The transfer window

[ianrush]

The transfer window: Hit or miss?

Clubs seeking salvation through the transfer window which opens in two days' time should beware: spending big in January often does not work

By Sam Wallace, Football Correspondent

Published: 30 December 2005

From the January transfer window two years ago a tale that bears resemblance to the Christmas nativity scene, only in place of the usual protagonists were three football agents with nowhere to stay on a very snowy night outside London. Their client had to undertake a medical in order to sign in time and all three went from hospital to private clinic until the purchasing club could find a place that would take him. As the player underwent tests in the early hours of deadline day, his three advisers slumbered gently on the chairs in the adjoining waiting room.

Anything to get the deal done. The January transfer window opens for business in two days' time but the phone calls to chief scouts, the lists of names faxed to managers' offices and the silently mounting desperation among those club who badly need reinforcements started long ago. As is always the case in January, the strong look to fine-tune their push for trophies, while the weak pray for a player-saviour among the endless loans, sales and exchanges offered them.

The football world has already been alerted to the news that Liverpool are ready to spend and they need a centre-back and a right-winger. Birmingham City are frantically seeking out a left-back and possibly a centre-half. West Ham are in the market for a right-back and a striker if the required standard is available. For Aston Villa, a left-back and a centre-back are on the agenda. Manchester United already have a new centre-back. For Portsmouth and Sunderland, the requirements are less specific but no less urgent.

Past history, though, shows that spending big money in January is always a risk. Among the January transfer window failures in the past have been Louis Saha who arrived at Manchester United for £12.8m almost two years ago and, although undoubtedly talented, is no closer to establishing himself as a first choice at Old Trafford. Scott Parker has rebuilt his career at Newcastle after a £10m move from Charlton to Chelsea failed to work out. For others, like Michael Dawson and Dean Ashton, the window has been one of opportunity.

It is the fourth season that the new transfer regulations have been in operation and for many of those who work in the delicate business of player transfers, the restrictions on mid-season dealing to one month has not made a great deal of difference to the way clubs trade players. Colin Gordon, of Key Sports management, who numbers Steve McClaren, David James, Chris Kirkland and Theo Walcott among his clients, said that those clubs who rely on a late deal have often not done their planning in advance.

"It hasn't made a great deal of difference, you get to the end of August and clubs panic," he said. "Clubs haven't trusted their judgement and they have always thought that something would come along. Then January comes and they panic and spend lots of money. The clubs that plan correctly and realise they need a player in a certain position will be OK; those who haven't scouted and assessed their strengths and weaknesses will mess it up."

Leon Angel, the chief executive of Base Soccer, whose clients include Gilberto Silva, Juan Pablo Angel, Aaron Lennon and Crystal Palace's Andy Johnson, said that only 30 per cent of the year's transfer business took place in January. "I don't think the transfer window has worked particularly well because it seems too much is done in too short a time," he said. "I don't think that's the best way to make your decisions. The tendency at the moment is for loan deals, which helps the smaller clubs who do not have to buy and the bigger clubs who can reduce their squads."

The best place to start the human traffic of the January transfer window is at the very top. Chelsea are committed to making only loan signings next month and first choice will be cover for Michael Essien, who could miss up to four games while playing for Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations and is also suspended for both legs of the Champions' League tie against Barcelona. The club have enquired about the availability of the midfielder Maniche, a protégé of Jose Mourinho's at Porto and now, unusually, playing for Dynamo Moscow.

The 28-year-old, converted from a winger to a central midfielder by Mourinho, signed a contract with the Russian club in the summer that tripled his wages and earned more than £10m for Porto.

Under the guidance of Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes, an emergent power in football, Maniche agreed a five-year deal at Dynamo, who have signed his brother, Jorge Ribeiro, as well as a number of former Porto players, including Costinha and the Brazilian Derlei. However, Maniche and his wife have failed to settle in Moscow and if he joins Chelsea it will be on a loan arrangement with an option to buy at the end of the season.

The main business this January for Manchester United was concluded early with the £7.2m signing of the Serbian centre-back Nemanja Vidic, for whom they outbid Fiorentina and Liverpool, from Spartak Moscow on Christmas Day and they are likely to leave any move for a new midfielder until the summer. United will watch Michael Carrick's contract negotiations at Tottenham with interest over the next few months, especially if he continues to develop into one of the country's best holding midfield players.

The signing of Vidic meant that Rafael Benitez lost his first choice for a new centre-half and now he has to decide whether he moves for Daniel Agger of Brondby or one of two from Deportivo La Coruña - Cesar and Fabricio Coloccini. The Benfica striker Simao Sabrosa, who came within a few hours of joining Liverpool in the summer until his club raised the price to £12.8m, is more of a long shot now that his club have qualified for the knock-out stages of the Champions' League

Among those looking to sell are Tottenham who have already agreed in principle to sell Sean Davis back to Fulham less than 18 months after he came from Craven Cottage. Their midfielder Michael Brown has also been the subject of interest from Birmingham, Portsmouth and Manchester City and will be allowed to leave. Anthony Gardner, whose move to Charlton collapsed in the summer, is also available for sale, as is the Portuguese midfielder Pedro Mendes.

Paul Jewell said yesterday that his pursuit of the Turkish striker Fatih Tekke was "categorically" at an end and he will turn his attention to Dean Ashton of Norwich City, who is also a target for Manchester City. Tekke, 28, who was the top goalscorer in Turkey's failed World Cup qualification campaign and with club side Trabzonspor leads his country's league charts with 21 goals, was the subject of a £3.57m bid from Wigan, but a new club board at Trabzonspor refused to sanction the move.

Two of the more intriguing stories of the transfer window will involve Theo Walcott, the precocious winger at Southampton who will turn 17 in March, and David Nugent, 20, who moved from Bury to Preston last January. There are serious concerns that Walcott - who has been courted by Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal and could yet be sold by George Burley to raise funds to rebuild his team - is playing far too much senior football in a struggling team to allow him to develop properly.

Nugent, who turned 20 in May, impressed for Bury last season and many believed that his move to Preston had come too early. However, as one of the brightest young players in the Championship he is now being considered as a serious option by David Moyes, who is keen to bring another striker to Everton. The biggest transfer window mystery, as ever, is Arsenal who, despite their obvious need for a central midfielder, are understood only to be interested in a defender in the short term.

Manchester City are chasing a second-choice goalkeeper as cover for David James but have ruled out a move for Derby County's England Under-21 international Lee Camp. They are now looking abroad but, like Wigan, have also considered a move for Ashton, who went to Carrow Road from Crewe Alexander for £3m in last January's window and is understood to favour a move back to the North-west.

The West Ham manager Alan Pardew would be prepared to pay Crystal Palace £6m for striker Andy Johnson but, with the play-offs in sight, Simon Jordan is adamant that he will not countenance a deal for his £20,000-a-week England international. Pardew may also look at the top scorer in Denmark, Mads Junker of FC Nordsjaelland, who has attracted interest from Mick McCarthy at Sunderland and Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth and at a fee of less than £700,000 he would not put undue strain on the budget of the Premiership's strugglers. Redknapp is also interested in the Panathinaikos striker Emanuel Olisadebe.

The Bolton manager, Sam Allardyce, has expressed an interest in Feyenoord midfielder Shinji Ono as his squad will be weakened by the loss of four players on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

But 1 January will not only be the starting gun for transfer activity, it is also the day the Football Association's new regulations on agents come into place. For the first time clubs will have the option of paying a player's agent fee themselves - it simplifies tax issues - and no footballers will be able to sign a deal with an agent before they are in their 16th year. The FA will also maintain a website with the details of every player's representatives - one more measure that will ensure that the mobile phones of football's agents ring even more often during the month of January.

Team-by-team guide to the possible comings and goings in the January sales

ARSENAL

Budget: Anything between £20m and £60m

Need: Central midfielder and striker

Linked with: Emmanuel Adebayor (striker, Monaco), Theo Walcott (forward, Southampton), Olivier Dacourt (midfielder, Roma), Dirk Kuyt (striker) and Hossam Ghaly (midfielder, both Feyenoord), Didier Zakora (midfielder, St Etienne)

Possible departures: None

Prediction: Arséne Wenger will bid for Walcott, Adebayor and Zakora

ASTON VILLA

Budget: Up to £5m

Need: Centre-back and midfielder

Linked with: Robert Huth (defender, Chelsea), Steed Malbranque (midfielder, Fulham), Lee Bowyer (midfielder, Newcastle)

Possible departures: Eric Djemba-Djemba, Juan Pablo Angel, Jlloyd Samuel, Mark Delaney, Gareth Barry, Ulises de la Cruz

Prediction: David O'Leary will attempt to get Huth on loan. Barry on his way to Newcastle and de la Cruz to Celtic

BIRMINGHAM CITY

Budget: £4m

Need: Two defenders, striker

Linked with: Robert Earnshaw (striker, West Brom), Steve Kabba (forward, Sheffield Utd), Robert Huth (defender, Chelsea), Izale McLeod (striker, MK Dons), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (striker, Man Utd), Lee Bowyer (midfielder, Newcastle), Michael Brown (midfielder, Tottenham)

Possible departures: Walter Pandiani and Mario Melchiot

Prediction: Like for like. Earnshaw or McLeod to replace Pandiani

BLACKBURN ROVERS

Budget: Minimal

Need: Centre-back

Linked with: Zurab Khizanishvili (defender, Rangers, currently on loan at Blackburn), David Nugent (striker, Preston), Mark Delaney (right-back, Aston Villa)

Possible departures: Paul Gallacher, Matt Jansen

Prediction: Mark Hughes will try to make Khizanishvili's deal permanent and make a bid for Delaney, subject to transfer funds

BOLTON WANDERERS

Budget: Around £6.5m

Need: Defender and midfielder. Four players, including centre-back Radhi Jaidi, are due to play in the Africa Cup of Nations in January

Linked with: Shinji Ono (midfielder, Feyenoord), Abdoulaye Meite (defender, Marseilles)

Possible departures: Jussi Jasskelainen

Prediction: Meite is the top target. Manager Sam Allardyce will also bid for Ono to fill the Africa Cup of Nations gap

CHARLTON

Budget: £5m

Need: Goalkeeper, striker, midfielder and a defender

Linked with: Antti Niemi (goalkeeper, Soton), Boaz Myhill (goalkeeper, Hull City), Dean Ashton (striker, Norwich), Marcus Bent (striker, Everton), Lee Bowyer (midfielder, Newcastle), Lee Trundle (striker, Swansea), Anthony Gardner (defender, Spurs)

Possible departures: Jason Euell, Jonathan Johansson, Francis Jeffers

Prediction: Alan Curbishley will sign a goalkeeper and at least one forward

CHELSEA

Budget: Unlimited

Need: Midfielder, because Michael Essien is away for Africa Cup of Nations and is suspended for both Barcelona games.

Linked with: Theo Walcott (forward, Southampton), Maniche (midfielder, Dinamo Moscow)

Possible departures: Jose Mourinho wants no one to leave, but Robert Huth, Carlton Cole or Glen Johnson may be allowed to leave on loan

Prediction: Strong chance a midfielder will arrive. Mourinho bid for Walcott

EVERTON

Budget: Around £6m

Need: Striker and midfielder

Linked with: David Nugent (forward, Preston), Sean Davis (midfielder) and Robbie Keane (forward, both Tottenham), Thomas Gravesen (midfielder, Real Madrid), Angelos Basinas (midfielder, Panathinaikos), Antti Niemi (goalkeeper, Southampton), Andy Johnson (striker, C Palace)

Possible departures: Marcus Bent

Prediction: Striker in, probably Nugent. Another bid for Keane?

FULHAM

Budget: Minimal

Need: Midfielder

Linked with: Sean Davis (midfielder, Tottenham), Wayne Bridge (left-back, Chelsea)

Possible departures: Only a substantial fee could tempt Chris Coleman to sell either Luis Boa Morte, Steed Malbranque or Papa Bouba Diop. But Sylvain Legwinski could move on

Prediction: If Coleman loses one of the big three - Boa Morte, Diop or Malbranque - arrivals are likely, especially a return for fans' favourite Davis

LIVERPOOL

Budget: £20m

Need: Centre-back and right-midfielder

Linked with: Simao Sambrosa (right-winger, Benfica), Vincent Kompany (defender, Anderlecht), Cesar and Fabrizio Coloccini (defenders, Deportivo La Coruña), Gabriel Paletta (defender, Banfield), Daniel Agger (defender, Brondby)

Possible departures: Jerzey Dudek, Josemi, Djbril Cissé

Prediction: Dudek to leave and a defender, most likely Kompany, to sign

MANCHESTER CITY

Budget: £5m

Need: Striker and midfielder

Linked with: Dean Ashton (striker, Norwich), Emmanuel Adebayor (striker, Monaco), Steed Malbranque (midfielder, Fulham), Thomas Haapala (midfielder, MyPa), Albert Riera (winger, Espanyol), Michael Brown (midfielder, Tottenham)

Possible departures: Robbie Fowler and Kasper Schmeichel (loan)

Prediction: Haapala to join, Schmeichel to leave. Priced out of Ashton bid

MANCHESTER UTD

Budget: Unknown

Need: Central defender and central midfielder

Linked with: Thomas Gravesen (midfielder, Real Madrid), Michael Carrick (midfielder, Tottenham)

Possible departures: Louis Saha, Liam Miller and Mikael Silvestre

Prediction: A bid for Gravesen and midfielder Miller to depart

Done deal: United have signed the 24-year-old centre-back Nemanja Vidic from Spartak Moscow for £7.2m

MIDDLESBROUGH

Budget: Around £5m

Need: Central midfielder

Linked with: Rudolphe Douala (midfielder Sporting Lisbon), Didier Agathe (forward, Celtic), Sean Davis (midfielder, Tottenham), Abdoulaye Meite (defender, Marseilles)

Possible departures: Szilard Nemeth, Mark Viduka. Viduka may look for first team football in a World Cup year

Prediction: Douala in, Nemeth to leave on loan. Steve McClaren will be in the race for Sean Davis

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Budget: £10m

Need: Centre-back, centre-midfielder and striker

Linked with: Robert Huth (defender, Chelsea), Antonio Cassano (striker, Roma), Thomas Gravesen (midfielder, Real Madrid), Robbie Neilson (midfielder, Hearts), Mark Viduka (striker, Middlesbrough), Gareth Barry (left-midfielder, Aston Villa)

Possible departures: Lee Bowyer, Amdy Faye, Albert Luque

Prediction: Barry to arrive from Aston Villa and Luque to stay.

PORTSMOUTH

Budget: £4m

Need: Centre-back, central midfielder and attacker

Linked with: Emmanuel Olisadebe (forward, Panathinaikos), Marcel Desailly (defender, unattached), Sean Davis & Michael Brown (both midfielders, Tottenham), Mads Junker (striker, FC Nordsjaelland)

Possible departures: Konstantinos Chalkias, Giannis Skopolitis, Dario Silva - anyone not bought by Harry Redknapp

Prediction: Olisadebe and Desailly to sign on loan until the end of the season

SUNDERLAND

Budget: £2m maximum

Need: The squad needs strengthening in all departments

Linked with: Alan Thompson (midfielder, Celtic), Stephen Pearson (midfielder, Celtic), Mads Junker (striker, FC Nordsjaelland)

Possible departures: Alan Stubbs

Prediction: Few changes will be made due to the low transfer funds. Manager Mick McCarthy is more likely to get players in on loan than he is to buy, unless players are sold

TOTTENHAM

Budget: £14m but depends on player sales

Need: Striker and defender

Linked with: Dirk Kuyt (striker, Feyenoord), Theo Walcott (forward, Southampton), Wayne Bridge (left-back, Chelsea), Henrik Larsson (striker, Barcelona)

Possible departures: Sean Davis, Michael Brown, Pedro Mendes, Anthony Gardner, Noureddine Naybet, Andy Reid

Prediction: Bids expected for Kuyt and Walcott. Bridge as an outside chance

WEST BROM

Budget: Minimal

Need: Two defenders

Linked with: Badou Kere (centre-back, Charleroi), Jaroslaw Bieniuk (centre-back, Amica Wronki), Carlos Edwards (midfielder, Luton)

Possible departures: Jason Koumas and Robert Earnshaw

Prediction: Bryan Robson will make bids for Kere and Bieniuk. Earnshaw looks on his way out either to Birmingham or Charlton. Koumas to sign for Cardiff on a permanent deal

WEST HAM

Budget: £10m

Need: Striker is a priority

Linked with: Dean Ashton (striker, Norwich City), Andy Johnson (striker, Crystal Palace), Benni McCarthy (striker, Porto), Emmanuel Adebayor (striker, Monaco), Mads Junker (striker, FC Nordsjaelland), Phil Jagielka (midfielder, Sheffield United)

Possible departures: Tomas Repka

Prediction: Bids for Johnson, Ashton, McCarthy and Adebayor

Done deal: Striker Yaniv Katan has signed from Maccabi Haifa for free

WIGAN ATHLETIC

Budget: £10m

Need: Defender and striker

Linked with: Dean Ashton (striker, Norwich), Fatih Tekke (forward, Trabzonspor), Scott Brown (forward, Hibernian), Paddy Kenny (goalkeeper, Sheffield United), Lamine Sakho (striker, currently on-trial from St Etienne), Boaz Myhill (goalkeeper, Hull City)

Possible departures: None

Prediction: Tekke to sign for £3.5m

Done deal: Defender Paul Scharner has signed from Brann Bergen for £2.5m

Kompany oder Agger, in dieser Reihenfolge, und ein grosses Bier für mich.

bearbeitet 30. Dezember 2005 von ianrush

[goleador2000]

LIVERPOOL

Budget: £20m

Need: Centre-back and right-midfielder

Linked with: Simao Sambrosa (right-winger, Benfica), Vincent Kompany (defender, Anderlecht), Cesar and Fabrizio Coloccini (defenders, Deportivo La Coruña), Gabriel Paletta (defender, Banfield), Daniel Agger (defender, Brondby)

Possible departures: Jerzey Dudek, Josemi, Djbril Cissé

Prediction: Dudek to leave and a defender, most likely Kompany, to sign

Meine Wünsche für Neuzugänge:

RV: Sollte Josemi gehen (was immer wahrscheinlicher ist) --> hätte ich gerne Jan Kromkamp _Holland_ od. Daniel Alves als Ersatz für ihn. Wir sollten uns aber auch um Nigel de Jong _Holland_ von Ajax bemühen, der bei den Holländern seinen Vertrag nicht verlängert hat - für mich einer der besten Allroundtalente weltweit (kann RM, RV, ROV oder IV spielen... )

IV: Daniel Agger _Dänemark_ od. Fabricio Coloccini für die IV - mein absoluter Wunsch wäre zwar nach wie vor Vincent Kompany aber er wird wohl (lt. eigener Aussage) erst im Sommer 2006 seinen Club RSC Anderlecht verlassen und einen Wechsel in eine große Liga anstreben !

RM: Sehe im Jänner nicht unbedingt Bedarf, da Stevie G. die Rolle immer besser ausfüllt und wir mit Mark Gonzalez ohnehin schon einen Neuzugang verpflichtet haben der sowohl RM als auch LM spielen kann. Außerdem können noch Kewell, Luis Garcia od. Flo Sinama-Pongolle als RM agieren...wir haben also ganz klar Alternativen.

Sollten wir trotzdem einen RM holen, dann wäre Joaquín mein absoluter Favorit. Da er aber zu teuer sein wird, könnte ich mit Luciano Galletti oder Darijo Srna (kann auch RV oder ROV spielen) sehr gut leben und denke wenn Rafa nicht nocht jemand aus dem Hut zaubert, kommt einer der beiden !

ANGRIFF: Sollte uns Djibril Cissé verlassen (müssen) dann hätte ich am liebsten Dirk Kuyt _Holland_ von Feyenoord Rotterdam !

Ansonsten bin ich mit der Mannschaft mehr als glücklich, vor allem wenn sie so einen genialen Fußball spielt wie in den letzten Wochen und Monaten !!!

Ach ja - wie Ianrush hätte ich auch gerne ein Bier - wenn geht ein großes, kühles Carlsberg !!!

[american]

Meine Wünsche für Neuzugänge:

IV:absoluter Wunsch wäre zwar nach wie vor Vincent Kompany aber er wird wohl (lt. eigener Aussage) erst im Sommer 2006 seinen Club RSC Anderlecht verlassen und einen Wechsel in eine große Liga anstreben !

919892[/snapback]

ich hab in deinem talent-thread eh über ihn geschrieben schaus dir an und sag ma dann wie du es findest!

bearbeitet 30. Dezember 2005 von CopaKagrana

[fidschi]

Würde mir für ManU Gravesen oder Maniche wünschen. Und für rechts im Mittelfeld Kuyt als Alternative zu Ronaldo, denn der spielt derzeit miesund könnte links auch spielen und Fletcher ist ein zentraler Mittelfeldakteur.

[american]

Würde mir für ManU Gravesen oder Maniche wünschen. Und für rechts im Mittelfeld Kuyt als Alternative zu Ronaldo, denn der spielt derzeit miesund könnte links auch spielen und Fletcher ist ein zentraler Mittelfeldakteur.

920002[/snapback]

everton will gravesen wieder zurück haben *gg*

[themanwho]

Würde mir für ManU Gravesen oder Maniche wünschen.

920002[/snapback]

Oink.

Chelsea close to deal on Maniche

Chelsea are close to signing Dynamo Moscow's Portugal international midfielder Maniche. Maniche is expected to link up again with Jose Mourinho, whom he played under at Benfica and Porto. The 28-year-old could join on loan until the end of the season, when Chelsea will have a £5m option to buy.

Dynamo sports director Boris Ignatiev said: "Talks with Chelsea are continuing but we're in the last parts of negotiations."

Mourinho would see Maniche as ideal cover for Michael Essien, who is set to miss at least three games while on duty for Ghana in the African Nations Cup. The Chelsea boss is an admirer of Maniche, and made him captain at Benfica, before the two were re-united at Porto where they won the Uefa Cup and the Champions League.

Maniche is also full of admiration for Mourinho's coaching abilities. The Portugal international said last year: "He's the best coach I've worked under. He became more of a friend than a boss and I've never seen that kind of closeness from another coach in all the years I've been a footballer."

[Joki]

bei arsenal würde ich endlich einen starken IV holen. selbst, wenn man richtig zuschlagen muss. lauren ist mmn auch eine riesen schwachstelle, aber zu viel geld würde ich auf keinen fall ausgeben.

- daniel van buyten (aufgrund seines stellungsspieles, sicher in der lage bei arsenal eine fixe größe zu werden)

- ivan cordoba (für mich der schnellste verteidiger der welt und daher in jeder liga ein top mann)

im mittelfeld muss man einen vieira ersatz holen.

- maniche hätte ich damals von porto geholt, aber wie er nun spielt?

- van bommel (auch wenn er momentan einen bänderriss hat) bei barca scheint es fast so, als würde er keinen stammplatz haben, selbst nachdem xavi verletzt ist und 6 monate ausfallen wird. daher kann ich mir durchaus vorstellen, dass er weg will.

im sturm sehe ich nun kein problem van persie, reyes, bergkamp und henry sind alle in guter verfassung und wenn sie die bälle aus dem mittelfeld bekommen - netzen sie.

im tor sehe ich auch kein problem.

problem ist nur, dass wenger eher auf junge spieler setzt und daher "billig" einkaufen wird. die teuren nimmt uns eh chelsea weg (drogba und swp)

achja:

Der FC Liverpool und FC Villarreal sind sich einig geworden die Spieler Josemi und Jan Kromkamp zu tauschen. Bis auf Details sei alles geklärt so der Kicker.

transfermarkt

[MILANISTA]

Ich hätte gerne den Simao für Liverpool, und den Kuyt, der Kompany kommt ja hoffentlich im Sommer zu uns ins San Siro!

[ianrush]

Ich hätte gerne den Simao für Liverpool, und den Kuyt, der Kompany kommt ja hoffentlich im Sommer zu uns ins San Siro!

920233[/snapback]

Viel Ahnung, wie der Liverpooler Kader zusammengesetzt ist, hast du aber nicht, nöm ?

[CarolusMagnus]

TOTTENHAM

Need: Striker

Na unbedingt. :aaarrrggghhh:

Wie wärs mit Pichlmann?

and defender

Jo sog ich doch eh schon! Her damit, aber gschwind.

Es wäre an der Zeit, sich auf EINEN hochkarätigen Neuzugang zu konzentrieren, und das braucht kein Kuyt oder sonstwas zu sein!

Er muß Defensivspieler sein, einer Abwehr Ordnung und Stabilität geben können, flexibel sein und seine Stammposition sollte die des rechten Verteidigers sein.

So einen Spieler soll man sich dann auch ruhig etwas kosten lassen, ja von mir aus sollens die ganzen kolportierten 14 Millionen Pfund Transferbudget raushauen, aber so ein Transfer wäre mMn wohl der einzige, der Sinn machen würde.

Kuyt wäre dann interessant, wenn Mido (warum auch immer) nicht über 06/07 hinaus verpflichtet werden kann, wobei ich hier auf Auslöschung vertraue, der meint, die Roma werde da keine Probleme machen.

Keane, Mido, Defoe, Rasiak... Ich seh kein Sturmproblem.

[ianrush]

Na unbedingt. :aaarrrggghhh: 

Wie wärs mit Pichlmann?

Jo sog ich doch eh schon! Her damit, aber gschwind.

Es wäre an der Zeit, sich auf EINEN hochkarätigen Neuzugang zu konzentrieren, und das braucht kein Kuyt oder sonstwas zu sein!

Er muß Defensivspieler sein, einer Abwehr Ordnung und Stabilität geben können, flexibel sein und seine Stammposition sollte die des rechten Verteidigers sein.

So einen Spieler soll man sich dann auch ruhig etwas kosten lassen, ja von mir aus sollens die ganzen kolportierten 14 Millionen Pfund Transferbudget raushauen, aber so ein Transfer wäre mMn wohl der einzige, der Sinn machen würde.

Kuyt wäre dann interessant, wenn Mido (warum auch immer) nicht über 06/07 hinaus verpflichtet werden kann, wobei ich hier auf Auslöschung vertraue, der meint, die Roma werde da keine Probleme machen.

Keane, Mido, Defoe, Rasiak... Ich seh kein Sturmproblem.

920723[/snapback]

Du darfst nicht vergessen, dass Tottenham knapp einen Monat auf Mido verzichten muss, da er beim Afrika Cup tätig sein wird. Und wenn man wirklich um die CL Quali mitspielen will, dann sind 2 Stürmer eindeutig zu wenig. Rasiak seh ich nicht als gleichwertigen Ersatz.

bearbeitet 31. Dezember 2005 von ianrush

[CarolusMagnus]

Du darfst nicht vergessen, dass Tottenham knapp einen Monat auf Mido verzichten muss, da er beim Afrika Cup tätig sein wird. Und wenn man wirklich um die CL Quali mitspielen will, dann sind 2 Stürmer eindeutig zu wenig. Rasiak seh ich nicht als gleichwertigen Ersatz.

921020[/snapback]

Ja, ich weiß schon.

Von mir aus soll man versuchen, jemanden kurzfristig auszuleihen, aber einen teuren Hochkaräter wie z.B. Kuyt zu verpflichten, weil man einen Monat lang auf Mido verzichten muß, kanns ja auch nicht sein.

Wenn Mido wieder da ist, hätten wir dann gleich vier Spieler die Anspruch auf einen Stammplatz im Sturm stellen. Es ist ja jetzt schon so, dass Keane und Defoe jammern, wenn einmal dieser, einmal jener einige Spiele hintereinander nicht in der Startaufstellung steht.

Hat sich am Saisonanfang noch Keane beschwert, geht jetzt Defoe die Muffn, weil er um seinen Platz bei der WM zittert.

Naja, Jol wird hoffentlich wissen, was er tut.

Ich seh das jedenfalls nicht so eng.

bearbeitet 31. Dezember 2005 von CarolusMagnus

[ianrush]

The top 20 players outside the Premiership

Managers from the Premiership have been scouting across Europe and beyond in search of new recruits. But when the transfer window opens, they may find solutions to their personnel problems that are much closer to home

By Glenn Moore, The Independent

Published: 30 December 2005

In the real world the Christmas spending is long gone, prices have been slashed and "SALE" is plastered across the windows of high street stores, but in the parallel universe of the global game the serious shopping is just about to begin.

In two days the transfer window will be flung open and while most Premiership managers have been plunging into personal energy debt, burning gallons of aviation fuel as they scout Europe and beyond for new recruits, others have been relying on more traditional methods. Donning cloth cap and muffler they have scanned the ranks of the Football League.

Although the headline fees may scare clubs more used to free transfers from abroad there remain, in real terms, bargains to be had at this level. While the likes of Phil Jagielka may not have 30 international caps and Champions' League experience behind him, unlike many foreign recruits, he will settle quickly and not demand astronomical, dressing-room-destabilising, wages.

Jagielka is used as the example because, by common consent, he is the best player in the English game operating outside the top flight. That was the view of a panel of experts consulted by The Independent. They included current and former managers, pundits and journalists.

The serving managers, necessarily, were granted anonymity. As one said: "I don't want to alert anyone as to who I might buy". An exception was Joe Royle, of Ipswich, who, after making two cash signings in three years at the helm, knew no one anticipated him indulging in a transfer spree.

One caveat. This is not necessarily a list of the 20 best players outside the Premiership right now, rather the 20 with the greatest potential - it is more a guide for shoppers. Players over 30 have been disqualified, thus ruling out some of the Championship's best, such as David Unsworth, Inigo Idiakez and the reborn Ade Akinbiyi. Players on loan from the Premiership were also barred, otherwise Wolves' Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Cardiff's Jason Koumas (West Bromwich) and Stoke's Paul Gallagher (Blackburn) might well have figured.

There was common agreement on the first four names, but after that opinions varied enormously. Among the top 20 are four from Reading, which is not surprising given they lead the Championship by nine points, and four from sixth-placed Wolves, which is less expected.

Including the "top 10 oldies", and 20 "bubbling under" brings a more accurate reflection of the table. Reading have eight players followed by Sheffield United's six, and a quartet apiece from Palace, Wolves, Southampton and Leeds.

Only two foreign players make the top 20: Reading's American Bobby Convey and Wolves' South Korean Ki-Hyeon Seol. Of the 50 listed, six are foreign. The rest, noted one manager, are players who would have been in the top flight a decade ago, before it went multinational.

It remains such and most of these players will be overlooked. But for every Richard Chaplow, who has struggled to make an impact at West Brom since moving from Burnley last January, there is a Michael Dawson - Spurs' successful transfer window signing from Nottingham Forest - ready and waiting to seize their shot at glory.

1: Phil Jagielka (Sheffield United)

Nationality English. Age 23. Position Midfield, defence

Value £5m

Potential buyers? Half the Premiership

Everyone agrees Phil Jagielka will be playing in the Premiership next season, the only question is: where? In an ideal world it will be in central midfield for newly promoted Sheffield United. It might, though, be right-back for Everton, or central defence for Manchester City. Such is the Under-21 international's quality and versatility. And he is beginning to add goals.

The Blades turned down £4m from Wigan in the summer but manager Neil Warnock accepts that, if they fail to go up, they cannot stand in Jagielka's way any longer. "I asked him to give me, personally, one more year," said Warnock. "I brought him through from a young lad. I told him, 'If we don't go up I'll help you get away'. He's an all-rounder, he'd play for England at tiddlywinks. He's even our stand-in goalkeeper. He's a lovely lad from a nice family. It's great when players like that do well. He's one who, when I finish, I'll watch."

Manchester-born Jagielka is United's second-longest serving player. He was 17 when Warnock gave him his debut, as a substitute on the last day of the 1999-2000 season. The next year he became a regular.

"I think central midfield is his best position, he's more involved there," said Warnock, "but even scouts who look at him can't agree on his best position. When I brought him in he lacked pace but he's now one of the quickest. I think he'd have been a good replacement for Roy Keane but top clubs look abroad these days."`

2: Andrew Johnson (Crystal Palace)

Nationality English. Age 24. Position Striker.

Value £8m

Buyers? Tottenham, Charlton, Birmingham

It is a surprise that Johnson is playing in the Championship at all. Last season he scored 21 Premiership goals and won international recognition. So, with the World Cup approaching, a move seemed certain when Palace were relegated, probably to Tottenham. But Crystal Palace stood firm for at least £10m. In the event, Johnson signed a lucrative new contract as both parties gambled on his scoring the goals to get Palace back up. Injury, however, intervened. Johnson is fit and scoring again, but must do so at a phenomenal rate or Palace will need the play-offs to go up, and Johnson will be watching the World Cup on TV.

3: Steve Sidwell (Reading)

Nationality English. Age 24. Position Midfielder.

Value £4m

Buyers? Charlton, Fulham, Arsenal

The former Arsenal trainee was voted best player in the division last season and, while not quite as dominating this, has still been a key figure in Reading's rise to the Championship pinnacle. Intelligent and industrious, he has missed few fixtures since signing for Reading nearly three years ago. Only doubt about this good passer and solid tackler is whether he has the physical presence. But he is a keen learner.

4: Theo Walcott (Southampton)

Nationality English. Age 16. Position Striker.

Value £9m

Buyers? Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool

English football's hottest teenage property. He's lightning quick, skilful and fearless. Arsenal and Spurs lead the pack of clubs drooling over every dribble. The star of Saints' FA Youth Cup runners-up, he was given his debut on the season's opening day and quickly became a regular. The only caveats are his youth, lightweight stature and finishing.

5: Cameron Jerome (Cardiff City)

Nationality English. Age 19. Position Striker.

Value £4m

Buyers? Everton, Portsmouth

Only in his second season but already turning heads. His 11 goals this season have spearheaded Cardiff's rise and won a place in the England Under-21 squad. Quick, powerful and skilful. There are doubts about his link-up play but that should develop. Those clubs who rejected him - including home-town club Huddersfield and Middlesbrough - may regret it.

6: Kevin Doyle (Reading)

Nationality Irish. Age 22. Position Striker.

Value £2.5m

Buyers? Aston Villa, Everton, Birmingham

Probably the Championship discovery of the season. A £70,000 signing from Cork City, he is the form striker with six in the last nine games. Said an envious Joe Royle: "He's mobile, quick, very fit and wants to score. To get a front-line striker for £70,000..."

7: Dean Ashton (Norwich City)

Nationality English. Age 22. Position Striker.

Value £3.5m

Buyers? Wigan, Manchester City, Everton

One of the few successes of Norwich's dismal season with 11 goals including his recent hat-trick against Southampton. Big, powerful, with a readiness to shoot. He may regret staying at Carrow Road but Ashton was brought up the right way, at Dario Gradi's Crewe, and has time, and ability on his side.

8: Kenny Miller (Wolves)

Nationality Scottish. Age 26. Position Striker.

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Everton, Birmingham, Rangers

Was 26 last week and his recent goal against Italy suggests he is peaking. Only hit two in the Premiership, but they were against Manchester United and Liverpool. A contract dispute means he may move on next month.

9: Joleon Lescott (Wolves)

Nationality English. Age 23. Position Central defence.

Value £2m

Buyers? Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Fulham

Missed Wolves' Premiership season with knee injuries but has returned strongly. Quick, powerful and elegant, he captained Wolves at 22, has Under-21 recognition, and is club player of the year.

10: Danny Webber (Sheffield Utd)

Nationality English. Age 24. Position Striker

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Everton, Sunderland, Charlton

Four years at Old Trafford without a League appearance but seems set to return with the Blades. Mobile and sharp, quick and inventive, he found his feet at Watford before a March move to Bramall Lane.

11: Lee Trundle (Swansea City)

Nationality English. Age 29. Position Striker.

Value £2m

Buyers? Birmingham, Charlton, Everton,

League One's most coveted player. A late developer who added discipline to skill after becoming a father. Now a cult hero at Swansea having followed 22 goals last season with 17 this. His weight may prove a problem but not his ability.

12: Ashley Young (Watford)

Nationality English. Age 20. Position Striker.

Value £2m

Buyers? Tottenham, Charlton, Liverpool

Originally a wide player, because of his pace and mobility, he has drifted inside this season to good effect, scoring 10 goals. Two-footed, imaginative and hard-working. His maturity is demonstrated by his being entrusted with set pieces.

13: Bobby Convey (Reading)

Nationality American. Age 22. Position Winger.

Value £1.4m

Buyers? Liverpool, Portsmouth

A peripheral figure last season as he struggled after moving from Philadelphia but has finally lived up to his reputation this campaign. Narrowly edges Leeds' Eddie Lewis as the best winger though his more experienced compatriot has the better all-round game.

14: Nigel Quashie (Southampton)

Nationality Scottish. Age 27. Position Midfielder.

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Rangers, Charlton, Portsmouth

A promising youngster, who won Under-21 and B caps for England, he lost his way after leaving QPR for Forest but has blossomed since becoming a Scottish international - through parentage - and coming under the wing of Harry Redknapp at Fratton Park and St Mary's. With Harry trading places again, Quashie is likely to leave Saints.

15: Mark Kennedy (Wolves)

Nationality Irish. Age 29. Position Midfield.

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Sunderland, Bolton, Portsmouth

He was the game's most expensive teenager when he signed for Liverpool, from Millwall, in 1995 but a certain waywardness meant he never fulfilled potential. Now, though, he has, to quote Royle, "reinvented himself". No longer a winger, this increasingly influential midfielder could yet make a Premiership return.

16: Ki-Hyeon Seol (Wolves)

Nationality South Korean. Age 26. Position Midfield/striker.

Value £2m

Buyers? Everton, West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle

Versatile, increasingly influential, and he would sell a few shirts. Player s have been bought for less. Rangy with good passing skills, he took time to settle but could yet join compatriots Lee Young-Pyo and Park Ji-Sung in the élite. Did national service in summer.

17: Matty Fryatt (Walsall)

Nationality English. Age 19. Position Striker.

Value £1m

Buyers? Birmingham City, Wolves, Preston

Fifteen goals in his debut season, 14 so far this, and still a teenager. Slender but lithe and with an eye for goal, the England youth international is unlikely to remain at the Saddlers for long.

18: Nicky Shorey (Reading)

Nationality English. Age 24. Position Left-back.

Value £1m

Buyers? Arsenal, Charlton, Newcastle

Attacking full-backs are in vogue and, if Ashley Cole does indeed leave for Real Madrid, Arsène Wenger could do worse than look to Berkshire. Athletic, skilful and consistent, the former Leyton Orient defender is also a dead-ball artist, from corners and free-kicks.

19: Boaz Myhill (Hull City)

Nationality English. Age 23. Position Goalkeeper.

Value £1m

Buyers? Charlton, Wigan, Arsenal

Big, commanding keeper who likes to dominate the area, which can lead to mistakes. They should be reduced with age. US-born but represented England at junior levels. Previously at Aston Villa. Real name - Glyn. Brave.

20: Owen Garvan (Ipswich Town)

Nationality Irish. Age 17. Position Midfielder.

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Tottenham, West Ham, Sunderland

There is a team of ex-Ipswich players in the Premiership and Garvan could be next. Made his debut this season and his composure soon impressed. A regular until injury struck, the scouts are awaiting his return. Pace the only doubt.

Twenty more bubbling under

GOALKEEPERS

Robert Green (Norwich City) Paddy Kenny (Sheffield Utd) Lewis Price (Ipswich Town)

FULL-BACKS

Kevin Foley (Luton Town) Emmerson Boyce (C Palace) Dan Harding (Leeds United)

CENTRAL DEFENCE

Fitz Hall (Crystal Palace) Chris Morgan (Sheffield Utd) Sam Sodje (Brentford)

MIDFIELDERS

Jamie Harper (Reading) Matt Oakley (Southampton) Ben Watson (Crystal Palace)

STRIKERS

David Nugent (Preston) Dave Kitson (Reading) Steve Kabba (Sheffield United) David Healy (Leeds United) Rob Hulse (Leeds United) Nathan Tyson (Wycombe, on loan to Nottingham Forest) Marlon King (Nottingham Forest, on loan to Watford) Darren Huckerby (Norwich City)

Top 10 Over-30s (Listed alphabetically)

Ade Akinbiyi (Burnley) 31

Graham Alexander (Preston) 34

Marcus Hahnemann (Reading) 33

Inigo Idiakez (Derby) 32

Eddie Lewis (Leeds United) 31

Glen Little (Reading) 30

Chris Lucketti (Preston) 34

Jim Magilton (Ipswich) 36

Antii Niemi (Southampton) 33

David Unsworth (Sheff Utd) 32

Seh gerade, dass tmnh das schon in einem eigenen Thread gepostet hat. Also bitte irgnorieren.

bearbeitet 1. Januar 2006 von ianrush

[themanwho]

Seh gerade, dass tmnh das schon in einem eigenen Thread gepostet hat. Also bitte irgnorieren. 

921539[/snapback]

Hehe, das Thema interessiert aber anscheinend sowieso keinen

[MILANISTA]

Viel Ahnung, wie der Liverpooler Kader zusammengesetzt ist, hast du aber nicht, nöm ?

920255[/snapback]

dasselbe könnte ich dich ebenso zurückfragen!