The Winter Market Approaches

I call it silly season, and I constantly make fun of the papers and various gossip sites that I get all the news for my Grapevine pieces. But the truth is, there is something fun about transfer season, maybe it is the outlandish rumors and unfounded declarations said sources make. Or maybe its because you eagerly await to see who your team is going to pick up, or even better, where your favorite players will end up. I like it because theres plenty to read, no matter how ridiculous it is, because lets face it, the news during the week inbetween matches is usually pretty dull.

And so I will give a couple of predictions about this winters mercato. The first prediction as I look into the bottom of my beer can a.k.a. my crystal ball is that none of the talented three young Frenchmen will leave their clubs for Real or any other European giant. Any probably not in the summer either.

Second is that Real needs to strengthen, and they will definately do that. Last years winter purchases were Higuain, Gago and Marcelo. All three have bedded down nicely, with only Gago still sort of a question mark. Typically Real does not carry out any major dealing in January, as is the case with most big teams. And I feel this is an acceptable policy that will hold true this winter. But their will be a signing or two, probably three.

My question to the readers is where do we need to strengthen the most and who should we buy to strenghten that department? Or if your like me and only like to spend money when needed, what youth team players should we recall from loan/promote to the first team during the 2nd half of the season? And then there is the possible player departures, either sales or loans, who could be on their way out of Real? Got all that? Good, now here is my take on it, agree to disagree please.

I think we need to strengthen in two departments, and they are at right mid and central mid. Specifically a right winger and a backup to Mamadou Djila. Of course a second defensive midfielder is near impossible for Real Madrid, therefore we will buy a central midfielder of any type. Who should we get? Let me lay it on smooth. These are possiblities, not definite conclusions, and as a disclaimer, I dont love all Portuguese players.

Central Midfielder

Tiago

The former Benfica, Chelsea and Lyon man is currently not even making the bench at Juve, for some odd reason. His performances have been less the stellar, but then again, one has to consider he has a back problem and may not be fully fit. Also, I dont watch cheaters play sports (the New England Patriots, Juve, AC Milan, Inter etc. ) so I do not know how Ranieri is using Tiago, I doubt its properly though.

Being an avid Lyon fan, I have to say he won me over as an intermediary player. The true definition of a central midfielder, he can do a little defending, a little attacking, and alot of running. They called him the “ball washer” at Lyon because he could trap anything and then give it to a team mate on a dime to start an attack. He combines the attributes of defense and attack by running his ass off from box to box, and produces his moments of skill while shipping in with a few goals.

I would accept this move, he is on offer by Juve obviously, and he would partner Diarra again which worked out well for a season at Lyon. He would make the center of midfield solid and allow Guti to attack more then say Gago, who is not as defensively sound but working on it. Tiago is not a long term solution, as I see a future for Gago at Real, which is why I am even more in favor of this move.

And lastly, Barca are linked with him. Not remember the last time Barca got a center midfielder from Juve? Yeah, that dreadlocked maniac named Edgar Davids, who kick started Barca’s campaign. We should not let that happen again. Different type of player but you get the point.

Manuel Fernandes

Manuel Fernandes, another Portugal product, is obviously on the outer already at Valencia, not because of his performances like Tiago, but more down to his relationship with new coach Ronald Koeman. Koeman banished the impressive Fernandes to play on loan at Portsmouth after a great start to the season 2 years ago, with some eye catching Champions League performances. He was a mere 19 at that time, but now at 21 will look to establish himself in a big team (no offense Everton, Portsmouth). Valencia would be such a team, but I remain unconvinced that Koeman still does not have an issue with him, especially since he was dropped for the Murcia game last weeked.

If this is the case, he would be a cheap pickup or even a good loan signing. Real doesnt really take players on loan, they only loan them out. Which I think is arrogant and financially irresponsible, a shittypolicy. Fernandes would be a good player for the future if Gago does not pan out, or he could be a short term solution like Tiago. All I know is he, like Tiago, is a hell of a runner, has an incredible shot and is fierce in the tackle. He is not great defensively despite his no holds bar tackling, so he may just be another Gago, but his energy is something any coach would like to have in a squad.

Doubts remain over his attitude though, thus a loan of half a year may help Schuster figure him out and see if he is worth the scrilla. Probably wont happen, but this is the kind of thinking Real’s transfer gurus, Pedja and Portugal should have right about now. Theres plenty of players out their like him in similar situations, so find one and make the deal.

Right Winger

Jesus Navas

This is not a legitimate possibility, but I would love to see it. He would be exactly what we need on the right. Want to know why? Lucas Licht, Getafe left back had this to say about Navas:

“I was happy to have De Sousa alongside me, because hand-to-hand combat with Messi is impossible. He is the best.

“However, Jesus Navas earlier this season was impossible to control. There was no way to stop him. He has given me the most problems this season.”

Case and point. But this wont happen this winter, it probably will never happen.

Ricardo Quaresma

Atletico have a obsession with this guy, but seeing as how they have a collection of wingers, I dont see him going there. That and he supposively wants to play for Real. He already played for Barca. So is he gonna pull a slightly altered Figo? I dont know, he is a skillful, fast player. But his position is on the left at Porto, even though he is naturally a right winger. He would definately have to play on the right if he came to Real.

Position aside, he has an attitude problem. Very few players dislike Frank Rijkaard, but this guy declared he would never play for the man. For a 21 year old thats a bit rash, but youth breeds arrogance sometimes. Another problem is that Porto’s president is one of the nastiest and greediest men on the planet, so Quaresma would command a hefty fee, atleast 20 million. I do not know if that is worth it. And yes, I realize this is the third Portuguese player I have profiled, they seem to be fashionable this winter.

Other Possible Transfers

Ezeqiual Garay

Tall, quick and skilled, this kid is gonna be a great central defender. Unlike most Argentine center backs, he does not use physicality to best his opponents, but has an incredible ability to man mark and strip the ball from a player. His positioning will come with experience, but he for me would be a great buy. Scores a few headers too.

I have not seen him play that much, I do not get to watch Racing games, for obvious reasons. When Real plays Santander pay careful attention of how he handles Raul and Ruud, we all know our scouts will be. The rumors of this transfer are already out their, with Santander’s coach Marcelino admitting defeat in keeping Garay. So if this does not happen in the winter, and it is urgent so it probably wont, then definately this summer.

Breno

He is young, 18 right now. He is also built, or as my room mate described a girl we saw at a bar, a “powerful beast”. There is not much on Breno, he is fairly new to the first team and but he has alot of potential. Then again, doesnt every player Real looks at. All I have to say about him is I bought him on FIFA this year before the transfer rumors started, and after 3 years he has went from a 65 as a 17 year old to a 78 as a 20 year old. Thats a huge improvement. This move will happen, but again, probably in the summer as one would expect Canna to go back to Napoli so we could use a defender.

Thats it for now. I will be leaving Connecticut for a week to go home and enjoy the splendors of Upstate New York. Which means its 55 here, but its snowing at home. And yes, I am more partial to the warmer weather. Anyways, everyone watch the Spain games this weekend and next week, I may write a post or two to get away from the family or my incredibly boring desk job I have at home. Adios.

Category: Editorial/Opinion

Tags: Editorial-Opinion, Team News

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