Here are some confirmed transfers that have happened recently. The big names are not moving . . . well not just yet. We could see some bigger names changing clubs in the near future. But here’s what has transpired.
Barcelona acquired Sevilla’s mercurial fullback Adriano. This is a good move from Barcelona’s standpoint because he can cover Dani Alves at RB, Abidal and Maxwell at LB, or play in the midfield. With Barcelona selling Chygrynskiy and Rafa Marquez looking likely to join Henry in New York, the Spanish champions really only have 3 CB’s: Pique, Puyol, and Gaby Milito. Now Abidal could slide into the middle if needed.
Joe Cole chose to sign with Liverpool. After not signing a contract extension with Chelsea, Cole was on the radar of many Premier League clubs. Joe Cole is a world class player when healthy, however overcoming injuries has been his biggest obstacle. New Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is excited about Cole’s arrival as he tries to get Liverpool back into the Champions League and overcome a difficult last season at Anfield.
Manchester City were able to get Aleksandar Kolarov from Lazio. The left back has a thunderous shot and is great at getting forward. Wayne Bridge has not been in the best form and after City lost to the New York Red Bulls, where the fringe players featured, he could be pushed back in the pecking order for Kolarov.
It’s happened for a while now, but Thierry Henry has signed for the New York Red Bulls. Apparently, his decision to move to the MLS was also influenced by good friend and fellow MLS player David Beckham. Henry has always said that he would love to play in America and prefered New York, with Seattle being another possibility. He really loves the States and wants to live here too. Either way it’s the best move for Henry from a business standpoint. His form at Barcelona last year was horrible and it continued for France at the World Cup. Henry turns 33 in August and its better for him to play in the MLS than try and play in a better league. He can market his name, now that everyone knows him for his infamous handball. Henry’s jersey sales could be way up and he will be happy with that cash flow and living in the States.
Olympiacos signed Albert Riera from Liverpool. The Spanish international found getting on the pitch at Anfield to be a struggle, so a move to the Greek League could see him get more time.
Atletico Madrid acquired left back Felipe Luis from Deportivo. Luis is a young up and coming defender and was expected to sign for a bigger club as Barcelona and Real Madrid were tracking him. In the end Atletico is his destination, but I would expect him to change clubs again in the near future if his form continues to get better.
Real Madrid legend Guti announed yesterday that his time at the Bernabeu is done. Guti was spectacular for Los Blancos for a long time. He spent 24 years with the clubs and came from the youth ranks. In recent years his form has dipped and he was not seeing the field for long stretches. Guti will now play for Turkish power Besiktas.
Real Madrid also said goodbye to another legend. Today, Raul announced that he will also leave the club that he has spent 16 years with. It was expected that Raul would leave this year and his and Guti’s departures were not shocking. In all competitions, Raul scored 323 goals in 741 matches for Real Madrid. He is the Champions League all time leading scorer, while also winning three Champions League trophies. Raul is also the all time leading scorer for the Spanish national team. Raul has not announced what club he will play at next year, but it is expected to be Shalke in the German Bundesliga.
The Beautiful Game 