Money! With so much (ridiculously) flowing around football all around the world in the 21st century, i've taken a closer look here into the transfers that took it beyond the extended barrier of belief!
I have compelled my personal list of top 5 transfers that got the journalists and reporters salivating with headlines! Taking into consideration buyers, sellers, fees and in cases outrageous wages! See if you agree or disagree below:
5). Radamel Falcao - FC Porto > Atletico Madrid - 40M (Euros) + A potential 7M in add-ons!
Falcao burst onto the European scene in 2009 when making his move from South America to Portugal, at FC Porto the Columbian striker formed a highly impressive strike partnership with the Brazilian Hulk, and bagged no less than 41 goals in 51 competitive games! Following FC Porto's stroll of the Portuguese league, and the more notable 2010-11 UEFA Europa league run under now Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, many European giants were beginning to sit up and take notice of this prolific forward. None though, could of been ready for his dramatic move to Spain, especially to the Atletico side of Madrid before the 'Galactico' side! After loosing key men Sergio Aguero to Manchester City & Diego Forlan to Inter Milan, Atletico's hand was rather forced in splashing the many millions gained from these sales on bolstering their now thinning strike-force. A risk then? Potentially, The Primeira Liga to The La Liga is a step up for anyone, it remains to be seen wether Atletico will prevail but one thing is for certain, even at 47M, there aren't many better goal-scorers around. Anywhere.
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| Falcao knocking them in for Atletico already. |
Verdict- 3/5 An impressive start to his career saw Falcao net his first Atletico goal in a Europa League victory against Celtic, he then went on to bag a hat-trick in the following league game with Racing Santander, following this with a brace in the victory over Sporting Gijon, very much placing him around the business end of the La Liga top scorers, with a not so potent transfer fee, would've cooped a higher rating /5.
4) Cesc Fabregas - Arsenal FC > FC Barcelona - £29M (Potential £4M Bonuses!)
I'm sure it can be agreed this one didn't exactly 'shock' the world of football and sport alike, but more left all fans breathing a huge sigh of relief at the thought of no more of those 'Fabregas - BARCA' headlines. Yes, it was finally complete, the talismanic Arsenal skipper finally was allowed to complete his dreams and return home, to Messers Messi, Pique & Pedro, the age-range and the friends he grew up with in Catalunia. 'The Barcelona way', which Arsenal fans and Premier League viewers got a taster of in the 6 seasons Fab appeared for The Gunners would return to the 'home' of fluidity in football, The Camp Nou. For 2 summers the rumours arouse, with Fabregas making it no secret he would love to again play with the best players in the world, whilst at the same time still managing to stay in Gunners hearts, pulling the strings in that midfield and dragging them single handedly through Premier League campaigns, The 2010-11 UEFA Champions League quarter final instantly springs to mind a returning from injury Francesc Fabregas managing to (Just about!) finish a spot kick past Victor Valdes, the man who, in less than 6 months time, would continue to be part of this inspirational Barcelona side along with their new (and old) gem; in Cesc Fabregas.
Verdict- 4.5/5 Barcelona have been as unerring as ever at the beginning of 2011-12, despite a small stumble with consecutive 2-2 draws with Real Zaragoza in La Liga and A.C Milan in the Champions League, Braca have been racking up 5,6 and even 8-0 victories! Fabregas absolutely took off in the UEFA Super Cup against FC Porto, bagging a goal to add with his all impressive link up with Messi, Iniesta & Xavi Hernandez, a week later going onto net his first league goal in the 5-0 win against Villareal. Barcelona look untouchable, again, with another young jewell in their crown in Fabregas, it is hard to see it stop, & one can't imagine it will be long 'till that above verdict reaches the full 5/5 and wins Francesc Fabregas and his amigos countless accolades.
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| Fabregas (Bottom left) playing for Barca as a child. |
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| Cesc being re-introduced to his home town club |
Now, this one, was strange, arguably THE transfer in British football that got mouths open across the country of England and Spain alike. Vicente, non other than THE Vicente Rodriquez, had made a deadline day switch across the channel to Seasiders Brighton. After being released at The Mestalla, having given 11 fine years of service for Los Che, Vicente, the exceptionally gifted left winger, was struggling to find a new club, the ex-Spanish international, capped 38 times, eventually gave in to the promise of first team football, and guaranteed stardom of being the biggest name of world football to ever grace the lower leagues of English football. Clearly Vicente isn't looking for the wage, at the age of 30 a move to The Middle East, China or even America would've fitted the bill more, Vicente WANTS to feature, and to see him succeed down there and drag Brighton into the dizzying heights of The Premier League where a player of his calibre belongs will be a sight many of us wish to see this year! Lets just hope those legs of his made from straw hang together, the injuries that have held back such a promising footballer have been tragic, but Vicente's career is far from being over!
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| Spanish star Vicente moves to the new Falmer Stadium |
The Runner up and winner will be posted tomorrow, so hang tight and try and get those guesses in!!!
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