The transfer window of January is typically a lot more fascinating than that of the summer, as the whole process is much, much faster. Some of the players linked with clubs are the usual “I’m bored as hell, and I need to come up with a story” rumors started by journalists, who are indeed bored as hell and in need to come up with a story. But, January tends to have more “no smoke without fire” stories where the player really is looking for a move- or is interested- and information leaks out due to the desperation to get out before an entire season is ruined.
Here are some “out” rumours to start off the rumor mill:
RYAN BABEL- Fiorentina, Ajax and Besiktas
It is obvious that Babel has not quite reached the dizzy heights we had all expected of him when he first arrived, despite scoring some big goals and some blasters. His inconsistency in combination with Rafa’s lack of faith in him has led Babel to a place where he is desperate to move on. The problem? He is one of our few weapons off of the bench, and his value has dipped since we bought him. The odds of making the 11 mil we paid for him are not likely, and given our past in deals, we’d probably only make about 6-8 mil (pounds) from him. If we were to let him go, we’d need suitable funds. Of the three listed above, I’d say Ajax are the most likely destination for Babel, who is seeking a place in Holland’s World Cup squad.
Likelihood: QUITE likely.
ANDREA DOSSENA: Atletico Madrid
After a summer and fall of speculation linking Dossena to Napoli, Juventus and a few other clubs in Italy, a stronger and more likely link to struggling Atletico Madrid has formed. With the player now in utter desperation for playing time in order to make Italy’s World Cup squad, a move is now necessary. From Rafa’s point of view, as well, he does not need three left backs given our already struggling finances. He could get a decent fee for Dossena (probably 3-6 mil depending on the deal) and it would clear up some space for younger players to get a look-in. With recent links to Atleti’s Maxi Rodriguez, this is also looking increasingly more likely, and with the Torres deal, we have an excellent rapport with the “other” Madrid club.
Likelihood: Whether it is Atletico or an Italian side, I’d say it is VERY likely Dossena will move on.
And now for the players coming in…
MAXI RODRIGUEZ: Atletico Madrid
Though today is the first day I’ve heard of it, this potential “loan with a view to a permanent transfer” deal screams of legitimacy. With Dossena already being linked with the club, and with Maxi’s deal running out in six months, it is one that is a very real possibility. We have a deep need for a right sided midfielder (as Kuyt has not been up to snuff lately) and Maxi would be coming to us on a cheap fee… if any at all if we loan him and sign him for a free over the summer. Given our slight checkbook, a move like this is exactly what we need, and we’d be signing a player with European experience and international pedigree. I’d be happy with this move, particularly given the lack of finances required to go through with it. Is he a world beater? No, but he IS a good player and we are desperate for depth in wide positions.
Likelihood: Almost a certainty from what I’ve read.
RUUD VAN NISTELROOY: Real Madrid
A surprise story that won’t go away is Manchester United’s former goal-machine Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who is being linked to us on a six month loan from Real Madrid. His lack of time with Madrid has been largely due to the “Galacticos Part 2″ experiment rather than a dip in form, and Ruud needs to play in order to get into the World Cup side. Given our problems up front, the rumor makes perfect sense. The Daily Mail claims that the deal could be scuppered due to RVN’s high wages, but not qualifying for Europe because we don’t have enough options up front would be more financially costly than these wages, so I disagree with that particular argument. As a former Manc, I’m not 100% behind this move, but at the same time I also realize that we need someone like him to complement Torres. It is becoming increasingly more likely that a 4-4-2 is a system we need to adopt, as Torres up on his own is not necessarily working as well as it once did given Gerrard’s lack of fitness and health.
Likelihood: less than 50% in all honesty… it seems like a boredom story, but it WOULD be a good move.
ROMAN PAVLYUCHENKO: Tottenham
Another player who has been pushed down the pecking order at his club is Roman Pavlyuchenko at Spurs, and the Daily Mail reckons a move for him is something that Liverpool are considering. Without being too harsh, this is exactly the kind of move that would prevent us from progressing, as I don’t see him as being the type of player to move us forward. Pavlyuchenko is, in my opinion, no better than David Ngog, so we probably don’t need another player (a more expensive one at that) to wait in the wings, as well. I’d be much happier with RVN or another top striker. No go, Rafa!
Likelihood: This story is probably one Spurs are stirring up to create more interest in the player elsewhere, so I’d say the likelihood is very, very slim.
MORE STORIES SURELY TO COME SOON!
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