European Football Transfers
Europe's Most Important Transfers 2008-09 Season
ENGLAND
Manchester United:
If Cristiano Ronaldo finally moves to Real Madrid the European Champions will be after the services of Dimitar Berbatov and Thierry Henry. They are likely to spend big money if Cristiano Ronaldo departs.
Arsenal:
Arsenal have brought in Aaron Ramsey, Samir Nasri and Amaury Bischoff, but transfer movement has been relatively quiet this season. Some key players have left, and it is unknown whether Arsenal will make any big signings this season.
Chelsea:
They brought in Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has already bought Deco, Jose Bosingwa and Slobodan Rajkovic. Their main priority continues to be Real Madrid striker Robinho, a player who they are willing to pay $40 million for.
Players that could be on their way out include Didier Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko. Those players who have already moved on include Ben Haim, Steve Sidwell and Claude Makelele.
Liverpool:
Their biggest signing was that of Robbie Keane from Tottenham. But they also brought in goalkeeper Cavalieri from Palmeiras, Philipp Degen from Borrusia Dortmund, Andrea Dossena from Udinese, and young striker Ngog from Paris Saint Germain. Things have been very busy at Anfield.
Tottenham:
Tottenham have made lots of signings this season and are expected to be difficult opponents. They brought in Brazilian goalkeeper Gomes from PSV Eindhoven, Croatian international Luca Modric, David Bentley from Blackburn and Mexican striker Geovanni Dos Santos from Barcelona. Another player who could be on his way to the club is Russian prodigy Andrei Arshavin.
SPAIN
Real Madrid:
If they finally sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United it will be the biggest transfer of the whole Summer. This seems very likely and could be resolved by next week. For now the Spanish champions have brought in Ezequiel Garay, and they are interested in Didier Drogba, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, David Villa and Rafael Van der Vaart.
Barcelona:
Barcelona lured talented Brazilian defender Dani Alves to the club from Sevilla, as well as Uruguayan international Martin Caceres from Recreativo Huelva, Pinto from Celta Vigo, Gerard Pique from Manchester United, Keita from Sevilla, Crosas from Lyon, and finally and perhaps one of their most interesting signings, Aliaksandr Hleb from Arsenal.
Players who have attracted lots of interest from the club include David Silva, Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor, Karim Benzema, Rodrigo Palacio, and highly rated Sao Paulo midfielder Hernanes.
There was much speculation that Samuel Eto´o would move elsewhere, but it finally seems that he will stay put.
Atletico Madrid:
Possible UEFA Champions League first round action means Atletico Madrid have to be a solid unit this season. Because of this they have made some good signings in Tomas Ujfalusi from Fiorentina, John Heitinga from Ajax, Gregory Coupet from Lyon, Sinama from Recreativo and Brazilian player Paulo Assuncao from FC Porto.
Other possible signings could include Ricardo Oliveira, Luis Gonzalez, Diego and Kone.
ITALY
Inter Milan:
Jose Mourinho was appointed as the club’s coach, and with him have arrived the likes of Brazilian winger Mancini from Roma and Sulley Muntari. Adriano has returned to the club after a loan deal with Sao Paulo.
But the big objective is Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, although it seems he will remain at the London club. Another option is Ricardo Quaresma.
AC Milan:
Milan made a huge purchase in that of Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho from FC Barcelona. Other important players include Mathieu Flamini, Marco Borriello, Christian Abbiati, Gianluca Zambrotta and Luca Antonini. While 18-year-old Uruguayan midfielder Tabare Viudez promises to be a star of the future. Players who have left are Cafu, Alberto Gilardino, Serginho, and possibly Ronaldo.
Despite heavy interest from Chelsea it seems that FIFA World Player of the Year Kaka will stay on for at least another season.
AS Roma:
They brought in Vincenzo Montella and John Arne Riise, and are after Antonio Di Natale, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Dutch striker Klass Jan Huntelaar and Florent Malouda. Apparently, Real Madrid midfielder Julio Baptista will join the club early next week.
Juventus:
Their biggest signing was that of Brazilian striker Amauri, however, some of their other signings have left a lot to be desired, and have been received with protests. Juventus are likely to reinforce their squad with more talent in the following few weeks.
