5 stories to follow during the winter transfer window
As the year 2013 draws closer, so does the opening of the winter transfer window. This would also mean a lot of rumours flying around in newspapers, on the Internet, in pubs, offices, etc. There are many clubs who will be looking to strengthen their squads for a variety of reasons. It could be to increase their chances of challenging for the title, or save themselves from relegation, or maybe just try and rectify any mistakes they may have committed in the summer transfer window.
All said and done, there will be a few particular stories that will be interesting to follow during this transfer window.
1. Will he sign the thing?
Wigan Athletic v Arsenal – Premier League
Arsenal have lost a good number of players in the transfer windows gone by, and there is a chance they might just lose another one. Theo Walcott’s refusal to sign a new contract at Arsenal has meant that rumours of him leaving have been abound for quite some time now. He has been linked with Liverpool, Chelsea and even Manchester United. A newspaper went as far ahead as to state that Wenger may be keen on a Nani-Walcott swap! This one has been tedious no doubt.
The news in the last week or so has been slightly encouraging for the Arsenal faithful. Walcott has been getting chances as a the center forward, which is his current demand, and it seems he may also get the wage packet he wants, though it’s still questionable if he actually deserves it.
If he doesnt sign the contract, it seems likely that Liverpool and Chelsea are waiting, ready to pounce on the player. Where will Walcott be at the end of the winter transfer window? We will have to wait and see.
2. Ba(t) who will get him?
Newcastle United v Manchester City – Premier League
Alan Pardew was recently quoted in the Independent saying that Demba Ba can decide about his own future. It is also common knowledge that Ba has a £7.5 million release clause that can be triggered by anyone who wants to buy the Newcastle hit man.
It’s hard to understand why a club would put such a small release clause for a player who is so important to their team, especially considering the shocking form of his compatriot Papiss Cisse. There are a few clubs who could be on the lookout for a striker during the transfer window, and Ba would have to be one of the best choices right now. Arsenal have been rumoured to have had an interest in Ba, and the price tag shouldn’t be a roadblock for the deal. Maybe Chelsea might look at Ba, considering his form and price tag. Is Ba interested in moving away from Newcastle?
The release clause may come back and haunt the Geordies, and the fans will be hoping that Ba says no to any offer that comes his way.
3. Who’s coming to the Bridge?
Falcao,Villa,Negredo or Walcott?
Falcao, Walcott, Negredo and Villa all have been linked with a move to Chelsea in the last couple of months. Falcao has been linked with Chelsea ever since the season started. The expected departure of Daniel Sturridge to Liverpool means that Chelsea will no doubt be looking at signing a striker. The question though remains: Who will they sign? Falcao seems to be Roman’s first choice, but it seems like he has stated his desire to play out this season at least with Atletico Madrid, who are currently placed 2nd behind league leaders Barcelona in La Liga.
So who will come to the Bridge? Will he be ready to play second fiddle to Torres? Or will Torres play second fiddle to the incoming striker?
4. Vill-a leave?
FC Barcelona v SL Benfica – UEFA Champions League
Rumours of David Villa being linked to a host of English clubs has gathered steam in the past couple of weeks. He has been linked with Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea. Some rumours claim an outright buy of the Spanish striker, whereas some claim he will be loaned out to an English club.
There is no doubt Villa needs time to regain his fitness. He is 31 years old and the likelihood of him leaving is low, but in the world of football you can never say no, can you?
5. Where will Beckham go?
2012 MLS Cup – Houston Dynamo v Los Angeles Galaxy
David Beckham ended his MLS career and has since then been linked with various clubs for a final move. Where will Beckham finally end his career?
Tottenham, QPR and PSG have all been linked with him. Will any of the clubs mentioned be successful in signing him, or will he ply his trade somewhere else? Wherever he goes, his next club can be guaranteed to gain a lot of public exposure, because they not only sign a player, they sign the brand that is David Beckham.