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The transfer season is never short of its fair share of drama, and as always, this winter was no exception. But if transfer seasons could be categorized as dramas, then January 2014 can only be found under the fantasy section, for hardly anything that was written down was actually true. While some of us are busy looking back fondly on halcyon days where the transfer season always ended with tears of various emotions, some others are busy writing articles about the ‘what ifs’. So, here are the top 5 transfers that should have taken place during this window.+
Note: – The criterion is simple, the transfer must be one benefiting the player and the club he is being transferred to, while not hurting the club that is left bereft of his services too gravely.
5. Dimitar Berbatov to Arsenal
The Bulgarian hit-man is no stranger to the Premier League (unlikely after having played for 3 British clubs in 8 years), and neither are his exploits in front of the goal. Berbatov is easily one of the most clinical strikers in the game, despite his age, and would have made a perfect back-up striker to the overworked Olivier Giroud.
But now, he has to ply his trade in an unfamiliar league (the French), with teammates who are not only new to him, but to each other as well (let’s face it, AS Monaco needs a little bit more time before it can be called a ‘team’ and not a ‘bunch of expensive players lumped together’).
Also, he will be expected to play in every one of Monaco’s league games till the end of the season, since their main man, Falcao, is out injured. Not a very wise move for Berbatov, who could have just played a few games in Giroud’s stead at Arsenal, in a familiar league. And of course, it doesn’t really matter to Fulham, since they gave Berbatov away either way!
4. Cristian Tello to Liverpool/ Arsenal
Cristian Tello
The Barcelona winger has cut out a frustrated figure lately, since his role under their new manager has been limited to making substitute appearances, despite a reasonably good display in the last season. Tello, who had featured in over 20 matches under Tito Vilanova, has only started 2 games under Tata Martino, definitely needs more time on the pitch to hone his skill.
A move to Liverpool/ Arsenal would have meant more playing time for Tello, which could be the world to a 22-year old footballer, as well as a back-up attacking option for Liverpool/ Arsenal. In the meanwhile, Barcelona wouldn’t have had any problems in his absence, due to the number of quality attacking players that they possess.
3. Nani to AC Milan
Nani
Nani has been at Manchester United for seven years now, but ever since David Moyes has been in charge, the Portuguese winger’s game time has been reduced to a nought. And with the acquisition of Juan Mata, this situation can only worsen for him, which is already pretty bad since he has only started 5 games for Manchester United.
A move to AC Milan might have done him some good, since AC Milan seem like they are trying to rebuild their team to become a dominant force in Europe soon, with the acquisition of players such as Adil Tarabt and Essien. Manchester United’s era, on the other hand, is waning, until Moyes can work some magic (haha).
2. Shinji Kagawa to Dortmund
Shinji Kagawa
Shinji Kagawa is one of the saddest footballers around. His side, Manchester United, don’t value him enough to give him time on the field, and while he watches Manchester succumb to defeat after defeat from the side-lines, his old team, Borussia Dortmund, are still putting up a good show, despite losing all their star players.
A move back to Borussia would do Shinji and Borussia a world of good, and Manchester United wouldn’t even notice the missing Japanese for a few weeks to say the least. His transfer fee would have more than covered up the cost incurred in bringing him to England, giving Manchester United money for literally nothing. But thankfully, we narrowly avoided a win-win-win situation.
1. Toni Kroos to Manchester United
Toni Kroos
Bayern Munich is easily the best team in the world right now, and a look at their midfielders proves that point. With Muller, Gotze, Shaqiri, Robben, Ribery, Alcantara, Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez on the team roster, Toni Kroos’s chances of playing don’t seem very likely.
Manchester United, on the other hand, seem to be struggling with their midfield, and a player who can play the classic ‘box-to-box’ role like Toni Kroos would definitely help bolster United’s campaign. But for now, Toni, who isn’t taking very kindly to warming the benches at Munich, won’t get much playing time till some players get injured or he gets transferred out, while Manchester United have to continue struggling through their dismal season.
