We’re into the final straight, the last 100m, the final furlong, the end stage.
Yes, I know it has been difficult my friends but your bravery and persistence will be rewarded within the next two weeks as the start of the new season will finally, mercifully, be upon us.
I am aware that you have missed it and let me tell you, as a football writer, I have been desperate for it to make a return as there is only so much waffling you can do about transfers before you are ready to walk the plank (so to speak).
Speaking of transfers (oh god, not again) I have decided to carefully predict who will be a success and who will be a downright failure of the new faces who have joined us in jolly ol’ England. You will know which ones I think are flops and which ones I believe will do well by the clear and helpful headers that I will provide.
So, without further ado, let’s get this show on the road. Javole!
FLOP
Jesus Navas – Manchester City- £18m
Part of Manchester City‘s annual shopping spree, Navas joins the blue side of Manchester from Sevilla and has earned a reputation as being one of the speediest wingers in the west. Thing is, though, that’s all he’s got and that won’t cut it in the Premier League.
In nearly 400 games for Sevilla, Navas was only able to score 23 times. Yes, goals are probably not his main selling point but you would still expect a little better from one of your attacking players.
Navas stands at 5 foot 7 which means he can be elusive but it may be more of a disadvantage than a plus in the physically demanding and bruising Premier League.
NOT A FLOP
Wilfried Bony – Swansea City – £12m
With a name that was meant for the English tabloids, Swansea made Mr Bony (M) their most expensive signing when they acquired his services from Vitesse Arnhem over the summer.
Michael Laudrup will be hoping that Bony and Michu can combine to make a deadly strike partnership and give Swansea the legs to perform at a high level for a whole season which is something they were unable to do during the second half of the last campaign.
As if the justify my choice to make put him in my ‘NOT A FLOP’, Bony scored twice last night as Swansea trounced Swedish side Malmao 4-0 in Europa League action.
That’s all for this week, folks, but do stay tuned as there will be more Flop or Not next week. And, please, feel free to provide your own thoughts on the new faces of the Premier League.