Transfer Talk – Part 1

Few days left before Pandora’s Box is open again. Come January, the transfer window will send its billions flying all around Europe and many footballers on to new roller-coaster rides. The transfer rumors are intensifying and some deals are almost done, but won’t be unveiled until the 1st of January – or so we’re told. Figo29.com and TheFootballSupernova.com have joined forces to discuss the rumors, speculations, and give a little analysis regarding the potential transfers and will both publish a series of posts regarding Europe’s biggest names.

Part 1 will cover England’s Manchester clubs and Chelsea:

Manchester United

Figo29: If I were Sir Alex, I would sign an experienced defender, a central holding midfielder and a creative midfielder. He should break all the rules and salary caps and structures to sign Wesley Sneijder. If Sneijder is still an impossible transfer, my options for the Sir are either Henrique Ganso or Adel Taarabt. As for the defensive/holding midfielders, Lassana Diarra or Sami Khedira from Real Madrid may be good loan deals, but the real deal may come in the name of Lucas Biglia. Rumor has it that his agent is already in talks with the Red Devils. On the Nicolas Gaitán news, I do not think he will sign for the team; at least not this season.

TFS: There’s always room for improvements at United. A versatile defender, on a loan perhaps, wouldn’t be a bad idea given that Vidic’s gone for the season. The same could be said about the midfield and while the calls are usually for the creative midfielder, I’d say it’s the midfield spoiler that United lack. One name comes to mind for me and I’d love to see him in United’s colors – Sheikh Tiote of Newcastle United. With Fletcher gone for a long period, not only would he provide cover there, but his arrival would definitely bring out the best in whoever plays alongside him. However, historically, Ferguson is not very active in the January transfer window – so I wouldn’t expect any signings until the summer.

Manchester City

Figo29: Mancini says he needs to sell before he buys. I guess it is one of those rare moments where he is talking sense again. Carlos Tevez, Nedum Onuoha and Wayne Bridge are on the way out, and I do not believe that Manchester City needs replacements. However, given the blank cheques by the Arab owners, Mancini will be tempted to sign someone to cover for the Toure brothers while they are away on a three week mission to win the African Cup of Nations. No one will refuse City’s call, and I will not be surprised if Gary Cahill makes a shock move to the blue side of Manchester.

TFS: The only transfers that should happen during the January window are the exits of Tevez and Bridge. If they buy any more players, it will be for marketing purposes and not to bolster the strongest squad in the league. With the Toure brothers bound for a stint away during the Cup of Nations, there’s a perception that Yaya will be missed dearly – though we often forget that Nigel De Jong, one of their best players last season, is waiting to grab his chance. I expect only outgoing transfers.

Chelsea

Figo29: In short, I believe they need to buy a new team around Luiz-Ramires-Torres. Yet, the January transfer window is not the ideal time to buy the ideal players, and big money transfers or big changes should wait till the Summer. Anelka already left, Alex will leave soon, and Drogba is rumored to be on his way to Anzhi Makhachkala. A dream move would bring Javier Saviola, who lost his starting 11 spot in Benfica, to Chelsea. Bolton already gave the go-ahead for talks with Gary Cahill, and Jack Rodwell is in advanced talks to join the London side. If these two join Chelsea, I will not ask for more signings before the Summer. Milos Krasic, whose agent is already talking to Chelsea, will also be a great option. Big money signings will arrive at The Bridge this Winter.

TFS: No transfer window these days goes by without some sort of activity by Roman Abramovich. With Terry’s potential racism charge on the cards, as well as Alex’s exit, a defender is a must. It has already been confirmed that discussions for Gary Cahill are at an advanced stage, so that should be done and dusted soon. Anelka’s gone to China and Drogba will be at the Cup of Nations soon – so the call for a striker is looming; but with Torres, Sturridge and Lukaku, I’d be surprised if one was signed. One defender and possibly a move for a midfielder as well are likely – with Krasic rumored to be on his way, though I don’t see why they’d add another attacking-minded midfielder, knowing they’ve got Lampard on the bench.

 

 

Part 2 will be published in the coming days.