The big clubs have been relatively quiet recently, but it looks like things are picking up on that front as the end of the summer transfer season edges nearer.
Another long-running transfer saga has bitten the dust, as Wesley Sneijder’s future has been resolved, and though it may not be the ending that he wanted in the beginning, it’s the one that works out best for him.
He’s not the only Dutchman or Real Madrid player in this morning’s roundup, but unlike Sneijder and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Arjen Robben won’t be swapping Madrid for Milan, but he is off to another M.
Of course, you can find these signings and the rest covered in today’s early roundup in our summer transfer lists, and check back this evening for another fresh batch of transfer news and rumors from around the world’s top leagues.
England
Chelsea Track De Guzman
Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen has recommended a move for Feyenoord midfielder Jonathan de Guzman after watching the 21-year-old score twice in a win over Roda JC on the weekend. (The Mirror)
Analysis: De Guzman missed almost all of last season due to a knee injury, but he’s come back strong from it, as shown by his performance against Roda, when he also added an assist to go with his brace. Even with the lost season last season, he’s got a lot of experience for his age, which is a plus.
Distin Opts For Everton
The hole in the center of Everton’s defense has quickly been filled, as the Toffees have moved to sign Portsmouth’s Sylvain Distin. A fee has been agreed with Portsmouth for the 31-year-old, and he has agreed a three-year contract ahead of completing his medical. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Excellent deal for Everton. Distin is reliable, durable, and proven, and he also fits the bill physically.
Villa Sign Warnock, Close On Dunne
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Blackburn left back Stephen Warnock, with the fee believed to be around £8m, and they’ve also agreed a fee with Manchester City for center back Richard Dunne. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Martin O’Neill was no doubt hoping to have these two available to bolster their hopes in Europe, but even with their European dreams crushed, bringing them into the fold will help significantly bolster their hopes to earn a place in Europe next season.
Janko Set For Fulham
Prolific Austrian striker Marc Janko is set for a loan switch to Fulham, as the Cottagers have agreed a deal to bring the Red Bull Salzburg star in on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent £6m move. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Fulham had been on the lookout for a striker this summer even before Andy Johnson was injured against Amkar Perm in the first leg of their Europa League playoff tie, but his injury has made bolstering the front line all the more important. It’s all the better for Fulham that Salzburg weren’t able to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League, otherwise Janko likely wouldn’t have been on the move.
Stoke Land Boro Duo
Stoke City have made a double raid on Middlesbrough, signing attacker Tuncay Sanli and center back Robert Huth in a deal reportedly worth around £11m. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: An impressive swoop for Stoke, as both should make a significant impact immediately. The spending doesn’t look like stopping there either, so it’s clear that they’re not settling on just surviving this season.
Sunderland Interested In Turner
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that there’s been contact with Hull City about highly-rated center back Michael Turner, but from his knowledge, no bid has been made, contrary to reports saying that an offer of 6m had been tabled. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Hull have stood by their £12m asking price for Turner thus far, so that could prove to be an obstacle, along with the amount of time there is left in the window. But if Sunderland are willing to meet Hull’s valuation and get a deal done quickly, the money would allow Hull to be able to land a solid replacement like West Ham’s James Collins or Arsenal’s Philippe Senderos with time and money to spare.
Bolton Return For Nolan?
Bolton manager Gary Megson has made contact with Newcastle about bringing midfielder Kevin Nolan back to the Reebok Stadium, and he’s pushing to get a deal done before Saturday’s home tie with Liverpool. (The Sun)
Analysis: It was a tad surprising when Bolton sold him in the first place, but it’s rather fortuitous for Megson that Newcastle are now in the Championship and still could do to trim their wage bill even further.
Spain
Barca Close On Chygrynskiy
Barcelona have agreed a €25m fee for Shakhtar Donetsk center back Dmitro Chygrynskiy, but according to Barca sporting director Txiki Bergiristan, the deal will only be completed after the two clubs meet in the UEFA Super Cup tomorrow. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Chygrynskiy is cup-tied, having played for Shakhtar in the Champions League qualifiers, but this signing is just as much for the future as it is for the present. His presence will give Pep Guardiola more options in case of injuries/suspensions like last season, and it will also allow him to rest starters and not skip a beat ahead of key Champions League matches.
Italy
Sneijder Settles On Inter Switch
The Wesley Sneijder saga is finally coming to a close, and Inter Milan are getting their man in the end. Sneijder had been just a little adamant about his desire to stay at Real Madrid, but he has traveled from Madrid to Milan to finalize a deal that will see Inter shell out around €15m. (Goal.com)
Analysis: It’s understandable that he didn’t want to leave, but if the right people don’t want you around, then there’s nothing left to do but to accept the situation. It’s on him to run with this opportunity and show Real that they made a mistake by letting him go, and hopefully he does that.
Germany
Bayern Move For Robben
Bayern Munich are close to sealing a £22m deal for Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben. Robben had been linked with Manchester United and Liverpool this week, but he’s instead on his way to the Bundesliga. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: All of the moves that Bayern made in the off-season has netted two draws and a defeat to a promoted side in their first three Bundesliga matches, but perhaps this is the deal that gets the machine rolling again and saves Louis Van Gaal’s job. At the very least, you can cue up the Ribery exit rumors once again.
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