Wait until next year

Putting off what could be done tomorrow, today

Tag: transfer

September 3, 2009

Chelsea banned from signing players until 2011

Bizarre and shocking news from FIFA, who have banned Chelsea from signing any players until January 2011, following the judgement on Chelsea’s signing of Gael Kakuta. The statement can be found here.

This could have a profound effect on Chelsea, a club not shy of bringing in players in the past. While they do have a massive squad, they could still be in trouble if players are injured, retire or decide to leave the club. They will not be able to strengthen themselves at all.

That’s not to mention the impact this will have on their youth development work – this could set them back years if they can’t sign any new prospects.

I fully expect Chelsea to appeal (and with their cash get the best lawyers in the land), and footballing authorities do seem to make a habit of backing down, so this could turn out to be a fuss over nothing. Alternatively, this could be strike one against teams poaching players, with a genuine sanction rather than a token one for once, as this will punish Chelsea for their actions far more than any fine could.

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September 1, 2009

Premier League transfer deadline day – was there anything to get excited about?

I guess the short answer is – no.

It certainly didn’t match last year’s Premier League transfer deadline madness that saw Manchester City as the brand new Richest Club In The World Ever try and buy everyone under the sun, eventually swooping to sign Robinho, right under the noses of previous Richest Club In The World Ever, Chelsea.

Really, most of the big transfers had already took place, and it will be Real Madrid’s raid on Ronaldo, Kaka, Alonso et al that will be remembered, with perhaps Michael Owen’s surprise move to Manchester United, and Manchester City’s continued spending too, depending on how this season pans out.

So, anything of interest? I think Niko Kranjcar to Spurs could be a real steal, and is very timely after Luka Modric’s nasty injury. I think Richard Dunne to Aston Villa could be good business too. I can see him really coming on under Martin O’Neill’s management. Apart from that, we’ll have to wait and see. With the so-called ‘big guns’ avoiding any last-minute buys and a 5pm rather than midnight finish (so less time for Sky Sports News to ramp up the hype that THIS TRANSFER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE EVER) maybe today was doomed to be an anti-climax.

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