by johntheclaret » Sun Aug 01, 2010 2:02 am
Gill makes a valid point regarding the apparent non-activity in the transfer market. The world cup took 6 weeks out of the window, but with the new regulations concening squad numbers and home-grown talent, it is likely a number of clubs will be looking to off load players. The big problem for many of the top clubs is the number of high earners and even loan deals are likley to need support from the parent club, particularly in the case of Man City and Chelsea. Many would say these clubs have made thier beds and must now lie in them.
Anyway, with a depressed transfer market here are the top 10 transfer so far. will there be any more to top what we have ?
David Villa - Valencia to Barcelona
Spain would not only appear to have the finest national team on the planet but also the strongest domestic league, with star striker Villa shunning the opportunity to move to the Premier League in favour of a switch to Camp Nou. Valencia reportedly received a fee in the region of £35million when a deal for Villa was completed back in May, but there can be no doubt that it was money well spent as the 28-year-old is one of the most lethal frontmen in the business, blessed with pace, skill and extraordinary finishing ability. Having sparkled in South Africa and enjoyed prolific season after prolific season in the Primera Liga, it is frightening to think about how many goals Villa, now at the peak of his career, might score alongside Messi and co in Barcelona colours.
David Silva - Valencia to Manchester City
Silva became the next big name after Villa to exit Valencia when he was snapped up by Manchester City for around £25million. Little should be read into the fact that he did not play much for Spain at the World Cup, after all neither did Cesc Fabregas. This is a player who has the potential to make a major impact in English football, with Roberto Mancini saying that his signing illustrates the level of City's ambition. The winger has tormented full-backs in his homeland over the past few years and, at the age of 24, is only likely to get better. Despite fierce competition for places at Eastlands, Silva should be one of the first names on the team sheet and will be looking to help fire City to some silverware.
Yaya Toure - Barcelona to Manchester City
Mancini has not been shy to splash the cash this summer and among his new recruits is a player who was a key figure at Barcelona until just a few months ago. For a defensive midfielder to cost £20million provides more than evidence of City's spending power, it also shows that Toure is a class act. He may have fallen down the pecking order towards the end of his stay at Camp Nou, but remains a formidable opponent who should be well suited to the physicality of the Premier League. Having his brother Kolo already at the club will help the 27-year-old, who relishes a battle in the centre of the field but also possesses excellent technique.
Joe Cole - Chelsea to Liverpool
He may have been available on a free transfer but Liverpool still pulled off one of the biggest coups of the close season when they won the chase for the popular Londoner. Tottenham and Arsenal had both been interested in snapping up Cole following his release from Chelsea after seven years at Stamford Bridge that had been successful in terms of trophies and yet often frustrating. The 28-year-old has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter for club and country in recent times but remains one of the most talented playmakers of his generation and will hope to rediscover his best form at Anfield. Cole's arrival had an added benefit in that it helped convince Steven Gerrard to commit his future to the club, with supporters now dreaming of a return to the glory days.
Marouane Chamakh - Bordeaux to Arsenal
Much was expected from Arsene Wenger in the transfer window but so far the Arsenal manager has stuck to his policy of not chasing the biggest names in the game. He will have been delighted to secure the services of Chamakh though, who was attracting widespread interest as his contract with Bordeaux drew closer to ending. The Moroccan striker, who bears a resemblance to Cristiano Ronaldo, may not play the same way as the former Manchester United ace but he does have the ability to take the Premier League by storm. Skilful and agile but also strong in the air, Chamakh will bring an extra dimension to the Gunners' attractive attacking play and could provide a solution to the problems that have prevented them from claiming a trophy since 2005.
Javier Hernandez - Chivas de Guadalajara to Manchester United
United's announcement in April that a deal had been agreed to sign Hernandez sent supporters scurrying to find out more about the little-known Mexican, but it became apparent during the World Cup that Sir Alex Ferguson had struck gold once again. The 22-year-old scored well-taken goals against both France and Argentina, while he was reportedly clocked as the fastest player of the whole tournament. Ferguson will probably take the view that his £8million purchase of Hernandez is a long-term investment, but the youngster has a fantastic eye for goal and could be difficult to dislodge from the side if he gets the opportunity to impress.
Angel di Maria - Benfica to Real Madrid
Di Maria has been regarded as one of the hottest young properties in football for some time, having produced a series of dazzling performances for Benfica over the past few seasons. He has also become an important component of the Argentina team, no mean feat considering the wealth of options at Diego Maradona's disposal. Having done well at the World Cup, the 22-year-old then tied up a big-money move to Real Madrid believed to be worth in excess of £20million. Di Maria will have several high-profile rivals for a place in the team at the Santiago Bernabeu but he has the tools to unlock defences and Jose Mourinho will hope his arrival can propel Real towards domestic and European success.
Yossi Benayoun - Liverpool to Chelsea
Cole's aforementioned switch in the opposite direction may have appealed more to the headline writers but Chelsea will be glad to have bolstered their midfield options with the acquisition of Benayoun. The nimble-footed Israeli showed during his time at Anfield that he is capable of breathtaking moments of magic and if he can find more consistency he could be a real hit with his new club. The Blues needed reinforcements after letting Cole and Michael Ballack go, and Benayoun's speed and trickery will come in useful during another title tilt.
Martin Petrov - Manchester City to Bolton
For Bolton to have snared a player of Petrov's calibre is an amazing triumph. The Bulgarian may have been deemed surplus to requirements at Eastlands and allowed to leave at the end of his contract, but he has demonstrated during his time in England that he is a highly effective performer. There are not many other left wingers in the Premier League that can strike fear into opposing defenders like an on-song Petrov, and he is sure to get the opportunity to start more regularly at the Reebok Stadium. The 31-year-old is fast and direct and should slot nicely into a Trotters side that can be expected to play some exciting stuff under Owen Coyle.
Thierry Henry - Barcelona to New York Red Bulls
There is a growing trend for top players of a certain age to venture away from Europe to less obvious footballing hotspots, with Fabio Cannavaro also joining Al-Ahli Dubai this summer. Henry has opted for a switch to New York after a glittering career with Arsenal and Barcelona, as the MLS continues to attract big names. Now 32, the Frenchman's star may be on the wane but he still has something to offer the Red Bulls and his arrival can only boost the game in America.
