With the advent of the new year 2011, the January transfer window opens. TheHardTackle will bring you LIVE! transfer updates from clubs around the world.
For all transfer updates till 20th January, 2011, please click here.
30th January, 2011: West Ham reject Spurs offer for Parker West Ham have reportedly rejected a bid from Spurs for Scott Parker. The Hammers were offered £8 million plus Robbie Keane for the midfielder, but they are believed to have no intentions to sell the Englishman.
THT Verdict: Not Happening. West Ham are lying in the drop zone and their hopes of survival strongly rest upon Parker. Although Grant is believed to be a great admirer of Keane, he is unwilling to sell his most influential player in lieu of the Irishman.
30th January, 2011:
Villa get USA’s Bradley on loan
Aston Villa have secured a loan deal for USA midfielder Michael Bradley till the end of the season. The 23 year old is joining from German side Borussia Monchengladbach where he was mostly used as a substitute. The American will have only one year left in his contract when the summer transfer window arrives which means Villa could have him on a permanent basis for a cut-down price come the end of the season, should he perform well during his loan spell.
THT Verdict: Confirmed.
The midfielder had impressed most people with his performances for USA in the World Cup. His addition would provide much needed experience in the central midfield for Aston Villa alongside Stylian Petrov.For more details click here.
30th January, 2011: Spurs bid for Carroll rejected Newcastle United have reportedly rejected a bid of £25 million from Tottenham for striker Andy Carroll. Spurs are looking short in the striking department ahead of the Champions League knock out stages with their strikers struggling with form and fitness. Carroll, who is presently injured, would have been a good addition to their squad considering his areal ability combined with Spurs supplies from the wing.
THT Verdict: Not Happening. Newcastle’s denial definitely shows their intent to keep the striker and also the fact that Carroll is happy at the club. But, with Chelsea also keeping an eye on the striker, it would be difficult for the Magpies to hold on to the lanky front man come the end of the season transfer window.
30th January, 2011: Sunderland make double signing Steve Bruce has signed two players – Stephane Sessegnon and Sulley Muntari with a couple of days left in the transfer window. While the former has been signed from Paris St. Gemain for a fee of €7 million, Muntari has been brought on loan from Inter Milan till the end of the season.
THT Verdict: Confirmed. These are two great additions to the Black Cats’ squad as Muntari has already proved himself in the Premiership with good performances for Portsmouth whereas the versatility of Sessegnon to play across the midfield makes him a good buy as well.
For more details click here.
THT Verdict: Likely. Right back is one of Juventus’ weakest positions. Nagatomo has been impressive for all his teams so far. He was one of Japan’s best players in WC2010 and has been doing well in Asian Cup as well. His marauding runs through left flank and work-rate is something Juve need desperately. Plus is he still only 24 so for 1.7 million he will be a bargain.
THT Verdict: Confirmed. PFC’s defensive problems has been well documented in this season. In most of the matches they have conceded early goals due to defensive lapses. With Subrata Pal coming back anf Manju joining their backline will be stronger. Manju’s fitness is a worry however.
28th January, 2011: Liverpool agree £22.8m fees for Luiz Suarez Suárez was an Anfield target before Chelsea’s late move for the Spain international but his proposed move had stalled over Ajax’s asking price, with Liverpool only offering an initial £12.8m and the Dutch club insisting on €30m. Following further negotiations involving Damien Comolli, Liverpool’s director of football strategy, and the Ajax general manager, Rik van den Boog, in Amsterdam this afternoon, however, a deal was struck after the Anfield club agreed to raise its offer significantly.THT Verdict: Confirmed. A statement of intent from Liverpool if not to the world, then definitely to Torres. With reports emerging of Chelsea’s record breaking bid for the Spaniard, Liverpool moved swiftly to raise their offer and tie up the Ajax front man.For more details, click here.
28th January, 2011: Inter sign Sampdoria striker Pazzini Internazionale has said in a statement he had signed until June 2015 and that forward Jonathan Biabiany has joined Samp as part of the deal.THT Verdict: Confirmed. Pandev and Biabiany had failed to impress in the absence of Milito, and Pazzini would certainly provide a more potent threat upfront than Biabiany. A good move.
28th January, 2011: Didac Vila almost a Rossoneri
Reports coming out of the rossoneri camp suggest that Milan has almost signed the Spanish U-20 international, Didac Vila.
THT verdict: Galliani has flown to Barcelona for Vila and the deal is expected to be completed later today. Will this prove to be the last piece of the scudetto puzzle for Milan only time will tell but don’t expect Milan’s problem at the back to disappear in one go because he is expected to be nothing more than a back up at the LB position. He is expected to cost Milan 4 million Euros. The only positive from this deal is that Vila is not cup tied.
Chelsea defender Jeffrey Bruma is being lined up by West Brom on loan. The 21-year-old’s departure may depend on David Luiz completing his drawn-out move from Benfica.
THT Verdict: Nonsensical. Even if Chelsea manage to sign David Luiz, it would be foolish to let Bruma leave on loan as then the club would again be left with the same number of central defenders. This move will not happen irrespective of whether Luiz is signed or not.
Leicester have announced the signing of Chelsea left-back Patrick van Aanholt on loan until the end of the season, subject to Football League approval.
THT Verdict: Confirmed. This is a good move for all parties involved. Sven will get a good 20-year old left back, who is very talented and draws comparisons with Ashley Cole at the same age and Aanholt will get some good experience and will play under an experienced manager.
According to reports, Werder Bremen have made a £2million offer for Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar. The 26-year-old has held discussions with manager Harry Redknapp who has said he can go for the right deal.
THT Verdict: Possible. The Croatian is a talented midfielder who is being wasted at White Hart Lane. The signing of Pienaar has paved a way for him to leave before the winter transfer window ends. However, Spurs would be looking at something close to £6m for him. If a right offer comes, he would and should be allowed to leave.
Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Gael Kakuta has today (Wednesday) signed on loan at Fulham until the end of the season.
THT Verdict: Confirmed. For Kakuta this is a good move as he will get some valuable first team experience under his belt. Fulham will also benefit from having a versatile attacker in their ranks – someone which can play in any position upfront. However for Chelsea to let go of one of their attackers, especially considering the lack of options at Ancelotti’s disposal, does not make much sense. If there are some negotiations going on for bringing in a forward/winger in the next few days about which we don’t know, then the move is good.
India NT midfielder Pradeep has joined beleagured I-League outfit Viva Kerala. Viva has also confirmed the signing of Chinta Chandrasekhar, another midfielder.
THT Verdict: Viva are fighting hard to escape relegation from I-League. Their midfield has looked very weak and both these players will add quality. Pradeep looked very unfit during India’s Asian Cup campaign but he is a talented player. If he gets his fitness back he will be an invaluable addition. Chandrasekhar is a TFA graduate and has experience of playing in top level.
Swedish U21 left-back Jimmy Durmaz is being linked to Juventus. Durmaz currently plays for Malmo.
THT Verdict: Fabio Patarici and his scouting team have focused on Scandinavia. After signing Frederik Sorensen last summer Juve have already netted 17 year old centre-back Hordur Magnusson. It is unclear how successful Durmaz can be in Italy. Juve will be better off with a more experienced left-back. Durmaz was pretty impressive during Malmo’s title winning campaign in 2010. He started in 15 matches – playing 27 altogether.
The latest injury to Armand Traore has put Juve in a spot of bother. Paolo De Ceglie is still out for 2-3 weeks and Traore is set to miss out for a month. The only left-back in Juve squad is an ageing Fabio Grosso. Under such circumstances Tuttosport has linked Juve to former Lyon left-back Francois Clerc.THT Verdict: Likely. Clerc was one of most important players for Lyon during their successful run in first half of 2000s. In last few years injuries has somewhat slowed him down. If Juve manage to get him on a low transfer fee and modest salary, he can be a competent back-up in future.
26th January, 2011: Emmanuel Adebayor joins Real Madrid on loan
Adebayor has joined Real Madrid on loan for the remainder of the season. Real Madrid has officially announced this loan deal.THT Verdict: Confirmed. Jose Mourinho has long been looking for a striker ever since Higuain was sidelined for the remainder of the season. This will give a much needed option in the striking department for Real Madrid. Adebayor, on the other hand, had a frustrating season so far warming the bench for the City side where there are too many strikers fighting for the least number of places in Mancini’s pragmatic set up. Adebayor might take sometime to settle down having not played much first team games for City, nevertheless he is a good option to have in any side.
Tuesday, 25th January, 2011: Milan signs another dutchman with the initials MVB Mark Van Bommel is now a Rossonero. After meeting Milan as an opponent in the Champions League several times, from now on the Dutch midfielder will help the Rossoneri cause.THT verdict: Galliani just keeps on surprising the rossoneri loyalists this winter mercato with yet another effective signing. It is believed Milan have signed him for 1.5 years to overcome voids which they have been suffering in the mid field and defense due to injuries to their first team players. The 33 year old holding Midfielder is cup tied and wit their 3rd signing of a cup tied player in the winter market , it clearly seems that lifting the Scudetto after 7 years is their prime focus this time around.
25th January, 2011: Babel to Hoffenheim, Adam’s request rejected, Ajax holding on for Suarez Ryan Babel has reportedly agreed to join Bundesliga club Hoffenheim while Chalie Adam’s transfer request has been rejected by Blackpool as Ian Hollway is reluctant to lose his Captain below £8 m-£10m. And Suarez’s move to Liverpool looks stalled as both the clubs are £10m apart in the player’s valuationTHT verdict: The departure of Babel and the reports linking Jovanovic to Wolfsburg, if true, will create a lot of breathing space on the left for new arrivals as well as academy players. In our opinion Suarez deal should go through by the end of the week considering how eagerly Liverpool have pursued the Striker. Adam would be a nice addition to the squad if Liverpool are able to land the midfielder for not more than £7m.
24th January, 2011: €115 million for Bale and Modric Spanish giants Real Madrid are preparing a €115 million bid for Tottenham Hotspur duo Gareth Bale and Luka Modric.THT verdict: Nonsense. Such an astronomically high price for cup tied players and that too during the winter transfer window will most definitely sound insane, but we have come to expect the unexpected from Mr.Florentino Perez. There are reports that Redknapp wants his former Portsmouth general Lassana Diarra at White Hart Lane, which is giving fuel to such gigantic transfer talks. However, even Perez would be wise enough not to part with that kind of money in January. After all Madrid’s priority is a striker, not another central midfielder or a left winger.
24th January, 2011: Wolfsburg manager Steve McClaren has offered £6m for Milan Jovanovic According to Talksport, the former England manager wants to fill the void left due to the departure of Edin Dzeko to Manchester City.
THT verdict: Jovanovic is out of favor at Liverpool and could be interested to make a move for first team football. £6m (which looks off the mark at the moment) should be more than sufficient for the deal to go through. However, Jovanovic’s wages which are rumored to be in the region of £60,000-£70,000 may prove to be a deterrent.
24th January, 2011: Charlie Adam submits request The Blackpool captain has submitted a written transfer request to apparently force his way through Anfield.
THT verdict: Adam had been on the Liverpool radar over the weekend when a bid in the region of 5 million pounds was rejected by Blackpool. The transfer request is believed to pave the way for the left footed deep lying playmaker to Liverpool FC. However, its not confirmed at the moment whether its Liverpool or Aston Villa that the Scott would be heading towards.
24th January, 2011: Chelsea set to announce the £21.5m signing of David Luiz in the next 48 hours Luiz was omitted from the Benfica squad for the 4-2 victory over Nacional on Saturday, a clear indication that his club are resigned to losing his services. Chelsea had drawn up a list of alternative targets, believed to include Wolfsburg’s Denmark international Simon Kjaer, but are confident they will be able to announce Luiz’s eye-catching purchase this week.THT Verdict: Very Likely. Considering the injury problems of Alex and Terry, apparently Ancelotti had earmarked the 23 year old David Luiz as a long term solution, months ago. A deal failed to materialize in the summer with Benfica demanding over £30m for him. Reportedly, an agreement has been reached for £21.5m, plus a young defender going to Portugal on loan. Although the money is much more than what should be paid for a central defender, if Luiz is able to realize his true potential at the Bridge, not many would complain. His age is also perfect for Chelsea, as the club is looking to bridge the gap between their 30-plus stars and teenage prodigies. However, no young defender should be allowed to move to Benfica permanently, especially not Bruma and Van Anholt.
Chelsea are reportedly looking to obtain the services of Andrey Arshavin, this summer. With the Russian reportedly nursing a grouse at being left out of the Gunners’ starting line-up recently, on account of a perceived loss of form, the Blues might secretly be hoping for some truth in the rumors.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. While it’s understandable, Roman Abramovich might like to see his fellow country man play in his club, the odds of Wenger parting with a prize asset are extremely low. Arshavin’s age is another factor hurting negotiations with Arsenal, but it is precisely that age factor that will turn Chelsea off a pursuit for the diminutive superstar. Furthermore, as Ashley Cole will probably attest to, Andrey Arshavin will also need to make peace with the fact he will no longer be exceptionally popular with the hordes of Gunners’ fans, in the unlikely event this transfer rumor comes true.
Chelsea are firm favorites to sign David Luiz, but the Blues are rumoured to be lining up a move for Joleon Lescott if the former fails to materialize.
THT Verdict: Abysmal. Considering the Blues have already made it evident that Luiz is the prize they seek, any failure to sign him – and subsequent attempts at landing Lescott to cover said failure – will be hugely embarrassing to the defending champions. It remains to be seen if City will let go of Lescott, to the West Londoners, and whether Lescott himself would like to arrive at a club, where he clearly wasn’t the first choice transfer target for the coveted centre-back spot.
Tuttosport reports about a possible Iaquinta – Vucinic swap. Roma coach Claudio Ranieri has had a strained relationship with Vucinic in last few months. He has been a long admirer of Vincenzo Iaquinta – having brought the striker in Juve when he was coach.
THT Verdict:Very Unlikely. If this deal does happen Juventus will be the undisputed gainer. Mirko Vucinic is one of the most technically gifted players in Serie A. He is just the type of player that Juve will love to have right now. He can play off a centre-forward as a supporting striker and also can slot in as an attacking midfielder. Plus he is 27 and has quite a few years of top level football left.
Urby Emanuelson has become a Milan player. The former Ajax man’s contract with the Rossoneri will tie him to his new club until 2014. The quick, skilled player joins Milan to reinforce the team’s left wing.
THT Verdict:Galliani got a steal for Milan in the form of Urby but Milan really wanted a full back and instead he got them a left winger. With his Ajax contract set to expire over the summer Urby comes to Milan for a mere 1.7 million $. Although he started of as a full back but later settled as a winger due to his attacking style of play. He is cup tied and would not be playing in the Champions League. But expect him to play a significant role in Milan’s charge to the scudetto, since most of their major mid fielders have failed to recover from the injuries suffered during the winter break. Also this most probably means the end of transfer market for Milan at least for this season. So no more Lazzarri and no more Criscito.
22nd January, 2011: Return of ‘Van Gol’ Operation Return to Van Nistelrooy is at an end. Madrid has launched an offensive in the last hours and expects to announce the agreement with Hamburg and the Dutch during this weekend. The key to the Ruud’s Bernabeu return is the player who has left Valdebebas: Szalai the Hungarian striker who was the top scorer two seasons ago for Castilla. He was sold last summer to Mainz 05 in exchange for 500,000 euros, leaving the contract a clause to buy back 1.5 million. The Madrid could deposit the money right now and hand him over to Hamburg and the young striker would cover the gap Magyar almost certainly leave Van Nistelrooy.
THT Verdict: Almost Done. The player wants to come and club needs him. It is a simple straight forward deal.Welcome back Van Nistelrooy to ‘Casa Blanca’. A much needed and valued number ‘9’.
22nd January, 2011: Galliani claims Milan have signed Urby Emanuelson Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has claimed that Ajax wide man Urby Emanuelson has been signed by the club. The Ajax player’s contract runs out at the end of this season and he will be available on a free transfer in the summer. However, Galliani wants the Dutchman to join the Rossoneri during this window to add depth to the side.THT Verdict: The deal looks all but done and Emanuelson, who can play as a fullback or on the wings, would add some depth and pace to the Rossoneri. Emanuelson would be an improvement over Milan’s current Left Back Luca Antonini and is versatile enough to play in midfield as well. The player, however is cup-tied having played for Ajax in the Champions League this season and would not be able to represent Milan in Europe’s elite club competition.
As expected, Reading FC have secured the services of Hereford striker Mathieu Manset for an undisclosed fee. Manset signs a 2.5 year deal. Reading coach and former chief scout Brian McDermott was delighted with his new signing. He said , “Mathieu first came to our attention in May 2008 when we saw him playing for Le Havre against Lyon and we’ve tracked his development ever since,In the last few months his goalscoring record speaks for itself, there was lots of interest from Championship clubs and once again we’re very lucky, pleased and excited he has joined us.”THT Verdict:Manset is only 21 and physically gifted – standing 6 ft 1 in. He has been unstoppable in lower leagues scoring almost a goal per game. It will take sometime for him to adjust to Championship but he can be a great signing in the long run. With three new signings Reading have made it clear that they will push on for promotion this season.
22nd January, 2011: Ramsey returns home on loan
Aaron Ramsey has been sent on loan to his former club Cardiff City, as confirmed by Wenger yesterday.Ramsey, who had returned from Forrest a few weeks back, didn’t get any first team action and his manager believes he needs more playing time before he gets back to full fitness.THT Verdict: Confirmed. It is a very good move for both club and player. While, Arsenal benefit from the fact that Ramsey will play some first-team football no, the player on the other hand, under familiar conditions, can easily gel with his former team-mates and produce the goods. The last time, Aaron played for Arsenal was on that ‘dark’ night at The Britannia one year back.
22nd January, 2011: Liverpool in pursuit of Charlie Adam from Blackpool Liverpool are interested in bringing in the influential midfielder Charlie Adams in this transfer window. They are reportedly in a two way fight along with Aston Villa for his services. Meanwhile Charlie Adams could hand in a transfer request soon.
THT Verdict: Likely. With huge interests from other clubs and his market value on all time high, Holloway may be forced to accept a bid for around 8 Million Euros. Liverpool currently are ready to offer 4 million for his services but might have to meet Blackpool’s valuation to land Adams in Liverpool.
Bagan have signed India NT centre-back Anwar Ali on a two year deal. He will join national team mates Surkumar Singh and Dipak Mandal in BaganTHT Verdict: Mohun Bagan’s central defence has been their weakest spot this season. Without a proper defensive screen in midfield the centre-backs are exposed frequently. The current first choice pair is not good enough and Anwar will add much needed quality. It is a good signing from Bagan.
22nd January, 2011: Chelsea look to Simon Kjaer after Luiz move stalls Chelsea have made an enquiry for Wolfsburg defender Simon Kjaer as they continue to wrangle over a proposed £26million move for Benfica’s David Luiz.
THT Verdict: May happen. Apparently, Chelsea are desperate to get a central defender this January, but even then paying 26 million pounds to Benfica would not be advisable. Rather, the club can look at cheaper but talented alternatives like Kjaer, which they are doing now. The financial pressure on Wolfsburg would have eased after selling Dzeko to City, and they may not want to sell another of their talents. They have not done well in the league this season, and would try to hold on to their defender, but Chelsea can surely test their resolve.
21th January, 2011: Fulham close to signing Kakuta on loan According to reports, Chelsea youngster Gael Kakuta is very close to signing a loan deal with Fulham, until the end of season.
THT Verdict: It would be extremely good for Chelsea and Kakuta, if the Frenchman is able to get regular first team football in the Premiership, at this stage in his career. He has already signed a deal with which would keep him at the Bridge till 2015, thus ending speculation about his career. However, as Chelsea is short on fire-power upfront, unless they sign an attacking player, they would not let anyone leave. One more thing, Mark Hughes has to show intent that he actually wants to play him and not use him as an option from the bench.
Everton defender Leighton Baines and Benfica full-back Fabio Coentrao have been identified as potential replacements for Patrice Evra at Manchester United, according to The Telegraph.
The 29-year-old’s contract at Old Trafford expires in 2012, and it is thought that the left-back could be sold to the Spanish giants during the summer.
THT Verdict: Unless Evra goes these transfers are not happening before summer.
The Frenchman wants to leave the Red Devils at the end of the season and spend the rest of his career at Real Madrid, as Goal.com UK exclusively revealed.
The 29-year-old’s contract at Old Trafford expires in 2012, and it is thought that the left-back could be sold to the Spanish giants during the summer.
THT Verdict: Real Madrid can certainly use a LB with the quality of Evra. However, Evra is one of the rocks of defense and Manchester United will be loathe to let him go. Impossible before summer and certainly not a forgone conclusion even then.
Daniel Alves could have foot and a half outside of Barcelona.The Brazilian is still not reached an agreement with the club on the theme of renewal.Right now, nearly two million are separating the player and club.To all this it must be added that Barcelona had intended to offer a contract until 2015, something that is not acceptable to the player, who wants at least until June 30, 2016.
THT Verdict: The agreement seems far away and no one can reach an understanding. In addition,the Manchester City is working from the shadows . The English club has already made clear to the player that they will better any economic proposal submitted from the Camp Nou. Difficult but within realms of possibility.
Schalke who are on the verge of losing Rakitic need a defensive midfielder and is interested in Momo Sissoko. Juve reportedly want Klaas Jan Huntelaar in exchange of Sissoko plus 7 million Euro transfer fee.
THT Verdict: Huntelaar had an incredible scoring record in Eredivisie but failed to shine for Real Madrid or AC Milan. He seems to have found his form in Germany – having scored 7 goals in 15 matches. He is 27 years old and getting him for 7 million Euros seems to be a good move financially. However, it will be a big gamble as he has a poor record in Serie A in his last stint. Juventus will make a mistake if they let Sissoko leave without finding a proper replacement.
Churchill Brothers signed Australian striker Henry Karpeh. Salgaocar signed Govin Singh, Baldeep Singh and James Singh. Mohun Bagan signed Dipak Mandal. They are also interested in signing Manju and Anwar Ali. Dempo is also pursuing Anwar. They are trying to sign Sunil Chhetri who has been released from his MLS club. Rennedy Singh and Baichung Bhutia are rumoured to be on the verge of playing for Sikkim United in 2nd division I-League. Bhutia has set-up this new club. Chirag United is interested in Manju and N Pradeep.
THT Verdict: Churchill already have a strong attacking like with Vincent, Odafa and Rafi. They will become even stronger with Gourmangi coming back. If the new Aussie recruit turns out to be a good player then Churchill will be one of front runners in I-League title race. Salgaocar have made a solid start to their campaign and have made their title ambitions clear with these 3 signings. Govin and Baldeep have shown a lot of potential while James is a proved midfielder in Indian football. Defence has been Mohun Bagan’s biggest weakness and Dipak, even at this age, will be remedy that problem.
Friday Jan 21st, 2011: Bolton sign David Wheater Bolton have signed David Wheater from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee which is believed to be in the region of £2.3 million with £1.5 million in add-ons. Owen Coyle said ”First and foremost we are absolutely delighted to get a player of David’s quality into Bolton. The hunger that he has shown in wanting to come to the football club has been first class.“
THT Verdict: Wheater is a good defender and can be a good addition to Bolton’s squad. He is certainly good value for the money paid by Bolton. However, his signings fuels the speculation of Gary Cahill moving away from the Reebok Stadium with the defender strongly linked with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.
Friday Jan 21st, 2011: Carew nearing Stoke switch? It has been reported that John Carew has passed a medical at Stoke ahead of his proposed move from Aston Villa. West Brom manager Di Matteo was also keen on the striker, but it seems that Stoke will win the race to his signature. THT Verdict: Carew’s days at Aston Villa seemed numbered after Gerrard Houllier smashed the transfer record to sign Darren Bent from Sunderland. The Norwegian will be a good addition for the Potters, should they sign him, as his areal ability is suited to their physical and long ball game.
