Written by: Brian Fisher, The Reserve Clause
The European football transfer window has arguably become as compelling for many a club supporter as the actual football in which it’s meant to support. For better, for worse, for love of its “fantasy football” appeal, or hate it for all its perceived greed and disloyalty, it’s importance and effect on European clubs’ aspirations and futures is undeniable. This year’s transfer window did not disappoint, as clubs spent nearly £500 million between June 1st and September 1st. Here is a breakdown of just some of the higher profile business done during this summer transfer period:
Top 10 impact transfers- This is not a ranking of the individual players, but rather a ranking of the players that I believe will have the greatest impact with their new clubs:
1. Samir Nasri to Manchester City - The former Arsenal man is the perfect creative engine to the machine Roberto Mancini is trying to build at Eastlands. The Citizens have depth and strength in every position, but lacked a bit of creativity and endeavor that Nasri is sure to provide. I predict a massive season for Manchester City, and the signing of this player will be a huge reason why.
2. Alexis Sanchez/Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona - Ok, cheating a little bit here, but the point to including both players here is speak to the importance of having quality depth in order for Barcelona to cement its place as the one of the elite club sides in the history of European football. Barcelona has been very fortunate to play with a relatively small squad in as many as six or seven major competitions per season. During that time, they have avoided serious or lengthy injuries to Xavi, Messi, Iniesta and David Villa. Manager, Pep Guardiola, knows eventually their luck is sure to run out, and with Xavi over 30 now, and Messi having played a ton of football the last three years, rotating the squad a bit more frequently is a necessity. Sanchez/Fabregas give them “world class” quality depth.
3. Juan Mata to Chelsea - Andres Villas-Boas “new look” Chelsea side looks more like the old look, aging Chelsea that stumbled to third in the EPL. Additionally, Chelsea missed out, yet again, on the Champions League glory owner Roman Abramovich so deeply desires. AVB has been able to bring in a few quality, young additions including Romelu Lukaku and this Spanish playmaker, Mata, who should provide a bit of creativity and energy the Blues are badly in need of.
4. Sergio Aguero to Manchester City - Manchester City plays the transfer market like a game of Football Manager, and on the surface, the purchase of the Argentine hit man looks simply like more “player hoarding”, however Aguero brings the Citizens qualities and versatility that the club does not have currently. Aguero can play on either wing or lead the line through the middle, and his goal scoring record in La Liga is undeniable.
5. Ashley Young to Manchester United - Ashley Young to Manchester United - Many scoffed at the price paid for the Villa man, and some even wondered where he’d fit, but with the retirement of Paul Scholes, and Ryan Giggs on borrowed time, Sir Alex knew it was time to start to rebuild his squad. Young brings pace, creativity, and a wonderful right foot, which has been in evidence already in this young season.
6. Javier Pastore to Paris Saint-Germain - PSG, has often been called a “sleeping giant”, as the only large club located in Paris, France. Now owned and backed with Qatari money, the French side needed to show intent this summer. Along with a bevy of high profile signings, no transfer was a bigger sign of ambition than the Argentine playmaker’s move from Palermo to the Parc des Princes. Pastore will be asked to settle quickly, but assuming he can acclimate, he could be central to the rise of a new European football power.
7. Nuri Sahin to Real Madrid - Borussia Dortmund was able to hang on to most of the exciting, young talent that took the German Bundesleagua by storm last season; however, they couldn’t keep Sahin. A move to the Bernabeu was too much for the tremendous Turk to pass on. Still unknown where Sahin will fit exactly, but a player of his vision and tremendous passing ability is likely to see a lot of time this year. Is Xavi Alonso now on borrowed time?
8. Diego Forlan to Inter Milan - with Samuel Eto’o curious move to Russian side, Anzhi Makhachkala, Inter needed a proven goal scorer to replace his productivity. The Italian giants couldn’t have found a better fit than the veteran Uruguayan. Forlan needed a change of scenery anyway, and the San Siro and Serie A looks just the place for Forlan to extend what has been an already terrific career.
9. Fabio Contraeo to Real Madrid - Madrid’s squad is an embarrassment of riches to most in comparison to most European clubs, but the left side of the pitch was an area most pundits and fans alike felt needed strengthening. This Portuguese import fits the bill in that he can play both fullback or further of pitch, and his energy and attacking ability gives an already scary-good side just another weapon for clubs to consider.
10. Santi Cazorla to Malaga - Another club, like PSG, with big ambitions backed by Qatari money, is the Spanish outfit, Malaga. The Andalusia side has made a number of eye-opening signings of quality footballers over the past two windows, but bagging this wonderful winger was certainly the biggest coup yet. It’s seriously doubtful that Malaga will have enough to challenge Madrid or Barca, but with adding players of the quality of Cazorla one wonders if they can compete for the top 4 in La Liga and a Champions League spot. My guess is “yes.”
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