The hottest property in European football at the moment appears to be Atletico Madrid’s Colombian man of the moment Radamel Falcao. After he scored two fantastic goals in the Europa League final on Wedensday night, the 26 year old striker once again put on a display that made everyone applaud his efforts on the big stage. After Spurs and Chelsea have been rumoured to be interested in him, you start to wonder if they missed a trick before the season began.
Last summer, Chelsea and Spurs were in a pretty similar position to where they are now. They have a decent squad, but could do with a couple of players to re-enforce their challenge for next season. Notably, the area touted for development is up top, where you would feel both sides could benefit from an additional world-class striker. However, before the 11/12 season got under way, neither club decided to commit to a transfer deal. Falcao was one of the names circulating on the rumour mill 9 months ago, after his fantastic season at Porto, but he was purchased by Atletico for 40million Euros. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but the point is, with the Spanish side in financial trouble and potentially forced to sell, this summer we could see a very similar scenario develop to last season.
At one point it looked likely that Chelsea would bring the Colombian to Stamford Bridge, with Andre Villas-Boas being the key instigator. However, since he has departed and Chelsea have failed to move forward in terms of league position, they may have lost their edge in the transfer market. With Manchester City now potentially looking for a striker, after rumours of Balotelli, Dzeko and Tevez departing, Mancini’s side may well have taken over as priority destination for Falcao should he choose a move to England. If Chelsea don’t win the Champions League and fail to lure a suitable signature for next season, they may be left ruing their decision not to gamble on the likes of Falcao this time last year. The only remaining catalyst for a deal may be the attachment to in-form goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, currently on loan from Chelsea at Atletico who are reportedly interested in renewing a the agreement.
It surprises me slightly that Tottenham haven’t been more involved in the pursuit of a striker. Louis Saha was drafted in by Harry Redknapp, but can’t really be considered as a long term solution. Adebayor’s loan deal is up at the end of the season and this leaves the side with a bit of a gap. Redknapp hasn’t always been one for splashing excessive cash on players and the price tag on Falcao, and other world-class striker’s heads, may have left him reluctant to commit. With Spurs not currently guaranteed Champions League football next season by any means, it could leave them in a situation of not being able to attract the very best talent even if they are willing to fork out. Falcao would seem like a good fit, with the ability and experience in playing as a lone-striker and having the lethal touch in front of goal, which Spurs were desperate to get out of Adebayor. Not only this, he works the channels well and involves team-mates which can be important to the way Tottenham play.
It’s a slightly bizarre situation because if Chelsea win the Champions League or had achieved a couple more decent results in the Premiership, and Spurs had secured third spot without the slump in form, we could have seen a totally different transfer market unfold this summer. But it could inevitably leave Manchester City with the upper hand and prompt Spurs and Chelsea to look to slightly more left-field solutions. In many ways its a shame for the Premiership and the neutrals because seeing the likes of these two London clubs attracting players such as Falcao could mean a much more open season next year. But with City seemingly prepared to supplement an arrival with unlimited amounts of money, other Premiership sides may have missed the boat on securing available big names.
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I’ve a feeling that City, if they can’t tempt Van Persie to The Etihad, will go for Cavani. And maybe Lavezzi too! And they’ll possibly want Hazard, or try to bring in Schneider as well..
Poor Adam Johnson might have to go elsewhere next term if he wants to get regular games..