Alas, it’s that holiday period again – a time when we can finally kick back with friends and family. This season’s chaos and buzz is predominantly found in the markets where things are constantly being bought and sold. But the most important market isn’t your local fruit shop; it’s the world’s football transfer market, where clubs are preparing to spend millions on their Christmas targets. Soccer Reviews takes a look at which players are on the move.
Nicolas Gaitan
23-year-old Nicolas Gaitan’s dazzling form this season has caught the attention of many managers from around Europe, including Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson. Sir Alex told reporters earlier this week that his side won’t be taking part in the January spending madness, however, sources inside the club claim the veteran manager is lining up a bid for the Benfica play-maker. The two crossed paths in last month’s Champions League fixture during which United lost out on 2 valuable points. Gaitan admitted that interest from a club like Manchester isn’t something to ignore but that his current focus is on his life in Portugal. It is believed that Benfica are reluctant to let Gaitan go, but would accept a bid in the region of £30 million.
Hulk
The 25-year-old has long been sought after by many of the world’s top clubs, including Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Liverpool. Porto claimed that bids in the region of €80 million were coming in for their star man who they acquired for just €5.5million. The Portuguese club are desperately trying to hold on to Hulk, but it appears they might be forced to sell after the Brazilian striker admitted his interest lies in a move abroad. Agent Teodoro Fonseca said that his client’s top choice, should he leave Porto, would be a move to Chelsea, where Hulk would be able to challenge for the Champions League title. Andre Villas-Boas has already welcomed Hulk to his squad, claiming a man of his talent would be a great addition at Stamford Bridge, but with Hulk’s buy-out clause equaling a whopping €100 million, the Blues will need to agree a consensual deal with Porto before making a move for the striker.
Eden Hazard
Three years ago, few had heard of a young Belgian footballer playing in a local school of athletics outside of Lille. Now, he is one of the most talked about players in Europe. Lille, in an effort to hang on to their brilliant creation, pushed for, and eventually got, a long term contract with Hazard that would fend off any interested clubs. Previously, it was Real Madrid who were thought to have had the best chance of signing the Belgian youngster, but it now seems as though Manchester City have taken charge in the race for his signature. Hazard’s agent claims the English club are preparing to put forward a bid for the winger in the region of £25 million. According to his agent, the deal which City are offering would give Lille the option to take back their player on loan after next season for free. In the event of a sale, Lille would no doubt prefer the City deal, however, Eden Hazard continues to assert his love for Real Madrid.
Thierry Henry
Amid troubled times, Arsene Wenger remains in need of a new source of inspiration and the legendary Frenchman might just be the solution. Henry made over 200 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 174 goals in the process, and is certainly one of the best, if not the greatest, Arsenal players to have represented the club in the last decade. With Wenger in need of a goalscorer (other than van Persie, that is), Thierry Henry could be the perfect addition to the struggling squad. Already, the veteran manager has told reporters that a deal is almost complete, subject to the signing of insurance papers. If Wenger is correct in saying that a contract has been agreed, Arsenal’s loyal supporters may well be witnessing the return of a hero in the coming weeks.
Jose Antonio Reyes
Atletico winger Jose Reyes has been unhappy at the Vicente Calderon for some time now and a move away seems to be what’s on everyone’s minds. Sources inside Sevilla claim a deal has already been agreed in secret that will bring Reyes back to the place where he first began his career as a professional football player. Reyes last played for Sevilla in 2004 before moving to England to join up with Arsene Wenger at Arsenal for a fee in the vicinity of £12 million. The new contract with Sevilla will reportedly keep the 28-year-old winger at the Sánchez Pizjuán until 2016. Manager Diego Simeone has, according to Reyes’ representatives, already given his thumbs-up for the move after stating that any player not happy at Atletico should leave in the coming transfer window.
