Arguably the Top TEN Premier League summer transfers
With megabucks Manchester City lavishing millions on new players over summer it was left to the rest of the clubs in the Premier League to bring some much-needed stability and sanity to the transfer market. Below Football FanCast runs through the top ten deals of the transfer window, taking into account a player’s price, ability and potential in these recessionary times.
10. David Silva, Man City
Despite the hefty price tag at £24m, the highly-talented David Silva can transform Manchester City from Europa League competitors to Premier League contenders this season. The support striker has the creativity and flair to unlock those mean, stubborn defences and the Spaniard has his best years ahead of him at the age of 24.
After four successful years in the Valencia first-team, clocking up over 100 appearances, Silva finally made his move to England this summer after previously being courted by the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool. Silva also has 39 caps for Spain and looks set to make a big impact this season.
9. Hatem Ben Arfa, Newcastle (loan)
As a product of France’s highly regarded Clairefontaine academy, which has produced the likes of Louis Saha, William Gallas and Thierry Henry; Hatem Ben Arfa is considered to be one of the hottest talents in French football today.
Newcastle secured the 23-year-old winger on a season-long loan from Marseille after Ben Arfa went on strike in a desperate bid to leave the Stade Velodrome following a series of fall-outs. Ben Arfa is a mercurial talent and if manager Chris Houghton can help him overcome his disciplinary problems then The Magpies could reap the benefits this season.
8. Marouane Chamakh, Arsenal
Landing fast and powerful Moroccan forward Marouane Chamakh on a free transfer from Ligue 1 side Bordeaux was an astute piece of business by Frenchman Arsene Wenger this summer.
The 26-year-old scored 56 goals in 230 appearances for FCGB, helping the club win their first league title in ten years in 2009. Wenger said at the time:
“I know he will provide our squad with great quality.”
7. Stephen Ireland, Aston Villa
Aston Villa received £16m, as well as Man City’s 2008/09 Player of the Year Stephen Ireland, in exchange for England international James Milner and The Villa certainly got a good deal. Ireland has a point to prove after being frozen out by Roberto Mancini at Eastlands and will be raring to go this season.
The passionate midfielder will add extra bite to the Villa midfield and at 23 will look to improve his all-round game at the Midlands club.
6. Asamoah Gyan, Sunderland
Sunderland sprang one of the biggest surprises on deadline day by breaking their transfer record to capture the signature of World Cup star Asamoah Gyan. The 24-year-old lit up the tournament with some eye-catching displays for Ghana’s Black Stars on their spectacular run to the quarter-finals.
Gyan’s World Cup performances has clearly pushed up the player’s transfer fee and at £13m represents a slight risk for Black Cats boss Steve Bruce. However if Gyan can recapture the form he showed over the summer than Sunderland fans are in for a real treat.
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when we were shi** we got stick from chels and goons when we were 5th we still got it when we qualified for the CL play offs we got it and now we are CL proper and have signed VDV we are still getting it. bov. glory hunting chels mugs you have no history where were you when you were sh*** and gooners you aint won jack for 5 years unless you hadn’t noticed and show no sign of doing so in the near furture unlses theo scores 60 goals this year lol. forever in our shadow i dont bleedin think so and you know it as well lol.
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Agree with all but the man city xfer. They can just throw silly money for anyone they want. A ‘top 10′ transfer to me, is one where good business has been done as well as the player being good. Dixta… VDV is a great signing for spurs, and good luck in the champions league, even though i dislike spurs much lol
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cheers Mark!
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To all the KIDS who are saying VDV is past it at 27, stop putting all of your opinions on football manager and fifa for God’s sake! It’s so scripted it’s pathetic! Which ‘wonder kid’ is next?
If you truly appreciate this sport, then VDV’s talent is absolutely and categorically undeniable. Otherwise, you know nothing about football outside of a games console.
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i can’t believe that the most important signing didn’t even make the top ten. a signing so desperately needed for years that will turn a team into genuine contenders after not winning a pot for 5 years despite being one of the biggest clubs in the world. i am of course talking about arsenal’s new keeper… what’s that you say? don’t be ridiculous, of course they did…
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Great list. Hernandez has the potential to be a world class player and I think he will prove to be a wonderful addition to the United ranks at a cheap price
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