5 most surprising transfers across Europe in 2015
Even though viewers across the world stay glued to their television screens to have a peek at their heroes battling it out in the football ground, there is that one period which attracts avid enthusiasts like anything; the transfer season. Football fans simply go berserk when the transfer market is up and running. There is a hubbub of activity when that happens, and the ensuing migration of players from one club to another is a feast for followers the world over.Buy-out clauses, free agents and deadline-day deals become the major talking points at tea tables. Favourite players sometimes turn into sworn enemies in a matter of minutes and rumours arise from all corners possible, and it is this unpredictability that makes the transfer season even more relishing for a football fan.This summer has witnessed a number of jaw-dropping moves with clubs splashing money to sign established stars from other topc lubs. Here are the five most surprising transfers across Europe so far.
#5 Petr Cech - Chelsea to Arsenal
In one of the first few transfers to happen this season, the current Premier League champions Chelsea sold their second-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech to Arsenal. Even though the club has received plaudits for having sold the 33-year-old for £11 million, this transfer might turn out to be something that the Blues will regret come the start of the season.
Ever since the tall and lanky Czech landed at the English capital, he has produced save after save to rescue Chelsea in crunch situations. In spite of having suffered a career-threatening injury after a collision with Reading’s Stephen Hunt in 2006, Cech stood tall with his die-hard spirit and professionalism to rekindle his footballing aspirations.
The primary reason as to why this transfer is so surprising is because Chelsea have sold their talismanic veteran to their main London rival. Also, given Jose Mourinho’s historically sour relations with the Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, the deal involving Cech almost defies logic. But club owner Roman Abramovich stepped in and allowed Cech to move to Arsenal so his family could continue to stay in London.
When asked about Cech’s exit, Chelsea skipper John Terry reportedly said that Cech has the ability to singlehandedly earn the Gunners no less than 12 to 15 points. Cech’s move has already been hailed as the ‘signing of the summer’, and it is a no-brainer that he is bound to bring guaranteed improvement.