Analysing the Transfer Gossip: 15th April 2013
There’s always plenty of transfer talk throughout the season. So how much of it makes sense, and how much of it is just rumours?
Chelsea are set to open talks with Bayer Leverkusen as they close in on a £20m deal for Germany striker Andre Schurrle, 22.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Chelsea have been talking to Leverkusen for a long time so they’re not opening anything. Also, how they can they be closing in on someone they’ve just started talks on?
Does it make sense? Semantic irregularity aside, it doesn’t make sense football wise. Schurrle is good but he’s not as good as Mata or Hazard and there’s not much difference with Oscar or the on-loan De Bruyne.
Is the price right? £20m is about right with no emphasis on Leverkusen to sell.
Will it happen? 2/10 – Regular readers will know that Chelsea can’t receive zero but it’s hard to see why they’d do this.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce wants to sign Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes. The Scotland international, 23, has scored 24 goals for Rovers since joining in an £8m deal from Huddersfield last summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? This season has been Rhodes’ ‘prove it’ season in the Championship and he’s scored a lot of goals on a very poor team. He looks like a Premier League player and West Ham need a striker if they can’t get Carroll back as Allardyce fears.
Does it make sense? Yes. West Ham need a bit of pace and Rhodes is able to handle himself physically. If they could somehow get Carroll and Rhodes, they could form a potent pairing.
Is the price right? This is a bit of a mystery. They paid £8m and he’s probably not really worth that until he’s shown he can score in the top flight. but surely even Blackburn won’t sell at a loss?
Will it happen? 7/10 – It could well do if they find a price. I can’t see why he wouldn’t want to get off the Blackburn ship.
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has confirmed the club’s interest in signing Dortmund’s Germany defender Mats Hummels, 24.
Full story: Marca (Spanish)
What’s the story? Barcelona need to find a long term replacement for Puyol and Hummels is a good footballing centre back.
Does it make sense? Kind of. It seems perfect but the thing is, they already have a footballing centre back in Pique so can they really operate with two of those?
Is the price right? It’ll surely be over £20m, maybe even £30m if Dortmund win the Champions League.
Will it happen? 9/10 – It’s surely written in the stars. If Dortmund win the Champions League it’s a 10.
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has postponed his wedding after Los Angeles Galaxy stepped up their efforts to bring the 34-year-old to Major League Soccer.
Full story: Daily Star
What’s the story? Lampard’s contract is famously expiring this summer and LA seem to hovering with intent.
Does it make sense? For LA yes, they’d be getting a player who will be coming off a 20 goals season in major European competition so imagine what he can do in the MLS. 30 goals? It’s an insane prospect. For Lampard though, if he goes to LA he can’t play at the 2014 World Cup and he surely can hold on for another couple of years in the Premier League.
Is the price right? LA could offer him a lot of money but does that make up for ending his serious career?
Will it happen? 7/10 – It would be a shame but it looks possible.