Summer 2013: Transfer Bargains

Forget the extortionately priced players, here's some players that clubs should really think about buying as they're available for very reasonable prices! The list is dominated by Premier League players with the exception of the Brazilian, Fred. Of course, we all have opinions and mine is just one of them so tell me in the comments below if you think anyone should be added to this list, or if you can think of any foreign players who deserve a place there!

Tomas Rosicky
Rosicky has been at Arsenal a while now and although has failed to grab many headlines, he has caught the eye at times. His time at Arsenal has been extremely disjointed due to many factors, mainly injury. However, Rosicky showed in his excellent performance away at West Brom last season that he still has something to offer. I think Rosicky could massively benefit from a different environment and he could improve a number of teams in the Premier League. He could be available at a very reasonable price too, probably less than £5m.


Andi Weimann

Weimann had a good season last time out and impressed many. Whilst slightly overshadowed by the heroics of Christian Benteke, Weimann did manage 12 goals in all comps. Although Villa would, I imagine, be quite reluctant to sell him, I think he would be a good option for a few clubs. Being just 21, he has plenty of time to improve and he definitely has potential. Based on this, I think he could be a good buy for a number of teams, especially considering he could probably be lured with a fee under £9m.

Marc Albrighton
Albrighton has been rather quiet since breaking onto the scene a few seasons ago. His progress has been hampered by injury and some poor form, however I still think he'd be a good purchase for quite a few teams. Still young, at the age of 23, Albrighton has potential and his crossing ability is excellent. Combined with the fact that he is somewhat slightly out of favour at Villa, he could be available for a very good price.

Fred

After an impressive Confederations Cup campaign with Brazil, Fred was given some considerable media spotlight and it came to light that he has a £1.7m release clause in his contract. He joined Fluminese in 2009 and has netted 59 goals in 87 appearances, a rather prolific record, even though it is in the Brazilian league. However, he has also performed on the international stage with 16 goals in 29 games. Although 29 years old, at £1.7m, Fred could be an excellent buy.

Momo Diame

Diame joined West Ham last summer on a free transfer from Wigan, a move that didn't really receive much attention, however since joining Diame has been brilliant for the Hammers and this led to a number of clubs chasing the midfielder. News then came about that there is a £3.5m release clause in his contract, making him available at a great price. Diame would be a player very useful for most teams.






Gary O'Neil
Not a player to grab headlines, but a solid player nonetheless. O'Neil works tirelessly every game chasing down opponents to win the ball back and start attacks. His work often goes unnoticed due to its laborious nature, however after turning down a new contract at West Ham, O'Neil is now a free agent and with vast experience from his time in the game, O'Neil could be perfect for one of the newly promoted teams. 



Yossi Benayoun
Benayoun was released by Chelsea this summer and is another free agent available. He enjoyed a short loan spell at West Ham this season and showed glimpses of the natural ability he possesses. Skillful and crafty, Benayoun adds some flair to teams with his creativity. I think he could benefit from settling down at a club and showing what he can do.




Scott Parker
Parker has struggled for games this season through a combination of injuries and competition within the Tottenham squad. As AVB looks to take Spurs to the next level, it is likely that Parker will become surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane and a fee as small as £2m could be enough to bring the former England midfielder to your club. An extremely underrated player in my opinion, Parker still has lots to offer to any team he plays for and I think he could definitely still hold his own in the Premier League.





Loic Remy
Loic Remy was one of the gems in QPR's dire season. His half season goals haul wasn't quite enough to keep the R's up, but his ability was still evident. With the Hoops' relegation, it is likely that Remy could be available for a very reasonable fee as QPR look to offload some of their monumental wage bill. Perhaps not quite the cheapest player on the list, but still good value for money in my opinion.

Adel Taarabt

Taarabt fell rather out of favour at QPR this season but still showed his class when involved in the first team. Taarabt is a tricky player to manage with a questionable attitude, however his ability is far from questionable. Taarabt is always capable of summoning something special and can change games. QPR are said to favour a loan move away from the club for Taarabt but a small fee could tempt the London club to sell outright.


Who else do you think deserves to be on the list? Tell us in the comments section below!

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it!

Jozy Altidore - Scout Report

At the time of writing, rumours are rife that Sunderland have completed the signing of 23-year-old striker Jozy Altidore. The Daily Express recently reported that Sunderland had reached an agreement with Altidore's club, AZ Alkmaar and now, Alkmaar have officially confirmed this on their website. With his transfer to Sunderland, fans will undoubtedly be desperate to know more about the young American striker after only seeing him for a short spell during his loan to Hull City.



Jozy Altidore is a 23-year-old American striker who stands at 6 ft 1, whilst boasting 60 caps for the US Mens National Team. He began at New York Red Bulls in 2006 as a 16-year-old before he moved to Spanish side, Villarreal in 2008. It wasn't a particularly productive transfer for Villarreal as Altidore would go on to endure three loan spells for Xerez, Hull City and Bursaspor. Fans may remember him from his loan spell at Hull where he could only notch 1 goal in 28 appearances. After the succession of loan spells, Altidore moved to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar where he has since settled and found goals and first team football in abundance with 38 goals in 67 games. During this rather turbulent period of Altidore's career, he gradually progressed through the various levels of the National Team until he made his debut for the official squad in 2007. 

Here's something you probably didn't know about Altidore: He is second cousin to American actor Wayne Brady!

So onto his style of play: Altidore is a powerful forward with a good eye for goal and is someone who links up with his team-mates well. He creates his own chances a lot of the time through combinations with other players and isn't your typical goal poacher, always netting tap-ins. A very composed finisher in front of goal, Altidore is capable of receiving the ball under pressure before calmly slotting home in a confident fashion. Upon watching some footage of Altidore, you'd struggle not to notice that he is very fond of a good old fashioned one-two and this simply underlines his ability to act as an outlet for his team, who can hold the ball up well. This shows he is not just about goals but that he brings a lot more to the team, a valuable asset that many clubs are crying out for as football evolves in the modern day era.

To round off, Altidore looks to be a sound signing for Sunderland and with the Daily Mail reporting the fee to be £6m I think this could be a decent bit of business from Paolo Di Canio. Altidore is still only 23 years of age and I think Di Canio will be able to nurture his talents and turn him into a top striker. Whilst his impact might not be felt immediately, I think once he settles, the goals will come.

Of course, things can change at any time so you shouldn't believe the gossip until you see a picture of him with the shirt! 

If you liked this scout report then please do leave a comment below, I'd love some feedback! I'd also like to know what Sunderland fans think about their new signing!

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it!