Good afternoon all. With the transfer window in full swing, I couldn’t help but wonder which teams have made the most progress at this point. No, July 8th isn’t a date with any significance, but this will give us a chance to look at the additions made by the busiest clubs this transfer season.
While some teams, like Real Madrid, Chelsea and AC Milan, still have big moves to make, there are a few teams who have pulled ahead of the field with a myriad of quality signings. Here are the three leaders in the clubhouse a week into the transfer window:
Tottenham
Key additions: Luka Modric, Giovani Dos Santos, Heurelho Gomes
Key losses: None (yet)
Outlook: You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better trio of signings than the group Juande Ramos lured to London, but it remains to be seen what goes the other way. Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane have both been rumored in transfers but I can’t see Tottenham letting them both go. Spurs are also still interested in acquiring David Bentley from Blackburn so Tottenham’s work is far from done this transfer season.
Atletico Madrid
Key additions: Gregory Coupet, Tomas Ujfalusi, Johnny Heitinga, Paulo Assuncao, Florent Sinama Pongolle.
Key losses: Maniche
Outlook: Atletico may not have the flashy name signings of some other teams, but they have certainly bolstered their squad, particularly the defense, ahead of their participation in the Champions League. The additions of Coupet, Ujfalusi and Heitinga provide a sorely-needed boost for a defense that was way too shaky last season. Combine a revamped defense with an already dangerous offense led by Sergio Aguero and DIego Forlan (and potentially David Silva), and suddenly you need to take them seriously in La Liga title discussions.
Barcelona
Key additions: Dani Alves, Seydou Keita, Martin Caceres, Gerard Pique
Key losses: Deco, Giovani Dos Santos
Outlook: Barca is still on the hunt for a striker, but new coach Pep Guardiola has bolstered Barcelona’s shaky defense with four quality additions. The group isn’t as impressive as Atletico Madrid’s, but only because it is younger and doesn’t have as much quality experience. That said, this entire group has incredible upside and could become a class we talk about for years.
Now it’s your turn. What European clubs have impressed you so far with their signings? Share your thoughts below.
and to those saying he wont be able to handle the physical presence of the EPL, I point you towards Aaron Lennon, who stands a whopping 5 foot 5 inches. WOW!!
need more proof? the team that recently won the Euro Cup stood an average of 5 foot 9 inches, and that’s pushing it.
Some of you seem to forget that Gio made his way up the Barca ranks and made the first team at the age of 17.
For some reason, I always held US fans in a higher regard than my mexican compatriots. Always thought of them as more rational and civilized fans, for the most part, although a bit naive when it came to the nuances of the game.
Guess I was wrong, and It’s rather dissapointing to read that some of you hope Gio is a bust solely because he’s mexican. I got friends from Mexico and Spain calling me up asking me about Jozy and whether or not he can realistically contribute to Villareal. Apparently the concensus amongst some of the fans over there is that Jozy was signed because Villareal wanted to tap the American market, not because of the potential he has.
Of course I told them he was a great young player with a huge upside and that he would prove his doubters wrong. I’m saying the same for Gio and it’s really quite obvious that most of you don’t follow La Liga and haven’t followed Gio’s career.
Hate on if you must but I will leave you with a few words about Gio courtesy of none other than Thierry Henry:
“Giovani has all the tools to be a crack over there (@ spurs), he has speed, can change the course of a game with his brilliance, he had a difficult year because people didn’t understand that he’s only 18 and haven’t seen his full potential and talent, maybe in 2, 3, or 4 years he will be one of the best players in the world if he wants to be, I think he can do it and the speed of the english game will be good for him.”
Fiorentina in Serie A have had an interesting transfer campaign. They’ve acquired Gilardino from AC Milan. Yes, Gila has not shown well the past couple of years, but at Fiorentina he’ll be re-united with the coach (Prandelli) and strike partner (Mutu) he had when he was a player who was topping the scoring charts, so there’s reason to think that his fortunes will change. Also Fiorentina have acquired Vargas, a left back that had a very impressive season last term (and he’s Peruvian). Then there’s midfielder Melo who’s joined them. And also a young prodigy Jovetic. Not too bad so far. Fiorentina did loose Ujfalusi, but then he always insisted on playing as an outside back rather than an CB so I’m not as bothered about his loss.
Fiorentina in Serie A have had an interesting transfer campaign. They’ve acquired Gilardino from AC Milan. Yes, Gila has not shown well the past couple of years, but at Fiorentina he’ll be re-united with the coach (Prandelli) and strike partner (Mutu) he had when he was a player who was topping the scoring charts, so there’s reason to think that his fortunes will change. Also Fiorentina have acquired Vargas, a left back that had a very impressive season last term (and he’s Peruvian). Then there’s midfielder Melo who’s joined them. And also a young prodigy Jovetic. Not too bad so far. Fiorentina did loose Ujfalusi, but then he always insisted on playing as an outside back rather than an CB so I’m not as bothered about his loss.
Giovani only started 13 games for Barca last year IIRC. Just b/c Barca is a better club than Spurs doesn’t make him an automatic starter for Spurs. The only way he starts is if either Keane or Berbatov leave without a comparable replacement, or if he shows better form than Modric, which I doubt.
Of course Dos Santos is going to start. If anyone here were actually following his transfer knows that he had offers from Man U and Chelsea but decided for the Spurs because of Juande Ramos and his future project, which includes Dos Santos. He would never get playing time with the bigger teams. I know everyone here is a USMNT fan and hates Mexico but please do not be ignorant. Yes, his 3 goals came on the last game but when was the last time an American scored 3 goals in one game for a G14 team? Exactly.
spurs have to be the winners so far.. but I’m still annoyed that villa hasnt done anything of note.. sidwell is decent but come on..
also I’m interested to see what Inter , AC and Roma do in series A ..
As much as I like Tottenham’s signings, I’m kind of rooting for Johnny Two Saints to be that young player who underperforms (a la Ghaly, Boateng, etc.), because I just can’t root for a Mexican national team player. Regardless, he’s not a starter.
We really can’t afford to give up either Berbatov or Keane though, and we still need a left sided midfielder or defender (wherever Bale doesn’t play), center back cover (because King will never be OK again and Dawson is terrible), and most importantly, a strong defensive midfielder (to give Modric the freedom to work his magic). We’ll see whether the Tottenham FO is serious about making this club a contender in the weeks to come. The club is good enough to finish 5th again as is; we’ll need those signings I mentioned to seriously think about cracking the top four.
I love how so many supporters of other clubs have such valuable insights into Spurs.
Tottenham have had a great window so far and the January window was a success as well (Hutton, Woodgate, Gunter, Gilberto) that led to a Cup win at the expense of Arsenal and Chelsea as well as a 4-4 draw with Chelsea later on in which Robbie Keane’s late wonder strike essentially cost them the title.
Hutton has been fabulous and Woodgate *quickly* shred his injury prone tag and was integral in the CC Final, anyone who labels him as likely to miss half the matches isn’t paying attention.
This year, so far, we have a massive upgrade at GK with Gomes, Luka Modric proved he can bang with players bigger than him and still be effective and Dos Santos has the skill to impress the most skeptical of fans.
And the all of this before the window opened. Once we unload some excess baggage we’ll finish filling the DM and CB spots. Don’t underestimate Ramos and his reputation. Players want to play for him and we’ll have a nice window.
COYS!
The sheer number of big stars who have turned down Tottenham already makes me seriously doubt Podolski will choose Spurs.
Dos Santos should be a bust, but I probably would have said the same thing about Theo Walcott at Arsenal.
I thought Modric would be a bust too b/c of his size until I saw him hold his own against some of the larger, tougher Euro 2008 sides.
Still won’t crack the top 4, though. Keep spending and dreaming.
one word: jo. the guys rumered to be almost or just as good as pato
I’d like to see a DC for Spurs….and I’d replace Zokora. Just don’t rate him at all. Huddlestone is too immobile and soft (for a big guy) to be the DM.
Losing Lennon, Jenas, Bent, Chimbonda and the rest of the supposed dead men walking would strip us ofsome much needed depth. I don’t think they all stay, but we should try and keep the squad together…including Robinson…as we don’t have a back up GK and having two quaity keeper will keep the other on their toes.
Villareal with Edmilson, Ibagdala, Altidore and hopefully Sol Campbell
I seriously doubt Giovani starts or even makes much of an impact this year. Gomes and Modric on the other hand are solid acquisitions. I’m excited about Modric, but the only thing that worries me is he also could be a tad undersized for the rigors of the EPL. What is he 140 lbs soaking wet?
And I agree w/Felix in that we need at least one other strong center back. Besides that, I would posit that another left back and defensive mid are required.
chelsea have locked up one of the best midfielders in the world in makelele for another year, signed all-euro08 defender bosingwa, and perhaps a re-energized deco. not bad work so far.
id appreciate it if arsenal fans kept their opinions to themselves when it came to our setting lineups… chimbonda starting over hutton? and no modric? you weren’t kidding when you said you liked arsenal.
bentley isnt the only big star that tottenham is going to pick up… podolski is also very likely to move to london.
Jeff, I’m sorry but there’s no way you’ll ever see Tottenham on the field with that lineup unless forced by injuries. Chimbonda’s on the way out and Keane doesn’t have the defensive skills to play as a true center-mid. A more likely line-up would be:
——————Berbatov—————-
———-Keane—————————
–Dos Santos—————Lennon/Bentley(?)
——————–Modric—————–
———–Zokora/Huddlestone/New Signing–
–Bale—————————-Hutton—
———-Woodgate——–King—————
——————Gomes——————–
Dos Santos will be a bust. He’s very undersized for the EPL. It’s my understanding that Barca unloaded him because his father, who is his agent, was demanding continuous wage increases. Bojan is much better, Gio scored three goals last year, all in the final match of the season.
I’d like to see Dos Santos develop. But not sure he’s a lock for a starting gig in the Premiership right now.
Sevilla has had a good run in the transfer market so far. Losing Alves isn’t as bad as it may seem as he arguably hurt the team last year after his Chelsea move was nixed. Was really inconsistent. Also lost Keita, but he’s replacable.
Acosta is on the impressive Argentina Olympic squad…granted he probably won’t play behind Messi and Aguero. Romaric and Konko look solid, and Squillaci may follow this week. Sevilla has a history of grooming unknown players: Reyes, Sergio Ramos, Jesus Navas, Baptista, Daniel Alves (I was in Sevilla in ’03 when they bought him for 750k Euros)
What’s arguably even more impressive is holding on to a ton of players who have been rumored to leave: Fabiano, Kanoute, Poulsen, Capel, Palop, Maresca, Adriano. *knock on wood*
Maybe I haven’t been watching close enough or maybe I jsut can’t stand anyone who plays for El Tri but Dos Santos hasn’t done anything to really impress me. I think Jeff will get his wish on him being a bust in the BPL or EPL or what ever you prefer to call it. I’m obviously biased but I’d prefer Jozy.
As an arsenal fan I hope tottenham bust big on these signings. However, as a fan of attacking soccer, it might be pretty enjoyable to watch the following scenario:
Dos Santos – Berbatov – Lennon
Jenas – Keane – Bentley
Bale – Woodgate – Kaboul – Chimbonda
That lineup might result in a lot of 4-4 results, but at least they would be entertaining to watch.
I agree that Tottenham has made some nice signings – even though I’m not sold on how well dos Santos will translate to the BPL. However, they need to bring in some guys on defense. I like their fullbacks, but Dawson just isn’t an elite BPL centerback, and Woodgate and King are too injury prone to be trustworthy. I think they need to bring in another strong centerback.
THE POST I’D MAKE IN MY WILDEST DREAMS:
Two teams obviously lead the pack this transfer season, putting the big clubs to shame with their ability to lure the Yanks:
1) Villareal, with its blockbuster signing of the next big thing in futbol, Jozy Altidore;
2) Rennes, for acquiring the understated but talented Carlos Bocanegra;
One darkhorse candidate, AS Monaco, is rumored to be taking the lead in this race by signing BOTH Michael Bradley and Freddy Adu, a real coup indeed.
At least, that’s the press release in my head, where we Yanks actually matter in the international scene.
I think letting Pique go was a big mistake. Sure United aren’t hurting for defenders at the moment, but that kid is the real deal. My one complaint about Sir Fergie is that sometimes he just decides he doesn’t want a player, for no reason. It doesn’t matter how good they are, how young, etc. He will just inexplicably drop someone from his plans for the team regardless of how stupid said decision is.
Ha, gotta love Spurs. Winners in seemingly every transfer window, losers in every single season. Whoopee!
come on you spurs!