(It’s possible that I forgot to finish this yesterday; my bad!)
Another week, another Real Madrid signing. This time it was for the Valencia player nobody really knew they were going after: centerback Raul Albiol, whom they snagged for £12.8 million. A major criticism of the previous Galactico regime was that the defensive side of the game was neglected in favor of big-money offensive spending; to go after a centerback so quickly could indicate that Real Madrid have learned their lessons after all.
Of course, you’re not here for actual signings. You’re here for rumors. For those, you’ll have to read on after the jump.
Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas has been linked with both of the big Spanish clubs this week. The first clue that he may be going home was his critique that Arsenal were “impotent” and unable to challenge for trophies in the Premier League. He followed that little zinger up with a comment that his family “would understand” if he chose to move to Real Madrid. Fabregas, of course, pulled out the classic “I was misquoted!” defense on Arsenal’s webpage. Meanwhile Spanish international teammate Gerard Pique today said that he anticipates Fabregas returning to Barcelona, and says that he “wouldn’t be happy at all” if the Gunner signed at Madrid.
Reality Rating: Who knows. This seems like two teams and an agent trying to gauge whether or not Cesc is really willing to move, while at the same time a player’s angling for more money from his current club. Fabregas will probably still be at Arsenal next season.
Douglas Costa
The news about Douglas Costa is less about where he’s going as it is about where he’s not going: Manchester United. United were hoping to bring the Gremio forward across the pond on a twenty day trial, but the Brazilian’s home club is categorically refusing the move. It would appear that Gremio – who anticipate fetching about £18 million on the transfer market for the U-20 star – feel that Costa has already proved himself. Ultimately, of course, he could still be transferred to United; Ferguson will just have to do without the 20-day “try before you buy” that he’d have liked to have.
Reality Rating: Since Costa’s definitely not going to United on a trial, I’d say this is a pretty real story.
Klaas Jan Huntelaar
If Douglas Costa doesn’t work out, Manchester United might be looking to send some of their Ronaldo money straight back to Real Madrid for the services of Klaas Jan Huntelaar. Huntelaar, who scored eight goals in 20 appearances, will probably be surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu. He’s also part of the Dutch contingent that’s reportedly been put for sale by Real Madrid.
Reality Rating: 4. While Huntelaar is a talent, I don’t think that he’s up to the level of Manchester United. He’s also 25, which is one year below United’s completely arbitrary transfer age limit.
Karim Benzema
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are already looking for the next player to add to their crown. Since it’s apparently not going to be David Villa, Los Blancos are shifting their gaze towards 21 year old Olympique Lyonnais striker Karim Benzema. Benzema’s one of the prizes of the transfer season, wanted by everyone: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal have all expressed interest in the French Algerian. The only potential snag: Benzema’s under contract at Lyon until 2013, and they’re under no obligation to move him. They’ve already turned down offers for him, but internal reports suggest that they’re also preparing for his eventual exit.
Reality Rating: 4. Much like Villa doesn’t really want to like Valencia, I don’t think Benzema really wants to leave Lyon. Lyon is also going to command a huge fee for their youth academy project, and clubs may not be willing to pay that much for talent that hasn’t proven itself in a top European league.
Djibril Cissé
Cissé spent last season on loan at Sunderland from Marseille. When Sunderland didn’t pick up the option to buy he was expected to sign with either Stoke or Tottenham. That was until recent reports out of Greece have him as already negotiated a deal with Panathinaikos, who would pay Marseille £6.8 million for the transfer. Apparently, all that’s left is for him to sign.
Reality Rating: 8, although he’d earlier talked about how much he wanted to stay in England.
Grab Bag of Liverpool Transfers
With the signing of Glen Johnson leaving a gaping hole in the needed “second striker” spot, both of their central midfielders looking to get out, and not much money to replace anybody with, Liverpool have an interesting year ahead of them. Fortunately they can raise a little cash with the selling of some fringe players. Among those players:
- Alvaro Arbeloa: Arbeloa wasn’t bad last year, which makes Glen Johnson’s purchase a little odd. Still, he’ll probably be surplus to requirements, and Real Madrid love defenders who are surplus to requirements. They put in a £4.23 million offer for their former right back, which was rejected; Benitez apparently won’t let him go for anything less than £5 million. Ultimately this is a game of chicken: Arbeloa’s contract expires next year, and he’ll be free to negotiate a deal for free with Real Madrid in January.
- Andrea Dossena: The most depressing part about this article is that Liverpool paid £7 million for Dossena. The Italian left back, who most recently netted an own goal for the Italian National Team just last Sunday, had wanted to return to Italy to play at Juventus. Juventus is only interested in Dossena if their negotiations with Lyon’s Fabio Grosso break down; no price has been named, but I can’t imagine it even comes close to the £7 million paid for him.
- Sebastian Leto: When initially purchased from Lanus in 2007, Leto was viewed as a left wing prospect; since he held an Italian passport, he also didn’t need a work permit. When his passport was revoked, Leto found that he was unable to get a work permit, so he was loaned out to Olympiakos. After playing against him for two years, Panathinaikos has decided they want him. Liverpool’s cool with that; they’ve accepted a £3 million offer for him from the Greek side.
