TNC’s Top 5 Bargain Transfers
As pre-season fast approaches for most clubs, the transfer window is hotting up with more and more transfers being completed by the day. We are now beginning to see some big money moves, such as the likes of Jackson Martinez and Roberto Firmino; however that doesn’t mean that there’s been a shortage of signings at the other end of the spectrum. Many clubs are opting for a more shrewd approach to their business this summer, and here are five transfers that could prove to be the biggest bargains so far:
Alberto Bueno – Rayo Vallecano to Porto (free)
Alberto Bueno’s move to Porto may have gone under the radar for many, but it could prove to be an astute piece of business from the Portuguese giants. With Colombian goalscorer Jackson Martinez on his way out of the club, Porto acted quickly to snap up a replacement. Bueno, the 27 year old Spanish striker, is currently at the peak of his playing powers having netted an impressive 17 league goals for Rayo Vallecano last season, and one would expect him to improve considerably on that tally in a weaker league and with a better supply of chances from more creative players around him. The deal is practically risk free for Porto, as Bueno was available to them as a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Rayo Vallecano.
Gerard Deulofeu – Barcelona to Everton (€6 million)
Having spent the 2013/14 season on loan at Everton, Deulofeu is no stranger to the club, with manager Roberto Martinez saying the Spaniard “considers Everton as home”. While many foreign signings often take time to adjust to the Premier League, the 21 year old knows exactly what to expect and Everton will hope he hits the ground running. Last season Deulofeu was again sent out on loan, this time to Sevilla where he experienced both ups and downs. He did manage to showcase his incredible ability on the ball, but was often left out of the team, with manager Unai Emery claiming the youngster lacked maturity. When he first broke onto the scene at Barcelona, it was believed the Deulofeu would develop into one of the future stars of the club. While things haven’t exactly worked out the way he would have wanted, Deulofeu still has time on his side, and if Roberto Martinez can get the best out of him Everton will have found themselves one of the bargains of the summer, spending just €6 million on the winger.
Sami Khedira – Real Madrid to Juventus (free)
It’s not every day you see a World Cup winner at just 28 years of age allowed leave a club without a hefty transfer fee in exchange, let alone for free. However Real Madrid opted against offering the German international a contract extension, leaving him available as a free agent. It was no surprise to see a host of clubs queuing up to sign him, with Juventus delighted to have won this particular race. Amidst rumours that Vidal and/or Pogba could be on the way out of Turin in the near future, the arrival of Khedira offers them more solidity at the base of their already strong midfield, which they will hope can help them continue their reign of domination over the rest of Italy and maybe even go one step further on Europe’s biggest stage.
Kieran Trippier – Burnley to Tottenham (€4.9 million)
Nowadays, it’s clear that clubs are often forced to pay a premium for English players with new home grown rules likely to be coming into play in the near future. With this in mind, Spurs appear to have found themselves a steal in the form of Kieran Trippier, signing for just under €5 million. The 24 year old has a year of Premier League football under his belt with Burnley, and is now ready to make the step up to a bigger club. Last season Trippier was a shining light for Burnley, putting in a number of impressive performances for the Clarets at right back. He provides plenty of attacking intent while at the same time has a solid understanding in defence. He will face stiff competition from Kyle Walker for a position in the Spurs team, but if he can build on his promising showings from last season he is certainly capable of making the right back position his own.
Pepe Reina – Bayern Munich to Napoli (free)
Pepe Reina has seen very little first team football of late, having spent the past season as understudy to World Cup winner Manuel Neuer at Bayern. With the recent addition of Sven Ulreich to their squad, Bayern felt Reina was surplus to requirements and accepted his request to allow him leave on a free once Napoli came calling. The Spanish goalkeeper spent the 2013/14 season on loan at the Italian club, and hopes to fight for the number one spot on his return. The 32 year old has plenty of experience, and if he can make a return to the form he showed during his time at Liverpool, Napoli will have undoubtedly found themselves a bargain.