Top 10 English Premier League Summer Transfers
The new signings that will make an impact in England this season.
Posted in English Premier League, Soccer by Frank McCann.
With the European transfer window now closed until the new year, we take a look at the summer transfers that will have the biggest impact on the English game.
Here are the Top 10 Transfers of the summer:
10. Kenwyne Jones (Sunderland to Stoke City) $12 million
The Trinidad and Tobago striker is exactly what Stoke City need. During his time at Sunderland, he was well noted for his pace and power on the ball, something that Stoke have been lacking in previous campaigns.
Jones will link up with other new-signing Eidur Gudjohnsen at the Britannia Stadium. The prospect of the the Trinidadian being fed opportunities through the creative genius of Gudjohnsen is something that will have Stoke fans jumping with optimism.
9. Moussa Dembele (AZ Alkmaar to Fulham) $7.8 million
The Belgian International had been linked with a move to Birmingham City for most of the summer, but when Fulham (having recently played in the Europa League final) came calling, Dembele found it difficult to turn the offer down.
Dembele plays best in a 4-4-2 formation where he has support from a fellow striker. It seems that this system could well be accommodated as Fulham have spent the last year looking for a man to support Bobby Zamora on the Fulham frontline. If it clicks between the two, this could be the bargain of the summer.
8. Raul Meireles (FC Porto to Liverpool) $17.8 million
Roy Hodgson didn’t wait long to fill the gap left by Javier Mascherano’s move to Barcelona. It seemed like the deal had already been made for the Portuguese International and was unveiled last sunday before Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over West Brom.
Following some impressive displays for his Country in South Africa, Meireles arrival at Anfield will see him link-up in the centre with England captain, Steven Gerrard. Hodgson is showing that he wants his side playing attacking football as Meireles is a stark-contrast to the hard hitting Mascherano. We should see the Portuguese midfielder ignite a partnership with Gerrard.
7. Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara to Manchester United) $10 million
Having agreed to join United before the transfer window had even opened, many Red Devil fans were wondering who Javier Hernandez was? Why had Sir Alex Ferguson invested millions in a player that nobody had ever heard of? All the questions were answered at the 2010 World Cup.
Hernandez proved to be an affective outlet for his Mexican side and scored two very well taken goals. He followed up his excellent performances in South Africa with an excellent pre-season for United. He even scored a bizarre goal against Chelsea in this year’s FA Community Shield. The Mexican has already gained cult status with the United faithful, they are calling him: “The new Ole Gunnar Solskjaer”
6. Ben Foster (Manchester United to Birmingham City) $9.3 million
After a promising start to last season, it seemed like Ben Foster had his gloves on the no.1 spot at Manchester United. However, a few goalkeeping blunders and a crucial mistake against Sunderland at Old Trafford seen the promising England shot-stopper frozen out in Manchester.
The halt on his United career seen him omitted from the England squad that travelled to South Africa. However, his career looks to be on the mend following his move to St.Andrews. He has found a new confidence in his abilities and has been putting in some excellent performances for his new side, which included a terrific penalty save against Blackburn Rovers. Foster will be a tough opponent for any striker this season.
5. Joe Cole (Chelsea to Liverpool) Free
Although Cole’s start to his Liverpool career has been nothing short of disastrous, there is no doubting that when the England international does hit form he will be a menace to any opposition he comes up against.
The fact that Liverpool signed him on a free transfer makes the deal that extra bit sweet, but Cole has the ability to destroy defences with his lightning pace and excellent close-control. With the likes of Gerrard, Meireles and Kuyt in midfield for the Merseysiders, Cole will offer the pace to compliment the contrasting styles of his teammates.
4. Stephen Ireland (Manchester City to Aston Villa) Part Exchange deal
For all the problems that Aston Villa are enduring at this present time, they still have to be happy with the deal that seen them get $25 million and an excellent creative midfielder in Stephen Ireland. Although they lost James Milner to Manchester City, many will argue that when on-form, Ireland is the more complete midfielder.
After an excellent campaign with Man City in 2009, where he was named Club player of the season, Ireland found himself frozen out of the first-team picture following the club’s takeover. But City’s loss is Villa’s gain. Ireland is quick, strong, creative and has an eye for goal. Once Villa have all their Managerial problems resolved, the Irishman will surely arise as one of the club’s most important player’s.
3. Alexander Hleb (Barcelona to Birmingham City) Season-long loan
The former Arsenal star has had a torrid time in Barcelona and will be looking to pick up where he left off in England. The Belarus International has joined Alex McLeish’s side on a season long loan with the club having an option to buy if he is successful.
Hleb has an excellent football brain. His creativity and skills are second to none, and he should offer a new dimension to a Birmingham side who are trying to build on last season’s successful return to the top-flight. One thing the team are struggling with is scoring goals. Hleb’s style should provide a fresh outlook so expect to see Birmingham find the net more frequently this season.
2. Marouane Chamakh (Bordeaux to Arsenal) Free
Another big player signed on the Bosman ruling. A lot of talk was made about how Chamakh would adjust to the English style of football. It seems like he’s is managing quite well with the transition. Arsene Wenger had wanted this player for quite a while and has finally captured his man for the price he likes: Zilch.
Chamakh provides an altenative to what Arsenal are used to. He is tall, strong and prefers a direct approach. Since the departure of Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City last season, Arsenal have been lacking that strength up front that the Togo International had provided. However, Arsenal’s new African sensation should provide a more than capable replacement and will undoubtably score his fair share of goals this term.
1. Ramires (Benfica to Chelsea) $28 million
This Brazilian international is set to become a superstar with Chelsea. After an amazing campagin with Benfica, where he won both the domestic league and cup, Ramires followed that by being one of the outstanding performers for his country at the World Cup in South Africa. His stand out performance came against Chile in the second round.
Ramires is the complete midfielder. He is a strong, tough-tackling midfielder who has a creative eye. He plays mainly in the centre but has no problems when shifted out to the right. The comparisons between him an Michael Essien are there to be seen, but Ramires has youth on his side and can certainly become as good, if not better than the excellent Essien.