We are finally nearing the end of this exhausting summer transfer window. For a limited time only, no longer will we have to read in the tabloid newspapers that Gareth Bale is wanted by Manchester United, the most tedious rumour of them all.
Now let’s get right into it. Is English football the sole reason why the transfer market has become the joke it is today? Depends on how you look at it. If you are adamant it is, however, it’s easy to see why.
Liverpool’s forgotten man Danny Ings is being lined up for a £24m move to Crystal Palace. That is £24m for a striker, who in the last 3 years, has played 14 times and scored 3 goals.
How on Earth do you explain that to somebody who doesn’t understand football? Whoever at Liverpool persuaded Palace to agree that was a fair price should be instantly put in charge of the Brexit negotiations. Lord knows we need somebody.
Sticking with Palace, Roy Hodgson may have pulled off a huge coup with the signing of highly-rated German midfielder. After an awful 17/18 season in the Bundesliga with Schalke, where he failed to register a single goal or assist, he has joined the Eagles on a free transfer.
A free agent coming off the back off a season he had, and he asks for £170k a week. The cheek. I mean, even Joe Hart managed more assists than he did.
Things could be looking up for Jose Mourinho. This summer has provided very little to be enthused about for United supporters, despite the positive results. He has hinted that he is confident of bringing in at least one new player, before the window shuts.
Defender Marcos Rojo could be heading to Everton for £30m, paving the way for a possible swoop for Barcelona’s Yerri Mina. Exciting times huh?
Man United players are used to their manager criticising them in front of the press. But not quite like the comments made by Jose in the wake of Anthony Martial having the audacity to be present at the birth of his child and support his wife. All this means the dearth of wingers at Old Trafford could be reduced.
This is at the expense of a quality young centre back (Mina) brought in, who would be dealt with the thankless task of mopping up mistakes by Chris Smalling.
Did I say ‘things could be looking up’?
Everton were back to their old tricks this week, by looking at players from feeder club Barcelona. With Leighton Baines not getting any younger, they have brought in left-back Lucas Digne for an initial fee of £18m.
Monday night saw the Cardiff City fan base split with news of the club submitting a £15m bid for Watford captain Troy Deeney. Some saw it as a far too excessive amount for a 30-year-old striker who scored just 5 times last season, although he wasn’t a regular starter for Watford’s 27 managers.
It turned out, Cardiff never actually put in a bid for him. Burnley on the other hand, did. For £9m in fact. They may need another striker to help them in the Europa League group stages, having overcome Aberdeen on Thursday night to progress to the third qualifying round.
Football is back!
Last night, we had our first competitive game in English football when Reading met Derby County in the Championship. And suddenly the world made sense again.
Have a great weekend everyone.
