Summer 2013 Transfer Thread

[Aquavit]

I thought it would be a fun exercise to have a transfer rumors thread, especially as the 2012/2013 season draws to a close. Which players will your team be signing for 2013/2014 and beyond? Who might your team be losing? Are your team's rivals going after a great player? Is there a player not currently connected to your team that you would love to see them add?

[many a good man]

1. Neymar joined Barcelona and rejected Real Madrid for footballing reasons, not money says Tito Vilano

The Liga champions waged a long battle to secure the services of the 21-year-old striker, who revealed on Saturday night he had chosen to join Barcelona from Santos.

Speaking after his side's 2-0 win at Espanyol, Vilanova said: "I'd like to thank the club and the scouting staff who spotted the possibility of the fact this player would become a great one.

"I think other clubs perhaps weren't aware of that fact and it's made things easier now, because if we'd waited perhaps we wouldn't have been able to compete with other clubs - I think he has received bigger offers from other clubs.

"I'd like to congratulate the player for picking the sporting option rather than the financial one - I'm sure there were other clubs who could offer him a lot more than we can."
Neymar, whose transfer fee has not been disclosed, will sign a five-year contract at the Nou Camp, with the player himself revealing this will likely be done on Monday.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/10082393/Neymar-joined-Barcelona-and-rejected-Real-Madrid-for-footballing-reasons-not-money-says-Tito-Vilanova.html

[Aquavit]

2. Agent: Lewi's Bayern move imminent

Robert Lewandowski will complete his move to Bayern Munich, disappointing the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Speaking to Polish TV station TVN, the Borussia Dortmund striker’s agent Cezary Kucharski claimed the transfer saga could come to an end within a fortnight.

"I will not pretend otherwise," Kucharski said on Monday when asked if his client will join Bayern. "Robert wants to go and will go. I cannot tell when he will go, or the amount of the transfer. It is a matter of a week, two, maybe three.

[link] http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1461223/agent-lewis-bayern-move-imminent [/link]

I personally don't like this move one bit.

[Aquavit]

3. Suarez to Real Madrid?

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez says now would be a good time to move, but has made no decision on his future.

The 26-year-old, who is serving a ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, admitted on Wednesday it "would be difficult to say no" to Real Madrid, who have been linked with him.

On Thursday he said: "It's a good moment for a change of environment because of all I've been through."

[oldironside]

4. And Bale going with him.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/liverpool-and-spurs-left-to-sweat-as-real-madrid-set-sights-on-luis-suarez-and-gareth-bale-8640897.html

Marvellous. As an Iron, I can't wait for the amazing revelation that Spurs 2013 - Gareth Bale = the same as every other Spurs team in history.

[Aquavit]

5. Suarez, Bale, and Ronaldo. Yikes.

All they would need to complete that hilariously selfish attacking corps is Arjen Robben. Robben, by the way, may become available in the near future...

[oldironside]

6. Aha! Good point.

It would be like watching a bunch of five year olds: all crowding round the ball and not wanting to pass to anyone else.

[Aquavit]

7. Jozy Altidore to Sunderland

This move was confirmed on ESPNFC earlier today.

[link] http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1492974/az-accept-sunderland-bid-altidore [/link]

My favorite team in the EPL is Norwich City. They really need help up front, but I'm awfully glad they didn't even surface as a possible destination for this guy. Having seen him play for Team USA, he reminds me a fair amount of Luis Suarez...without the handball and all the biting and everything, that is.

[Aquavit]

8. Grant Holt to Wigan

According to the BBC, Norwich City striker Grant Holt is headed to Wigan for a medical. Apparently a fee and contract terms have already been agreed. As a NCFC supporter, I found myself at times last year thinking Holt had already left the team. He certainly was nowhere to be seen in front of the net most of the time last year.

[link] http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23219933 [/link]