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.

Transfer Talk – Part 2

As we continue to preview the transfers that might or might not happen in the January transfer window, Figo29.com and Thefootballsupernova.com are discussing once more some other potential moves.

For part one click here.

Part 2 will cover England’s Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Liverpool:

Tottenham Hotspur

Figo29: The math is simple: a rich midfield and a scarcity in attack. Confirmed exclusive news by Les Ferdinand to Figo29.com says that Roman Pavlyuchenko will surely leave the club, if not this winter then by end of season as he “is a hard man to deal with and of a strange character.” Ferdinand also revealed that the club cannot afford Adebayor on the long term and there is no chance he stays by the end of the season. Rumor has it that Leandro Daimao is on the Spurs radar so is Nilmar. Giovani Dos Santos, Niko Kranjcar and Steven Pienaar could all leave as they are looking for regular playtime. Modric is still an uncertainty, and Manchester United will be happy to receive him.

TFS: As much as he denies it, Redknapp is a great dealer in the transfer market. Whether or not he can bolster his squad in January is another question. I do think they need re-enforcements. They’re very close to become serious title contenders, and the only two positions I believe they should improve are the left-back spot (Assou-Ekotto isn’t that great) and up front. They probably won’t buy a left-back in the January window as that isn’t a priority, but up front they need some alternatives. With Pavlyuchenko probably on his way out, I wouldn’t be entirely surprised to see a striker coming in. Someone with experience to support Adebayor – Amauri possibly?

Arsenal

Figo29: Arsene Wenger will make up his mind on Thierry Henry soon while Hugo Rodallega and Luka Podolski are on the Frenchman’s agenda. He is looking for cover upfront while van Persie is the only survivor. With Bacary Sagna, Carl Jenkinson, Andre Santos and Kieran Gibbs are all injured, rumor has it that Alex from Chelsea and Wayne Bridge from Manchester City are on their way to the Emirates. Arshavin and Chamakh may not last beyond the transfer window and Lassana Diarra or Lucas Biglia could help the Gunners into a Champions League spot.

TFS: Arsenal have always had the same problems in recent seasons after the New Year. Lots of injuries, some players going to the Cup of Nations, and a lack of depth in the squad. They need to add some numbers in the squad, as well as get rid of some. Coming in: talk of a Thierry Henry returning could materialize, but is that Arsenal’s solution? In the short term, with Gervinho and Chamakh off to Africa, then yes. But given that Van Persie’s only cover, Chamakh, is quite rubbish, they need someone to help him up there. Podolski has been mentioned and would be a good match for Wenger. The wing-backs are also a problem, so despite Wayne Bridge being touted for the move, I do expect Wenger to go for someone unheard of or for someone with more experience like Jan Vertonghen of Ajax who is a versatile defender. Going out: Arshavin has surely got to leave now and the previously mentioned Chamakh – both, for simply being pretty useless.

Liverpool

Figo29: The best signings for Liverpool are already concluded: Return of Steven Gerrard and a rejuvenated Maxi Rodriguez. However, the suspension of Luis Suarez will leave a lackluster Carroll alone, and some probable alternatives are Marouane Chamakh, Bobby Zamora, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar or Amauri. In the meantime, Cheick Tioté or Sami Khedira can add some strength in the absence of Lucas, while Raul Albiol might take the advice of Xabi Alonso and join.

TFS: A striker. That’s all Liverpool need. Suarez is getting done for 8 matches. Carroll couldn’t score if his life depended on it. And Liverpool’s missed chances are akin to a midget trying to punch a 6ft5 bouncer. It’s just not happening. Given Liverpool’s recent transfer activity of signing British players, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone like Darren Bent joined them.

Part 3, coming soon…

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.