some sadness,” Veloso said. “Sporting is the club that gave me everything, so had I stayed I would have done so with heart and soul, but as this was not the case, I will try and assert myself in another championship." Veloso is rarely capped (just 14 times) for Portugal despite consistent performances in the Portugese Liga. Asked about the influence fellow Portugese International Eduardo had on his decision to sign for Genoa, Veloso replied "Eduardo? I spoke with him by telephone, but not yet in person. On the day I did my medical I was a little rushed, but on Tuesday I will have the chance to get together with him.”
Eduardo (From Braga to Genoa, £3.7m)
The Portugese no. 1 was bought in as a replacement for Marco Amelia who has gone on loan to Milan for a season after turning down moves to bigger clubs for a guarantee of first team football. Eduardo's signature has been highly sought after since his impressive showing at the recent World Cup as well as his part in Portugal's incredible defensive run.
Edinson Cavani (From Palermo to Naploi, £14.4m)
Another bright light of the World Cup, Cavani has signed a 4-year-deal with Napoli - the first year being a loan with the move being made permanent in the summer of 2011. The Uruguayan bolsters and already fearsome attack which boasts talents like Ezequiel Lavezzi and Fabio Quagliarella. This move is indicative of the genuine Champions League ambitions of Napoli though I fear they are strengthening at the wrong end of the pitch.
Bonucci made his name as recently as 9 months ago when he and Andrea Ranocchia formed a rock solid central-defensive pairing that ultimately secured a mid-table finish for Bari. Ranocchia picked up a mid-season injury but Bonucci went from strength to strength. The 6ft 3in 23-year-old has already been capped twice by Italy and is seen as a long term successor to Nicola Legrottaglie and partner to Giorgio Chiellini.
Jorge Martinez (From Catania to Juventus, £10m)
9 goals in 25 league games least season prompted Juventus to take notice of Martinez who is capable of playing on either wing. He was instrumental in Catania recording their greatest ever Serie A points total though the the 27-year-old is likely to be a bench-warmer behind the likes of Del Piero, Camoranesi and Pepe.
Miguel Veloso (From Sporting to Genoa, £5.4m*)
Alberto Zapater was sent to Sporting as part of this deal which significantly bolsters the strength of Genoa's midfield. Despite his deep-rooted love for Lisbon, Veloso is eager not to become one of football's nearly men and knows he needs to prove himself in a more competitive league. “I feel a little sadness. I am leaving the club that made me, both as a player and as a man, so I feel some sadness,” Veloso said. “Sporting is the club that gave me everything, so had I stayed I would have done so with heart and soul, but as this was not the case, I will try and assert myself in another championship." Veloso is rarely capped (just 14 times) for Portugal despite consistent performances in the Portugese Liga. Asked about the influence fellow Portugese International Eduardo had on his decision to sign for Genoa, Veloso replied "Eduardo? I spoke with him by telephone, but not yet in person. On the day I did my medical I was a little rushed, but on Tuesday I will have the chance to get together with him.”
Eduardo (From Braga to Genoa, £3.7m)
The Portugese no. 1 was bought in as a replacement for Marco Amelia who has gone on loan to Milan for a season after turning down moves to bigger clubs for a guarantee of first team football. Eduardo's signature has been highly sought after since his impressive showing at the recent World Cup as well as his part in Portugal's incredible defensive run.
Edinson Cavani (From Palermo to Naploi, £14.4m)
Another bright light of the World Cup, Cavani has signed a 4-year-deal with Napoli - the first year being a loan with the move being made permanent in the summer of 2011. The Uruguayan bolsters and already fearsome attack which boasts talents like Ezequiel Lavezzi and Fabio Quagliarella. This move is indicative of the genuine Champions League ambitions of Napoli though I fear they are strengthening at the wrong end of the pitch.
Serie A Transfer Update : Part 1 (Papastathopoulos, Adriano, D'Agostino, Toni)
Sokratis Papastathopoulos (from Genoa to Milan, £4.2m)
Papastathopoulos is a genuinely top quality central defender and Milan will be delighted at the fee for which he was signed. The Greek defender has won many fans of late with his no-nonsense defending. Recent reports have suggested however, that Papastathopoulos may be employed in his secondary role as a right-back at Milan with Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva expected to retain their places in the centre. Sokratis' ox-like strength combined with gritty determination and impressive pace mean the 22-year-old is sure to be a real hit at the San Siro.
Adriano (Flamengo to Roma, free)
Here's one for the 'Signings of the Summer' folder. The powerhouse striker has had well documented problems with weight, alcohol and authority. At one time, Adriano was considered the next incarnation or Ronaldo. Inter Milan signed Adriano in 2001 and l'imperatore was one of the players who really took Inter back to the pinnacle of Italian football. He had spells at Fiorentina and Parma before returning to Inter in 2004. After signing a new 5 year contract with Inter in 2005, Adriano's focus seemed to waver from football and there were many reports of him spending more time in the bars and clubs of Milan than the training ground. Adriano's weight noticeably ballooned and he was sent to Sao Paulo in 2007 to re-focus on football. He returned to inter for the 2008/2009 season and was back to his old best. Adriano and Inter parted terms mutually after Adriano didn't return from Brazil after going on International duty. Despite 19 goals in 31 games for Flamengo last season, Adriano was not included in Brazil's World Cup squad - seen as too much of a risk by Dunga. Roma picked up Adriano on a free this summer after his 1 year contract with Flamengo expired. He was presented with the number 8 shirt and could partner Vucinic or compatriot Baptista up-front. Adriano will be keen to produce his best football for Roma - who finished just 2 points behind his former club Inter last season.
Gaetano D’Agostino (From Udinese to Fiorentina, £8m)
D'Agostino is basically one of those Italian central midfield passing machines. The poor mans Andrea Pirlo, perhaps. He was a staple in the Udinese team for the last few seasons but the 28-year-old has never been able to make an impact Internationally - earning just 5 caps. It will be interesting to see how Fiorentina use D'Agostino - especially considering the current captain is Riccardo Montolivo. It's possible that Montolivo will sit deep and D'Agostino will be given more of a creative license but are the two too similar to co-exist?
Luca Toni (From Bayern Munich to Genoa, Free)
After a falling out with Louis van Gaal, Luca Toni was given a free transfer from Bayern Munich with Genoa acting quickly to secure his services. At 33 years old, it's unsurprising that Toni would want one last spell in his homeland before possibly hanging up the boots. Genoa will be hoping the big target man can form a classic little-and-large partnership with Rodrigo Palacio as the push for a return to the Europa League.
Papastathopoulos is a genuinely top quality central defender and Milan will be delighted at the fee for which he was signed. The Greek defender has won many fans of late with his no-nonsense defending. Recent reports have suggested however, that Papastathopoulos may be employed in his secondary role as a right-back at Milan with Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva expected to retain their places in the centre. Sokratis' ox-like strength combined with gritty determination and impressive pace mean the 22-year-old is sure to be a real hit at the San Siro.
Adriano (Flamengo to Roma, free)
Here's one for the 'Signings of the Summer' folder. The powerhouse striker has had well documented problems with weight, alcohol and authority. At one time, Adriano was considered the next incarnation or Ronaldo. Inter Milan signed Adriano in 2001 and l'imperatore was one of the players who really took Inter back to the pinnacle of Italian football. He had spells at Fiorentina and Parma before returning to Inter in 2004. After signing a new 5 year contract with Inter in 2005, Adriano's focus seemed to waver from football and there were many reports of him spending more time in the bars and clubs of Milan than the training ground. Adriano's weight noticeably ballooned and he was sent to Sao Paulo in 2007 to re-focus on football. He returned to inter for the 2008/2009 season and was back to his old best. Adriano and Inter parted terms mutually after Adriano didn't return from Brazil after going on International duty. Despite 19 goals in 31 games for Flamengo last season, Adriano was not included in Brazil's World Cup squad - seen as too much of a risk by Dunga. Roma picked up Adriano on a free this summer after his 1 year contract with Flamengo expired. He was presented with the number 8 shirt and could partner Vucinic or compatriot Baptista up-front. Adriano will be keen to produce his best football for Roma - who finished just 2 points behind his former club Inter last season.
Gaetano D’Agostino (From Udinese to Fiorentina, £8m)
D'Agostino is basically one of those Italian central midfield passing machines. The poor mans Andrea Pirlo, perhaps. He was a staple in the Udinese team for the last few seasons but the 28-year-old has never been able to make an impact Internationally - earning just 5 caps. It will be interesting to see how Fiorentina use D'Agostino - especially considering the current captain is Riccardo Montolivo. It's possible that Montolivo will sit deep and D'Agostino will be given more of a creative license but are the two too similar to co-exist?
Luca Toni (From Bayern Munich to Genoa, Free)
After a falling out with Louis van Gaal, Luca Toni was given a free transfer from Bayern Munich with Genoa acting quickly to secure his services. At 33 years old, it's unsurprising that Toni would want one last spell in his homeland before possibly hanging up the boots. Genoa will be hoping the big target man can form a classic little-and-large partnership with Rodrigo Palacio as the push for a return to the Europa League.
Premier League Transfer Update : Part 2 (Campbell, Bramble, Fletcher, Koscielny)
Sol Campbell (To Newcastle)
Good signing (I suppose). Sol Campbell was worryingly impressive for the most part during his return to Arsenal last season and his Premier League experience can only be a good thing for newly promoted Newcastle. The big centre-back is obviously only a short term measure and Newcastle will look to the likes of Steven Taylor or new signing James Perch to capably fill the position next to Fabricio Coloccini in the long term.
Titus Bramble (From Wigan to Sunderland, £1m)
Our views on Titus Shamble have been well documented but Steve Bruce is no mug and will know that Bramble is, at least, a good dressing room character. Bramble is highly unlikely to be a starter for Sunderland and for the price he isn't an awful back-up to the likes of Michael Turner and Anton Ferdinand.
Steven Fletcher (Burnley to Wolves, £6.5m)
£6.5m is a lot of money - especially for a club like Wolves - but Steven Fletcher has shown himself to be a capable striker with good pace, presence and an eye for goal. Fletcher bagged 12 goals in 38 games with little quality service in an unsuccessful relegation fight for Burnley last season prompting many clubs to come in for his signature. Wolves paid their joint highest ever fee (they previously paid £6.5m for Kevin Doyle) for the Scottish International who said recently of his new season's targets, "I don't want to put pressure on myself. If I beat last year's (goals) total it will be a good achievement." Wolves boss Mick McCarthy came under heavy criticism during last season for his persistence in playing one up top and despite vindicating himself by guiding the club to promotion, McCarthy has accepted the squad needs strengthening and will now hope for his potentially explosive strike pairing of Doyle and Fletcher to click in a bid to avoid the dreaded Second Season Syndrome.
Laurent Koscielny (Lorient to Arsenal, £10m)
What do William Gallas, Sol Campbell, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre have in common? They are all central defenders who were either released or out of contract at Arsenal this summer. The result? Arsene Wenger has taken a rare dip into that Arsenal wallet and splashed the cash on French centre back Laurent Koscielny. Wenger obviously has high hopes for the 24-year-old as Johan Djourou is the only other central defender in the squad. Arsene Wenger knows his French footballers and if Koscielny makes anywhere near the impact made by Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal fans will be rejoicing for years to come. It is still very possible however that Wenger will venture into the transfer market again this season.
Good signing (I suppose). Sol Campbell was worryingly impressive for the most part during his return to Arsenal last season and his Premier League experience can only be a good thing for newly promoted Newcastle. The big centre-back is obviously only a short term measure and Newcastle will look to the likes of Steven Taylor or new signing James Perch to capably fill the position next to Fabricio Coloccini in the long term.
Titus Bramble (From Wigan to Sunderland, £1m)
Our views on Titus Shamble have been well documented but Steve Bruce is no mug and will know that Bramble is, at least, a good dressing room character. Bramble is highly unlikely to be a starter for Sunderland and for the price he isn't an awful back-up to the likes of Michael Turner and Anton Ferdinand.
Steven Fletcher (Burnley to Wolves, £6.5m)
£6.5m is a lot of money - especially for a club like Wolves - but Steven Fletcher has shown himself to be a capable striker with good pace, presence and an eye for goal. Fletcher bagged 12 goals in 38 games with little quality service in an unsuccessful relegation fight for Burnley last season prompting many clubs to come in for his signature. Wolves paid their joint highest ever fee (they previously paid £6.5m for Kevin Doyle) for the Scottish International who said recently of his new season's targets, "I don't want to put pressure on myself. If I beat last year's (goals) total it will be a good achievement." Wolves boss Mick McCarthy came under heavy criticism during last season for his persistence in playing one up top and despite vindicating himself by guiding the club to promotion, McCarthy has accepted the squad needs strengthening and will now hope for his potentially explosive strike pairing of Doyle and Fletcher to click in a bid to avoid the dreaded Second Season Syndrome.
Laurent Koscielny (Lorient to Arsenal, £10m)
What do William Gallas, Sol Campbell, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre have in common? They are all central defenders who were either released or out of contract at Arsenal this summer. The result? Arsene Wenger has taken a rare dip into that Arsenal wallet and splashed the cash on French centre back Laurent Koscielny. Wenger obviously has high hopes for the 24-year-old as Johan Djourou is the only other central defender in the squad. Arsene Wenger knows his French footballers and if Koscielny makes anywhere near the impact made by Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal fans will be rejoicing for years to come. It is still very possible however that Wenger will venture into the transfer market again this season.
Friday, 30 July 2010
Premier League Transfer Update : Part 1 (Alonso, Smalling, Jovanovic, Wilson)
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.
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.
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