With the transfer window shut and all signings done and dusted, I thought I’d take a look at some of the key signings made by Premier League clubs this summer. It’s been a bit of a mixed summer, some signings are already looking like decent additions, others are merely perfunctory whilst others are just bizarre. So which clubs have had more money than sense? Who made the best additions to their squad? For all this and more please continue to read:
Ashley Young
The former Watford winger has made a seamless transition from the mid-table mediocrity of Villa Park to the dizzy heights of Old Trafford. Young, 26, has had a fantastic start at Manchester United and was an essential part in his new club’s 8-2 demolishing of Arsenal. He has already cemented his place in the team and formed a productive understanding with Wayne Rooney at both domestic and international level which will make him a powerful asset for both club and country.
Park Chu Young
Lille were convinced they were adding Park Chu Young to their ranks this season. When Chairman, Michel Seydoux, discovered the crafty South Korean had given them the slip, he sent club officials to intercept the player at Monte Carlo airport. Their farcical efforts were unsuccessful as he had already boarded a plane to Heathrow whilst they were sat in a car outside his Monaco hotel room – he became an Arsenal player shortly after.
Park had his best season in Ligue 1 last year with 12 goals in 33 apps. Gunners’ fans are to look forward his trademark ‘prayer’ celebration and Premier League defences are to make sure they keep both eyes on him at all times – at least the South Korean NIS will.
Juan Mata
The architect of the Spanish U-21 European Championship winning side will add the creative spark which Chelseahave been seeking this summer. Mata, 23, will fulfil a role similar to that of Manchester City’s Spanish international, David Silva – but with the added firepower. Mata was the tournament’s 3rd highest goalscorer and he had an impressive record at Valencia – 33 goals in 129 apps. Chelsea will be hoping he can get Fernando Torres scoring.
Sergio Aguero
Along the other major City signing, Samir Nasri, the 23 year old Argentina forward is part of a new look side which will hope to combine the strong defensive base of last season with a lethal attacking edge. Doubts over Aguero’s adaptability to the English league were stamped upon after his fantastic debut against Swansea City. The way in which he dragged Michael Dawson all over the place at White Hart Lane last week will strike fear into less mobile centre halves.
Peter Crouch
Crouch was pushed out of the door at White Hart Lane by Chairman Daniel Levy and before he knew it he had arrived as Stoke City’s £10 million marquee signing. One thing for sure is that Peter Crouch will score goals for the Potters – 60% coming from Rory Delap’s catapult throw-ins. Few teams will fancy going to the Britannia this season with Stoke now in possession of a top quality striker. Not everyone’s cup of tea but his record at International level is nothing to be scoffed at.
Mikel Arteta
Arsene Wenger has been accused of ‘panic buying’ after his uncharacteristic approach on deadline day – but even he has to answer to the mob. Arsenal fans were crying out for new signings and Wegner has given them what they asked for. At 29, Arteta is not a typical Arsenal signing, and with a 4-year deal it is clear that he was a panic buy when top class players such as Henry and Vieira were auctioned off as soon as they hit 30.
But, how long have the Arsenal fans and media alike called for Wegner to sign an experienced midfield player? Arteta will struggle to fill the boots of Fabregas – if that is what he was signed for – but he will be a great foil for the likes of Wilshere and Ramsey.
Scott Parker
Probably pips Shay Given as the bargain of the season. Signed for £5 million pounds, the PFA Footballer of the Year made his transition from East to North London on deadline day. Parker, 30, will be a good addition to the Spurs midfield after the departure of Wilson Palacios to Stoke City.
The former Charlton and Chelsea player is now a regular in the England fold as a holding player in the fashionable 4-2-3-1 formation.
Owen Hargreaves
The ‘shock transfer’ of the season. Hargreaves was flirting with Leicester City and West Brom when Manchester City came in and offered him a deal. The 30 year old is well short of match fitness and could come into contention for an appearance around October time. If Hargreaves fitness is as good as he says, City could have a decent defensive midfield deputy to call upon when Toure Yaya departs for the African Cup of Nations at the start of next year.
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Scott Parker – FWA player of the year, not PFA.