Transfers between Real Madrid and Barcelona usually create a lot of buzz. Figo , Luis Enrique and Laudrup earned their media’s hall of fame for defecting to the enemy. But the latest to join that line hasn’t received the same amount of publicity. Javier Saviola, the ex argentine sensation has agreed to join Real Madrid after his contract at Barcelona had expired. Much like Luis Enrique and Laudrup, the club had little to do as it was the player’s prerogative to leave the club after his contract had expired. Barcelona didn’t feel like Saviola had met their expectations after the 20 million pounds they spent on him a few years ago and they thought he was fungible. A notion that I won’t reject.

As a 20 year old, Saviola showed great potential leading the Argies to the title in the 2001 Youth World Cup . But after that it has been the case of unfulfilled promises on the part of the Argentine. He was loaned out for two seasons in his 6 years as a Barca player and it was clear that he would be getting his wish of a big payday after rejecting a transfer to Sevilla at the end of the last season. As a free agent, he could move to any club with increased incentives, since the club wouldn’t need to shell out on the transfer fee. Moves to the English Premier league were mooted but none with the pedigree of Real Madrid. What is interesting is whether this transfer by Calderon has sporting implications or if its just a psychological jab at their rivals. It is very unlikely that new Manager Schuster would use him in the starting line up. He is a substitute at best.

Calderon meanwhile has turned his attention to Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal after Milan had spurned his advances for Kaka. It does look like Calderon isn’t half as savvy as his predecessor, Florentino Perez who was an absolute whiz in the transfer market. Calderon did win his election on the back of promises to sign Kaka, Cesc and Robben- three of whom have not shown the slightest intention of joining Real Madrid anytime soon. Madrid were once the leaders of the transfer market and need a Big money signing (Robben doesn’t qualify as he is surplus to requirements at Chelsea) to satisfy fans who were spoilt by Perez’s excesses.

The second most tedious transfer saga of the summer has finally come to an end. After Manchester United’s signing of Owen Hargreaves, the whole ‘Schuster to Madrid’ story was being dragged endlessly. And thankfully we were spared another month of gossip and needless speculation, when Schuster was announced as the new manager of Real Madrid. Schuster is the seventh manager to be in charge of the los merengues in seven years!

Schuster comes to Madrid on the back of two successful seasons with Getafe, who he led to back to back ninth place finishes in the league. He comes to the team, with the twin tasks of winning titles and at the same time entertaining the Bernabeu. It is certainly going to be very interesting times in Madrid next season.

And Schuster’s first target? Cesc Fabregas! Whether, the young midfielder will make the move to Spain remains to be seen. I get the feeling that Fabregas wont make the move considering the amount of respect he has for the ability of Arsene Wenger. Arsenal fans will be hoping for some words of reassurance from either Fabregas or Wenger.

Good luck mate, you need it, considering you are replacing a manager who just won the league!

Liverpool as expected annouced the signing of Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid for 26.5 Million Pounds. His arrival will hasten the departure of Craig Bellamy, who besides the goal against Barcelona hasn’t performed upto the expectations of Rafael Benetiz. Torres will partner Peter Crouch in attack.

It remains to be seen if Torres is the guaranteed 30 goals a season player that Liverpool have missed for seasons now. He has flown under the radar of critics at Atletico Madrid scoring just 82 goals in 214 games for the Castille team. His team was often blamed for his lack of goals. With the 26.5 mill pound capture, and the hopes of a club who are waiting for their first league championship since 1990, he will no longer have that luxury.
Rafa has not had the best luck with his Spanish signings. Only Xabi Alonso has been able to lock in a starting spot in his team. Ex Pool Morientes had a horrid time at the KOP and Rafa will be wishing that those mistakes don’t repeat with Gillette and co breathing down his neck.

In my opinion, Torres has taken far too long to translate potential into goals and doesn’t look like a player capable of solving Liverpool’s inadequacies. Liverpool have taken a huge gamble on this former prodigy, who showed all but flashes of brilliance during his time at the Vicente Calderon. From what I’ve seen, his off the ball movement is top class but his finishing isn’t. I expect him to score not more than 15 goals per season (in the league) at Liverpool, in keeping with his scoring record at Atletico Madrid.

Torres Videos:

Torres Compilation 

Torres Interview (subtitles in English)

After the endless speculation and elliptical comments from everyone concerned, Thierry Henry has penned a 4 year contract with FC Barcelona. This puts an end to a courtship that has lasted a good part of two years. It almost seems unreal that he left his ever forgiving comfort zone to the warmer climes of Catalunya. That comes at a price though. The Catalans wont be as patient as the Gooners, they can be easily coaxed to take out the white hankies and hiss at the slightest of errors.

Henry seemed destined to remain at Arsenal ‘for life’ once he extended his contract last year despite persistent interest from the catalan giants, but with the apparent destabilizing effect of David Dein’s departure, it was clear that Henry had his heart set on a move. He cut a forlorn figure in the matches last season, shrugging his shoulders and screaming at teammates. It was the latitude he enjoyed at Arsenal that made him special but that will not be the case at the Camp Nou. Regular readers, all 3 of you, know by now how I despise this egomaniac but his talent is unquestionable. He does go missing and him cribbing on the sidelines is something I would loathe to see but with the shorter leash than he had at Arsenal , He would need to bring his A game to merit the same adulation. He wont be the Go-To player in the team but he can be a key cog on the offensive front. A 16 million pound mistake doesn’t sound as bad as a 50 million catastrophe that could have happened last year. Time will tell if TH14 is tailor made for the Arsenal way or whether he has the flexibility to thrive in a new system.

The move also reeks of Los Galacticos- the trusted system employed by ex Real Prez Florentino Perez that really only sold jerseys but won very few trophies. Barca will need to revamp the defense and sign a quality defensive midfielder as soon as possible. With Henry’s arrival it makes sense to get rid of Eto’o. He has done his bit for the Blaugrana but cashing in on him now seems the best option for both parties.

Henry will wear his favored Number 14 shirt, whose most famous recent incumbent was the great Johann Cruyff, a good thirty years ago. The transfer may have come as bad news for tabloids who were feeding off it for the last few years but it does open up new questions.

1) Why would Arsenal let him go for 16 mil? Thats peanuts given his previous valuation of 50 million a year ago. A 34 million devaluation in one year doesnt sound plausible but it may be the effect of the 3 in 30.

2) How will Frank Rijkaard accommodate him? If its Ronaldinho in a more withdrawn role (replacing Deco) it leaves a lot of holes on counterattacks. The REM combo rarely did any backtracking and when you add a pouting Henry on the left flank it does create worries for Puyol and co.

3) Will Cesc follow Henry out of Arsenal? You betcha..Not today but eventually. This kid has always wanted to play for the Catalans and its only Barca&amp depth in midfield that come as consolation for Arsenal but in 5 years, at the prime of his life he will be playing in the red and blue.

4) Will Arsenal stanch the talent drain? Three big losses in three years isn't the stuff great teams are made of. But they do look financially sound and may compete in a few years time. The big question is whether they will slip too far out to be considered a competitor at that time.

At the risk of sounding like a complete sadist, I admit I did enjoy the drama. Schadenfreude!!, you say. But it was particularly interesting to see Arsenal fans going postal on their GOD and avowing that 19 year old Cesc Fabregas is the Real God. Yeah, I believe you. Not long ago, all those fans that extolled Henry’s virtues have now claimed he was repressing the young talent at Arsenal FC. I know football fans are a fickle bunch but the Gooners certainly lose their marbles when things don’t go their way. The bitterness is amusing.

It’s done. As an Arsenal fan it’s hard not to feel the numbing pain that envelopes the entire body. Even as late as last night, I was clinging on the hope that all this was tabloid generated fiction. Its like a failed marriage, you fail to see the signs and when a defining moment comes, it hits you and it hits you hard. For every Arsenal fan this must have been a dagger to the heart.

An open letter from the great man himself. And I say great man because he gave us umpteen moments of joy. The man who put a smile on all arsenal faces every time he played. For all his posturing and pouting, he genuinely loved the club and the fans adored him. Adulation that was second to none. He undoubtedly gave us some of the best memories of Arsenal, goals like the chip over Barthez, the Real Madrid one, the list goes on… There is no denything that he gave the best past of his career to Arsenal. He peaked at Arsenal.He will be missed. Sorely.

Saying all that, its time to move on, Arsenal existed before Henry and will exist after him. He was dangerously close to becoming bigger than the club. And no one should ever be bigger than the club. Even last season the warning signs were there. Even from the sidelines when he was injured, he was always in the limelight, whether it was making statements or doing that silly dance with Adebayor.

 At the risk of sounding bitter, what has the departure of David Dein got anything to do with his career. And in his letter he cites Arsene Wenger not signing a new contract also a possible reason. Wenger has always left re-signing of contracts late and that has not prevented Henry from re-signing prior contracts. Though, he has said all the right things those two statements are damning indications that he had made up his mind regardless of AW or DD.

There is a school of thought that he inhibited the young gunners from playing, whilst not totally subscribing to that view, its not entirely incorrect. He was the go to guy, perhaps rightly so, but last season showed signs that the team will not entirely be lost without Henry. The young guns have to step up and take the mantle.

More intriguing is the question on who Wenger will sign as a suitable replacement. Those are some very big boots to fill. Does Arsene have enough money to sign another quality player? Does Arsene know some injury to Henry that we dont know? After all he held all the aces, 3 years to run on the contract and only 16 million pounds? Its all irrelevant now i guess. He certainly has my “Best wishes”, thats the very least he deserves from Arsenal fans. But for feck’s sake I sincerely hope that he doesn’t and make stupid statements(ala Vieira) whilst at Barcelona and reduce his legend points.

The courtship with Barcelona is now over, now begins the romance. Is it going to be a long term love affair or is it going to be case of lust turned sour? Does Henry ,30 this august, have the hunger, the fire, and more importantly the fitness to do the same things that he did for Arsenal? I have my doubts. Sour grapes maybe, but hey i have them in truckloads.

Thank you Henry, you have moved on. So will we and so will the club. Au Revoir!

Robben To Real Madrid ( Chances - 3/5)

Robben has denied interest in joining Real Madrid, but it still doesn’t sort out his worries at the club. He rarely has sparked under the tutelage of the special one. Chelsea have reported Real Madrid for tapping up their player. Yes, Chelsea the last bastion of fairness and ethics want Real to be penalised. Sit and spit, Mr. Arnesen!! Read the full article here.

Henry to Barcelona Chances - 4/5

For those who saw the interview with Thierry Henry on soccernet would not be betting on him staying at Arsenal. His apparent devastation at David Dein’s exit may seem as an excuse to leave his club. Barca have already sent out feelers and look set to make a bid for him. This time, the rumor is that the Catalans will launch a bid only after verbal assurances from the footballer. Cesc and Pires have chimed in with their opinion and this doesn’t bode well for the Gunners. The PM elect of England feels that Henry will stay at Arsenal but we wonder how much this man knows about Football. Milan have said they are interested but know its tough to prize him away. Its either Barca or Arsenal by the looks of it. Milan will be better of buying Eto’o who will be available in the summer
More on this soon….

Heinze to Real Madrid (Chances - 5/5)

I am betting on this move to materialise in the coming days. R. Carlos is leaving for Fenerbahce and this will pave the way for Heinze who has lost his starting place in the Man Utd line-up. Read the article here.

Other tidbits:

Iniesta is on the radar of Juventus (Chances -0/5)

No way are Barcelona letting him go after his fantastic performances for club and country.

Ljunberg to Celtic (Chances: 2/5) :

He looks set to leave arsenal but I doubt if Parkhead would be the destination.
Eto’o to Liverpool (Chances : 2/5) :

He is moving but has denied interest in joining the KOP. May move to Milan.

Kaka to Real Madrid (Chances: 0/5):

The raving loon Calderon has again mentioned his interest in signing Kaka. No chance this will happen

Well, United’s summer has certainly started in an explosive fashion. According to a statement on the official website, it looks like the club has signed two young starlets from FC Porto- Nani and Anderson. Definitely looks like two potential replacements for Scholes and Giggs. And Sir Alex has always been exceptional in the way he has handled potential superstars. It is going to be interesting to see how he handles the two next season.

You can read the rest here- Guardian Football

Videos:

Nani Compilation- Click Here
Anderson Compilation- Click Here

The prestigious league had a familiar name etched on its cup and Italy had its second footballing achievement in as many years. AC Milan were by far the best team in the Champions League and were deserved winners of the UEFA Champions League. They outplayed favorites Manchester United in the semis after doing away with Bayern Munich in the Quarterfinals. In the lead up to their final against Liverpool, there was a lot of talk of *that* night in Istanbul and when Kuyt scored in the 90 th minute, it almost seemed like fate was against Senor Berlusconi’s team. But it was nothing more than a consolation goal as the match ended 2-1. This was after the most vilified man in the Milan dressing room put them two ahead after some fortitous and opportunistic finishing. Inzaghi was his usual self. Diving, time wasting, being called offside a million times but fortunately for Milan, also deadly in his finishing. He may have won over a few fans with that display. On the whole, Liverpool were the better(with a very small b) team. Milan lacked the fluency like they did against Man Utd but this was as Ancelotti envisioned. Few teams play with flair against Benitez. He is a master tactician and despite Valdano’s ramblings, he is still one of the best managers in the world.

I got the feeling that Gerrard got carried away with his prematch comments. He should have learnt from Totti’s example that it is very easy to talk a good game. No disrespect to him, He is still the best english talent in the world, a list that includes a certain Man Utd striker.

However, no one would complain that Milan didn’t deserve the CL. They were brilliant in their style and execution, not a trait normally associated with the Italians . It is a good sign that for the second season running we have had attacking teams (more measured in the case of Milan) win the Champions League and although this may be a pipe dream, I hope this continues for the coming seasons. Tactical football may be effective but for a spectator, it is mind numbingly dull.
The European season is nearly over. Spain will go on for a few more weeks before they go into hibernation (or is that aestivation?). After that we may have to live off the crumbs that fall of the transfer table.

After 120 minutes of football that bordered on the tedium, we had a winner, and quite fittingly it was Chelsea’s man of the season who finished Manchester United off. The setting, the new Wembley , was spectacular but the football played sadly wasn’t, it hardly justified the occasion.

It was the case of who could wear out the other faster. I guess both team had their moments and neither team deserved to win it. The game had very few talking points, may be the Giggs incident is the only one. Ronaldo has proved the big game bottler again. Giggs had some sloppy moments. Rooney was better than the other two. But in a game in which cried out for the flair players of Manchester United to do something, they failed miserably. Chelsea used their usual power play game and got their result. Fair play. A word on Essien, I mean what a player! Not a club in Europe would not want his service.

Its bit of an anticlimax for Manchester United who could rightly feel that they have let things slip in the fag end of the season. As for Chelsea and Mourinho, I think Jose would do very well if he went inside and gave Drogba a big hug. Drogba has been the difference between a trophy less season and one with 2 cups. Whether it was enough to keep Jose’s job? I have my doubts.

< Video of Droba's Goal:
Video of Drogba’s Goal