If you’re expecting the following opinions on the recent activity to be 100% accurate then may I just warn you before you do: I’m a Carlisle United fan and last summer, following relegation from League One and some ‘impressive signings’, I put a £5 bet on CUFC to win League Two. We finished 20th. Transfers such as Billy Paynter, Daniel Kearns, Gary Dicker and Danny Grainger promised much yet didn’t work out. So please, with that in mind, don’t get upset if you don’t agree with me because I’m probably wrong.
Transfer Round-Up – 22nd-28th June
DEALS OF THE WEEK
Robert Huth – Stoke City to Leicester City – After a very successful loan spell at the King Power Stadium, Leicester this week completed the signing of the big centre-back on a permanent basis. We only have to look at Leicester’s record with and without Huth; last season with Huth Leicester’s win rate was 50%, without Huth last season that figure was 16.7%, to see that this is a great acquisition for the Foxes. With the fee reported to be around 3 Million this definitely represents value for money.
Gerard Deulofeu – Barcelona to Everton – For a measly 4.3Million fee, Everton signed up former the former loanee on a permanent basis. The tricky attacking player spent much of last season on loan at Sevilla, where his chances were limited. However, still only 21, and with Europa League experience already, I expect the best is yet to come for the youngster.
Dimitri Payet – Marseille to West Ham United – I’m not going to pretend I know everything about Dimitri Payet or French football because I don’t. However, on paper, I think this deal has the potential to be one of the best signings of the summer. The attacking midfielder has Champions League, International and Ligue 1 experience and at 28, it could be argued that he is now in his prime. In his eight seasons in Ligue 1 with Saint-Etienne, Lille and Marseille he made 225 starts, making 54 assists and scoring 52 goals. If he can replicate this kind of form for West Ham, I think the Hammers could have an excellent season both in the Premier League and Europa League.
I’M NOT SURE
Roberto Firmino – Hoffenheim to Liverpool – I’m sure Firmino is a good player however the 22Million, rising to 29M is very steep for a player who has never played in the Europa League never mind the Champions League. This fee puts enormous pressure on the 23 year old’s shoulders because they will be expecting him to deliver straight from the off as Liverpool battle to bounce back from a extremely disappointing season just gone.
James McClean – Wigan Athletic to West Bromwich Albion – The Irish footballer scored 6 goals in 37 appearance for Wigan Athletic in the Championship last season as the Latics were relegated to League One. However, despite McClean’s uninspiring goal tally and Wigan’s relegation, West Brom boss Tony Pulis decided to spend 1.5 Million on the winger. It will be interesting to see how he gets on at the Hawthorns but I don’t think he is Premier League standard.
ACCROSS THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Christian Burgess – Peterborough to Portsmouth – The tall centre-back played 33 times to Peterborough in League One last season but has chosen to join Pompey after Posh accepted an undisclosed fee for the player. I myself, being a Carlisle fan, know all too well of Burgess after his two headed goals (one in the 90th minute) gave them a 2-1 win against us in the FA Cup last season. An excellent addition to Pompey’s side as they look to challenge for promotion next season.
Sol Bamba – Palermo to Leeds United – Leeds this week completed the signing of loanee Sol Bamba on a permanent basis. The solid defender made 19 appearances last season scoring one goal for the Yorkshire club. The centre-back put in more tackles, interceptions, clearances, blocks and headers than any other Leeds defender, so it is clear to see why he is a fans favourite at Elland Road and why this signing is a good one for the Yorkshire club.
