Liverpool will be a better team with their raft of new signings and Luis Suarez no longer around, according to 2005 Champions League winner, Dietmar Hamann.
The Reds sold their talismanic forward to Barcelona earlier this summer in a £75m deal, and have since taken their spending past the £100m mark to draft in eight new stars – providing Alberto Moreno’s expected switch from Sevilla goes through.
Although Suarez is currently banned from all footballing activities for his biting controversy at the World Cup and spent large chunks of his time at Anfield out of action through suspension, many have suggested that the forward’s exit will spark a downturn in fortunes at the club.
WANT MORE? >> Liverpool transfer news | Latest transfer news
His 31 goals last term fired Liverpool to within a whisker of a first ever Premier League title, for which he was named the division’s top player.
Although Hamann acknowledges that Suarez is a top talent, he believes that his lack of self-control means that the Merseysiders are better off with their new bunch of stars:
“I think Liverpool have bought well.” He is quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
“I have always been very critical of Suarez’s antics. In footballing terms, he is a big loss, but somebody else will score the goals and I think, long-term, they will be better off without him than with him.
“I’d rather have the six or seven players they have now than Suarez, because at the end of the day, if you want to win things, you need people you can trust, and he can’t be trusted.
“If he does something stupid again, he could be out for years, or for good.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“Yes, he has been great, there is no doubt about it. But what could have been if he had not missed all the games he did when he was here? Maybe the team would have been in the Champions League a while ago. All he has to show from his time at Liverpool is a League Cup winner’s medal (from 2011/12). He is not leaving a team that was ruling the Premier League or Europe during that the last few years.”
Back in August 2012, Hugo Lloris transferred from Lyon to Tottenham Hotspur for around £11m. Since his move, he has been regarded as one of the best players at the football club, with some saying he has reached world-class status. Last summer, he was rewarded for his efforts with a new five-year contract.
Spurs set the target for a top four finish almost every season, but they haven’t played Champions League football since the 2010-11 season. Many of Tottenham’s world-class players, like Gareth Bale and Luka Modric, have moved on from the club due to the lack of success, silverware, and top European football being achieved. Lloris is the only world-class player in the Spurs squad at the moment, and with their current results and position in the league and in Europe, he may about to leave as well.
If he is, here are FIVE possible destinations he could leave for.
[ffc-gallery]Click on the man himself to reveal all!
[/ffc-gallery]
Paris Saint-Germain
The French giants are one of the clubs interested in purchasing the Frenchman. Whilst Lloris has insisted that he left Lyon and France to play in Europe’s top competition, he may be tempted to move back due to the ambitions of the football club, who want to win the Champions League. He would fit right in amongst the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimović, Thiago Silva, Lucas, and Marco Verratti.
Atletico Madrid
Whilst they don’t have any real defensive problems now, Atletico Madrid may still be on the hunt for a world-class goalkeeper. The Spanish side was able to win the La Liga and reach the final of the Champions League last season thanks to the performances of loanee goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea. Now he has gone back to his parent club, Los Colchoneros may be looking for another world-class goalkeeper to help them reach the same achievements.
AS Monaco
Another club in France who might be interested in bringing the goalkeeper home is AS Monaco. The big spenders will definitely be able to handle any type of contract requests Lloris has, but the problem might be their lack of tangible success in recent years. Despite the money invested in the club, they have failed to win a major French competition since 2003 when they won the Coupe de la Ligue. This would be off putting for Lloris.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Real Madrid
Recent rumours have linked the French goalkeeper to Spanish giants Real Madrid. Whilst Iker Casillas is currently seen as the No.1 at Los Blancos, they may look to bring in the 27-year-old as his replacement for the future. The prestige of the club will surely be attractive for Lloris as the Spanish side managed to win the Champions League last season.
Arsenal
Whilst this might be one of the moves that will never happen unless hell freezes over, it does have some logic to it. The Gunners current goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has been performing under par and under expectation set upon him. This was demonstrated on many occasions this season, most recently during Arsenal’s 3-3 draw against Anderlecht in the Champions League, after being 3-0 up. The Polish made several errors during the game which cost his side the three points. The 24-year-old could be replaced with Lloris, who would help Arsenal reach their targets in domestic competitions and in Europe, reviving their hopes of once again winning the Premier League
An early innovator of modern diets and transfer policy, a rare, constant beacon of progressive philosophies, the only manager to go an entire season undefeated, a 13-time Manger of the Month winner, a four-time Onze d’Or Coach of the Year and now the longest-serving throughout the entirety of English football by almost a decade, there’s no doubt Arsene Wenger will go down in the annals as one of the greatest gaffers in Premier League history.
But, to be as blunt as I am factually flattering, he’s incredibly lucky to have found a club as patient and loyal as Arsenal – amid a climate where the average management tenure in the Premier League is just 1.4 years.
Of course, the Frenchman’s had plenty of waiting around to do as well; the financial burdens of the Emirates stadium obliged him to scrimp and save in the transfer market whilst Chelsea and Manchester City have enjoyed, exacerbated and even abused the privilege of having endless fortunes to throw at every problem over the last decade.
Wenger could have walked away on numerous occasions; when Arsenal lost the 2006 Champions League final and their ‘Invincibles’ side began to naturally deconstruct, when the Gunners infamously lost the 2011 League Cup final in stoppage time to Birmingham City, when he was forced to surrender Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie to divisional and European rivals in the space of two summers, when PSG came calling for his services in summer 2013. Real Madrid are known to be exceptionally fond of him too.
Yet, as stubbornness in philosophy, tactics and squad building continues to stand in the way of progress, as Arsenal face yet another season where their only likely accomplishment will be retaining their Champions League status, the waiting game has gone full circle. It’s now the Arsenal board and the Arsenal fans who are being exceptionally patient with Arsene Wenger.
Jose Mourinho declared as much in February. His description of the Gunners gaffer as a ‘specialist in failure’ was crude, insulting and even rather spiteful, but the Chelsea manager’s logic is indisputable. “If I do that in Chelsea, eight years [without a trophy], I leave and don’t come back,” remarked the Special One, as he whipped yet another press conference into a frenzy.
Hyperbolic in tone but not in content; Mourinho became the first manager to survive a full campaign without winning anything under Roman Abramovich last season, and although the Russian owner is one of the Premier League’s most trigger-happy, it’s hard to think of another top club in Europe that would stand by their head coach during a nine-year trophy drought. It’s hard to think of another fan-base who would remain equally loyal through a period of paralleled malaise and dormancy.
Once again, Arsenal’s circumstances of the last decade are hardly conventional or indeed enviable when compared to PSG, Real Madrid, City or Chelsea. Limited financial backing remains a glass ceiling Wenger is yet to breach, whilst his prior history of success at the club, winning seven trophies in the first ten years, has earned the Arsenal boss the right to demand patience from the board and the fans.
After all, although he’s often obliged to take the position of scapegoat, clearly some of the club’s biggest disappointments over the years were out of his control, whereas many of their triumphs – including the erection of the Emirates stadium without compromising the club’s financial stability – have had Wenger at their core.
But now the excuses are beginning to wear thin, as is the fortitude of the fan base. This summer was meant to be a turning point in Arsenal’s – and indeed Wenger’s – history.
The FA Cup title at the end of last season exorcised the ghosts of the last nine years, a rediscovery of the club’s winning mentality, whilst the new sponsorship deal with Puma allowed the Gunners to spend a whopping £80million this summer – the most lucrative transfer window to date for the north Londoners.
If there was ever a time for the club to reawaken from its dormant state and begin challenging once again, it was unquestionably this season. Already eleven points behind the pace set by Premier League leaders Chelsea however, it looks like Arsenal and their fans will have to settle for the trophy-less joys of fourth-spot once again – that would make it the seventh time in the last nine seasons.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Arsenal owe a lot to Arsene Wenger – heck, so does the Premier League. But as the same mistakes of long-sightedness, stubbornness and on occasion, even stupidity, continue to reincarnate, it’s Wenger who is owing more and more to the club and the fans.
As the patience of the supporters begins to wane, what they’re actually waiting for becomes more ambiguous. The long-term effects of their self-imposed financial restraints to come to an end, or their manager to simply buck his ideas up? Either way, one can sense something is about to give at the Emirates.
Alexis Sanchez may have been signed over the summer, but, on the whole, the transfer window was a below par one for Arsenal. While attacking concerns were addressed, the sale of Thomas Vermaelen exposed a lack of depth in defence at the Emirates Stadium, while Arsene Wenger’s reluctance to bring in a holding midfielder was once again an issue in the stands.
January, as ever, presents a chance to get some much-needed reinforcements in, and the Gunners have been linked with additions and sales… and with that in mind, here are four to go and four to head to north London.
IN – Petr Cech
//www.youtube.com/embed/w_sMVR8dlC0
With Szczesny not exactly flavour of the month, Cech has emerged as a top target for the coming weeks at Arsenal. The Czech Republic stopper has been well and truly bombed out of the Chelsea XI this term with Courtois now Jose Mourinho’s No. 1, and rumours suggest that he’s so frustrated with the situation a switch before the impending deadline could happen, regardless of the Blues’ wishes to keep him.
In almost every measurable way, Cech was better the Szczesny last season. The Pole appears superior in terms of catching and punching crosses, but the Chelsea man had a better defence in front of him to deal with those problems. Cech made more saves per shot while keeping a greater level of clean sheets. At around £6m at the age of 32, he makes sense in both the long and short term.
OUT – Wojciech Szczesny
With David Ospina also in the squad, should Cech come in, then Szczesny would have to make way. The Polish international is in Wenger’s bad books following his smoking antics on New Year’s Day, and it looks as if the Frenchman has finally lost his patience with the ‘keeper. Szczesny impressed last term, but there have been doubts for some time about his true ability, with Gunners fans having often called for a more experience goalie to be brought in.
Still young at the age of 24, the glovesman is unlikely to be short of offers if made available.
IN – Winston Reid
The next area of pressing concern for Arsenal is at centre-back. The Gunners’ lack of depth has resulted in the use of full-backs Calum Chambers, Nacho Monreal and Mathieu Debuchy at the heart of the backline on a number of occasions this term, which has caused some shaky showings. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny are a good pairing when fit, but a stand-in is needed, with Reid an option.
Soon to be out of contract, a defender of the New Zealander’s calibre for a fee of around £8m is great business, and West Ham appear resigned to selling this month.
OUT – Nacho Monreal
One of the great villains of the season in the eyes of many Arsenal fans, Monreal’s showings have been poor. In fairness, the Spaniard has been shifted into the heart of the Gunners’ defence to cover for injuries, but with performances having been listless and competition for his favoured left-back role appearing to be too much for him, it may be the end of the line.
Monreal was a decent performer in his homeland with Malaga before he joined Arsenal, so there’s every chance that La Liga sides may come in for him should he be available. Athletic Bilbao are one team to have been linked.
IN – Ilkay Gundogan
//www.youtube.com/embed/AtN3JxembUg
A long-term target, Gundogan has recently re-emerged as a player on Wenger’s radar. The silky German is adept in a deep-lying role, with his rage of passing having been the bedrock of Dortmund’s successes of the course of the past few years. But with BVB struggling now, there are suggestions that Gundogan could be axed for around £16m.
OUT – Joel Campbell
//www.youtube.com/embed/czKFdbQZYQA
A hero for his nation at the World Cup over the summer, Campbell looked set to play a sizable role for Arsenal this season, claims further boosted when Wenger rejected a late loan offer from Benfica. Yet the Costa Rican has managed just a handful of minutes in the league so far this term, with a bench role under Wenger the reward for his heroics in Brazil.
A full sale makes little sense for the Gunners this month given that Campbell is still 22, but a loan deal could be good for club and player alike. Game time is what both parties need for the striker, and Premier League sides are thought to be interested.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
IN – Alexandre Lacazette
//www.youtube.com/embed/BiLlNLLu4LE
17 goals in Ligue 1 already this season has seen Lacazette emerge as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers. The 23-year-old combines electric pace and clever movement with efficiency in the box, making him a promising prospect, which has alerted a host of clubs. Liverpool have been strongly linked with the Lyon ace, yet Arsenal’s name is also in the mix.
With Giroud and Welbeck not exactly prolific and Sanchez a better option from deeper, Lacazette could be a useful tool for Wenger.
OUT – Mathieu Flamini
Okay, Arsenal aren’t blessed with a host of options in the middle of the park, but the walking yellow card that is Flamini is not longer cutting it. You only have to glance at Twitter on a match day to see the level of disdain some Gunners fans have for the Frenchman, and if a replacement is found, surely he can be shipped out?
At 30, there are still some miles left on the clock, and a free or cut-price deal may temp some of France’s bigger sides to looking at the former Les Bleus star.
After a night of strong negotiations, Jermain Defoe looks set for a return to the Premier League this time with Gus Poyet’s struggling Sunderland. Defoe has been linked with a move back to England for quite some time now, but is a three-and-a-half year deal set to be worth around £14m, a good deal for all parties?
The 32-year-old left Tottenham Hotspur in February, after scoring 91 Premier League goals in two separate spells at White Hart Lane. He made the switch to Toronto FC, but the forward has struggled to adapt to life in Canada, and now looks set for a big-money move to the Stadium of Light – with some reports suggesting the unsuccessful Jozy Altidore going in the opposite direction. Many people will be scratching their eyes at the deal that will cost the Black Cats a reported £14m – but is it a deal that could work out?
Even at 32, Defoe is still a very capable striker – since his move to the MLS, the former England international has netted 11 times in 17 starts for the Canadian club. He has always had the knack of scoring goals whoever he has played for – including firing 19 goals in 55 caps for England. His best years are certainly behind him, and it’s undoubtedly a slight risk for Poyet to make, but if the move keeps the North East club in the Premier League, then it’s a gamble that could well pay off.
It seemed that Defoe was destined for a return to England’s top tier, with a host of English clubs showing interest in bringing the goal-machine back to the Premier League – Liverpool, Spurs and Newcastle United – among others, were all linked with the striker at one stage. Most recently, due to injuries with Nikica Jelavic and Abel Hernandez, Steve Bruce’s Hull City were heavily linked with him. But Sunderland, who are reportedly willing to offer the ex-Spurs man a whopping £80,000-a-week deal, look like they are the club who have won the race for his signature.
Defoe is just the type of player the Black Cats are in desperate need of, with the Mackems having only scored 18 goals in 21 league games so far. With strikers Steven Fletcher only scoring four, Connor Wickham with two, and Joze Altidore with exactly none – midfielder Adam Johnson is Sunderland’s top scorer with just four league goals. Defoe’s low centre of gravity and pure ability of sticking the ball in the back of the net, makes the Toronto forward the ideal candidate for the job.
Sunderland are once again involved in another dogged scrap for survival. Poyet’s side currently sit in 16th place in the league table – after securing just one win in their last 11 games. They proved last year that they have what it takes to retain their Premier League status – the Black Cats looked doomed, but after some memorable results, Poyet guided them to a 14th place finish, an astonishing five points from relegation. With the imminent arrival of Defoe, the club will hope he will fire the goals to keep the Sunderland in the Premier League yet again.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
After a summer of optimism at Old Trafford following the arrival of some big names, Manchester United fans were hoping to put last season’s disappointment behind them, and surge into a top four finish. There was no bigger signing than that of Angel Di Maria, who arrived at the club for a British record fee; just shy of £60million.
Many were surprised at the decision of Real Madrid to let one of their star players leave the Bernabeu, especially after a man-of-the-match performance in their Champions League Final success over city rivals Atletico Madrid. Despite the hefty price tag, it appeared United had secured one of the world’s finest talents in Di Maria, and in doing so had signalled their intent to get back on track, and begin to compete as we know they can.
But the campaign has not gone to plan for the Argentine, who looks a shadow of the player we know he can be, with some poor performances drawing criticism from both fans and pundits. Their disappointing exit in the FA Cup at the hands of Arsenal on Monday night saw the Red Devils throw away their best chance at winning the competition in recent years, and last opportunity for silverware this campaign.
Not only was the defeat worsened by the fact that former United man Danny Welbeck struck the winning goal, but a bad night was compounded when Di Maria was needlessly sent off for two yellow cards just moments apart. After a silly booking for diving, the midfielder gave referee Michael Oliver little choice in brandishing a second yellow, as Di Maria pulled him back to protest his innocence at the previous decision.
Di Maria’s expression as he left the pitch summed up his time at the club, which despite some flashes of brilliance, has ultimately proved disappointing thus far. His assist for Wayne Rooney’s equaliser was superb; a great cross with plenty of pace and whip, that showed just how dangerous his left foot can be. But moments of quality like this, have not been regular enough for a player of his class and price tag.
[ad_pod id=’ffc-video-small’ align=’left’]
So how can United solve this problem, and get the best out of their record signing over the coming weeks and months?
Much of the problem, like many of the United players, appears to be due to a lack of confidence, and this has to be down to the manager. The Dutchman has continuously altered his team in terms of personnel, formation and philosophy, something that is certainly not helping the likes of Di Maria. The Argentine has failed to be given a constant run in the in his preferred position at the heart of a three man midfield, where he can utilise his pace, trickery and creative ability as he did so in the European final.
Van Gaal continues to tinker with his team, clearly still in search of his best system, and by doing so is not helping Di Maria develop as a United player in the role he wants to fulfil, with him often ending up out on the wing, where he has struggled to make a sufficient impact.
A long campaign last season, which culminated in a World Cup Final, could be taking its toll on him, and he does appear to be lacking fitness in certain areas, looking less sharp as he did not so long ago. His lack of strength has been found out since his arrival to the league, with opponents able to muscle him off the ball with ease on numerous occasions.
The need for a few weeks’ rest, and a good pre-season under his belt could prove important in answer to the question, and United will be hopeful this can bring an improvement in performances come the start of next season, where they hope to be fighting it out in the Champions League once again. A regular starting berth in the centre of the United team would also hugely benefit his confidence, allowing them to get the best out of his creative and attacking ability, which as a team as a whole, has been distinctly average this season.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
It’s certainly too early to be labelling Di Maria as a flop, a waste of money or a poor signing, but it can’t be argued that he has underperformed so far. Failure to finish in the top four this season is unthinkable for the club, but the ability to secure a return to Europe’s premier competition would be made a great deal easier, could they get the best out of their star man.
For Di Maria and van Gaal, there’s still plenty of work to be done.
Being the Premier League’s most expensive player has not been easy for Angel Di Maria. If he has a bad game, his massive price tag is the first thing that is used against him in the media.
After being one of the big playmakers at Real Madrid, it was assumed he would pick up where he left off. When he has not lived up to expectation, he had been branded a Premier League ‘flop’. But Angel Di Maria is far from a ‘flop.’
United’s number seven has now racked up ten assists: six more than his teammates Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata, who all have four to their name. In fact, the Argentine is second in the league for assists – only Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas has more this season, which is no surprise.
How many Premier League players feature in the FIFPro World XI for 2014? Just one. Manchester United’s Angel Di Maria. Admittedly, his form at Real Madrid will have played a huge part in this inclusion, but even so, it’s an incredible achievement.
[ffc-gal cat=”manchester-united” no=”5″]
Aside from the FIFPro World XI, Angel Di Maria was also one of the 23 players shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or. There was never any doubt that the award was going to Cristiano Ronaldo, but it shows how important Di Maria is.
It is worth noting that Di Maria has not been fit all season. But wasn’t that the norm for Manchester United in the first half of the season? He suffered from a hamstring injury that kept him out for the best part of four weeks, as well as a hip injury. Had he been fit all season, his goals and assists could well be higher.
His two red cards in United’s FA Cup exit at the hands of rivals Arsenal meant he was was suspended for the league game against Tottenham Hotspur. As United put in their best display of the season without him, he has been dropped to the bench ever since. He has featured, but he is yet to start. This is justified: it is important that players, regardless of their transfer fee, do not simply walk into Louis Van Gaal’s starting line up.
Not every player sets the world alight in their debut season in a new league, but Angel Di Maria has not done too badly. His stats are better than most, yet he is the one who is constantly being brought up in the media for not living up to expectation.
But United fans are backing him. He is a world class player and his transfer fee was always going to be big.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Judge him in a years time, then see if he is still a ‘flop’.
Phil Chisnall… What? Who? You may ask. The retired forward was the last player to move directly between Liverpool and Manchester United way back in 1964. The rivalry between the two great North West clubs has ensured that transfer between them have been very, very, very rare, and although numerous players have represented the two sides, they don’t sit down together too often to thrash out complex agreements.
However, 2015 could be the next date on the list, with reports indicating that Liverpool are considering a quite frankly shocking swoop for Javier Hernandez. The Mexico international is currently away from Old Trafford on loan at Real Madrid, but another switch this summer looks to be on the cards.
Here are FIVE reasons it could make sense…
[interaction ]
Liverpool need goals
In the Premier League Liverpool’s top scorers – Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard – are tied on six goals… SIX. That’s a far cry from last term when both Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez smashed over 20 apiece, as the Reds ran riot.
Hernandez’s currency is firmly goals, and despite his lack of playing time at Real Madrid, he possesses a better goals-per-90 minutes ratio than any of Liverpool’s current forwards and has netted over 30 goals in English football already.
Hernandez needs a fresh start
A loan move to Real Madrid was somewhat optimistic on ‘Chicharito’s’ part, with his playing chances at the Bernabeu always likely to be lower than at Old Trafford. Sure enough, he managed just 270 minutes of La Liga action, and with a return to United looking unlikely, a fresh start looks to be best.
Liverpool could offer him a route back to England, more game time, the chance to impress and a nice platform to get one over on his former employers.
Rodgers has a record of saving cast-offs
Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho were struggling while at Chelsea and Inter Milan respectively. But January 2013 switches to Anfield to work under Rodgers have revived their careers to the point that they’re considered to be two of the best players in their positions in the Premier League.
Hernandez is not as young as the aforementioned duo, but he still has cope to turn things around at 26.
Lambert, Balotelli & Borini may be off
Football – Liverpool v Besiktas – UEFA Europa League Second Round First Leg – Anfield, Liverpool, England – 19/2/15Liverpool’s Mario Balotelli celebrates scoring their first goal with a penaltyReuters / Andrew YatesLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Reports have indicated that Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini could all be axed this summer. With a combined total of just four Premier League goals between them, it’s easy to see just why the Merseysiders would look to shift them all on, but doing so will leave them short of options.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Should the threesome be sold, then Hernandez could come in to support Sturridge, whose injury record illustrates just how often he needs someone to step in.
Cheaper than others
Although £8m is a figure beyond the imagination of all us ‘normal people’, in the realm of football it’s actually a relatively low figure. Liverpool, regardless of their Champions League qualification fate, will surely have such funds in place, and other targets are likely to cost far, far, far more.
It gets said pretty much every year but this summer feels like a more important transfer window than most for Arsenal.
The Gunners are ending the 2014/15 campaign on an impressive run, barring recent defeats and draws to Swansea City and Sunderland respectively, and are resultantly expected to launch their most viable Premier League title bid for almost a decade next season.
In order to do that, however, the north Londoners need pretty much the perfect summer, where the right signings are brought in, the right players are booted out and the club is left in a much stronger position.
But Arsene Wenger’s track record in the transfer market isn’t exactly exemplary. The Gunners gaffer certainly knows how to find good value for money, yet his long-term approach and lack of ruthlessness often has a one-step-forward-two-steps-back effect.
So to keep ‘Le Prof’ on the right path, Football FanCast have drafted a summer to do list for the Emirates outfit.
BUY A TOP CLASS NO.1
Football – Chelsea v Bolton Wanderers – Capital One Cup Third Round – Stamford Bridge – 14/15 – 24/9/14Petr Cech – Chelsea Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Alan WalterEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
David Opsina has performed well since stepping in for the shower-smoking Wojciech Szczesny as Arsenal’s No.1, claiming eight clean sheets in 17 Premier League appearances, coming into the side just as the Gunners began to pick up form.
But we’ve been here before with Arsenal goalkeepers. Manuel Almunia was Jens Lehmann’s understudy before taking the No.1 mantle and Szczesny’s was the Spaniard’s until a horrendous run of form saw their roles reversed.
Instead of pinning their hopes on yet another second-choice ‘keeper to have broken into the first team only due to the inadequacies of others, the north Londoners need to sign a proven, world-class, long-term stopper this summer who can be depended upon for the next four or five years.
The obvious answer is Chelsea’s Petr Cech. Some tabloids claim the Gunners have already entered negotiations to sign the four-time Premier League winner, who represents the exact balance of quality and experience they should be looking for this summer.
Some potential alternatives include Inter Milan’s Samir Handanovic, a two-time Serie A Team of the Year member whose San Siro contract is set to expire in 2016, Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic, who offers proven Premier League pedigree, and Southampton’s monolithic shot-stopper, Fraser Forster.
Strengthen the strike-force
Arsene Wenger’s faith in Olivier Giroud appears to be unconditional and admittedly, the France international, through his height, power and link-up play, has certainly proved a useful tool over the last three campaigns.
But the fact of the matter is that in the last five seasons, not one club have been named Premier League champions without their top scorer netting in excess of twenty goals. Diego Costa, only through injury, might prove to be a rare anomaly this term with only 19 in an otherwise consistent Premier League trend. Giroud, meanwhile, has not scored more than 16 in his three top flight campaigns.
So Wenger needs to find either an upgrade on the 28-year-old this summer or an alternative option that offers more natural poacher instincts than the industrious and versatile Danny Welbeck – who has proved to be a rather underwhelming addition since moving to the Emirates last summer.
Top class strikers aren’t in copious supply at the minute, but there’s certainly a number of front-men on the market who could compete with Giroud for his regular lone striking role.
Gonzalo Higuain for example, a Gunners target in summer 2013, looks set to leave Napoli after their failure to qualify for next term’s Champions League. Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca, who could fire the La Liga outfit to a second consecutive Europa League title next Wednesday, has a £21million release clause in his contract, whilst the buy-out fee of Porto star Jackson Martinez, boasting 92 goals in 132 appearances for the Dragons, is just £7million more.
Likewise, Burnley’s Danny Ings and Marseille’s Andre Pierre Gignac will be available on free transfers this summer, whilst recent reports claim Barcelona could relinquish winger-forward Pedro – not a striker per se, for just £7million.
REDUCE THE WAGE BILL
Football – Germany v Republic of Ireland – UEFA Euro 2016 Qualifying Group D – Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany – 14/10/14Lukas Podolski – GermanyMandatory Credit: Action Images / Andrew CouldridgeEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Arsenal’s wage bill surpassed Chelsea’s for the first time in over a decade this season – despite the gulf in quality between the Gunners and the Premier League champions – so in my opinion it’s imperative Arsene Wenger shifts some of the deadwood in the summer.
We already know Mathieu Flamini and Abou Diaby are most likely heading out of the exit door, with their contracts set to expire at the end of the campaign.
But some further cuts certainly wouldn’t go amiss. Mikel Arteta and Lukas Podolski all allegedly earn within the region of £80k per week. Although they add depth to the squad, it hardly seems like good value for money, considering they’ve made just eleven Premier League starts collectively this term.
That money would be better used attracting a top class name to the Emirates with a mega-contract. Paul Pogba anyone?
CASH IN ON HOME-GROWNS
In comparison to the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, who have made an art form of selling the right player at the right time, the Gunners never seem to get a fair price for their departees. Real Madrid, for example, paid more for Gareth Bale than Arsenal made selling Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie combined.
So perhaps it’s time Arsene Wenger showed a little more ruthlessness on this front – selling players that could be worth more to the north Londoners on the transfer market than on the pitch.
Take Jack Wilshere for instance, a talented prospect by all means yet one that’s continually riddled with injury problems – making just 95 Premier League appearances out of a possible 190 since his first team breakthrough in 2010.
Manchester City, in desperate need of young home-grown talent, would pay an absolute fortune to sign the England international this summer. The tabloids claim they’re prepared to offer £30million. That could be a new goalkeeper, defensive midfielder or centre-forward for Arsenal.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Likewise, a plethora of clubs would cough up top dollar for Theo Walcott, despite the fact he’s managed 21 Premier League appearances over the last two campaigns and has just a year left on his contract, purely because home-grown goalscorers are becoming an ever rarer breed.
It’s most likely Wenger will do whatever he can to hold onto these players this summer. But in my opinion, their fiscal vastly outweighs their footballing worth. West Ham loanee Carl Jenkinson is another who belongs firmly in this category.
SIGN A MIDFIELD MONOLITH
There’s a glass ceiling between Arsenal and the other title challengers and it’s epitomised best by their lack of physicality in central midfield. Chelsea have Nemanja Matic, Manchester City have Yaya Toure, Manchester United have Marouane Fellaini, but the Gunners’ engine room is filled with diminutive playmakers.
Francis Coquellin has added a more defensive dynamic in recent months but the north Londoners are still in desperate need of height and power. It’s a problem that’s plagued them for years and Arsene Wenger can’t afford to put it off for another summer – especially with Arsenal expected to mount their most viable title charge for nearly a decade next season.
There’s certainly some decent options on the market. The common suggestion in the tabloids is Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin. He measures in at 6 foot 2 and has averaged the second-most tackles per match, 3.7, of any Premier League player this term.
But some viable alternatives include Sporting Lisbon’s beastly play-breaker William Carvalho, valued around the £20million mark, Real Madrid’s bosman-bound World Cup winner Sami Khedira, Monaco’s prodigious anchor Geoffrey Kondogbia and Bayern Munich’s forgotten man Javi Martinez.
Admittedly, it doesn’t have to be a defensive minded player. Newcastle’s industrious Moussa Sissoko and Juventus warrior Arturo Vidal represent more progressive options.
But either way, adding physicality to the engine room is vital if the Gunners intend to take next year’s crown.
With the Premier League’s TV rights package soaring above most people’s belief levels, every Premier League club is now a rich club. That’s why Crystal Palace can shell out enough money not just to tempt PSG into selling Yohan Cabaye, but to tempt the Frenchman to come to the South London club even without the lure of Champions League football or even the prospect of it next season.
The same can be said for Swansea and Andre Ayew. These are Champions League players we’re talking about – the kind of players that one of the Premier League’s bigger teams would be looking at. Or at least a continental giant who regularly ply their trade at Europe’s top table.
But clearly money talks, and England has plenty of it. And one of the biggest winners seem to be West Ham.
They are benefitting from the money and they are also benefitting from their move to a new and iconic stadium next season. They can attract bigger and better players into the club. It looks like they’re attracting the kind of player who will bring an elegance to East London not seen since the 1960s. These are heady days – exciting times.
Dimitri Payet has already joined the Hammers. He’s another of the Champions League quality players coming to Premier League clubs who clearly have ambition. Payet stumped up more assists than anyone else in Ligue 1 last season and showed some great form for Marseille even though OM couldn’t hang on to a Champions League spot in the end.
Alex Song might yet come back to the Boleyn permanently, but the only thing that looks like ending that particular deal is the Barcelona man’s ankle which could be strapped up for months.
Champions League finalist Angelo Ogbonna is reportedly close to a deal and Javier Hernandez has even been touted as a target for the Hammers this summer.
So West Ham are quietly putting together a team that can compete at the upper echelons of the Premier League with players of proven quality. Champions League quality even. They’re attracted by money – who isn’t – but they’re also attracted by the prospect of playing at the Olympic Stadium and of playing in a team that has ambition. All of the players entering the club just make more players want to come and play for them too.
The more big name players who sign for West Ham, the more big name players who want to sign for West Ham. And the more success West Ham have with these players in the squad, the more success West Ham will have.
In a new stadium, with a good team competing for European football, West Ham can attract even bigger names on the pitch, but they can also attract even bigger investment off it too. Money can come into the club from wealthy owners who see the club as a great investment – a Premier League club with potential and an iconic stadium. And what’s more, it’s in London.
This looks like the start of something really special at West Ham. Manchester City’s move to their City of Manchester Stadium after the Commonwealth Games in 2003 was the catalyst for their takeover in 2008. The owners could see that they were a big club with a great stadium. A club with a big fanbase and bags of potential. And then came two Premier League titles in three years.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
West Ham’s rise could be even more meteoric. With a good squad already in place, the move to the new stadium is already on the cards, and if investment can come straight away who knows where the Hammers could be in three or four years time.
These really are exciting times in East London. West Ham are in a position that should be the envy of most clubs, but they need success on the pitch this season to put all of this in motion. If the new and exciting signings can challenge for Europe, or do well in the Europa League, then it’ll put them on the map.
Every Premier League club is now a rich club, but some are richer than others. Success over the next few seasons can put West Ham up towards the top of the table, and maybe towards the top of the rich list too. Three years ago athletes were going for gold in the Olympic Stadium, next season’s move might just have West Ham digging for gold.