Posts Tagged ‘Valencia’

2010/2011 La Liga fixtures announced – Barca and Real to kick off away from home

July 22nd, 2010 Dean Saliba

acmilan 2010/2011 La Liga fixtures announced – Barca and Real to kick off away from home

The Spanish Football Federation has released the fixtures for their premier competition La Liga which will transpire over the course of thirty eight weeks.

Champions Barcelona will begin their title defence away from home as Racing Santander play hosts. Real Madrid will also be playing the part of guests as they will face Real Mallorca at the ONO Estadi. To add extra flavour to the fixture Madrid legend Michael Laudrup is now in charge of the islanders as he seeks to get one over on his former employers.

The opening games will begin on the final weekend of August as Spanish fans look forward to yet another exciting campaign. With the feel good factor well and truly in full swing in Southern Europe thanks to Spain’s heroics in South Africa fans are eagerly awaiting the big kick off.

With the country’s top two clubs beginning their title quest on the road, as too are Valencia and Sevilla who make up Spain’s quartet of Champions League participants this season. Here are the opening games to commence on the 29th August:

Atlético Madrid

V

Sporting

Hércules

V

Athletic Bilbao

Racing

V

Barcelona

Málaga

V

Valencia

Deportivo

V

Real Zaragoza

Levante

V

Sevilla

Espanyol

V

Getafe

Real Sociedad

V

Villarreal

Osasuna

V

Almería

Real Mallorca

V

Real Madrid

The biggest game in club football will take place at the end of November. ‘El Clasico’ – between Real and Barcelona wets the appetite of any football poet who marvels at the exuberant skill and flair on display surrounded by its theatrical atmosphere. Not to mention Jose Mourinho’s antics as Madrid’s new coach. The Nou Camp will stage the first game with the second taking place in the middle of April in the countries capital.

Barcelona’s new signing David Villa who helped spearhead his nations triumph in South Africa has revealed that the chance take part in the famous match was one of the prime reasons he opted to move to Catalonia.

“Playing in such a game is what every player wants to achieve.” said Villa.

“I am eager to taste the atmosphere. It’s an important game for any player. It’s part of the reason players come to Barcelona.”

Despite the significant gap between The Blaugrana and Los Blancos with the other eighteen outfits it does look a much more difficult task for those to bridge the gap on the two giants as they have both added to their squads once again. David Villa being one who has left the Mestella for the Nou Camp as well as David Silva departing for English shores with Manchester City. That seriously weakens Valencia’s prospects as they needed to sell their two stars to help ease crippling debts. Real Madrid has paid a vast amount of money for the services of Angel di Maria and are still in the hunt for another marquee signing.

Spain’s World Cup winners are yet to begin their pre-season as they continue to recuperate following their exploits last month.  With the country’s football sitting undisputedly at the top of the world game it will be interesting to see how events unfold domestically.

“2010/2011 La Liga fixtures announced – Barca and Real to kick off away from home” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayern’s Lahm?

July 15th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayerns Lahm?Fiorentina Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayerns Lahm?liverpool Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayerns Lahm?

England

Lahm Deal No Walk In The Park?

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United could make a move for Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm, but any deal could hinge on whether or not United are willing to part with Park Ji-Sung, who is wanted by Bayern.

Analysis: With Bayern in pursuit of Ajax’s Gregory Van der Wiel, Lahm could be United’s for the taking if they really want him. Park has been a dependable squad member and stepped up in big moments on numerous occasions, but as the second leg of United’s Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern last season showed, having some experience and steadiness at right back can be a real difference maker.

Sunderland Swoop For Manchester Starlets

Sunderland are hopeful of finalizing a deal for young Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck within the coming days, and the club could also be set for a move for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Neither player looks to have a chance at many first-team opportunities at their respective clubs this coming season, so a move is in their best interests. Onuoha can be an immediate starter for Sunderland, Welbeck will greatly benefit from the chance to earn significant Premier League experience. And even if there’s a logjam at striker, Steve Bruce can find a place for him as a winger, so he should find opportunities there for the taking.

Birmingham Bid For Clyne

Birmingham City have made a bid of £1.25m for Crystal Palace right back Nathaniel Clyne. (The Sun)

Analysis: With Palace likely set for a battle to stay up this season, selling Clyne right now could be considered, given that being in League One wouldn’t do much for his value. However, he stands to have a lot more value to the club if he stays and helps their fight to stay up than if he leaves for what can be thought of as a rather small sum with his talent and potential in mind.

Wigan Loan Al-Habsi

Wigan have signed goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi on a season-long loan from Bolton. (The Sun)

Analysis: With the injury cloud always looming and ready to rain down on Chris Kirkland, it’s a smart move for Wigan to land another goalkeeper with Premier League experience. Al-Habsi performed well for Bolton in his extended spell of action in the 2007/08 season, and he could step in and do a job if needed.

Spain

Barcelona Target Bilbao Star

Barcelona are pondering a move for Atletico Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Martinez is one of the brightest prospects in Spanish football (which is saying a lot, considering the young talent they have), and he was a top target for Liverpool last summer. With Barca looking to meet frustration on the Cesc Fabregas front yet again, he makes for a fine backup option, but Barcelona’s financial situation could price them out of a move unless some sales can be made soon.

Aduriz Set For Valencia

Valencia have agreed a €4m fee for Mallorca striker Aritz Aduriz, who will underdog a medical at his prospective new home tomorrow. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: David Villa he is not, but he is a reliable scorer. Valencia will certainly miss Villa and Silva, but they will survive and flourish, thanks to old faces (Juan Mata, Joaquin, and Pablo) and newer ones. Alejandro Dominguez should be a significant contributor in his first full season at the club after coming from Rubin Kazan in January, and Aduriz and fellow new signing Alberto Costa will also do their part to make sure that the two Davids aren’t missed too much.

Atletico Eye Godin

Atletico Madrid are interested in Villarreal center back Diego Godin, who‘s coming off of an impressive World Cup performance for Uruguay. Villarreal could sell the 24-year-old if an offer around €15m comes in. (Goal.com)

Analysis: If there’s any area that Atletico need to spend big, it’s at the back. The addition of Godin wouldn’t be a cure-all for their defensive woes, but it would significantly boost their hopes of having an all-around successful 2010-11 campaign.

Italy

Juve Enter Fray For Forlan

According to Italian news reports, Juventus could be set to make a €20m bid for Atletico Madrid star and World Cup Golden Ball winner Diego Forlan. (Goal.com)

Analysis: It makes a lot more sense for Juve to make a run at Forlan instead of Edin Dzeko with numerous factors in mind. The only negative when it comes to a Forlan deal is his age, but when you’re capable of reaching a goal total as high or higher than your age, well, it’s just a number.

Milan Agree Papastathopoulos Deal

AC Milan and Genoa have come to an agreement over Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos. AC Milan will have the 22-year-old on loan next season and then sign him permanently for €7m next summer. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Another much-needed step towards giving the squad a much younger look. Papastathopoulos (say it five times fast!) was a steady performer for a Genoa defense that was one of the worst in Serie A, and he has the potential to be a key cog in Milan’s back line for years to come.

Roma Look To Seal Burdisso Deal

After Inter Milan rejected their initial bid of €3.5m for defender Nicolas Burdisso, Roma are hopeful that an improved bid of €6m will be enough to land the Argentine international. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Inter may want €10m, but with Roma not having much room to maneuver in the transfer market right now, Inter shouldn’t find it hard to find a compromise over a player who Roma needs a lot more than they do at this point.

Fiorentina Close On Insua

Fiorentina have agreed a fee of £5m with Liverpool for left back Emiliano Insua. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Liverpool could’ve certainly benefited from having him in the side next season, but he should step in and be an immediate starter for Fiorentina.

“Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayern’s Lahm?” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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The football debt league – top 10 most indebted clubs

July 11th, 2010 Dean Saliba

championsleague The football debt league top 10 most indebted clubsacmilan The football debt league top 10 most indebted clubsmanchesterunited The football debt league top 10 most indebted clubs

Barcelona’s new president Sandro Rosell revealed earlier this week that the football club is having to take out a €150million loan in order to ease financial debts. Despite the enormity of the football club which generates high income via merchandise sales and tickets it is in a real financial mess as mass spending on new players and wages has contributed to their red status.

Dmytro Chygrynskiy was sold back to Shakhtar Donestk for €15 million as a financial necessity and clearly illustrates The Blaugrana’s problems if they have to sell players to ease their finance worries. Despite their huge debt which is believed to be in the region of €326 million, the football club has seen their revenue rise via marketing and player transfers. The size of the debt is worrying to see but Rosell has assured that the club will be able to pay for the important necessities such as wages for the players, staff and personnel.

The La Liga champions are as you know not the only major European outfit in the red. There are a number of clubs across the continent who are putting their existence on the line with the undertaking of heavy loans resulting in high interest payments.

Manchester United is a proven example. They are arguably the biggest football club in the world along with Real Madrid where both clubs sit at the top of the football rich list as they generate the most revenue and income through their marketing policy and sale of tickets. Despite that impressive statistic it does somewhat disguise the turbulence with their figures as both clubs are in heavy debt.

Since Manchester United was bought by the Glazers in 2005 the club has been slumped into severe financial woe. They bought the club by loaning money from banks which now sits on their balance sheets which is bringing interest payments up.

The debt of the Manchester club is actually far greater than all thirty-six clubs in Germany’s top two divisions. That is a frightening fact.

Barcelona’s debt is small change in comparison to United.  They are paying over £40million alone in interest due to the size of their debt which is bringing it up. The Glazers have revealed that they are refinancing the club but this will only be a short term fix. In the long run it is impossible to see how this debt will be wiped clean unless it’s sold on.

The Premier League is without a doubt the most lucrative and watched championship in the world. The money which is generated by television rights alone is astonishing. The BSkyB contract is massive and sees all twenty football clubs given an equal share of money. In Spain’s La Liga the football clubs have to negotiate their own contracts. Unfortunately Real Madrid and Barcelona between them recoup more than half of the money that is available leaving the other eighteen clubs to fight over the scraps.

Chelsea Limited sees their debt stand at £726million. Owner Roman Abramovich took over the club in 2003 with the vision of bringing trophies to Stamford Bridge which he has certainly achieved over the last seven years. Large amounts of money were spent on bringing players in as the Russian billionaire began his football monopoly. In order to do this he loaned his money into a holding company, Chelsea Limited, who then loaned it onto Chelsea PLC who run the football club.

Last year the loans from the holding company to Chelsea PLC were converted into shares. However Abramovich’s loan to Chelsea Limited, the holding company which owns Chelsea PLC was not. That means the loan still remains but it does not loom within the club but in Chelsea Limited. Therefore Chelsea as a football club is more or less debt-free unlike its holding company. Complicated circumstances indeed.

Abramovich is entitled to call in his debt whenever he feels as long as he gives eighteen months notice. Unlike United no interest has to be paid so the figure will stand at what is or increase depending on Abramovich’s willingness to inject more cash into the club. The huge loans he has undertaken to run The Blues in the last seven years have not been written off.

Once again it seems impossible to see how this loan is going to be wiped clean in the coming years. With UEFA now implementing rules threatening clubs to sort out their financial predicaments in the next few years it would seem that some are bound to face severe consequences unless they sort out their mess.

Real Madrid is the second-largest debtor in world football. When Florentino Perez won his second term as President last summer he lived up to his word of bringing in a mass influx of football stars. They did arrive with heavy price tags. He shattered the world record transfer twice in the space of a week as he lured Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Spanish capital. In total the club spent £360million on new talent in the summer of 2009.

Some of the clubs real-estate assets have had to be sold on in order to ease their financial difficulties. Perez is doing his utmost to cut back on costs to try and bring debts down but is also spending large sums on new stars with Angel di Maria being the latest big money addition to Los Blancos.

Their financial worries will hardly damage the club in the long term. Their domestic television contract is by far the richest in the world which stands at just over €1billion with MediaPro and are helped greatly by tax legislation. The fact that Madrid is such an enormous entity in Spain means they are not faced with pressure from banks in order to pay back debts unlike in England and other countries. Their status is formidable with a high political influence.

The power Madrid and Barcelona have in their domestic league is pretty undisputed. Due to the enormity of both clubs their financial predicaments do not face harsh consequences like it does for others.

Valencia has had to sell their star players David Villa and David Silva to help eliminate the risk of being liquidised. They have debts of more than €500 million and were bailed out by the regional Government when they agreed to guarantee a loan of €74 million in August last year. Again this is just heaping more and more high figures into their books resulting in higher interest payments. Los Che is in a real mess and has been for the last few years. The importance of qualifying for the Champions League last season was pivotal in bringing in higher income.

Despite all the worries that elude the football clubs it is the fans who are suffering the most. They are having to sit back and witness the predicaments their beloved clubs face and can’t help but worry about the possible repercussions.

UEFA are now taking a stance over the debts at last but it will be interesting to see if they do live up to their word of expelling teams from European competitions if their debts are not sorted out. It is a growing and unhealthy trend in European football and it needs to be addressed by the hierarchy.

Below is a table ranking the ten most indebted clubs in Europe. Manchester United sit at the top of pile accompanied by two other English outfits within the top four emphasising the superior debt levels in England’s top flight. Surprisingly Fulham Football Club also make the list with debts just under £200million.

Ranking Club Debt
1. Manchester United £716m
2. Chelsea (Limited) £701m
3. Valencia C.F £501m
4. Liverpool £351m
5. Real Madrid £296m
6. FC Barcelona £273m
7. AS Roma £271m
8. Schalke 04 £234m
9. Arsenal £203m
10. Fulham £198m

Also The Football Association of England itself is in catastrophic debt. The rebuilding of the new Wembley has contributed greatly to their woe as it has put a £350million millstone over its neck alone. With just an annual turnover of £300million it doesn’t even come close to easing their financial woes as the undertaking of other projects has pushed them further into the red.

“The football debt league – top 10 most indebted clubs” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Man City land Valencia’s Silva, Real Madrid to step up efforts for England pair, Man United close on Ninis, and more

June 30th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Man City land Valencias Silva, Real Madrid to step up efforts for England pair, Man United close on Ninis, and moreliverpool Transfer Rumors: Man City land Valencias Silva, Real Madrid to step up efforts for England pair, Man United close on Ninis, and morelyon Transfer Rumors: Man City land Valencias Silva, Real Madrid to step up efforts for England pair, Man United close on Ninis, and more

David Silva is busy helping Spain attempt to win the World Cup for the first time, but whether he returns from South Africa after this weekend or the following one, it won’t be as a Valencia player.

While Silva is making the switch from La Liga to the Premier League, Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard could be set to do the opposite sometime in the next couple of weeks.

Also, it’s not very often that multiple American players are mentioned in one transfer roundup, but that’s the case today, as a trio of American stars are being linked with moves to new locales.

England

City Complete Silva Signing

Manchester City have pulled off their first big signing of the summer, nabbing Valencia winger David Silva for a fee of £27m. Silva, who had also been the subject of serious interest from Chelsea, has inked a four-year deal with City. (The Mirror)

United Swoop For Ninis

Also according to the Mirror, Manchester United could be set to land promising Panathinaikos midfielder Sotiris Ninis in a £9.6m deal. Inter, Roma, and AC Milan have also been linked with the Greece international.

Manchester City Ponder Donovan Deal

Landon Donovan’s impressive performances during his Everton loan spell and in the World Cup haven’t gone unnoticed, as Manchester City are considering a move for the American star. (The Mirror)

Hammers Make Neymar Offer

West Ham have made a £16m offer for highly-rated Santos star Neymar. The 18-year-old striker is also a target for Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester City, who have first refusal on the wonderkid after doing business with the Brazilian club for Robinho earlier this year. (Daily Mail)

Birmingham Bid For Bobby

Fulham have rejected a £6m offer from Birmingham City for striker Bobby Zamora. However, the Blues, who are reportedly offering a four-year deal worth £50k per week, are set to make an improved bid. (The Mirror)

Wigan Sign Boselli

Wigan have signed Argentine striker Mauro Boselli from Estudiantes La Plata for a reported £5.8m. (Metro)

Bolton Close On Real Youngsters

Bolton are close to landing a couple of Real Madrid prospects. Wingback Marcos Alonso and striker Rodrigo Moreno will be spending the season on loan at Bolton, who will have the option of signing the duo permanently for £5m. (Daily Mail)

West Brom Land Piquionne

A couple of days ago it looked like Fenerbahce were all set to sign Lyon striker Frederic Piquionne, but it looks like West Brom are now in pole position. The newly-promoted Baggies are set to hold talks with the French striker after having an offer of more than £1m accepted by Lyon. (The Mirror)

Spain

Real Line Up England Duo

According to the Daily Mail, Real Madrid are set to go hard after Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard and wrap up their spending for the summer before Jose Mourinho officially takes over as manager in two weeks.

Real have already made it known to Chelsea that they’re interested in the England left back, who played for Jose Mourinho for a little over a season, and a bid of around £25m is forthcoming.

Meanwhile, Real have already made a £20m bid for Gerrard, but they could try to force Liverpool’s hand with an improved offer for their captain.

Italy

Inter Target Godin

Inter Milan are weighing up a move for Villarreal center back Diego Godin. (Transfer Market Web)

Rossoneri Eye Caceres

AC Milan are considering a move for Barcelona defender Martin Caceres. Caceres spent last season on loan at Juventus, and Milan would like that option as well, but Barcelona are looking for a buyer for the 23-year-old right back. (Goal.com)

Napoli In For Inler And Dempsey

Napoli could make an offer of €7m plus Argentine striker Germain Denis to Udinese for midfielder Gokhan Inler. (Transfer Market Web)

Napoli are also interested in bringing an American touch to the club, as they’re looking at Fulham attacker Clint Dempsey and Villarreal striker Jozy Altidore. (Goal.com)

Scotland

Sol Set For Celtic Switch?

Free agent defender Sol Campbell went to Scotland to meet with Celtic officials as he decides where his future lies. Arsenal have offered Campbell a one-year deal to remain at the club, while Celtic have offered a two-year deal worth £30k per week. (The Mirror)

“Transfer Rumors: Man City land Valencia’s Silva, Real Madrid to step up efforts for England pair, Man United close on Ninis, and more” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Man City close on trio, Real land Benfica wiz Di Maria, Henry to leave Barcelona, and more

June 29th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Man City close on trio, Real land Benfica wiz Di Maria, Henry to leave Barcelona, and morelyon Transfer Rumors: Man City close on trio, Real land Benfica wiz Di Maria, Henry to leave Barcelona, and moremanchestercity Transfer Rumors: Man City close on trio, Real land Benfica wiz Di Maria, Henry to leave Barcelona, and more

With the World Cup heading towards the latter stages, we’re already seeing things rapidly heating up in the world of transfers. Up to this point, there’s been mostly speculation and little substance, but that’s about to change in the next several days.

Manchester City’s second straight summer super spending spree (that’s a lot of s’s to take in, I know) is set to kick off in a big way over the coming days, with not one, not two, but at least three – and maybe more – deals set to be done this week.

But the Citizens aren’t the only club who’s got big money to spend and big names to spend it on, and it’s safe to say that we’re going to start seeing the summer transfers lists start to become a lot more filled up with well-known names soon.

England

City Close On Silva, Toure, And Milner

The entrance at Manchester City is about to become very, very congested.

Spanish reports suggest that City are nearing a deal for Valencia winger David Silva. City could be set to sweeten the deal by including striker Roque Santa Cruz. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Everyone wins here. City would get their target and offload a bad investment a surplus squad member, while Valencia would get even more funds to add to their squad and land a new striker without having to spend any of those funds.

First in the door, however, looks to be Barcelona’s Yaya Toure, who’s set to finalize his move to Eastlands within the next few days. (Metro)

Analysis: A report in the Daily Mail yesterday said that there could still yet be a twist, with Toure set to hold talks with Barcelona’s new president before making his final decision. However, I think it’s all but a done deal now.

And it also looks like Aston Villa’s James Milner could join the party soon as well, as according to reports, City could wrap up a £25m deal for the England midfielder by the end of the week. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Aston Villa will certainly hate to lose him, but the 25m will soften the blow. With that, Martin O’Neill can make the kind of reinforcements that would make Villa an even better overall team than they were even with Milner in as fine of a run of form as he was last season.

Arsenal Land Koscielny

Arsenal have finally agreed a deal with Lorient for center back Laurent Koscielny. Arsenal will pay £8.1m initially in a deal that could rise to £10m with add-ons, and the 24-year-old will pen a four-year deal with his new club. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Center back was one of the top priorities last summer and Arsenal addressed it early with the signing of Thomas Vermaelen, and it’s good to see that they’ve moved quickly to address it this summer with it once again being a priority thanks to multiple expected departures at the back.

Blackburn Target Bance

Blackburn are also considering a move for FSV Mainz striker Aristide Bance. The 25-year-old Burkina Faso international scored 10 goals last season in helping newly-promoted Mainz finish an impressive ninth. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Bance certainly has the physical attributes to be able to hold his own in the Premier League. At 6’4’’ and over 200 pounds, he won’t be muscled off of the ball easily, that’s for sure. He also knows how to find the back of the net well too, and at £3.5m, he’d be a sound investment for Blackburn.

Birmingham Big On Di Natale And Mbokani

Birmingham City have also made an approach for Udinese striker Antonio di Natale. (The Mirror)

Analysis: The money that Birmingham would have to fork out for the fee and his wages is indeed a little higher than a club with their budget should normally pay for someone who’ll soon be 33, but Di Natale has only gotten better with age, so he’s worth the investment if Birmingham make it.

Birmingham have also entered the race for highly-rated Standard Liege’s Dieumerci Mbokani. The 24-year-old had been linked with a move to Fulham, but with that move falling through, Birmingham are now in contention to land the £8m Congolese striker. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Mbokani’s first name means ‘Thank you God’, and Alex McLeish will certainly be thanking the man upstairs if he can land him, as he’ll have that front line that he needs for Birmingham to be capable of bettering last season’s impressive finish and perhaps challenging for a spot in Europe.

Hammers Target Remy And Juarez

West Ham are interested in Nice striker Loic Remy and versatile Pumas and Mexico star Efrain Juarez. Remy scored 14 goals for Nice last season and is valued at £10m, while Juarez, who can play at the back and in midfield, is set to be the subject of a £6m move by the Hammers. (The Sun)

Analysis: West Ham are going to need to splash a little cash if they’re to avoid another relegation scrap and actually have a chance to make some noise this season and beyond, and this is the way to do it. Remy and Juarez are two very promising young talents that not only have the goods to be key pieces of Avram Grant’s plans for the future, but to step in and make a big difference immediately.

Everton Bid For Gueye

Strasbourg striker Magaye Gueye says that Everton have agreed a fee for him, after it emerged that the Toffees had made a bid of a little less than £1m for the 19-year-old. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: This one’s certainly more for the future, but if Everton have a rash of injuries up front as was the case last season, he could well get his chance to impress sooner rather than later.

Spain

Real Sign Di Maria, Tevez To Follow?

Real Madrid have confirmed that they’ve agreed a deal for Benfica winger Angel di Maria. Di Maria will pen a six-year deal with the club, and he becomes Jose Mourinho’s first signing since taking over at Real. (BBC Sport)

Analysis: As promising as Di Maria already was, he took a huge step forward last season and had a stellar campaign in leading Benfica to a league title. Prior to last season, it could be said that he wasn’t quite ready to make that step up to one of the European powers, but he clearly is now.

According to reports, Real will also try to land Carlos Tevez for €48m. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: It would seem unlikely at this point that City would entertain offers for Tevez, but perhaps it’s not out of the question. Anyone can be considered expendable there now with all of the expected movement in and out, and Roberto Mancini openly said that just as much a couple of months ago when Tevez mentioned his unhappiness with the training regime.

Henry To Leave Barca

Barcelona have confirmed that striker Thierry Henry is leaving the club. (ESPN Soccernet)

Analysis: This one was only a matter of time, really, with the combination of his limited impact last season, the signing of David Villa, and the speculation surrounding a move to the U.S. Good to get it quickly so that he can sort out his future as soon as possible, whether it be a move to MLS, a return to the Premier League, or something else entirely. He may not be the same Henry as even two seasons ago, but he still has plenty of goals left in the tank.

Italy

Inter In Swap Swoop For Bastos?

Inter Milan are set to offer Lyon cash plus out of favor winger Mancini in exchange for Michel Bastos. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Perhaps Lyon would prefer straight cash, but this could be a solid deal. AC Milan are reportedly interested in holding onto him after his loan spell there last season, but a move somewhere he’d start regularly could be just what Mancini needs to fully rediscover his brilliant form from his time with Roma.

Turkey

Fenerbahce Up Huntelaar Bid

After AC Milan rejected their €18m bid for striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Fenerbahce have come back with an improved offer of €23m. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Reasonable offer that is, considering that AC Milan snapped him up for 15m last summer, and it’s true that his future at AC Milan is anything but certain. I imagine Turkey isn’t Huntelaar’s ideal destination, but even a move there is in the cards, Milan would be wise to not act until a deal for a new striker is already in place.

“Transfer Rumors: Man City close on trio, Real land Benfica wiz Di Maria, Henry to leave Barcelona, and more” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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