On a deadline day when big names such as Modric, Sneijder, and Tevez were expected to dominate the headlines it was somewhat more subdued than expected. Though it was not without late drama, both Raul Meireles and Mikel Arteta made dramatic last minute moves.
But who were the real winners on the final day of the transfer market? Was it Arsenal, who brought in Arteta, Yossi Benayoun, Per Mertesacker, and Andre Santos, or was it QPR with their captures of Anton Ferdinand and Shaun Wright-Phillips? Or could it be argued that it was Championship front runners Brighton and Hove Albion?
You may be wondering why Brighton? But it looks as though manager Gus Poyet may have pulled off one the transfers of the summer if he is successful in securing the signature of former Valencia winger Vicente.
The Spaniard is available on a free transfer after being released by the Spanish outfit at the end of last season and Poyet see’s him as the perfect addition to his promotion chasing squad. Being available on a free the deal did not have to be concluded by yesterday’s deadline but it is expected to be concluded in the coming days.
Now aged 30 Vicente saw his final few seasons at Valencia blighted by injury, but having made over 300 appearances during his time at the Mestalla and scoring 36 goals in the process the experience he could offer Brighton would be invaluable.
Naturally a left sided winger he began his career at local rivals Levante and made his professional debut aged just 16 in the Spanish Second division. It wasn’t long until his talent was rewarded and Valencia made the move to sign him.
During his time at the Mestalla he was part of the team that won Valencia their first league title in 30 years during the 2001/02 season. He added another League title two years later as well as the UEFA Cup under the guidance of Rafael Benitez, add to this a UEFA Super Cup and the Copa del Rey and it is certainly an impressive footballing CV.
Vicente has experience at the highest level, having played in a Champions League final and has represented Spain at every level from U16’s to full international. Though he has failed to represent his country at a World Cup, he was selected for the 2004 European Championships.
Poyet will see him as the perfect addition to his Brighton squad that has so far made an impressive start to their Championship campaign. The Seagulls have played five games, winning four, drawn one, and are yet to lose.
There is no doubt that the signings of Arteta and Meireles are impressive but in terms of value for money and what he could bring to the team Vicente has to be up there as one of the deals of the summer. If Poyet is successful in securing his services it could certainly prove to be an incredibly shrewd bit of business.
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