The football world is now dominated by big money transfer fees, emphasised by Gonzalo Higuain’s move to Juventus and the potential Paul Pogba move to Old Trafford. However, last season showed that while some sides spend fortunes on certain players, others spend considerably less and those players have a greater impact, think Kante and Payet. Here we look at some of the cheaper transfers and loans that could make a big impact this season.
Alvaro Negredo
Valencia -> Middlesbrough, Loan
It was always bizarre how Negredo was allowed to depart Manchester City after scoring 23 goals in 48 games, including a Champions League hat-trick. However, City’s loss could be Middlesbrough’s gain. The newly promoted club have agreed a loan deal for the Spanish striker with Valencia, and if he reproduces his goal scoring form for Boro, they should have no difficulty in staying up. He won’t have the same service that he had at Manchester City, but his strength and balance is still formidable.
Victor Valdes
Manchester United -> Middlesbrough, Free
Following on from the Negredo signing, Middlesbrough have shown the benefit of having a manager who’s renowned across Europe. Aitor Karanka has acquired the former Barcelona goalkeeper for free, following a disastrous spell at Manchester United. Boro have signed well, ensuring that there’s safety in goal, as well as goals at the other end.
Jordon Ibe
Liverpool -> Bournemouth, £15 million
£15 million is the new £5 million in the world of transfer fees, and considering some of the logic behind football finance, this could prove to be a bargain. £15 million is a lot of money however for a 20 year old who hasn’t shown that much. With regular first team football though, Ibe could develop into the player that many at Liverpool thought he might become. There’s a rumoured buy-back clause in his contract, and he could find himself back at Anfield in a couple of years’ time.
Steve Mandanda
Marseille -> Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace were in the market for a new goalkeeper, but many thought that they’d be after a squad player, rather than an experienced international. Mandanda is an experienced international, as well as a league winner in France with Marseille. He’s a safe option in goal for a team that struggled in the second half of last season. The hunt for a striker however, continues…
Loris Karius
Mainz -> Liverpool
Liverpool fans would have rejoiced at the news that they’d signed a new goalkeeper, particularly one who’d compete for a first team place. Simon Mignolet has been comical at times for Liverpool, and Karius looks to be an improvement. Liverpool fans can cast their eyes over to Old Trafford, where David De Gea regularly saved the United side from embarrassing results, and they’ll be hoping that their new signing will be able to do the same.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Bayern Munich -> Southampton
Hojbjerg was highly thought of by Pep Guardiola at Bayern, and he handed the young Dane his first team debut in 2013, aged just 17. Guardiola heavily praised the young man, however not enough to be regularly picked. Now aged 20 and with 17 caps for Denmark, he could be a bargain signing for Southampton, and will look to combine with fellow new man Nathan Redmond.
Sofiane Feghouli
Valencia -> West Ham, Free
The Hammers fought off many Champions League teams to sign the Algerian winger on a free transfer from Valencia. He scored 10 goals in 22 games in the Champions League for the Spanish outfit and with that record, looks to be a bargain signing for the Londoners. His combination with Payet and Lanzini will be interesting to watch and he could be one of the stars for the upcoming season.
