Quiet transfer window still provides plenty of talking points
This year’s January transfer window has been a lot less hectic than many others in the recent past, with just £30 million spent in total. However, some important moves have still be made. Bob Bamber takes a look at the movers and shakers this month.
Sol Campbell – Unattached to Arsenal (Free)
After Sol Campbell decided that Notts County wasn’t his cup of tea in early September, there was speculation as where he might end up. Although County are a League Two club, had it not have been for the rumoured £40,000 a week wages then he would never have been anywhere near League Two. As Campbell was unable to play any competitive football until January, he returned to his former club Arsenal to train. Following fleeting rumours that Sir Alex Ferguson wanted him at Old Trafford, Campbell signed with Arsenal. Having left Arsenal in 2006, and with Arsene Wenger’s usual trepidation in signing anyone over the age of 30 – the move was probably the most suprising of the window.
Patrick Vieira – Inter Milan to Man City (6 month loan)
Campbell may get first prize, but another former Arsenal man could have a good case too. When Roberto Mancini joined Manchester City replacing Mark Hughes, it was hardly surprising that one of his old players may follow him in. Vieira, having fallen out of favour in Milan, made a short term move to Manchester. Inter manager Jose Mourinho probably couldn’t have believed his luck – with the deal City absorbed all of Vieira’s £120,000 a week wages. Then again, if anyone can afford that luxury – it’s Manchester City. Whether Vieira can hack the pace of the Premier League now is a different matter.
Owen Coyle – Burnley to Bolton (Undisclosed)
OK, so this move may not have been for a player, but Owen Coyle’s decision to take over the reins at Bolton, replacing Gary Megson, was a massive one for both clubs. It was perhaps an odd move, given that Bolton and Burnley shared near-parity in the league table at the time – but there is no doubt that the scope for growth at the Reebok Stadium is much bigger than that at Turf Moor. But, if Burnley stay up, and Bolton go down – Coyle will end the season with egg on his face.
Younis Kaboul – Portsmouth to Tottenham (£5m)
There’s nothing remarkable about Portsmouth trying to get some cash flow coming in, and yes, Harry Redknapp making a buy or two in January is hardly back page news. But the price shows that Harry has his former clubs interests at heart. Whether the money will be able to stave of financial ruin at the club, is another issue.
Robinho – Man City to Santos (Loan)
Never seemed to settle since joining Manchester City for a British transfer record in 2008. Only seemed to perform at home, and was often went missing throughout games. Returns to his home club with a view of getting in the Brazil World Cup squad. Won’t be missed, and City will no doubt look to sell in the summer.
Adam Johnson – Middlesborough to Man City (£7m)
A big talent with a great future ahead of him. One of the few signs since the Abu – Dhabi millions came into the club that they are building for the future.
Other interesting moves
Landon Donovan – LA Galaxy to Everton (Loan) – Has made an impressive start since joining at the beginning of January – helped give Everton’s season a real kick.
Jack Wilshire - Arsenal to Bolton (Loan) – Not given the chances that his rumoured talents have perhaps warranted at Arsenal. One for the future but there are always places in Fabio Capello’s world cup squad.
Amr Zaki – Zamelek to Hull (Loan – pending work permit) – Had an impressive spell at Wigan last year, but fell out with manager Steve Bruce. Will be interesting to see how he settles in at Hull.
Maxi Rodriguez – Atletico Madrid to Liverpool (Free) – Not what the move is, but represents the lack of spending power for a weak Liverpool squad.
