Transfer Deadline Day (TDD) is always a letdown. OK, so your club might sign a new left back, but that’s about as interesting as it gets.
This year was no exception. TDD ‘highlights’ were Sunderland paying £13 million for a unprolific Ghanaian, an ex-Fulham boss signing a Fulham player, Spurs POSSIBLY signing someone and AC Milan offering buckets of cash for a couple of has-beens. That said, Rafael Van De Vaart could be signing of the season if ‘Arry bags him for Spurs. Would that make Spurs’ midfield stronger than Arsenal’s? I think so, but I’ll leave that for you boys and girls to fight out…
The Real Talking Point
As usual, ‘Azza Redknapp was linked with a load of players on TDD and the Spurs gaffer may yet end up with Rafael Van De Vaart – 24th choice at Real Madrid but still rather good – for a bargain £8 million. Redknapp was also linked with Ryan Babel and Scott Parker, who’s value has shot-up £104 million since Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard’s fine allegiance for England continued at the World Cup. Spurs have also signed Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa on a season-long loan.
The Yids didn’t sign Babel, however. He stayed at Liverpool. According to various rumours/lies, Babel was seen cruising around in various parts of England in a helicopter. It’s the first time his career has truly taken off.
Sunderland paid over £13 million for Rennes striker Asamoah Gyan. He was pretty handy at the World Cup. Do you think he’s Ghana do well? (Sorry).
Meanwhile, AC Milan made a couple of bold moves. They signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a season-long loan with the option to make it permanent for £20 million, and Robinho for around £18 million. If they get those two firing, they could be a bit handy in the Champions League. At least it brings the squad’s average age down to about 335.
Big News If It Happens
Liverpool finally signed Paul Konchesky from Fulham. They sent two young boys, Lauri Dalla Valle and Alex Kacaniklic, as a gift to Fulham, who must be well chuffed.
Birmingham got Alexander Hleb on-loan and also landed Czech defender Martin Jiranek and Chile winger Jean Beausejour on permanent deals.
Stoke were pretty busy. They signed Eidur Gudjohnson and Jermaine Pennant on-loan. They also re-signed Salif Diao and bagged Marc Wilson from Portsmouth. Liam Lawrence and Dave Kitson moved the other way.
Other News That’s Barely Interesting
Arsenal didn’t bring anyone in, but they did let Armaond Traore join Juventus on-loan. The deal may become permanent later this year.
West Ham signed Blackburn’s Lars Jacobsen, while Marcus Bent joined Wolves on-loan from Birmingham. DJ Campbell went to Blackpool and Franco Di Santo, scorer of one goal in English football, left Chelsea for Wigan – who also signed Man United’s Tom Cleverly on-loan. Emiliano Insua has joined Galatasaray on-loan.
Crap Rumours Of The Week
TDD always brings up a load of rubbish. Check these out from BBC’s website. A message to those ‘informers’ writing in – Don’t waste your time next year!
“Just heard from a reliable source that Steve Bruce is to make a late effort to lure Ronaldinho to the Stadium of Light from AC Milan if the signing of Asamoah Gyan falls through”. That’s a ruddy shame because Ron was probably looking forward to playing with Phil Bardsley.
“Scott Parker’s at Spurs Lodge”. Scott Parker or Van De Vaart? Tough choice!
“No way… coming back this morning from my holiday in Guyana, I see Brazilian Ronaldo at Heathrow Airport. I have a feeling that he might be on his way to West Ham or Tottenham.” Actually, I can ‘get’ the West Ham link. It’s about time they wasted a bit of cash.
“Gus Poyet Aston Villa bound? My mate works for his agent and Villa have made enquiries”.
* You may have noticed that this week’s blog is a little earlier this week. This is because of the TDD and also because I am away this week. Rest assured though, I’ll be back next Friday (cue groans).
