Bayern Munich Complete Japanese Signing
German giants Bayern Munich have completed the signing of Takashi Usami, a 19-year old J-League starlet.
THT Verdict: The 19-year old Kyoto born starlet, who has won the J-League young player of the season last year, is already a sensation in Japan. Though he prefers to play in wider positions flanking the forwards, he can also play as a central attacking midfielder. He has good technical ability, quick feet, loves to run with the ball and has magical skills. He might just add that extra bit of spark which Bayern lacked when both Ribery and Robben were injured in last season. A very shrewd business for Bayern as they have an option to make this deal permanent if he can emulate Kagawa-esque performances whenever he gets the opportunity.
Blues To Loan Out New Keeper
Chelsea are set to send new goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on-loan to Atletico Madrid
“It is better for me to go to Atletico, I can learn more in Spain than in Belgium. I’ll have to fight for my place, but that is life at the top. The easiest option for me would have been to stay at Genk. I could be loaned out for a second or even third season before becoming part of Chelsea’s first-team squad.” – Thibaut Courtois
THT Verdict: Likely. It’s better for Chelsea to loan the young Belgian keeper to Spain, as he would be put to test against some of the best attackers in the game today. If he returns from this acid test, unscathed, he may really be Petr Cech’s long term replacement. The next two years would be crucial for his development, and Atletico were interested in signing him, after De Gea was snapped up by man United. Plus, there may be an addition Argentine flavor associated to this deal.
Esteban Cambiasso to join Galatasaray?
The Turkish giants have not won a domestic title since 2008 and they are flexing their financial muscles this season to change that trend. They have already bolstered their squad with Tomas Ujfalusi Fernando Muslera and Elamander. Cambiasso has reportedly rejected their first offer but Galatasaray is about to make an improved offer.
THT Verdict: Cambiasso can very well turn out to be their marquee signing if this deal concludes successfully. The Argentine still has some good 2-3 seasons left in him and he might not want to move from one of Europe’s top clubs to Turkish Superleague. Galatasaray will need to break the bank in terms of salary to sign him.
Chelsea Set Sights on Vidal
Chelsea are hoping to trump interest from Juventus and Arsenal and lure £12m-rated Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Arturo Vidal to Stamford Bridge.
THT Verdict: Villas-Boas had stated previously that Chelsea are scanning the entire market and are not just restricted to the likes of Modric and Parker. It’s no secret that after the injury to Essien, the Blues will look to strengthen their midfield, and Arturo Vidal looks like one solid reinforcement – he is a technically gifted box-to-box midfielder, who can defend, score goals, provide assists and can either play at the base of the three-man midfield or in Lampard’s position. At 23, he can only get better with time. He would probably come for 15-20m, but at this moment, Juventus look to be in pole position for signing the Chile International.
Citizens Rival Arsenal & Chelsea for Lukaku
Manchester City have edged ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign £18m-rated striker Romelu Lukaku from Anderlecht.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. The interest from clubs such as Arsenal, Man City, Inter, et al are probably floated in the market by Anderlecht to get more money from Chelsea. The player has stated on numerous occasions that he dreams of playing for Chelsea, and negotiations are on-going between the two clubs to finalize a price which suits both the clubs. It will be highly surprising if Lukaku moves to City or Arsenal rather than to Chelsea.
Red Devils Consider Ganso Bid
According to the Metro, Manchester United have now turned their attention to Santos’ playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso after failing to land Wesley Sneijder.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. The Brazilian seemed to have his heart set on a move to Serie A , although the Red Devils need reinforcements in central midfield but Ganso doesn’t seem to fit the bill. Also City had the first option on him as part of the Robinho loan to Santos, although that might have expired by now. Ganso will most probably end up in Italy.
Blackburn Bid for Honda
Blackburn Rovers have reportedly bid for CSKA Moscow playmaker Keisuke Honda. The player has been under the radars of Manchester City as well as Liverpool earlier.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. Honda is a class act and to lure him to the Premier League will take quiet a bit of doing. Blackburn might have the financial backing for his signature but the player would ideally want to go to a club which can compete for trophies.
Fiorentina Eye Kranjcar
It is reported that Italian outfit Fiorentina are prepared to test Tottenham’s resolve of retaining Niko Kranjcar by lodging a formal bid.
THT Verdict: A likely bid. The player has falling down the pecking order at White Hart Lane and will no doubt be looking to ply his trade elsewhere. Kranjcar is a good talent no doubt but the likes of Modric, Sandro and Palacios have hindered his chances of a starting berth in the squad.
Denilson Signs For Sao Paulo
Arsenal midfielder Denilson has been loaned out to Sao Paulo for a period of one season.
“I am very pleased to return. I want to help Sao Paulo become Brazilian champions,” Denilson told Lancenet.
“I have returned because of my family and Sao Paulo. This is the club where I was raised, where I started, who have a very beautiful history. I am realising a dream.”
THT Verdict: A good move for Denilson. The player was unhappy at Arsenal and maybe a return back home will rejuvenated his form.