Transfer Talk – Part 3

Following what we’ve already covered about some of the Premier League’s top clubs (part 1 and part 2), Figo29.com and Thefootballsupernova.com now have a look at some of Europe’s elite, and most active in the market, Football clubs.

FC Barcelona

Figo29: The major concern is in the attack as David Villa is ruled out for the season. Rumor has it that Chelsea are willing to swap Fernando “I Fire Blanks” Torres for the young trio of Cuenca-Roberto-Montoya. However, they will be looking for a striker with experience AND eligible to play Champions League. Bids are already in place for Abidal (PSG) Keita (Milan) and Maxwell (Arsenal), while Mario Götze is on Barca’s radar. I recommend Maxi Lopez for a second spell or someone who is a real number 9. p.s. Forget about Neymar, please!

TFS: Despite Villa being ruled out, I just can’t see Barca buying anyone significant during the middle of their season. Basically, the way I think of it is – why fix something that isn’t broken? To be fair Villa hasn’t had the best of seasons and regardless of his presence, Barca will still be successful and beating teams for fun. So, no signings here in my opinion, but maybe a new name from their youth ranks.

Real Madrid

Figo29: Mourinho still has at least six months before we witness a new exodus and a wave of signings. Albiol, Higuain, Benzema, Khedira, Diarra, Kaka and Ozil are all rumored to be leaving but that’s not likely to happen soon, not at least for most of them. New additions are coming, so expect to see Neymar, Bale, Gotze, Tevez, or even Hulk. I take no gambles with Real Madrid.

TFS: I can’t see them selling anyone in the transfer window. Anything could disrupt the fragility of their title challenge. Mourinho is never a big spender in January, nor are Real Madrid. If a signing is made, it’ll be in the summer and it will be another huge “galactico” signing. So for now…nada.

AC Milan

Figo29: Galliani says it is either Tevez or no one. Don’t trust him. Pato and Robinho are unsettled, so is Taye Taiwo. Maxwell and Keita are probable reinforcements, and a surprise Kaka return might be on the cards. Maxi Lopez, Domenico Criscito, Riccardo Montolivo, and Ganso all expressed their love to Milan, and Milan needs all of them.

TFS: They’ve got to buy Tevez. If not to bolster their striking options, then simply so that we (the football fans) can stop hearing about Tevez moaning about what he likes and dislikes (weather, food, golf…). Taiwo could be possible departure and I never thought about it – but Old Trafford would suit him, as United do need cover at left-back.

Internazionale Milano

Figo29: Expect another round of useless transfers including a change of the coach, too. Inter has an aging squad and a mad millionaire who will bid for anything this winter. Milito, Motta, Chivu, and Sneijder may not stay and some footballers’ lookalikes will join.

TFS: I bet Sneijder is cursing himself for not pushing to leave during the summer. I doubt they’ll buy anyone significant. Their transfer activity in January won’t do much I believe. Alejandro Gomez (Catania), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen – and a legend in the game Football manager) and Juraj Kucka (Genoa) have all been linked. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Krasic jump the boat from Juventus to Inter either.

Juventus

Figo29: Antonio Conte is gaining the fans and the board’s trust, and no one will argue with him if Vincenzo Iaquinta, Eljero Elia, Fabio Quagliarella, Luca Toni, Amauri, and Miloš Krasić are placed on the transfer list. Yet, do not expect big names to replace any departing player. Angelo Palombo is a probable signing, while Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertongan are tempting enough for the Old Lady.

TFS: Rumor has it that 2 moves are in the works for January – Martin Cacares (a loan from Sevilla with an option to buy) and Marco Boriello (another loan from Roma with an option to buy). Juve have been lethal this season, and I wouldn’t doubt the effect that Conte’s signings could have on their title challenge.

Paris Saint-Germain

Figo29: A rich club wanting to be among Europe’s biggest names in no time, so you do the math. Carlo Ancelotti will lead the overhaul, and he might sign his previous favorites: Malouda, Pato, and Alex. Beckham is one name bigger than the club and can bring the media to Paris, while Tevez might be a shock signing.

TFS: The equivalent of Manchester City in France, they’re linked with pretty much everybody. Some of the names being spoken about are quite ridiculous but I wouldn’t put it past them to make the moves – Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, Kaka, Pato, Malouda, Alex, David Beckham, Higuain….and of course, Carlos Tevez. Let’s see which of these will happen, but I don’t expect Pastore to be the lonely megastar in that team for long.