Five (possible) “sizzling” summer transfers

Ab Fab – but more so at BCN

Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona – A sense of inevitability about this transfer, one that has been discussed for more than a year and not particularly surprising given that Fabregas is one of the top five Premier League players at present but hasn’t even laid eyes on a trophy since his mother was coming round every weekend to cook him some soup.

Arsenal will get big money (although they already have enough to splash out if they wanted) but will lose a potential legend. Fabregas, however, is not overly secretive in his desire to return home and the attraction of Barcelona has never been greater. A future coaching maestro at the helm, a sensible president, a squad full of talent and a trophy cabinet that dwarfs Arsenal’s.

Should Fabregas make the move, it is hard to see him changing club again, at least until he is past his peak years. A potential future captain and an opportunity to attain the winner’s medals that he so merits for his incredible ability with the ball at his feet.

A Robinho sabbatical

Robinho’s move to Santos is a mystery. The club have few matches of any note between now and the summer and will not even participate in the Copa Libertadores. As stated in a previous article, his move back home is merely a temporary measure to ensure a transfer to a truly major European club can happen without so many problems. And also so he can enjoy six glorious months enjoying the sun and sea while not having to care about any possible repercussions if he doesn’t come into training for one day or ten.

His value ought to rise after the World Cup – where Brazil will be hot favourites to win – and staying at Manchester City doesn’t seem to be an option. Expect Barcelona or another top Spanish or Italian club to come calling and his career to be back on track before the end of August. Unless he likes the life of a king just a little too much and continues to rob Santos blind.

Rooney goes nowhere – unless the base fare is paid

There has been so much talk of Wayne Rooney leaving for Spain and so much rejection of such a move from his current club that the joke is ‘unsellable… unless someone offers £80m’.

So perhaps Real Madrid can transform United from title contenders to mediocre mid-tablers in just one year with the £160m double purchase of the two Rs. However, Barcelona are the current favourites and although the transfer appears so impossible, watch this space.

Anelka hits form, leaves

True to the reputation of Nicolas Anelka, leaving Chelsea after his best season for the club and possibly ever of an explosive career is a rumour that would seem to hold water.

Apparently there are money disagreements between the club and Anelka as they discuss a new contract (also in keeping with his character…) so there is a summer opportunity for Le Sulk to escape. And on current form, both Chelsea’s domestic and foreign rivals will be competing for his signature.

Mido and McCarthy to destroy then depart West Ham

Two players known for tantrums and an unhealthy attraction to money now end up at the club that have had all these problems before. And in the same situation, a relegation dogfight. Will they never learn?

Having splurged too much previously but still just about survived, they are now millions in debt according to their new owners. But then David Sullivan comes out and says he wants a special 100,000-a-week player to ensure the club stave off the drop.

After losing out on Ruud van Nistelrooy and Eidur Gudjohnsen, they settled on Benni McCarthy and everyone’s favourite one-time (just the once?) overweight and always in a mood Egyptian striker Mido. These two leading West Ham’s line should be some spectacle. Shy of the goal and even shier of loyalty, expect the pair to gobble up the cash and hope for even more from a new club, whoever they are, in the summer.