So far, there don’t appear to be any blockbuster deals in the offing as the end of the summer transfer window draws to a close.
However, that could very well change in the hours that clubs have left to make moves. But while there might be a lack of big names on the move, there are still plenty of deals happening right now, and we’ve not only got those covered in this evening’s roundup, but also in our updated summer transfer lists.
England
Sunderland Sign Turner
Sunderland have completed the signing of Hull City center back Michael Turner for an undisclosed fee. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: According to The Guardian, the deal could be worth up to £12m, so it looks like Hull will wind up getting just what they were asking for. Unfortunately, the deal doesn’t include Fraizer Campbell, but the extension of the Premier League’s transfer deadline gives Hull more time to sign a new striker and center back than they normally would have to.
Villa Bid For Collins
Aston Villa have made an official bid for West Ham center back James Collins. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Villa were tracking both Collins and Matthew Upson, but the choice was made all the easier thanks to West Ham being more open to allowing Collins to leave than Upson, not to mention Collins being the much cheaper option.
Hammers Land Da Costa
The path for Villa to sign Collins has been opened by West Ham landing Fiorentina center back Manuel Da Costa in a swap deal that sees attacker Savio Nsereko return to Italy. (The Guardian)
Analysis: I’m a little surprised to see West Ham give up on their record signing so quickly, but with Collins set for an exit and the likelihood of Upson leaving the club sometime in the near future, having a promising young center back > having a promising young forward.
Duo In Zigic Talks
According to The Sun, West Ham and Wolves are in talks for Valencia striker Nikola Zigic.
Analysis: It looks like he might be West Ham’s for the taking, as Wolves have filled their need for a ridiculously tall striker.
Double Swoop For Wolves
Mick McCarthy has bolstered his Wolves squad before the transfer deadline, signing Rapid Vienna striker Stefan Maierhofer for an initial fee of £1.8m (BBC Sport) and bringing in midfielder Segundo Castillo on loan from Red Star Belgrade (Sky Sports).
Analysis: Even though new signing Kevin Doyle looks to be fitting into the side well, and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Chris Iwelumo are set to return soon, it doesn’t hurt to have more quality depth up front.
Hull Miss Out On Benjani
Hull City have hit a brick wall with yet another striker, as their move for Manchester City’s Benjani has fallen through due to a failure to agree terms. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Unfortunate for both sides, given that Hull have missed out on yet another striker, and Benjani has missed out on a chance to, well, play.
Italy
Juve Sign Grosso
Juventus have completed a deal for Lyon left back Fabio Grosso that could be worth up to €3m. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Lyon had already found a replacement for Grosso in Aly Cissokho, so it would’ve put Grosso in a difficult situation had the two clubs been unable to agree a deal, which looked like a real possibility as recently as earlier today.
Germany
Stuttgart Sign Kuzmanovic
VfB Stuttgart have signed Fiorentina midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Kuzmanovic appeared to be on the outs at Fiorentina all summer despite having been a first-team regular for the last couple of seasons, and the arrival of Cristian Zanetti only further served to put his future in doubt. But it’s Stuttgart’s gain, as they’ve landed a promising talent that will not only fill their immediate need for a new midfielder, but also has a chance to be a cornerstone of Stuttgart’s side for the next several seasons.
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