SER Opinion: The Top Five Transfers of the 2010/11 Season

Being a World Cup year, all the transfer sagas that usually have three months to drag on have only had two this season, and with most of the signings being penned, see what I think have been the top five transfers this 2010/11 season.

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5. David Villa-

Arguably the most deadly striker on the planet, or at least the most predator like, David Villa was a hot prospect this summer and Barcelona were the fastest to get his signature. He proved why he was so highly sought after in the World Cup, firing Spain to the World Cup, however, coming with a 40 million pound price tag, the former Valencia striker will have to have a spectacular season to live up to the expectations that are preceding him at the Nou Camp. The second reason he comes only at 5 (the first being the hefty price tag) is that Barca already have a huge pool of talent on the attacking end. With arguably the world’s best player alive in Lionel Messi, fellow compatriot Pedro (who is very young), and the big Swede all playing in the attacking third, one may ask why Pep Guardiola needs another striker.

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4. Ricardo Carvalho-

With all the money Real Madrid have spent on top players the past two seasons, 8 million pounds is a steal for the Portuguese stalwart, Ricardo Carvalho. He was and still is a favorite of Jose Mourinho’s, and will bring in a lot of experience and depth to this ‘new’ Real Madrid side. The center-back has proven he still has it at the age of 32 starting much of the time for Chelsea since Mourinho’s departure from the club, as well as participating in the 2010 World Cup. I believe while one of the cheaper signings by Los Blancos, he may be the key one.

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3. Mesut Oezil-

Germany came into the World Cup with many doubters and skeptics due to the departure of their captain Michael Ballack, however one of the key players to step up for Joachim Low was Oezil. At the tender age of 21, Oezil was one of the most riveting players in South Africa this summer, as well as one of the most sought after recruits this season, with Barca and Manchester United lining up bids for the Turkish born player. With the injury of Kaka, Oezil will have a great opportunity to seal that attacking midfield role he loves so much, and under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho, the German will only increase in ability over the years.

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2. Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez-

There were some skeptics when Sir Alex Ferguson announced the signing of Guadalajara striker, Javier Hernandez, and I’ll admit I was one of them. However, after a great World Cup, the ‘Little Bean’ started to get on my good side. However, it was during the pre-season that the Mexican player won over the hearts of the United faithful. He scored against the MLS All-Stars, scored against Manchester United in an exhibition vs his old club, and then added another one against Chelsea in the Community Shield. Not only is he a natural finisher; he’s young and relatively cheap for world class talent. Costing the club around 10 million pounds, the 22 year old is one to look for in the future as well as the present!

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1. Stephen Ireland plus 18 million pounds-

The most surprising and risky choice on my list is flipping the James Milner transfer saga on its head and claiming that Aston Villa are the ones who profited off the deal. In fact, I believe this may be the best piece of business done this summer. While they were adamantly set not to sell their best player, Milner’s heart and Manchester City’s pocket led the man to Manchester. However, not before Aston Villa acquired a hot young prospect in Stephen Ireland plus 18 million pounds. While Milner is a great relatively young player, Ireland is younger and I believe he is better. He is more creative, can create more goals than Milner can, and has the ability to see everything that is going on around him. Ireland won Manchester City’s Player of the Season in 2008-09 at a very young age, and whilst he was prone to warm the bench the past two seasons, I believe he will have a great career at Villa and will give his all to the club while improving every season. Now that I’m done with the first half of the trade, I’d like for you to remember that City also left Aston Villa with 18 million pounds. If spent wisely, that can be quite a kitty bag. They can fill the gaps they have at certain positions, or bring in a marquee signing. Whatever they do or how they feel, I believe Aston Villa have had the best transfer this off-season.

Now that you’ve seen what I think the best transfers of this season are, please let us know what you think the best moves have been this summer!