Starting Eleven: Signings of the transfer window 2008
With the transfer window slamming shut yet again after it’s month long opening in January, clubs must hope that the last 31 ‘business days’ have enabled them to meet their targets for the coming season. With the usual buzz of activity coming in the last few days as teams try and tie up last minute deals we take a look at the top moves of the 2008 January transfer window.
Nicolas Anelka (Bolton to Chelsea – 15m)
Want-away striker Anelka finally got his ‘dream’ move this month as the Frenchman was allowed to join the blues of Chelsea for around 15 million pounds. With Didier Drogba at the African Nations Cup and Andre Shevchenko’s return to form not materializing after an improved December, Chelsea decided it was time to bring in a striker to bolster their chances of winning the Premiership and Champions League. The move was good business for Bolton as they received almost double the fee Sam Allardyce paid for the forward three seasons ago but with the club hanging perilously above the drop zone the money will need to be used effectively to bring in a goal scoring alternative.
Nery Castillo (Olympiakos to Manchester City – Loan)
The speedy Mexican winger proved his quality last summer with an impressive Copa America as part of the Mexico team which made the semi finals of the competition. With Manchester City looking to sustain their excellent first half of the season’s efforts the extra quality and goal scoring threat provided by the South American could ensure a happy ending to Sven’s first campaign at the club. His abilities on the ball alongside Elano and Petrov give City and extra option in midfield and his goal abilities as a forward will help ease the pressure on a struggling forward line.
Dan Gosling (Plymouth to Everton – 2m)
Making the step up from Championship to Premiership, Dan Gosling has the opportunity to build on an impressive start to his fledgling career. Capable of playing at right back or in midfield, Gosling is sure to be introduced to the league slowly by alongside the likes of experienced players like Phil Neville, Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill is bound to improve as an individual and develop into a potential future England talent. At 17 Gosling was once courted by Chelsea and has been part of the England set up at youth level and big things are expected of a player who could play a part in the future at Everton.
Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards to Fulham - Undisclosed)
Finally gaining the move he has long craved, Eddie Johnson has the large task of proving himself worthy of transferring to the Premiership from the MLS. The top scorer in the American league has little time to adapt to the pace and physicality of the division and will be hoping to get an early goal to build confidence at a club in trouble at the bottom of the table. Alongside David Healy and fellow American Clint Dempsey, Johnson will need to be on top form from the off as Roy Hodgson looks to drag Fulham out of danger.
Luke Freeman (Gillingham to Arsenal – 200,000)
As yet an unknown quality, Luke Freeman move from League One to Premiership giants must demonstrate how highly Arsene Wenger, a well known cultivator of talent, regards the young Englishman. Joining a highly talented scholarship program at Arsenal, Freeman will look to develop his abilities as a player alongside some of the very best young players from across Europe. His move to Arsenal not only shows the clubs commitment to developing young players but is a positive for the future of the English game at the highest level.
Jonathon Woodgate (Middlesbrough to Tottenham – 7m)
Having put most of his injury nightmares behind him, it is hardly surprising that a top club came back in for the former Real Madrid and Leeds defender. With Spurs looking to sure up at the back and protect Ledley King, Woodgate is the ideal partner for Michael Dawson in defence and his decision to move to a club with aspiring ambitions to reach Europe could mean that an England call beckons for Woodgate. If he can stay fit and injury free for the next twelve months, both he and Tottenham could find themselves going places.
Matthew Taylor (Portsmouth to Bolton – Undisclosed)
Having fallen out of favour at the club this season, Matthew Taylor decided to end his association with Harry Redknapp’ Pompey side and in exchange take on the challenge of a relegation battle with Bolton Wanderer’s. Many are surprised that Taylor has never been given a call up to International level despite his obvious versatility and left sided quality, at Bolton Taylor’s experiences as a Portsmouth player battling relegation will be crucial.
Lassana Diarra (Arsenal to Portsmouth – 5m)
Choosing to leave Arsenal after just five months at the club for almost double the fee Lassana Diarra decided that his opportunities being limited at Arsenal were harmful to his chances of making the Summer’s French European Championship squad, so joined Harry Redknapp’ European chasing Portsmouth side on the South Coast. On the occasions he did perform for Arsenal, Diarra looked calm and assured and will bring stability and a solid base to a Pompey side brimming with attacking talent.
Marlon King (Watford to Wigan – 5m)
Having had his chances in the Premiership limited by an unfortunate injury last season, Marlon King has the opportunity to prove that he could have provided Watford with the required spark to escape from trouble last season. Bruce’s belief that the club are only as good as their strikers shows the necessity for King to find his scoring boots quickly, but having been influential in helping Watford in the Championship this season the move has the potential to be instantly beneficial to the club. King’s strength and work rate are similar to the of Heskey and an added goal scoring threat could prove crucial in Wigan’s battle for survival.
Brede Hangeland (FC Copenhagen to Fulham – Undisclosed)
With the threat of relegation looming over the club, experienced manager Roy Hodgson has made a wise move by deciding to first bring in defensive stability to help his team gain vital points. As a developing defender in the Danish U21 squad, Hangeland is perfectly suited to the Premiership because of his side and strength and is sure to be an asset to a struggling Fulham team. Bringing in the experience of playing in European competition at his former club, Brede could be just the signing that the West London club need to help them climb the table.
James McFadden (Everton to Birmingham – 5m)
Reuniting himself with his former Scotland manager, forward James McFadden will be hoping to replicate his excellent form at club level having had an on off time under fellow Scot David Moyes at Everton. Having had a dream 12 months under his new manager Alex McLeish, McFadden brings the potential for goals which may help ease Birmingham away from trouble. More regular appearances may help turn the players potential into reality at his new club.
Want-away striker Anelka finally got his ‘dream’ move this month as the Frenchman was allowed to join the blues of Chelsea for around 15 million pounds. With Didier Drogba at the African Nations Cup and Andre Shevchenko’s return to form not materializing after an improved December, Chelsea decided it was time to bring in a striker to bolster their chances of winning the Premiership and Champions League. The move was good business for Bolton as they received almost double the fee Sam Allardyce paid for the forward three seasons ago but with the club hanging perilously above the drop zone the money will need to be used effectively to bring in a goal scoring alternative.
Nery Castillo (Olympiakos to Manchester City – Loan)
The speedy Mexican winger proved his quality last summer with an impressive Copa America as part of the Mexico team which made the semi finals of the competition. With Manchester City looking to sustain their excellent first half of the season’s efforts the extra quality and goal scoring threat provided by the South American could ensure a happy ending to Sven’s first campaign at the club. His abilities on the ball alongside Elano and Petrov give City and extra option in midfield and his goal abilities as a forward will help ease the pressure on a struggling forward line.
Dan Gosling (Plymouth to Everton – 2m)
Making the step up from Championship to Premiership, Dan Gosling has the opportunity to build on an impressive start to his fledgling career. Capable of playing at right back or in midfield, Gosling is sure to be introduced to the league slowly by alongside the likes of experienced players like Phil Neville, Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill is bound to improve as an individual and develop into a potential future England talent. At 17 Gosling was once courted by Chelsea and has been part of the England set up at youth level and big things are expected of a player who could play a part in the future at Everton.
Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards to Fulham - Undisclosed)
Finally gaining the move he has long craved, Eddie Johnson has the large task of proving himself worthy of transferring to the Premiership from the MLS. The top scorer in the American league has little time to adapt to the pace and physicality of the division and will be hoping to get an early goal to build confidence at a club in trouble at the bottom of the table. Alongside David Healy and fellow American Clint Dempsey, Johnson will need to be on top form from the off as Roy Hodgson looks to drag Fulham out of danger.
Luke Freeman (Gillingham to Arsenal – 200,000)
As yet an unknown quality, Luke Freeman move from League One to Premiership giants must demonstrate how highly Arsene Wenger, a well known cultivator of talent, regards the young Englishman. Joining a highly talented scholarship program at Arsenal, Freeman will look to develop his abilities as a player alongside some of the very best young players from across Europe. His move to Arsenal not only shows the clubs commitment to developing young players but is a positive for the future of the English game at the highest level.
Jonathon Woodgate (Middlesbrough to Tottenham – 7m)
Having put most of his injury nightmares behind him, it is hardly surprising that a top club came back in for the former Real Madrid and Leeds defender. With Spurs looking to sure up at the back and protect Ledley King, Woodgate is the ideal partner for Michael Dawson in defence and his decision to move to a club with aspiring ambitions to reach Europe could mean that an England call beckons for Woodgate. If he can stay fit and injury free for the next twelve months, both he and Tottenham could find themselves going places.
Matthew Taylor (Portsmouth to Bolton – Undisclosed)
Having fallen out of favour at the club this season, Matthew Taylor decided to end his association with Harry Redknapp’ Pompey side and in exchange take on the challenge of a relegation battle with Bolton Wanderer’s. Many are surprised that Taylor has never been given a call up to International level despite his obvious versatility and left sided quality, at Bolton Taylor’s experiences as a Portsmouth player battling relegation will be crucial.
Lassana Diarra (Arsenal to Portsmouth – 5m)
Choosing to leave Arsenal after just five months at the club for almost double the fee Lassana Diarra decided that his opportunities being limited at Arsenal were harmful to his chances of making the Summer’s French European Championship squad, so joined Harry Redknapp’ European chasing Portsmouth side on the South Coast. On the occasions he did perform for Arsenal, Diarra looked calm and assured and will bring stability and a solid base to a Pompey side brimming with attacking talent.
Marlon King (Watford to Wigan – 5m)
Having had his chances in the Premiership limited by an unfortunate injury last season, Marlon King has the opportunity to prove that he could have provided Watford with the required spark to escape from trouble last season. Bruce’s belief that the club are only as good as their strikers shows the necessity for King to find his scoring boots quickly, but having been influential in helping Watford in the Championship this season the move has the potential to be instantly beneficial to the club. King’s strength and work rate are similar to the of Heskey and an added goal scoring threat could prove crucial in Wigan’s battle for survival.
Brede Hangeland (FC Copenhagen to Fulham – Undisclosed)
With the threat of relegation looming over the club, experienced manager Roy Hodgson has made a wise move by deciding to first bring in defensive stability to help his team gain vital points. As a developing defender in the Danish U21 squad, Hangeland is perfectly suited to the Premiership because of his side and strength and is sure to be an asset to a struggling Fulham team. Bringing in the experience of playing in European competition at his former club, Brede could be just the signing that the West London club need to help them climb the table.
James McFadden (Everton to Birmingham – 5m)
Reuniting himself with his former Scotland manager, forward James McFadden will be hoping to replicate his excellent form at club level having had an on off time under fellow Scot David Moyes at Everton. Having had a dream 12 months under his new manager Alex McLeish, McFadden brings the potential for goals which may help ease Birmingham away from trouble. More regular appearances may help turn the players potential into reality at his new club.