What a week so far! Transfers galore, and it shows no sign of slowing up with news that Tevez will be taking a medical on Tuesday in the hope that his transfer to Man Utd will finally go through. I still can't see it happening by tuesday since it seems likely that FIFA are about to get involved.
The Premier League must be kicking themselves, pretty much every football fan knew that the original transfer of Tevez and Mascherano to West Ham was a wee bit dodgy and yet they chose not to examine the transfer too closely. They then had a chance to sort it out when they held their inquiry, but instead, they hoped a massive fine and telling West Ham to rip up the 3rd party agreement would be enough. Honestly, the fact that Kia Joorabchian never started court proceedings against West Ham after they claimed to have ripped up the contract, should have told them something was up, but no, it's all gone very wrong and the Premier League end up looking like absolute idiots when FIFA come in to sort out the mess. Then again, with FIFA's track record, we might be seeing a few more cock-ups before the week is out. Any football fan could have sorted this mess out weeks ago, what a bunch of...
On to completed transfers. There have been a fair few to go through in the past couple of days with Sagna heading to Arsenal, Nugent and Utaka on the way to Portsmouth, Benayoun to Liverpool, and Baird to Fulham. I've already mentioned Baird and Nugent on this blog so I'm going to take a peek at the other 3 signings.
Sagna to Arsenal is an interesting move since Arsenal already have cover at right-back in the shape of Eboue and Hoyte. Wenger described him as someone who "plays mainly at right-back, but can also play along the defence or in midfield. He is strong and quick." He could be used as defensive cover, but Djourou, Hoyte, and Traore all seemed to make a step forward last season in defensive positions, so I have a feeling that he'll be moved into the orthodox winger position, since Arsenal have been lacking width for the past couple of seasons. Plus, if he's played on the right of midfield then it means that Eboue will be less caught out defensively, as Sagna would be able to cover the right-back position if he goes on a marauding run down the wing. However, with my history in having 'feelings', he'll probably end up playing in goal...we shall see.
Utaka joined Portsmouth from Rennes, where he scored 10 goals in 35 appearances. Not the greatest goalscoring record, but he's 25 and heading towards his peak. He's strong, quick and pretty good in the air, so he should be suited for the Premiership. The competition at Portsmouth will be good for him as it won't allow him any time to mope around since he'll be fighting to make an impact from the start.
Benayoun is a very interesting signing for Rafa at Liverpool. He didn't have a brilliant season last year, but no West Ham player really did (exception of Tevez and Noble), but the year before that he was a lovely player to watch. He's not the out-and-out winger that Liverpool need and are getting with Babel, but he does offer good cover for the whole of the midfield and will offer good movement and skill into the mdifield area. He's not really an inspirational signing, but he could turn out to be a very astute signing for Liverpool, especially when the season is coming to a close and you need the squad players to come in with fresh legs. He'll be able to offer frsh legs, and that little bit of flair that can turn games.
In the Copa America, the dream final has been set up with Argentina meeting Brazil in the final on sunday. Messi's goal in the 3-0 semi-final victory over Mexico was absolutely delightful, and I think that Argentina might just be taking the trophy home. They seem to be playing the better football at the moment, and their tactics suit the players they have, but Brazil have started to look more and more comfortable in their game since the group stages finished, and they do seem to have beaten Argentina in their previous few meetings. It should be a cracker, but I'm tipping the Argies to lift the title.
I could prattle on all night, but I expect you've probably had enough. There should be plenty more transfers to come this week, and this Tevez malarkay shows no sign of finishing, so if all else fails, I can always have a rant on that. Night all.
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