There is global misery now that the World Cup has ended. A constant flow of football was great, but we now have to wait over a month for the Premier League to return. However, clubs know that the transfer market will go into overdrive and they will now have to move very fast in order to land the players that they want.
In the world of football today, it is not uncommon to see players ply their trade in a number of different positions. Additional positions have been created, such as a defensive midfielder, secondary striker and so on. As all of these require a multitude of different strengths, those that have played in them will acquire skills to play in other positions. For example, a box-to-box midfielder may be able to play as a full-back because they have been taught how to attack and defend.
It is normally frowned upon by clubs, rather than fans, to pursue young stars. I mean really young; 15 or 16, when they are just approaching an age of maturity but haven’t quite reached it yet. Being hounded by clubs around the world can damage those who let it go to their head. It is normal for players of this age to move to new teams in their own country, but generally not abroad. However, overseas transfers of young talents are now starting to happen, with Arsenal particularly known for exploiting this.
Arsenal fans will have a huge smile on their faces today as Mathieu Debuchy and Alexis Sanchez edge closer to signing for the Gunners. The thought of being able to compete with big teams for a world class player is too much for some, and many of those people have taken to the internet to express their relief. However, with this influx of new players something will have to give and a few players have been selected to be sold or go out on loan. This is not just to free up wages, but also to make sharing playing time viable and ensure everyone is happy.
The World Cup semi-finals got off to an unbelievable start as host nation Brazil were humiliated in front of their eager fans, who were already hurt with the news of Neymar missing the rest of the tournament. Within half an hour, Brazil were 5-0 down and on their way out. Germany scored two more before Brazil managed to grab a consolation. The next semi-final was very disappointing as, after a dull 120 minutes, four decent penalties from Argentina sealed the Netherlands’ fate.
With the last of the two semi-finals played yesterday, there are just two games remaining in what has been a brilliant World Cup for the spectators and players themselves. Fans have enjoyed goal-fests and upsets at every turn, as well as exhilarating games. The players have been given a fantastic opportunity to showcase what they’ve got and they haven’t disappointed.
I must start this article by stating that Arturo Vidal hasn’t actually signed for Manchester United, as much all the United fans would want him to. Ander Herrera has actually been bought though, so that is at least one half midfielder brought in. Speculation has linked Juventus’ Chile star with a move to England, one which the Express have reported could see Patrice Evra head in the opposite direction.
Despite the fact that Arsenal haven’t actually announced the signings of Alexis Sanchez and Mathieu Debuchy, they are already chasing other players. That is the way the transfer market has to be played these days, as other targets can disappear very quickly. You can rest on the fact that you have been successful in obtaining fresh faces, but there are always improvements to be made.