As the football season is now finished for another year in Europe, it’s once again time for the B.S. to ensue, and for some of us to start weekly consults with our shrinks. Oh, it’s also prime time for ITK accounts to start rapidly appearing on Twitter/Facebook or any other media outlet, as these leeches try to make up fictitious stories to give fans hope and play on our weakened, desperate state.
In “Transfer Banter”, I present you with the rumours that I feel are making the most noise, and give you my own opinion as to their validity based on the sources feeding the rumours, the likelihood of the teams and players involved to want to complete the transfer, as well as good ole’ fashioned ‘gut instinct’. Here we go…
Luis Suarez – Suarez has gone on record saying that he would consider a move to Real Madrid (who wouldn’t?). When asked about his feelings about Liverpool, he had this to say; “I have a contract with Liverpool. I am happy in Liverpool. I love Liverpool, but this year was very difficult for me, my wife and my daughter.” That sounds like someone looking for an excuse to leave peacefully, right? He went so far as to acknowledge that he has already made Brendan Rogers aware of his feelings; “I’ve already talked with Brendan Rodgers, he knows what I want. He understands my situation. I have a family, a daughter, and I am not prepared to keep enduring the English press.” He continued, “I talked with my agent. To say no to Real Madrid is difficult.”
I think this is one of those transfers that has to materialize. Suarez has worn out his welcome in Liverpool with many high profile problems, despite being a fantastic striker. My feeling is that he will move, but it’s difficult to sort out which of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich (Guardiola has already expressed an interest) has the inside track. For me I would think Real Madrid a better suit for his style of play. Also, considering his feelings toward living in England, perhaps a move to Spain might be a little closer to home in a way.
Sergio Aguero – Rumours circulated mid-week about Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero being sought after by Real Madrid. Had this been last summer’s transfer window I’d be tempted to bite. Last summer there was a quadruple-headed monster in Aguero, Balotelli, Tevez and Dzeko. Now that the four have been culled a bit, there is more playing time for each. I understand that Aguero has gone on record saying, “They were only rumours. I have a commitment at Manchester City, which is a great club,” but players always say that. For me I put more stock into looking at the club and his position within it. Because of that, I believe Sergio Aguero will play his home matches at the Etihad this coming season.
Ashley Williams – Ashley Williams has been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool. Of the two, I am certain Arsenal are going to spend this summer, but the pairing of Mertesacker and Koscielny has added more stability than in the last several years. For me, Liverpool are going to make a few decent signings, and I bet anything they will secretly or openly make a bid on Kolo Toure. I’m not saying they’ll get him, but they might try.
Radamel Falcao – Is Falcao to Monaco really on track? Actually, I am a believer that it is. I think it’s all wrong for his career, however, assuming he wants to be considered (he already is) amongst the top in the world. So long as he is not in one of the biggest stages for club football, he will never be taken as seriously as if he were in La Liga, Bundesliga, Premier League or Serie A. Vadim Vasilyev, Monaco’s CEO, had this to say; “The Falcao deal is on track, but it is not yet finalised, there are still some details to work out.”
David Villa – It looks like both North London clubs have expressed serious interest in David Villa. Reports indicate a slight advantage to Arsenal, as they made a serious push for him in January’s window, and apparently the deal was almost completed if not for a Messi injury. I’m tempted to believe there is truth to this as Arsenal have admitted in the past of their interest in him, and both clubs have acknowledged the deal in January as having at one point been in advanced stages. I’m going to keep a very close eye on this one, and will update as soon as I learn more.
Cesc Fabregas – Yes, another transfer rumour for the Gunners, but of course that will happen when a big club have admitted they are shopping. Players and agents come out of the woodwork claiming connections all the time in an effort to goad a team into making a splash. This is one of them. When Cesc left he was a hero to many Gooners. He was the backbone of a great team that was poised to be even greater when he left for his boyhood Barcelona. I know Wenger really liked Fabregas, and I believe if the Spaniard had a desire to leave the Nou Camp, which he might, then Wenger would be open arms. Like the David Villa situation, this one has legs, and is ALL OVER Twitter as if a deal is done. We all know not to bite at Twitter rumours, but you never know. I’ll keep you posted.
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Photo Credit: Teamleaks.com, CC
