You heard it hear first way back on November 22nd 2011. Ridiculed by some but I suggested 8 players that would move in this transfer window to further their claims for Euro 2012 contention.
So far Darron Gibson has swapped Manchester United for Everton, Robbie Keane has signed for Aston Villa on loan and Gary Cahill completed his long awaited transfer to Chelsea.
The other players mentioned in that article were:-
Manchester United “slave” Tomasz Kuszczak and whilst many clubs like Queens park Rangers are crying out for a decent stopper, Kuszczak seems to of voiced himself out of a move anywhere. The rearranged words of foot 10 pole barge leap to mind. It has got to the stage where United would find it hard to give him away and his slavery comments have probably ended his participation in the summers Euro tournament.
Tottenham pair Jermaine Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko are another two who I thought would go in this window. Certainly the Russian who has never captured the imagination of the English fans but he is another one who clubs tend to just not want. maybe it is his seamless selfish nature, that’s how he comes across to me anyway but while he may not suffer internationally he isn’t rated seriously by those at White Hart Lane. Defoe meanwhile is a quality player and in the right team playing regularly will score goals.
A little short for the system Tottenham use but it did surprise me someone like Everton didn’t try a loan deal or QPR a cash offer. He will have to shine in limited sub appearances to force himself into Capello’s squad.
Adam Johnson from Manchester City was another I thought might be tempted away on loan to get regular football before the summer. Not first choice at the Etihad and behind Walcott and Lennon for England his lack of football is sure to stem his chances. There are plenty of clubs who could of offered him the first team action he needs but Manchester City seem reluctant to give up an impact substitute and that is what he has turned into for them.
The final player I expected to move was Jack Rodwell. At the time Everton were struggling, he was breaking into the international team and Manchester United were plagued by injuries. Had United not had Paul Scholes ready and available and had Rodwell been fit and in form then a deal looked inevitable. He will finish the season at Everton now but I expect United to come calling in the summer after a possible good showing in the Olympics.
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Written by Wesley Hillier @armchairstato.blogspot.com
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