(Transfer) Window of Opportunity

By: Greg | May 10th, 2007

window Since most European club seasons are now winding down, the speculation has begun in earnest regarding who’s going and who’s staying. Sir Alex, the Special One, and Rafa, to name a few; have their proverbial hoes out, prepared to reap the talent the Portuguese league has sewn. Here’s a look and some commentary on a few major players who may be on the move this summer:

** Simao Sabrosa, Striker/Winger, Benfica — He was supposed to be on his way to Champions League finalists Liverpool this some time ago. An 11th hour change of heart and tugging on his heart strings kept him grounded at Benfica. Questions may arise about his health, but he’s probably played his way out of Portugal. Some are linking Cisse as a part of the potential swap with Liverpool, but I don’t really see him as a “deal maker” that would move Benfica to pull the trigger here. I don’t know where to, but I see him moving this summer. Transfer probability: 9/10

** Nani, Winger, Sporting — Following the line of strong wingers to come out of Sporting (Simao, C. Ronaldo, Ricardo Quaresma), Nani has had a sublime season. His slight stature may prove an issue in the rough-and-tumble English Premier League, and his skill set is probably more suited for the Spanish Liga. However, ManUre are most closely tied with the player at the moment to the tune of 17.5 million pounds. Transfer probability: 7/10

** Ricardo Quaresma, Winger, FC Porto — Quaresma’s a player who can be tagged with that scary ‘P’ word: potential. He’s got LOADS of it. His problem seems to be his attitude; butting heads with former coaches Frank Rijkaard and current International coach Luis Felipe Scolari. The conflict over attitude with Big Phil caused him to be left out of the 2006 Portuguese World Cup squad. He played in Barcelona for only one year and came off the bench more often than he started. However, his recent form both for Porto and the international team show signs of increased maturity. His newfound willingness to defend has added a whole other dimension to his game. A team could potentially use his past run-ins with authority to drive the price down and pick him up on the cheap. Some may be scared off given his marked past and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him have another year in the Portuguese Liga to prove he’s made real changes in his attitude and game. Transfer probability: 6.5/10

** Anderson, Midfielder, FC Porto — A star in the making, Anderson has enjoyed a talismanic season for manager Jesualdo Ferreira. His versatility is key and makes him a welcome target for a number of teams hungry for a player willing to ply his trade anywhere in the middle of the field. Anderson will probably command a good fee, based mostly on where and when Nani goes. If Nani ends up with ManUre, Chelsea may sign Anderson simply as a knee-jerk reaction. If word gets out that either of the Spanish giants are going after him, that could drive the bidding up even higher. Anderson’s game seems more suited for England than Nani’s, but the transfer game is so fickle that trying to figure out where he ends up is a fool’s errand. I’m foolish enough to say he’ll end up at Real Madrid. Transfer probability: 8.5/10