Top 5 Premier League Transfers of the summer so far
Looking at the best deals of the summer months so far.
5. Lukas Podolski ( £11M, FC Koln to Arsenal), Olivier Giroud (£13M, Montpellier to Arsenal).
OK so not strictly one transfer move but getting both the deals done and dusted so early in the summer signifies a massive transfer coup. The German league is perfect for preparing players to play and settle into the Premier League (see Dzeko, Ballack), and Podolski has all the necessary attributes to become a success at Arsenal. In Giroud Arsenal have acquired last year’s French League top scorer and title winner which represents sound business in the modern day market at £13M. The double swoop also means Arsenal are fully covered in the final third if Van Persie eventually departs this season, also meaning they are under no pressure to panic sell.
4. Eden Hazard ( £32M, Lille to Chelsea).
If it wasn’t for the price tag the buy of the hottest new talent to emerge from the European Leagues in the past seasons would feature further up this list. To fend off interest from abroad and the two Manchester clubs is a major transfer coup for Chelsea who are reshaping their side into an exciting prospect. Issues of whether Hazard will settle and bulk out to the physical demands of the Premier League will all play a part in how much of a success this signing will be. Hazard’s potential however is huge and at the young age of 21 has plenty of time to fulfil his potential.
3. Pavel Pogrebnyak (free, to Reading).
‘The pog’ represents a good punt by Reading on the Russian striker. With a strike rate of one in two on loan at Fulham last season he certainly adds a needed goal threat to the Reading line up. Never really got going at Vfb Stuttgart however Pogrebnyak’s form last season proves he can be hit in the Premier League. Could be used to hold the ball up and relieve pressure when things get tough (and they will), and could have a huge role to play in keeping Reading above the drop zone.
2. Fraser Fyvie (undisclosed, believed to be around £600,000, Aberdeen to Wigan).
The inclusion of this deal in the list may cause a few raised eyebrows and head shaking but Fyvie is a perfect Wigan signing made by Roberto Martinez. The 19 year old midfielder has very good passing and technical abilities which will allow him to slot comfortably into Wigan’s team and style of play. Playing to Fyvie’s strengths could also showcase his talents more which could eventually bump up his price in a few years time. Don’t be surprised if one of the big Premier League clubs come knocking with a bid in the coming seasons, similar to the Victor Moses situation this summer with Chelsea.
1. Michu (£2M, Rayo Vallecano to Swansea).
Without a doubt the best transfer of the summer and will probably remain so come September 1st.
In Michu Swansea have acquired a striker who scored 17 goals overall last season and did so in one of the highest rated leagues in world football, La Liga. He will have no problems coming to terms with Swansea’s style of play that will be continued to be implemented under new manager Michael Laudrup, who declared the buy “a bargain” and came good on his claim there his value to be had in the Spanish leagues. Fans of the Premier League will instantly revel in the striker’s abilities and will certainly help Swansea fight off the dreaded but infectious second season syndrome.
Tomos Llewellyn
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