TRANSFER TALK #1| JACK GREALISH, VARANE, SANCHO, LUKAKU, HARRY KANE — MY THOUGHTS! | With Eisha Acton
Today we will be taking a look at the Premier League transfer window and specifically which deals have been finalised so far (and what I think of them). Then we’ll cover some rumours doing the rounds and potential deals. This article is brought to you by Kitbag — the worldwide leader for official football kits. Check out their full range of new season kits on the following link:
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1 . Jadon Sancho to Manchester United (£72m) -
One of the transfer sagas from last year’s window has FINALLY reached a conclusion in this year’s window. Let’s talk about the Jadon Sancho deal which takes him to Manchester United for £72m. Sancho was meant to sign for United last summer but for a fee that was considered too high in Covid times by Woodward and co. Sancho proceeded to have another stellar season for Dortmund, showing that he was absolutely worth the price tag. United have got themselves somewhat of a bargain here I think due to the fact that his contract would have expired next year and Dortmund didn’t want to risk losing him for free so they reluctantly settled on a much lower price than the £120m previously asked for. Sancho has had an amazing 3 years at Dortmund, racking up 54 goals and 67 assists in 145 games. He made a total of 121 goal contributions. Those numbers are just outstanding and put him up there as one of the best wingers in the world. Granted, it is the Bundesliga but Sancho has had experience playing in England as a youth player so he won’t have to make that big of an adjustment. A very exciting talent and in my opinion… United have locked down their right wing for the next 10 years. Another dimension has been added to this United attack which they were lacking down the right wing, especially a creative player like Sancho and I think this deal takes them to new heights. I’ll give this transfer a 7/10 only for the fact that it dragged on far too long.
2) Raphael Varane to Manchester United (£42m) –
Next up let’s talk about the Raphael Varane move to Manchester United. For £42m — I think this may be one of the best deals United have done in a long time. Especially for a player of Varane’s caliber, I think United have done really well. At 28 years of age, he has a wealth of experience and is still in his peak. They’ve picked up one half of the best centre back pairing of the last 7 years in Varane. He’s won everything there is to win; 4x Champions League titles, 1x World Cup, 3x La Liga titles and 4x Club World Cups. He is a decorated footballer no doubt and has more trophies than some clubs.
Okay, enough about his trophies. Let’s talk about his ability… He joined Real Madrid at 18 years of age and was able to deal with the monumental pressure that came with that move, instantly becoming a mainstay in the team and forming a partnership with Sergio Ramos. He’s just blessed with pace, agility, aggression and the ability to ping a pass. I feel he’s the perfect partner to counter the flaws of Harry Maguire and he just elevates United’s defence to a whole new level and perhaps this signing could make them title challengers? In my opinion this is the best signing of the window so far, considering the value for money, the need for Manchester United to sign another world class centre back and considering the sheer talent of Varane… I’d rate this transfer a 9/10.
3) Ben White to Arsenal (£50m) –
Now let’s talk about Ben White’s move to Arsenal for £50m. Honestly, looking at this deal now it doesn’t seem so good. £50m for a centre back that nearly got relegated last year with Brighton? I guess I can’t deny he was a very good centre back for the Seagulls, despite them almost going down. So, let’s make a comparison and see how he’ll improve Arteta’s side… when comparing White to another Arsenal centre back like Rob Holding for example, I’ve taken a look at the key stats and they’re actually quite similar. Holding has a passing accuracy of 87% compared to White’s 83%, dribbles is again quite close with White completing 75% of 24 dribbles and Holding just falling under with 72% of 8 dribbles. White is better in the tackle, winning 53% of 26 tackles and Holding winning 46% of 20 tackles. White is a lot better at reading the game though, with almost 3x more interceptions, that’s 62 interceptions in total compared to Holding’s 24.
So overall, is White guaranteed to vastly improve Arsenal’s backline given this comparison? Majorly — I’m not so sure but he came with a hefty price tag and Arteta really believes in him. I’m not overly convinced this is a great deal for the Gunners, but I guess we’ll see. I’d rate it a 6/10.
4) Jack Grealish to Manchester City (£100m) –
Now for the final, and probably one of the most anticipated deals this transfer window. Jack Grealish has signed on the dotted line for Man City for a record breaking £100m. You’ve probably seen how the move has sparked outrage on social media with Villa fans many condemning his move and saying he “took the easy way out”. Grealish last year was just immense for Villa and that was evident when he got injured half way through the season. From that moment Villa were like a club on relegation form and looked lost without him but I have to say they were eventually able to find ways to manage without him. I think this summer Villa have invested smartly. City on the other hand, just have a plethora of options in attack. Grealish brings that swagger — the key to unlock any defence which will undoubtedly create magic. He led Villa for chance creating actions, progressive passes, carries into the box and passes into the box. Statistically he is the perfect playmaker and add that with Kevin De Bruyne — Grealish will flourish at City FOR SURE. I wouldn’t say Grealish was needed for City but he does add something they didn’t have before but again, I don’t think it was completely necessary. It cost them a lot of money and he’s not even a guaranteed starter for that reason I guess I’d give this transfer a 7/10.
Enough about some confirmed transfers and let’s take a look at some rumoured moves that may or may not happen.
1 . Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea
If this were to go ahead, could we see the return of a great striker? The heir to Drogba’s throne even? Lukaku, since joining Inter, has been one of the best strikers in the world. He just came off of a title winning season with Inter Milan; scoring 24 goals and getting 11 assists in 36 games and finishing as the second highest scorer in Serie A. It’s no wonder that European champions Chelsea are linked to the Belgian. The price Inter want is very high, with reports claiming that they want around €120m. It’s also been reported that Lukaku has told the Inter board that he’d like them to accept an offer from Chelsea and it looks like he’s quite keen to rejoin the London club. We will see what happens with this one!
2) Harry Kane to Manchester City
Next up, let’s talk about Harry Kane and the Man City move. So, this potential deal has heated up in recent days. Kane has not shown up for training two days in a row now, and it looks like he’s serious about leaving. City have had a bid rejected earlier on in the window, for £100m I believe but Levy wasn’t happy with it. Reports have stated that an offer of around £150-£160m could tempt Levy to sell his prized asset. Kane has been one of the most consistent strikers in the last 5 years at Spurs, consistently scoring 20+ goals so, it’s no wonder City are interested. If City now make a new and improved bid, I can see Spurs being more willing to accept it and sell their star.
So, there you have it — a round up of all the major transfers in the Premier League transfer window thus far. What are your thoughts on the transfer window? Comment below.
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