Transfer Grades: End of July Edition
Olivier Giroud - Montpelier to Arsenal - B
It's unclear whether Giroud was brought in to the Emirates to compliment or replace Robin van Persie, but regardless, I like this deal. While it may ring out reminders of the presumably failed acquisition of Marouane Chamakh two years ago, Giroud has more skill and pace, and is less reliant on heading than Chamakh, who got muscled around in the Premier League. He should succeed, in the near future, but at 25 and with other strikers already at Arsenal, he has the leeway to develop that Chamakh didn't and that should prove to make this a successful move.
It's unclear whether Giroud was brought in to the Emirates to compliment or replace Robin van Persie, but regardless, I like this deal. While it may ring out reminders of the presumably failed acquisition of Marouane Chamakh two years ago, Giroud has more skill and pace, and is less reliant on heading than Chamakh, who got muscled around in the Premier League. He should succeed, in the near future, but at 25 and with other strikers already at Arsenal, he has the leeway to develop that Chamakh didn't and that should prove to make this a successful move.
Mario Mandzuckic - Wolfsburg to Bayern Munich - B+
A clinical finisher with a variety of skills, Mandzuckic has been successful in German for quite a while, but didn't catch the eye of Europes elite until his impressive showing for the Croatian national team at EURO 2012, which prompted Bayern to snatch him up to compensate for their almost anorexic depth at striker. I wouldn't expect Mandzuckic or fellow new signing Claudio Pizarro to get many big goals, but as far as cover for Gomez goes, you could do a heck of a lot worse. I see Mandzuckic not only as a success because he should be able to hit the back of the net in Bavaria, but also because he should make Gomez more effective and less tired simply by his presence.
A clinical finisher with a variety of skills, Mandzuckic has been successful in German for quite a while, but didn't catch the eye of Europes elite until his impressive showing for the Croatian national team at EURO 2012, which prompted Bayern to snatch him up to compensate for their almost anorexic depth at striker. I wouldn't expect Mandzuckic or fellow new signing Claudio Pizarro to get many big goals, but as far as cover for Gomez goes, you could do a heck of a lot worse. I see Mandzuckic not only as a success because he should be able to hit the back of the net in Bavaria, but also because he should make Gomez more effective and less tired simply by his presence.
Thiago Silva - AC Milan to PSG - A
The old addege in American football is that 'defense wins championships,' and that must have been exactly what PSG were thinking when they made this deal. Regardless of steep transfer price or surplus of requirements created through this deal, one simple fact makes this likely the transfer of the summer: Silva is the best defender in the world. Strong, smart, and always in the right place, AC Milan looked in anarchy at the back last season when the Brazilian wasn't playing, and he should turn PSG into one of the best defensive sides in the world, if not the best, based on talent alone.
The old addege in American football is that 'defense wins championships,' and that must have been exactly what PSG were thinking when they made this deal. Regardless of steep transfer price or surplus of requirements created through this deal, one simple fact makes this likely the transfer of the summer: Silva is the best defender in the world. Strong, smart, and always in the right place, AC Milan looked in anarchy at the back last season when the Brazilian wasn't playing, and he should turn PSG into one of the best defensive sides in the world, if not the best, based on talent alone.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - AC Milan to PSG - D
You'd have to be an idiot to say that Ibra isn't a great player and world class striker, but this move just befuddles me. PSG have essentially no problems in attack with Nene, Kevin Gamiero, Javier Pastore, Jeremy Menez, Ezequiel Lavezzi and more, so to sign a 30 year old with a notoriously gigantic ego for 20 million Euros and them make him one of the highest paid players in the world just seems unnecessary and excessive. I figure the addition of Big Z will add about five to eight goals a year to this team, and I just don't think he's worth what the Parisians are paying. Not by a long shot.
You'd have to be an idiot to say that Ibra isn't a great player and world class striker, but this move just befuddles me. PSG have essentially no problems in attack with Nene, Kevin Gamiero, Javier Pastore, Jeremy Menez, Ezequiel Lavezzi and more, so to sign a 30 year old with a notoriously gigantic ego for 20 million Euros and them make him one of the highest paid players in the world just seems unnecessary and excessive. I figure the addition of Big Z will add about five to eight goals a year to this team, and I just don't think he's worth what the Parisians are paying. Not by a long shot.
Marco Veratti - Pescara to PSG - B-
While the rest of PSG's signings have focused on getting ready for European football this season, the signing of Marco Veratti is a move for the next ten years, not just the next two. Built from the same mold as his idol Andrea Pirlo, Veratti combines knowledge, skill, creativity, and trademark Italian flair we haven't seen in half a decade to create goals from the deep midfield, and is considered one of the few bright young Italian stars. With mentoring and consistent playing time against some of the lower level French teams, Parc des Prince could be a perfect place for Veratti to recognize his talents and blossom into a superstar.
While the rest of PSG's signings have focused on getting ready for European football this season, the signing of Marco Veratti is a move for the next ten years, not just the next two. Built from the same mold as his idol Andrea Pirlo, Veratti combines knowledge, skill, creativity, and trademark Italian flair we haven't seen in half a decade to create goals from the deep midfield, and is considered one of the few bright young Italian stars. With mentoring and consistent playing time against some of the lower level French teams, Parc des Prince could be a perfect place for Veratti to recognize his talents and blossom into a superstar.
Mauricio Isla - Udinese to Juventus - A-
Juventus have yet to address their blaring issue at forward, but Mauricio Isla is a top class winger who provides depth to a position which seemed to need it. Isla is a very straight-forward player with great speed and a knack for crossing, and never abandons his responsibilities on any end of the pitch. His connection to the wing will allow for the versatility of Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic to shine, and Isla should get his fair share of assists as well.
Juventus have yet to address their blaring issue at forward, but Mauricio Isla is a top class winger who provides depth to a position which seemed to need it. Isla is a very straight-forward player with great speed and a knack for crossing, and never abandons his responsibilities on any end of the pitch. His connection to the wing will allow for the versatility of Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic to shine, and Isla should get his fair share of assists as well.
Kwadwo Asamoah - Udinese to Juventus - C-
Asamoah is an interesting and good player who has as much strength as he has vision, making him a stand out player in the midfield, but I'm just a little confused about this deal. With a loaded midfield, Asamoah could be seen as an eventual replacement for aging star Andrea Pirlo, but if that were the case, Juventus would have been better suited pursuing Marco Veratti. As it stands, Asamoah is an impact player who may be cursed to the bench behind Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, and Arturo Vidal, while the striker position continues to one true forward on the Old Lady's depth chart.
Asamoah is an interesting and good player who has as much strength as he has vision, making him a stand out player in the midfield, but I'm just a little confused about this deal. With a loaded midfield, Asamoah could be seen as an eventual replacement for aging star Andrea Pirlo, but if that were the case, Juventus would have been better suited pursuing Marco Veratti. As it stands, Asamoah is an impact player who may be cursed to the bench behind Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, and Arturo Vidal, while the striker position continues to one true forward on the Old Lady's depth chart.
Fabio Borini - AS Roma to Liverpool - C-
I was worried about how new Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers would use is new, shiny transfer budget, and the signing of Fabio Borini and targeting of Swansea midfielder Joe Allen are confirming those fears. He seems to be targeting players his wildest Swansea transfer dreams rather than realistic players that could improve Liverpool. Borini is a target man who never impressed me at Roma despite being the most formidable option of a terrible strike force at the Olympico last season. Not only do I feel that Andy Carroll is better than Borini, but I also was able to come up with three names - Luuk de Jong, Clint Dempsey, and Grant Holt - in less than 30 seconds that would have been better options for a similar price than Borini is. This move confuses me, and I'm worried it may be the first transfer misstep of many of Brendan Rodgers' summer.
I was worried about how new Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers would use is new, shiny transfer budget, and the signing of Fabio Borini and targeting of Swansea midfielder Joe Allen are confirming those fears. He seems to be targeting players his wildest Swansea transfer dreams rather than realistic players that could improve Liverpool. Borini is a target man who never impressed me at Roma despite being the most formidable option of a terrible strike force at the Olympico last season. Not only do I feel that Andy Carroll is better than Borini, but I also was able to come up with three names - Luuk de Jong, Clint Dempsey, and Grant Holt - in less than 30 seconds that would have been better options for a similar price than Borini is. This move confuses me, and I'm worried it may be the first transfer misstep of many of Brendan Rodgers' summer.
Luuk de Jong - Twente to Monchengladbach - B
Luuk de Jong was coveted by Newcastle, Liverpool, and others this transfer window as one of the brightest young forwards in the world. The Dutch international, however, had eyes only for Monchenladbach, who he reiterated over and over he wanted to sign for, and eventually, secured his move to the Bundesliga. de Jong will add clinical finishing to a side in desperate need of it, but as far as creating for himself, I'm not convinced Gladbach can do it after the loss of Marco Reus, so the final verdict on de Jong depends really on how he adapts to a much better league.
Luuk de Jong was coveted by Newcastle, Liverpool, and others this transfer window as one of the brightest young forwards in the world. The Dutch international, however, had eyes only for Monchenladbach, who he reiterated over and over he wanted to sign for, and eventually, secured his move to the Bundesliga. de Jong will add clinical finishing to a side in desperate need of it, but as far as creating for himself, I'm not convinced Gladbach can do it after the loss of Marco Reus, so the final verdict on de Jong depends really on how he adapts to a much better league.
Jordi Alba - Valencia to Barcelona - A
This is probably my favorite signing of mid-summer thus far. Alba tore up the pitch at EURO 2012, just as he has consistently for Valencia for the last few years, despite being just 23 years of age. Smart at the back and quick and potent in attack, he's a left back that will not only provide more class to one of the best teams in the world, but also cover up for huge depth issues at Camp Nou in defense, with Dani Alves and Carles Pujol aging, Eric Abidal unfortunately having his career cut short, and little other viable options at the back to the point that Javier Mascherano, who just signed a new deal with Barca, was seen as a center back. Great signing, and for only 14 million Euros, too.
This is probably my favorite signing of mid-summer thus far. Alba tore up the pitch at EURO 2012, just as he has consistently for Valencia for the last few years, despite being just 23 years of age. Smart at the back and quick and potent in attack, he's a left back that will not only provide more class to one of the best teams in the world, but also cover up for huge depth issues at Camp Nou in defense, with Dani Alves and Carles Pujol aging, Eric Abidal unfortunately having his career cut short, and little other viable options at the back to the point that Javier Mascherano, who just signed a new deal with Barca, was seen as a center back. Great signing, and for only 14 million Euros, too.
Salomon Kalou - Chelsea to Lille - B+
As a free transfer, the price was right for Lille to sign Kalou from Chelsea, the side who bought the man Kalou is replacing: Eden Hazard. Kalou is a wildly underrated player who has consistently convinced me that he is one of the few wingers with major experience who can prescribe to a 'jack of all trades, master of none (or at least few)' label. He's quick, a good passer and crosser, and likes to find the net. While he's no Hazard, Kalou will definitively contribute to a strong Lille side that also bought Marvin Martin this summer and are looking to recapture the magic of their 2010/11 Ligue 1 Championship.
As a free transfer, the price was right for Lille to sign Kalou from Chelsea, the side who bought the man Kalou is replacing: Eden Hazard. Kalou is a wildly underrated player who has consistently convinced me that he is one of the few wingers with major experience who can prescribe to a 'jack of all trades, master of none (or at least few)' label. He's quick, a good passer and crosser, and likes to find the net. While he's no Hazard, Kalou will definitively contribute to a strong Lille side that also bought Marvin Martin this summer and are looking to recapture the magic of their 2010/11 Ligue 1 Championship.
Gylfi Sigurdsson - Hoffenhiem to Spurs - C
Sigurdsson was widely expected to join either Swansea, where he blossomed during his six month loan from Hoffenhiem last year, or Liverpool, where he would join former Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers with the Reds, before pulling off a shock move to Spurs around the time Andre Villas-Boas was appointed the new Tottenham manager. One thing is for certain: he's no Luka Modric. While the Icelandic midfielder is creative, smart, and plenty skilled with a knack for goal scoring, he lacks the pace and fluidity of Modric, and as far as replacements go, I don't think he's the best choice. If Modric sticks around, Sigurdsson will be a marvelous compliment to a Tottenham midfield which lacks depth, but as far as replacements go, AVB might want to focus his efforts on signing Joao Moutinho.
Sigurdsson was widely expected to join either Swansea, where he blossomed during his six month loan from Hoffenhiem last year, or Liverpool, where he would join former Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers with the Reds, before pulling off a shock move to Spurs around the time Andre Villas-Boas was appointed the new Tottenham manager. One thing is for certain: he's no Luka Modric. While the Icelandic midfielder is creative, smart, and plenty skilled with a knack for goal scoring, he lacks the pace and fluidity of Modric, and as far as replacements go, I don't think he's the best choice. If Modric sticks around, Sigurdsson will be a marvelous compliment to a Tottenham midfield which lacks depth, but as far as replacements go, AVB might want to focus his efforts on signing Joao Moutinho.
Oscar - Internacional to Chelsea - C+
Oscar is one of Brazil's gems, combining skill, smarts, technique, and plenty of pace to create a true Brazilian starlet alongside the likes of Santo's Neymar and Ganso, Sao Paulo's Lucas Moura, and now former Internacional teammate Leandro Damiao. This is a huge hit-or-miss transfer for me, because generally you have to flip a coin to tell whether those skills will translate to the Premier League if past examples have been any reference. For every starlet who has gone on to shine in England, there have been just as many flops, and there are very few indicators of who will deal with the pressure and muscle in the EPL, and who will not, and I'm not convinced that kind of risk justifies an estimated 25 million Pounds (32 million Euros).
Oscar is one of Brazil's gems, combining skill, smarts, technique, and plenty of pace to create a true Brazilian starlet alongside the likes of Santo's Neymar and Ganso, Sao Paulo's Lucas Moura, and now former Internacional teammate Leandro Damiao. This is a huge hit-or-miss transfer for me, because generally you have to flip a coin to tell whether those skills will translate to the Premier League if past examples have been any reference. For every starlet who has gone on to shine in England, there have been just as many flops, and there are very few indicators of who will deal with the pressure and muscle in the EPL, and who will not, and I'm not convinced that kind of risk justifies an estimated 25 million Pounds (32 million Euros).
Transfers to watch in August
Andy Carroll to Fulham or West Ham
Carroll is looking increasingly unlikely to feature in Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool, and may look to secure first team football by going on loan for the 2012/13 season, just 18 months after making his unheralded 35 million Euro move to Anfield from Newcastle. While the Toon have been mentioned among his suitors, West Ham United, fresh from their promotion back to the Premier League, has been the most vocal about signing Carroll. Fulham could also be an opinion, as Liverpool have been linked to Clint Dempsey, and Carroll could be used as a swap piece to entice the West Londoners to let their prized American leave Craven Cottage.
Hugo Lloris to Spurs
This one is incredibly unlikely, especially with Lyon higher-ups setting a date for when Lloris' future must be sorted out, but it could prove intriguing. Andre Villas-Boas has adopted a very volitile Spurs side, and it looks like his two main targets, Man City's Emmanuel Adebayor and Porto's Joao Moutinho, will not be coming to White Hart Lane, while Luka Modric and Jermaine Defoe could be on their way out to Real Madrid and QPR respectively. As France's starter, Lloris would be a major upgrade at keeper over aging Brad Friedel, who is nearing the end of his career.
Santi Cazorla to Arsenal
With the Yann M'Vila deal essentially dead in the water, Arsene Wenger still must look to improve this side regardless of the future of Robin van Persie. I would have expected them to turn their focus to left back, but all signs point to Arsene Wenger abandoning his previous desires for a holding midfielder in favor of debt-laden Malaga's winger Santi Cazorla, who was a huge hit for Villareal and Malaga, as well as the Spanish national team. With the team still owing huge numbers for past transfers, Cazorla could be had at a cut-throat price.
Stefan Jovetic to Juventus
Even after the purchase of Sebastien Giovinco, very few teams need a player like Juventus need a striker, and with the incredibly uncertain future of top target Robin van Persie hanging in balance, paired with the demise of Fiorentina, Jovetic would fit right into this need. An experienced 22 year old, Jovetic would be able to play across the front, and after reiterating his want for Champions League football, his ambition to join the Old Lady, and his displeasure at losing the Fiorentina captaincy, the young Montenegrin seems destined for Torino this summer.
Even after the purchase of Sebastien Giovinco, very few teams need a player like Juventus need a striker, and with the incredibly uncertain future of top target Robin van Persie hanging in balance, paired with the demise of Fiorentina, Jovetic would fit right into this need. An experienced 22 year old, Jovetic would be able to play across the front, and after reiterating his want for Champions League football, his ambition to join the Old Lady, and his displeasure at losing the Fiorentina captaincy, the young Montenegrin seems destined for Torino this summer.
Luka Modric to Real Madrid
If you haven't heard the speculation surrounding this move, kindly remove your head from the sand before you suffocate. This move is full of intrigue, as both Spurs and Real Madrid want him, but after refusing to play in Tottenham's pre-season American tour, prompting a falling out between he and AVB, as well as the desire of Real Madrid to bring him in, his much anticipated 40 million Euro move could be in the cards sooner rather than later.
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Kevin Kryston
Host, Football Central w/ Matt & Kevin
Thursdays from 6-8 (Aug. thru April) on 99.5 & 98.1 WUDR Dayton Flyer Radio
If you haven't heard the speculation surrounding this move, kindly remove your head from the sand before you suffocate. This move is full of intrigue, as both Spurs and Real Madrid want him, but after refusing to play in Tottenham's pre-season American tour, prompting a falling out between he and AVB, as well as the desire of Real Madrid to bring him in, his much anticipated 40 million Euro move could be in the cards sooner rather than later.
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Kevin Kryston
Host, Football Central w/ Matt & Kevin
Thursdays from 6-8 (Aug. thru April) on 99.5 & 98.1 WUDR Dayton Flyer Radio
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