Rooney to Arsenal? Ibrahimovic to Real Madrid? Thiago to
Bayern? Yes folks, it’s that time of year again when the veritable conundrum of
“who should my club sign” returns to engage us all once more! Be it frantic
negotiations, bloated release clauses, further bloated egos of agents or stoic,
non-committal press conferences- we all love the drama, passion, excitement and
yes, even the ludicrous nature of some of the outcomes of the football transfer
period!
Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente made sure the Italian
Champions made their mark. Neymar adds a gentle surplus to Barcelona’s
offensive line. Bale, Ronaldo, Cavani, Higuain and maybe even Wayne Rooney hang
in the balance. Let’s not forget Thiago Alcantara and Marouane Fellaini- who
themselves seem to not have a clue where they’re headed. Lots of activity was
predicted, though, and so far, not a lot has happened. Fret not though, because
that leaves plenty of room for speculation- and that wins writers like me our
daily bread!
Manchester City, predictably, have bolstered their reserves;
one could argue that was badly needed. Fernandinho, Navas and what’s now
looking like Alvaro Negredo make for major changes in their front line and, presumably,
in the way they will play. Wing-play has not been City’s forte (don’t tell
Pablo Zabaleta!) but evidently, there are plans to change that.
It may serve to unsettle the fulcrum of the team- Nasri,
Silva, Toure, Aguero, Barry (Stop chuckling! He was part of the fulcrum!), Milner-
predominantly central, incisive players. Then again, it will most definitely
add an element of surprise to what last season became a tried, tested and
failed recipe. Wing-play will give them another option in attack and versatility
wins you titles.
Chelsea, unsurprisingly, under Mourinho management have been
active as well- though not as active as many would have thought! Andre Schurrle
is a good signing and Mark Schwarzer is a clever buy as well given the release
of their other goal-keepers. Returning loanee Romelu Lukaku will feel he’s
earned game-time and Marco Ginkel was one of the best players in the Eridivisie
last season. Kevin De Bruyne will not want to be loaned out again but that’s
looking increasingly likely given the improbability that Mourinho will deploy
Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Schurrle, Lukaku, Torres, Ginkel, Lampard and Ramires and
then say “Hey, we have room for one more!” Watch this space because Chelsea
look very strong on paper.
Arsenal started out roaring. The Gunners made statements of
firm intent. Sadly, statements are all the intent has remained confined to thus
far. From courting Wayne Rooney and Gonzalo Higuain (both seemingly
unsuccessfully), the Gunners have now turned their attentions to disgruntled Liverpool
star Luis Suarez.
While Suarez may be flattered by the bid, one wagers Arsenal
fans are not- given his propensity to get hungry when a match is in progress.
Marouane Fellaini is another popular name being bandied about, but David Moyes
may just have the upper hand if, indeed, Marouane’s departure from Goodison
transpires.
Speaking of David Moyes, we come to the Champions. And the
dormancy in this transfer window is not surprising. It can be misleading,
though. David Moyes took over exactly two weeks ago so it’s not unfathomable that
nothing has transpired yet. But, as has been the hallmark of United over the
years, there’s always a surprise in store. And I’m reasonably certain we’ll see
it soon.
A return for Ronaldo? A swoop for Gareth Bale? An exchange
for Wayne Rooney? There’s something about Manchester United that attracts
attention in the transfer window, especially near the culmination. History
would suggest the Red Devils need to be monitored closely in this month.
So, who will prove to be marquee signings? And who will turn
into the Andy Carrolls, Stewart Downings and Andrey Arshavins of the new
season? Only time will tell. And there’s not a lot of it left.
Expect the remaining month and a half to fly by. Expect moves
to come helter-skelter, players to leave countries, clubs and fans aghast, and
most importantly expect football enthusiasts who like to get a word in to opine
with much greater frequency! Business, in a footballing sense, will boom in
this window of opportunity.
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