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Football Transfers-Summer of 2011
By Novy Kapadia
2012-03-30
Football’s grand finale was the UEFA Champions league final at the historic Wembley stadium. Barcelona played champagne football all the way to lift the trophy for their third triumph in the last six years and the fourth time overall. June was to be football’s siesta time. There is no activity on the pitch but transfer deals and speculation about players’ movement have hogged the headlines. The rich clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and others buy players to improve their squad and win trophies. Most other clubs however look for bargain buys and players who can help them survive. Business is however cut throat.
The most shocking transfer, however, could be the sale of David Villa to either of England’s big-money spenders, Chelsea or Manchester City. The Catalan giants have reluctantly accepted that they will have to sacrifice their World Cup-winning striker David Villa to help fund a £91m triple summer swoop for Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas, Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez (Chilean international, currently preparing with his national team for the Copa America tournament) and Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi(Italian international). Barca boss Pep Guardiola has been restricted to a £40m transfer budget as the La Liga and Champions League winners set about slashing their £369.5m debt. Barcelona had a loss of more than £64.36m in the 2009/10 season. The Nou Camp president, Sandro Rosell has made it clear to his manager that further money for signings must be generated through sales.
Villa, 29, joined Barca only 13 months ago in a £35m switch from Valencia and notched 23 goals for Guardiola’s team last season. He is also Spain’s all-time record scorer with 46 goals in 72 international appearances. Guardiola does not want to sell Villa but may be compelled to do so as he needs the money to purchase Fabregas. Arsenal is demanding £45m for their club captain and Spain midfielder but Barca insists they will not pay more than £35m. Barcelona needs Fabregas as a long term investment to take over from their ace playmaker Xavi Hernandez, who is in the twilight of his career.
Whilst Fabregas’s transfer is still uncertain, Barcelona has almost certainly obtained the service of Sanchez and Rossi. The skilful Sanchez, wooed by both Manchester City and Manchester United, was City manager Roberto Mancini’s prime target this season. However the Catalan giants have struck a deal by agreeing to pay Udinese around £25 million up front and a further £7 million in performance-related clauses. Rossi is also close to completing a £26m switch.
Real Madrid has also used their financial clout to sign the exciting Brazilian striker, Neymar. Chelsea was keen to acquire Neymar. But Jose Mourinho’s persuasion won the day. However, midfielder Lassana Diarra has been told he can leave Real Madrid and is in talks with Manchester United which is desperate to strengthen their midfield due to the retirement of Paul Scholes and injuries to their, own Hargreaves.
So far United has bought talented defender, Phil Jones from Blackburn Rovers. Jones, who can play as a central defender and wingback, is seen as an ideal replacement for the retired Gary Neville. Sir Alex Ferguson, who likes his team to attack from the flanks, is on the verge of acquiring the services of in-from Aston Villa and England international Ashley Young for about £17m.
In England, the biggest tug of war is for the classy Scottish playmaker, Charlie Adam, who wants to leave Blackpool. The newly appointed Aston Villa manager, Alex McLeish earmarked Adam as the man to build his side, a round next season. Both the Manchester clubs and Liverpool’s manager Kenny Daglish have also targeted Adam. So the asking price of the £12m-rated Charlie Adam could increase.
Football’s grand finale was the UEFA Champions league final at the historic Wembley stadium. Barcelona played champagne football all the way to lift the trophy for their third triumph in the last six years and the fourth time overall. June was to be football’s siesta time. There is no activity on the pitch but transfer deals and speculation about players’ movement have hogged the headlines. The rich clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and others buy players to improve their squad and win trophies. Most other clubs however look for bargain buys and players who can help them survive. Business is however cut throat.
The most shocking transfer, however, could be the sale of David Villa to either of England’s big-money spenders, Chelsea or Manchester City. The Catalan giants have reluctantly accepted that they will have to sacrifice their World Cup-winning striker David Villa to help fund a £91m triple summer swoop for Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas, Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez (Chilean international, currently preparing with his national team for the Copa America tournament) and Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi(Italian international). Barca boss Pep Guardiola has been restricted to a £40m transfer budget as the La Liga and Champions League winners set about slashing their £369.5m debt. Barcelona had a loss of more than £64.36m in the 2009/10 season. The Nou Camp president, Sandro Rosell has made it clear to his manager that further money for signings must be generated through sales.
Villa, 29, joined Barca only 13 months ago in a £35m switch from Valencia and notched 23 goals for Guardiola’s team last season. He is also Spain’s all-time record scorer with 46 goals in 72 international appearances. Guardiola does not want to sell Villa but may be compelled to do so as he needs the money to purchase Fabregas. Arsenal is demanding £45m for their club captain and Spain midfielder but Barca insists they will not pay more than £35m. Barcelona needs Fabregas as a long term investment to take over from their ace playmaker Xavi Hernandez, who is in the twilight of his career.
Whilst Fabregas’s transfer is still uncertain, Barcelona has almost certainly obtained the service of Sanchez and Rossi. The skilful Sanchez, wooed by both Manchester City and Manchester United, was City manager Roberto Mancini’s prime target this season. However the Catalan giants have struck a deal by agreeing to pay Udinese around £25 million up front and a further £7 million in performance-related clauses. Rossi is also close to completing a £26m switch.
Real Madrid has also used their financial clout to sign the exciting Brazilian striker, Neymar. Chelsea was keen to acquire Neymar. But Jose Mourinho’s persuasion won the day. However, midfielder Lassana Diarra has been told he can leave Real Madrid and is in talks with Manchester United which is desperate to strengthen their midfield due to the retirement of Paul Scholes and injuries to their, own Hargreaves.
So far United has bought talented defender, Phil Jones from Blackburn Rovers. Jones, who can play as a central defender and wingback, is seen as an ideal replacement for the retired Gary Neville. Sir Alex Ferguson, who likes his team to attack from the flanks, is on the verge of acquiring the services of in-from Aston Villa and England international Ashley Young for about £17m.
In England, the biggest tug of war is for the classy Scottish playmaker, Charlie Adam, who wants to leave Blackpool. The newly appointed Aston Villa manager, Alex McLeish earmarked Adam as the man to build his side, a round next season. Both the Manchester clubs and Liverpool’s manager Kenny Daglish have also targeted Adam. So the asking price of the £12m-rated Charlie Adam could increase.
