EPL: Manchester United Sign Michael Owen & Antonio Valencia, Other Transfer News
July 8th 2009 03:42
As Real Madrid's lavish spending made headlines all over the world, the English Premier League had some important signings of their own with Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City all trying to improve their rosters.
The biggest shock to come out of England was Michael Owen's signing with Manchester United. On the decline ever since his ill-advised stint at Real Madrid in 2004-2005 and his unfortunate injury during the 2006 World Cup, Owen spent the last four years playing for mid-table club Newcastle United. The Magpies' relegation at the end of last season appeared to be the end for Michael Owen. Several clubs in the Premiership showed their interest in him but none of them were in the caliber of Manchester United or Liverpool. His agents even sent a 32-page brochure (found HERE) to elite football clubs in Europe in an effort to resurrect his career.
Well, Owen got his second chance now. Still trying to find replacements to compensate for the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, Sir Alex Ferguson took a chance on the England international, signing him to a two-year deal. Obviously, Owen isn't a savior for United and will certainly be riding the bench more often than not during the next season, but his history with injuries is making me wonder if SAF hasn't put himself in another Louis Saha situation. The French striker was great for United but it always seemed like everytime he was on a roll, he went down with an injury. Of course, Ferguson still has more options on the bench now with Welbeck and Macheda coming of age (Campbell seems to be on his way to Hull City), so Owen's experience will only be an added bonus.
In midfield, Sir Alex picked up a work-in-progress from Wigan Athletic – Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia.
Similarly to Cristiano Ronaldo, Valencia can play on both wings and has great dribbling skills. However, unlike Ronaldo, he is more of a set-up man than a goalscorer. Still, at 23 years old, he will get to learn plenty of stuff at Old Trafford. There's also word that Bordeaux's Gabriel Obertan will make his way across the channel to play for United. The 20-year-old is another promising midfielder who plays mainly as a winger, but can also take a more central role.
In the blue side of Manchester, quiet but efficient moves were made under the radar. They first signed midfielder Gareth Barry to a five-year contract for a fee of ₤12 million. This of course drew the ire of many Aston Villa fans as Barry reportedly wanted to play Champions League football. If there's anything this summer has taught us so far is that football is indeed a business, and not a game anymore. City then signed Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz on their third attempt. Carlos Tevez looks to be their next target. I, for one, would not like this signing to happen.
Over at Chelsea, there was one new signing of note. After being upstaged by Liverpool for the signing of Glen Johnson, management opted for Russian international Yuri Zhirkov. The left fullback/winger made his mark in the Euro 2008, and signed a four-year deal for a reported fee of ₤18 million. With Ashley Cole already in the left-back position, and Malouda signing a new deal, you have to wonder where Zhirkov will fit into this. He is a far better player than Malouda, so I guess it's the Frenchman who will find himself on the bench this year (once again).
Rafael Benitez has been pretty quiet this summer, signing only right back Glen Johnson from Portsmouth. I kind of understand the Spanish manager. Several of his players have been the target of rumors coming from Spain (Arbeloa, Alonso, and Mascherano being the most prominent names), I'd lay low too in his situation.
Owen - Sir Alex's gamble
Well, Owen got his second chance now. Still trying to find replacements to compensate for the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, Sir Alex Ferguson took a chance on the England international, signing him to a two-year deal. Obviously, Owen isn't a savior for United and will certainly be riding the bench more often than not during the next season, but his history with injuries is making me wonder if SAF hasn't put himself in another Louis Saha situation. The French striker was great for United but it always seemed like everytime he was on a roll, he went down with an injury. Of course, Ferguson still has more options on the bench now with Welbeck and Macheda coming of age (Campbell seems to be on his way to Hull City), so Owen's experience will only be an added bonus.
In midfield, Sir Alex picked up a work-in-progress from Wigan Athletic – Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia.
In the blue side of Manchester, quiet but efficient moves were made under the radar. They first signed midfielder Gareth Barry to a five-year contract for a fee of ₤12 million. This of course drew the ire of many Aston Villa fans as Barry reportedly wanted to play Champions League football. If there's anything this summer has taught us so far is that football is indeed a business, and not a game anymore. City then signed Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz on their third attempt. Carlos Tevez looks to be their next target. I, for one, would not like this signing to happen.
Will Zhirkov be another bust?
Rafael Benitez has been pretty quiet this summer, signing only right back Glen Johnson from Portsmouth. I kind of understand the Spanish manager. Several of his players have been the target of rumors coming from Spain (Arbeloa, Alonso, and Mascherano being the most prominent names), I'd lay low too in his situation.
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