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Transfer Window roundup
So once again we have experienced the close of another hectic transfer window, with clubs signing players left right and centre – QPR – or just being their normal stringent selves – Arsenal. We also heard the repeated cries from some managers, calling for a change to the end of the transfer window, most probably egged on by Arsene Wenger, who really just seems to hate buying players, but seems to enjoy selling them instead much to the despair of the fans.
So team by team, who did what?
Arsenal
Well as expected there was once again a mass exodus from the Arsenal ranks, with some notable names leaving including last seasons top scorer, Robin Van Persie who moved to Manchester United (£24 million) and Alex Song who left for Barcelona for a reported £15 million, last years signing from Bolton, Park Chu-young left on loan to Celtic Vigo, while Nicklas Bendtner left also on loan to Juventus. Wenger really did actually sign some players this year including Lukas Podolski from relegated Bundesliga side Koln and Olivier Giroud.
What should we expect form Arsenal this season, probably more heart break for any Gunner fan, although they may enjoy some success in Europe as they historically always seem to do. Will Wenger last? That we shall just have to wait and see!
Aston Villa
Ex-Canary Manager Paul Lambert, has already come under criticism for spending £20 million on players with no premier league experience, but the most notable signing would be Christian Benteke, who should do wonders for the Aston Villa team, who in my opinion will not capitalise on anything more than a mid-table finish, assuming that Paul Lambert knows what he is doing.
Chelsea
The European Champions, have certainly splashed the cash again this tranfer window, signing Eden Hazard, who has already lit up the premier league with his fancy tricks and is already playing a central role to Chelsea’s current success, having been involved in 8 of the 9 premier league goals that Chelsea have scored. Oscar, Victor Moses, Cesar Azpilicueta, Marko Marin and Thorgan Hazard all suggested a much more vibrant midfield, which will certainly place Chelsea up there when challenging for the title.
Although I am biased in this part, but if Chelsea without Drogba can shine in the Premier League, then they will have a good chance of challenging for the Champions League again, but this shall remain to be seen, especially with the inexperience of current manager Roberto di Matteo. Anyone care to take a bet on how long he will last? Odds on, if he does well come January he will last at least for one season.
Everton
Everton, with their manager David Moyes have always managed to surprise the best teams, consider last seasons 4 all draw with Manchester United. Yet without their young talisman Jack Rodwell, things may not look as rosy as they did last year, that is until Kevin Mirallas turned up. This forward certainly has the ability to ease any woes Moyes has about scoring especially when Felliani, is often tempramental when it comes to shooting on target. Tim Cahill has taken the Theirry Henry retirement route, by joining the New York Red Bulls, while Steven Peinaar has joined from Tottenham. What to expect this season from the Toffees? Well much of the same, a somewhat rollercoaster ride at the top of the table, possibly just below the European spots.
Fulham
Exciting times for the Cottagers, as former United striker Berbatov has joined their ranks, sidelined at United in the past few seasons, the cottagers will hope that he has not lost his flair. Talking of flair, Fulham’s two most impressive players last season, Dembele and Dempsey, have all moved on, with both joining Tottenham in the end. Yet controversy surrounded Dempsey, as his move was left to the very last minute, due to several interested parties. This season, Fulham will do well to qualify for the Europa League, which should be their primary target this season.
Liverpool
New boss Brendan Rogers was apparently left fuming, come the end of the transfer window as he was unable to sign American forward Clint Dempsey, especially as he had let Andy Carroll, go out on loan. This has left him in a right pickle of strikers, especially as his only senior striker left is the somewhat eccentric Luis Suarez. Rodgers however was still able to secure some talent, with Joe Allen signing from Swansea and ex-Dortmund starlet Nuri Sahin coming on loan from Real Madrid. A top ten finish is certainly on the cards for Liverpool, but anything higher may just be fanciful thinking, but I may yet be proved wrong.
Manchester City
New Premier League champions, although they were beaten by rivals United for Van Persie, did still sign some exciting new players, including Maicon from Inter and Javi Garcia from Benfica. A last minute deal for Scott Sinclair was also arranged, but the young British player is more or less regarded as a bench warmer by most pundits. Adebayor finally completed his move to Tottenham, while Adam Johnson moved to Sunderland, possibly heeding Roy Hodgson advice for the need to get more playing time, to be considered for an England call-up. City are almost certainly going to be up there this season, especially with Tevez once again re-united with Mancini. Europe however shall remain a different challenge all-together.
Manchester United
Just beaten last year, the Red Devils did beat their rivals to the signing of Van Persie, who has already scored on his home debut. Joined by Shinki Kagawa of Dortmund, the pair could form a ferocious partnership in attack. Rumours have flown around of the departure of Rooney, but these have been denied by the man himself. Tactically selling Rooney in January may be a good option for Ferguson. Former income man Park Ji-sung has moved to QPR, while the star rated Paul Pogba has moved to Juventus on a free, this must be regarded as a big loss for United.
Newcastle
Following Alan Pardew’s very successful January window, many Toons will have expected the same, which he has done but to a limited extent with the signing of Vurnon Anita, but this can be excused as the Toons already have a very good team, so not much can be said about them.
Norwich
Under new management as well, the Canaries satirised for Delia Smiths infamous half time rage at Carrow Road, have signed a few decent players such as Sebastian Bassong. Yet without the tactical genius of Paul Lambert, the canaries may well struggle to stay up this season, although my congratulations do go to John Ruddy on his England debut and selection.
QPR
Mark Hughes as certainly not disappointed any Rs fans this window, singing a whole host of names, including the likes of Esteban Granero who has to be considered a great catch, Junior Hoillet, Ryan Nelsen, Diakite and Jose Bosingwa. Anger King Joey Barton has been sent to France, possibly to beat a few of them up down in Marseilles, but if we ignore their opening to this season, the Rs certainly have a great team. Lets just hope that they can gel and produce some great results. A bottom half finish is most likely, but if they can stay up this year, then they will be around for some time after.
Reading
Newly promoted, the Blue Coats have certainly signed some good players such as Pavel Pogrebnyak, but if their chances of survival, certainly look slim, and they look like this years team to be relegated first.
Southampton
Only two signings of notable interest, being Jay Rodriguez and Gaston Ramirez, but if they can stay up this year their young team will certainly mature and provide a good top half finish next season. Right now, Nigel Adkins needs to rally his boys to live up to the premier leagues tough standards.
Stoke
Nzonzi and Charlie Adam are the only signings of any interest to an outsider like me, but once again Pulis will almost certainly guide them to a good top half finish, maybe just challenging for a European spot, although this did cause them a few problems last year.
Sunderland
Adam Johnson, what an addition he will make to them at the Stadium of Light, a team suited down to the ground - depsite pitch changes - for his wing play, and he will certainly cause many problems to other premier league defences this year. This will also bring some much needed pace to their attacking line up and they will most certainly be very exciting to watch. A top half finish is more than likely for them. Despite the departure of Gyan, things are certainly looking up for them.
Swansea
Michael ‘The God’ Laudrup, this man is a catch and a half and he has certainly demonstrated this with his signings and opening day victories. Michu only cost a paltry £2 million and he has already paid that back with how well he has played. They may have lost Joe Allen and Scott Sinclair, but in return they have Guzman, Flores and Hernandez who will all add to that flair that they already possess. The swans impressed last season, and if they can hold on to goal machines Michu and Graham, they may just be in the top ten to stay and at a push challenging for Europe.
Tottenham
A disspapointing start and a somewhat disappointing transfer window from Tottenham under new boss AVB, yet he has made some decent signings, including staunch defender Jan Vertonghen and Clint Dempsey. Hugo Lloris and Sigurdsson also added suggest that Tottenham have a good team, but AVB just does not know how to use them. Time will tell, if AVB will stay, but in order to do so, they will probably need to learn how to play a decent game of football and how to score goals.
West Bromwich Albion
A flukey rise to safety meant that West Brom still have another season in the Premier League. If that will last, time will tell, but they certainly have shown a turn around with loanee from Cheslea Lukaku hopefully providing them with the goals that they need.
West Ham
Returning to the Premier League after a brief time away, West Ham have certainly showed that they mean business, signing Matt Jarvis from Wolves and getting Andy Carroll on loan from Liverpool. Fingers crossed they will survive this season as they have a good team which should certainly be able to hold its own amongst the mid-table dwellers of the Premier League, but time will tell as always.
Wigan
I and I am sure that many of you as well, have a great respect for Wigan, once they overcome their scoring troubles, they are a great team lead by an amazing manager who has shown a lot of loyalty to the club. Not much went on transfer wise apart from the fairly high profile move of Victor Moses to Chelsea, but should things work out a bit better this season, it shall certainly be a lot more comfortable for the latics, and given the chance I would certainly jump at the chance to watch them play.
That’s it guys and girls and thanks for reading! If I have made a mistake please do tell me, because I am sure that I have somewhere along the line!
So once again we have experienced the close of another hectic transfer window, with clubs signing players left right and centre – QPR – or just being their normal stringent selves – Arsenal. We also heard the repeated cries from some managers, calling for a change to the end of the transfer window, most probably egged on by Arsene Wenger, who really just seems to hate buying players, but seems to enjoy selling them instead much to the despair of the fans.
So team by team, who did what?
Arsenal
Well as expected there was once again a mass exodus from the Arsenal ranks, with some notable names leaving including last seasons top scorer, Robin Van Persie who moved to Manchester United (£24 million) and Alex Song who left for Barcelona for a reported £15 million, last years signing from Bolton, Park Chu-young left on loan to Celtic Vigo, while Nicklas Bendtner left also on loan to Juventus. Wenger really did actually sign some players this year including Lukas Podolski from relegated Bundesliga side Koln and Olivier Giroud.
What should we expect form Arsenal this season, probably more heart break for any Gunner fan, although they may enjoy some success in Europe as they historically always seem to do. Will Wenger last? That we shall just have to wait and see!
Aston Villa
Ex-Canary Manager Paul Lambert, has already come under criticism for spending £20 million on players with no premier league experience, but the most notable signing would be Christian Benteke, who should do wonders for the Aston Villa team, who in my opinion will not capitalise on anything more than a mid-table finish, assuming that Paul Lambert knows what he is doing.
Chelsea
The European Champions, have certainly splashed the cash again this tranfer window, signing Eden Hazard, who has already lit up the premier league with his fancy tricks and is already playing a central role to Chelsea’s current success, having been involved in 8 of the 9 premier league goals that Chelsea have scored. Oscar, Victor Moses, Cesar Azpilicueta, Marko Marin and Thorgan Hazard all suggested a much more vibrant midfield, which will certainly place Chelsea up there when challenging for the title.
Although I am biased in this part, but if Chelsea without Drogba can shine in the Premier League, then they will have a good chance of challenging for the Champions League again, but this shall remain to be seen, especially with the inexperience of current manager Roberto di Matteo. Anyone care to take a bet on how long he will last? Odds on, if he does well come January he will last at least for one season.
Everton
Everton, with their manager David Moyes have always managed to surprise the best teams, consider last seasons 4 all draw with Manchester United. Yet without their young talisman Jack Rodwell, things may not look as rosy as they did last year, that is until Kevin Mirallas turned up. This forward certainly has the ability to ease any woes Moyes has about scoring especially when Felliani, is often tempramental when it comes to shooting on target. Tim Cahill has taken the Theirry Henry retirement route, by joining the New York Red Bulls, while Steven Peinaar has joined from Tottenham. What to expect this season from the Toffees? Well much of the same, a somewhat rollercoaster ride at the top of the table, possibly just below the European spots.
Fulham
Exciting times for the Cottagers, as former United striker Berbatov has joined their ranks, sidelined at United in the past few seasons, the cottagers will hope that he has not lost his flair. Talking of flair, Fulham’s two most impressive players last season, Dembele and Dempsey, have all moved on, with both joining Tottenham in the end. Yet controversy surrounded Dempsey, as his move was left to the very last minute, due to several interested parties. This season, Fulham will do well to qualify for the Europa League, which should be their primary target this season.
Liverpool
New boss Brendan Rogers was apparently left fuming, come the end of the transfer window as he was unable to sign American forward Clint Dempsey, especially as he had let Andy Carroll, go out on loan. This has left him in a right pickle of strikers, especially as his only senior striker left is the somewhat eccentric Luis Suarez. Rodgers however was still able to secure some talent, with Joe Allen signing from Swansea and ex-Dortmund starlet Nuri Sahin coming on loan from Real Madrid. A top ten finish is certainly on the cards for Liverpool, but anything higher may just be fanciful thinking, but I may yet be proved wrong.
Manchester City
New Premier League champions, although they were beaten by rivals United for Van Persie, did still sign some exciting new players, including Maicon from Inter and Javi Garcia from Benfica. A last minute deal for Scott Sinclair was also arranged, but the young British player is more or less regarded as a bench warmer by most pundits. Adebayor finally completed his move to Tottenham, while Adam Johnson moved to Sunderland, possibly heeding Roy Hodgson advice for the need to get more playing time, to be considered for an England call-up. City are almost certainly going to be up there this season, especially with Tevez once again re-united with Mancini. Europe however shall remain a different challenge all-together.
Manchester United
Just beaten last year, the Red Devils did beat their rivals to the signing of Van Persie, who has already scored on his home debut. Joined by Shinki Kagawa of Dortmund, the pair could form a ferocious partnership in attack. Rumours have flown around of the departure of Rooney, but these have been denied by the man himself. Tactically selling Rooney in January may be a good option for Ferguson. Former income man Park Ji-sung has moved to QPR, while the star rated Paul Pogba has moved to Juventus on a free, this must be regarded as a big loss for United.
Newcastle
Following Alan Pardew’s very successful January window, many Toons will have expected the same, which he has done but to a limited extent with the signing of Vurnon Anita, but this can be excused as the Toons already have a very good team, so not much can be said about them.
Norwich
Under new management as well, the Canaries satirised for Delia Smiths infamous half time rage at Carrow Road, have signed a few decent players such as Sebastian Bassong. Yet without the tactical genius of Paul Lambert, the canaries may well struggle to stay up this season, although my congratulations do go to John Ruddy on his England debut and selection.
QPR
Mark Hughes as certainly not disappointed any Rs fans this window, singing a whole host of names, including the likes of Esteban Granero who has to be considered a great catch, Junior Hoillet, Ryan Nelsen, Diakite and Jose Bosingwa. Anger King Joey Barton has been sent to France, possibly to beat a few of them up down in Marseilles, but if we ignore their opening to this season, the Rs certainly have a great team. Lets just hope that they can gel and produce some great results. A bottom half finish is most likely, but if they can stay up this year, then they will be around for some time after.
Reading
Newly promoted, the Blue Coats have certainly signed some good players such as Pavel Pogrebnyak, but if their chances of survival, certainly look slim, and they look like this years team to be relegated first.
Southampton
Only two signings of notable interest, being Jay Rodriguez and Gaston Ramirez, but if they can stay up this year their young team will certainly mature and provide a good top half finish next season. Right now, Nigel Adkins needs to rally his boys to live up to the premier leagues tough standards.
Stoke
Nzonzi and Charlie Adam are the only signings of any interest to an outsider like me, but once again Pulis will almost certainly guide them to a good top half finish, maybe just challenging for a European spot, although this did cause them a few problems last year.
Sunderland
Adam Johnson, what an addition he will make to them at the Stadium of Light, a team suited down to the ground - depsite pitch changes - for his wing play, and he will certainly cause many problems to other premier league defences this year. This will also bring some much needed pace to their attacking line up and they will most certainly be very exciting to watch. A top half finish is more than likely for them. Despite the departure of Gyan, things are certainly looking up for them.
Swansea
Michael ‘The God’ Laudrup, this man is a catch and a half and he has certainly demonstrated this with his signings and opening day victories. Michu only cost a paltry £2 million and he has already paid that back with how well he has played. They may have lost Joe Allen and Scott Sinclair, but in return they have Guzman, Flores and Hernandez who will all add to that flair that they already possess. The swans impressed last season, and if they can hold on to goal machines Michu and Graham, they may just be in the top ten to stay and at a push challenging for Europe.
Tottenham
A disspapointing start and a somewhat disappointing transfer window from Tottenham under new boss AVB, yet he has made some decent signings, including staunch defender Jan Vertonghen and Clint Dempsey. Hugo Lloris and Sigurdsson also added suggest that Tottenham have a good team, but AVB just does not know how to use them. Time will tell, if AVB will stay, but in order to do so, they will probably need to learn how to play a decent game of football and how to score goals.
West Bromwich Albion
A flukey rise to safety meant that West Brom still have another season in the Premier League. If that will last, time will tell, but they certainly have shown a turn around with loanee from Cheslea Lukaku hopefully providing them with the goals that they need.
West Ham
Returning to the Premier League after a brief time away, West Ham have certainly showed that they mean business, signing Matt Jarvis from Wolves and getting Andy Carroll on loan from Liverpool. Fingers crossed they will survive this season as they have a good team which should certainly be able to hold its own amongst the mid-table dwellers of the Premier League, but time will tell as always.
Wigan
I and I am sure that many of you as well, have a great respect for Wigan, once they overcome their scoring troubles, they are a great team lead by an amazing manager who has shown a lot of loyalty to the club. Not much went on transfer wise apart from the fairly high profile move of Victor Moses to Chelsea, but should things work out a bit better this season, it shall certainly be a lot more comfortable for the latics, and given the chance I would certainly jump at the chance to watch them play.
That’s it guys and girls and thanks for reading! If I have made a mistake please do tell me, because I am sure that I have somewhere along the line!
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