Chelsea Sign La Masia Prodigy
Chelsea have quickly moved in to Sign 17-Year old La Masia graduate Gael Etock. AS, a major sports newspaper in Catalunya, reports that the Blues have sealed a four-year deal with the forward, who will immediately be loaned to Sporting Lisbon. The youngster was earlier a student of Samuel Eto’s football foundation in Cameroon.
THT Verdict: As the West London club has wasted no time to sign the Cameroonian forward on a 4-year deal, he may have potential. However, we would have to wait for him to play more to judge his talent.
Aquilani Returns to Liverpool
In an interview with English media giants Skysports, Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani has confirmed his return to Anfield amidst speculation that he will be sold to the Old Lady.
THT Verdict: Great! He had a good season with Juventus on loan and there is no reason to suggest that he cannot do the same at Liverpool. Enough of Charlie Adam. Lets get on with Aquilani.
Chelsea Rival Madrid for Coentrao
Real Madrid have bid 15 million euros for Portuguese left-back Fabio Coentrao and are refusing to go higher but now Chelsea have entered the frame and it is reported that the club is willing to pay more than the Spanish club for the Benfica player.
THT Verdict: Unclear. Only if Ashley Cole is leaving for Spain, as reported, and Villas-Boas doesn’t consider Bertrand and Aanholt to be ready for first team will such a move be considered. Then there’s also the curious case of Zhirkov to deal with. Anyway, the manager has indicated that no player movement will take place before the team arrives for training on 6th July. Coentrao is undoubtedly versatile and talented, but the real need lies on the right side, rather than the left.
Spurs Join Manchester City in Niang Race
Fresh reports coming from England are announcing that Tottenham have joined Manchester City in the race for teenage sensation M’Baye Niang. The 16 year old is regarded as a hot prospect after breaking through the scene with Caen in April.
THT Verdict: For all the praise that he has collected so far, Niang is definitely a prized asset for any team. Both Spurs and City have the wherewithal to land the player but it all depends on what Niang wants for himself in the future. The Premier League is surely an attractive prospect for the youngster but choosing the right club is more important than who is willing to pay more.
Mancini Eyes Clichy Swoop
Manchester City are set to kick-off their summer spending by acquiring the services of Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy, reports suggest. A bid of 7 million pounds is believed to have been tabled for the French defender.
THT Verdict: Likely. The one thing Manchester City can offer Clichy that Liverpool cannot is Champions League football and this could just about prove to be the differentiating factor in this transfer. Clichy has grown into a mature player with a good temperament and will be a good addition to top club in England. Although Liverpool and Manchester City fit the bill here, City might just edge their rivals with their financial clout and ascending success.
Another Juve youngster in Bologna?
On loan Juventus starlet Albin Ekdal was one of the better performers for Bologna last season. So Bologna might try their luck with another young Juve player. Sorensen has impressed one and all with his impressive showing for Juventus in his first season. A number of Serie A clubs are interested in the Danish U21 International’s services.
THT Verdict: With the arrival of Lichtsteiner and presence of three senior center-backs, it is unlikely that Sorensen will see first team action. Juventus might loan him out to Bologna but selling him to any club is out of question.