Footy Speak

After a brief pause, probably as a result of teams trying to scout young players from the Under 21 world cup or the Confederations cup, the transfer market seems have returned to its crazy, rumor-filled best.

The Ronaldo transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid has been without doubt the most talked about transfer of the current season and is most likely to remain that way. But a couple of teams in the big 4 have been making a few utility purchases- which they feel will add to their squad’s overall strength without having to break bank for it.

It all started with Arsenal signing Thomas Veramaelen from Ajax for a reported 11million pounds. The signing, Arsenal’s first of the season was wrapped up without much delay and is being looked at as the only major signing the manager, Arsene Wenger would make for the summer. Though there have been media reports of Arsenal signing Karim Benzema from Lyon in Adebayor plus cash deal, none of it is likely to happen.

Liverpool signed Glen Johnson from Portsmouth for a whopping 18.5million. The England defender’s signing is being looked at by a large number of supporters and rivals alike as a way to make up for the money that Portsmouth were supposed to pay from the Peter Crouch deal last summer. Many still believe that such a deal was perhaps made more out of monetary reasons than looking at it as a value for money signing.

Manchester United on their part have finally completed the signing of the Wigan Athletic winger, Antonio Valencia for an undisclosed amount. Though media sources do point out that United have forked out about 17million pounds for a 4 year contract, nothing much has been disclosed officially. The signing is being looked at as the first of the many signings by Sir Alex Ferguson as he looks forward to replace the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. United have also been linked with French Internationals, Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery – but neither of the deals seem to have made any progress. There were also rumors about United trying to buy Sergio Aguero but there are not developments on that front either.

However, the busiest club in the transfer window thus far have been Manchester City who’ve now completed signing Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn for 18 million and are actively looking to add Carlos Tevez and Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o to their all stars squad. City have been rumored to have put in substantial bids for Eto’o, but the striker is reported to have asked for even more than what is being offered and thus the deal is likely to be put off.

Chelsea though have been rather quiet this summer transfer window. They’ve been linked with a lot of players but have not signed anyone and may spring a surprise or two by the end of the transfer window.

It sure means that more excitement is on our way during the course of the summer.