The 2010/11 football season is drawing to a close and with no international tournament to look forward to this summer it leaves only one thing for a football fan, the transfer window. Fans pray their star players remain while others want their team to improve or rebuild the squad from the previous year. As a Manchester United fan the last few summers have not been easy. The club had to deal with two windows where Ronaldo was leaving which eventually happened moving to Real Madrid and then followed the Tevez incident. This summer hopefully will be the better if you believe what you read in the papers but I am not here to talk about my troubles. I want to discuss the transfers we could possibly see which involves defenders during this transfer window. It looks like another roller coaster of a summer and with Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, and hopefully United looking to spend big surely there will be some exciting activity before the end of August.
Clubs in Need:
Arsenal- A club fighting for silverware on all fronts should not be putting out defenders such as Johan Djourou and Sebastian Squillaci on a regular basis if they want to finish first instead of fourth. I agree the game has changed and you do not need a tough tackling midfielder but you do need an aggressive center back who can win headers and put his body on the line. Arsenal have refused to buy one ever since they lost Sol Campbell and since he left they have not won anything.
Liverpool- Under Dalglish LFC have come along way and believe they could be in the hunt to finish in the top four at least next season. To reach this goal the back four has to be a priority this summer because Jamie Carragher is no spring chicken and Daniel Agger who is there second best defender is always injured.
Blackburn- Looking at the Rovers back four they have a very solid unit. The reason I am suggesting they are in the market for a defender is the fact that their best player, captain, and rock Christopher Samba is more than likely to be leaving Ewood Park this summer.
Real Madrid- No doubt they are looking at Manchester United's squad and thinking who can we take this year? Madrid have Ricardo Carvalho as their only world class defender and I am sure people will be saying what about Ramos? well watch him instead of going off his rating on FIFA and see what a liability he is defensively. He can play right back but to catch the might Catalans they need to purchase better defenders than they have in the past such as Walter Samuel and Raul Albiol as examples
Players Available?
Christopher Samba- The man is a human version of the Great Wall of China and have seen him take on teams literally on his own this season for Rovers. Blackburn will again struggle to stay in the Premier League and Samba as a top defender is too good for that and needs to play for a club thats playing in Europe and fighting for trophies.
Gary Cahill- Playing along side Zat Knight every week is as difficult as playing Roger Federer on a grass court. Cahill, as much as I like Owen Coyle's Bolton the lad should be looking to playing at a higher level which will also help his chances of squeezing in the England team.
Giorgio Chiellini- This typical Italian defender must be a top target this summer due to Juventus not qualifying for any European football this season. The man is an all round defender being fast, strong, and loves a challenge but with that famous Mediterranean temper this may sway clubs to look elsewhere.
The Birmingham Center Backs- Roger Johnson and Scott Dann when I saw them play live were fantastic and by all accounts that carried on this form throughout the season. With Birmingham playing in the Championship next season due to the lack of creativity and goals (Cameron Jerome as your #9 really?) these two maybe the answer to help improve a leaky defense.
Leighton Baines- My 'Fullback of the Year' has had a wonderful season and while Everton had a very commendable year, is that good enough for Baines? I hear a few so called "bigger" clubs are preparing huge bids for the player and believe whatever club has him in their squad will have a very good player on their hands.
Jose Enrique- The Spaniard has not had much attention due to him playing for the Toon but people in the know have followed his progress and are seeking his services. Newcastle will have to fight very hard to keep him because their defense is not great even with Enrique at left back.
Ryan Shawcross- The ex United defender has again had a season to remember including leading his Stoke City side out in the FA Cup Final. I am not sure if Stoke City will let him leave but everyone has a price and with him tasting the big time, maybe just maybe he will force his way out of the club if a bigger club comes calling.
Lawlor's Recommendations
Kompany to Real Madrid- Kompany was the second best defender in the country this year and I know City have money and will not want him to leave ( leaving Lescott and Toure...not great) but if Madrid come calling will he want to stay and play for a club that is not even the best in their own city?
Shawcross/Cahill/Samba to Arsenal- Wenger stop being tight and spend money on players older than sixteen. Any of the three above will give Arsenal a bit of steel at the back for the cold midweek games up north and help push them to the next level.
Baines to Tottenham/ Man City- both are weak at the left back spot and was going to suggest Liverpool but do not think they have the money. Tottenham have Benoit Assou-Ekotto who suprisingly had a very good season but is weak defensively and Baines would help take Spurs where they want to go. City have Zabaleta who is a solid pro but Baines would be a better choice and with their financial capabilities they will not stop until an agreement is made.
Dann/Johnson to Newcastle- Newcastle are masters at putting out terrible defenders on a Saturday and still have not found the answer. They need to do two things this summer, sign at least one of Birmingham City's center backs and if the first is successful put Steven Taylor back on the bench or in the stands where he belongs.
To conclude I was looking at the PFA transfer list and yes I am still listed as a free agent. If any club wants a slow, unfit defender, with a great ping, and a love for banter please do not be afraid to call my agent (my mother)
Thanks
Sean Lawlor
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