As most of you would know, Cristiano Ronaldo (from Man Utd.) and Kaka (AC Milan) have transferred to Real Madrid for a little under 140 million pounds. For some perspective on the sheer astronomicity of these numbers: The 4 most expensive transfers (prior to this mad season) of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Hernan Crespo, Gianluigi Buffon combined is as much as these two transfers alone.
And just when one thought that the madness was over, Barcelona, European champions, who are supposedly far more conservative when it comes to spending have signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic for 60 million pounds (includes a part exchange deal for Samuel Eto).
Not to be left behind, the English have been crooning their love to players via Russian Rubles and Dirhams, making talks of recessionary times a thing of the past. Chelsea have bought the Russian winger (no shit!!) Yuri Zhirkov, who surprisingly so far has been their only transfer so far.
Man Utd. having made 80 mil on the Ronaldo sale have bought Luis Valencia from Wigan Athletic who is supposedly Ronaldo's heir apparent, and of course the coup of the summer... Michael Owen on a free transfer!!
Why this move is brilliant is because... Owen comes in with 2 seasons of injuries from Newcastle and Real Madrid.... However, he could transform into the goal stealing, defence embarrassing assasin which he was for Liverpool and then some.... and drive the intrinsically romantic story of the successful striker who fell from grace to only rise again from the ashes to its final dramatic climax!! If not, Ferguson has tied him to a performance based salary which could have him getting paid less than 1/3rd Rooney's pay packet if he does not pay back in goals the faith which Ferguson has shown in recruiting him; making this potentially, a win win situation for ManU.
And finally Sheikh Hughes's Man City having learnt their lessons from the embarassment of the Kaka tirade of last December have carefully avoided the Titans and have gone for potential Titans in the making. Don't get me wrong, no ways are they a talent spotting side that Arsenal are.... Instead Man City have made purchases of stars who have matured into strong players, but have not become prolific enough for them to be considered as good as the Ronaldos and the Kakas of the world. They have already bought strikers like Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and Adebayor, a midfield general in the form of Gareth Barry and from the looks of it a centre back in the form of Kolo Toure.
Now a lot has been said about the mistake being made by Huges in buying only strikers. However, my personal opinion is that the wiley gaffer is satisfied with the depth in strike force and will now indulge in tons of defensive buys this summer to create a strong enough depth for the squad to challenge next year, not just for English but also European honours.... Now whether its the Europa Cup or the Champions League is what remains to be seen....
Among other important transfers this season Juventus has witnessed the return of the ageing Cannavaro from Real Madrid and have also sealed a deal with Felipe Melo of Fiorentina, which in my opinion has seriously set them up to challenge Inter for the Scudetto this year.
Thats the round up for the big transfer news.... Arsenal dissection will be a seperate post altogether.... This could very well be our year.. Till then ... Go Gunners!!!
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