Transfer window mid-point

By David Lee Wheatley

At the middle point of the transfer window, there’s already several new signings completed involving teams from the English Premier League. What will the new men bring to the league and who’ll have the biggest impact from the array of players that made the journey to England from abroad this summer thus far?

TOP TEN (in no particular order)
*Goals/games for domestic league fixtures only

Alvaro Negredo (SEVILLA TO MANCHESTER CITY) 12-13 SEASON – GAMES: 36 GOALS: 25*
The top Spanish goalscorer in La Liga last season, Negredo is big, strong and mighty in the air. His build and athleticism should allow him to compete in the rough-and-tumble of English football with ease. The Spain international striker made his name at Almeria before furthering his reputation with a number of fine displays with Andalusian side Sevilla. He’ll fit nicely into Pellegrini’s way of thinking at City in the new campaign.

Andre Schurrle (LEVERKUSEN TO CHELSEA) 12-13 SEASON – GAMES: 34 GOALS: 11*
Versatile German international Schurrle was schedule to join Chelsea prior to Mourinho announcing his return as coach, but the deal was ratified by the Portuguese tactician and Schurrle appears a big part of his plans. He can play on the wing, as a second striker or leader of the frontline and will provide pace and awareness of the players around him. Schurrle also knows where the goal is and will surely make a splash at Chelsea if given regular time in the side.

Emanuele Giaccherini (JUVENTUS TO SUNDERLAND) 12-13 SEASON – GAMES: 17 GOALS: 3*
Italian international Giaccherini joined Sunderland this summer for a reported £6.8million fee and is exactly the creative player head coach Paolo Di Canio will look to for inspiration from midfield. Giaccherini is capable of playing on either wing or in the centre of the park and will be the go-to figure for Sunderland when attacking. The former Cesena man looked very impressive for his country at the recent Confederations’ Cup and he’ll attempt to replicate that fine form on his arrival in the Premier League.

Wilfried Bony (VITESSE ARNHEM TO SWANSEA CITY) 12-13 SEASON – GAMES: 30 GOALS: 31*
Six-foot forward Bony represents a coup for south Wales side Swansea City, as they beat off strong competition for his signature. The Dutch league Footballer of the Year is a powerful unit and with a scoring record of a goal per game, the Ivory Coast international certainly sounds the part; next task is to look it at the highest level.

Leroy Fer (FC TWENTE TO NORWICH CITY) 12-13 SEASON – GAMES: 26 GOALS: 5*
Dutch international Fer witnessed a move to Everton break down in January, but finally got his wish to play Premier League football with a summer switch to Norwich City. The 23-year-old featured for his country at all levels and impressed at FC Twente over the last two seasons following more than 100 appearances in the colours of Feyenoord. Norwich City manager Chris Hughton may have grabbed himself a bargain; Everton’s loss is Norwich’s gain.

Gerard Deloufeu (BARCELONA TO EVERTON) 12-13 SEASON – GAMES: 34 GOALS: 18*
One of the more intriguing signings so far this transfer window is that of Barcelona teenager Gerard Deloufeu. The 19-year-old forward joined Everton on a season-long loan and will attempt to develop his skills further under the tutelage of fellow Spaniard Roberto Martinez. Despite a lack of first-team experience, Deloufeu is highly-rated and promises to be a star in the making. His 18 goals from 33 ‘B’ team matches last season suggest an eye for a goal and the youngster has skill to burn. Also, he can play wide right or up-front, offering new Everton boss Martinez various options.

Ricky Van Wolfswinkel (SPORTING TO NORWICH CITY) 12-13 SEASON – GAMES: 30 GOALS: 14*
Another Dutch international to land in the Canaries’ nest is Sporting Lisbon hit-man Ricky Van Wolfswinkel. The former Vitesse and Utrecht striker agreed to join Norwich during the last campaign and the move was officially confirmed at the season’s end. An assortment of massive European clubs were linked to RVW in the past, due to the promise shown by the wonderfully-named Dutchman. For reasons unknown, the big move never materialised; now Norwich will hope to reap the benefits.

Paulinho (CORINTHIANS TO TOTTENHAM) CORINTHIANS TOTAL – GAMES: 86 GOALS: 20
Brazil international midfielder Paulinho was perhaps the outstanding player of the Confederations’ Cup as the host nation romped to a well-deserved tournament victory. His form prompted a bevy of European sides to make a play for his services and £17million later he was confirmed a Tottenham player. Skill on the ball, supreme balance and a penchant for spectacular goals resurrects memories of Brazilian stars of old and will endear him to the Spurs faithful swiftly. Paulinho promises to be one of the Premier League buys of the summer.

Marco Van Ginkel (VITESSE ARNHEM TO CHELSEA) 12-13 SEASON – GAMES: 33 GOALS: 8*
Central midfielder Van Ginkel helped Vitesse to a surprise 4th spot in the Eredivisie last season and woke Chelsea up to his potential, amongst others. He won the Dutch Talent of the Year crown (much like the English Young Player of the Year award) for his performances in the middle of the park and prompted Mourinho to nab him. The only concern around Van Ginkel is how much playing time he’ll be afforded at Stamford Bridge, but certainly he possesses the ability on the ball and all-round energy to prove a valuable addition to the squad.

Fernandinho (SHAKHTAR TO MANCHESTER CITY) 12-13 SEASON – GAMES: 23 GOALS: 2*
£30million-man Fernandinho spent eight years in Donetsk while getting largely ignored by his national team. His ability isn’t in doubt though, following some fine showings in the Champions League for the Ukrainian side. The box-to-box midfielder has electric pace and will be more than capable of holding his own in the fast and furious world of the Premier League. At 28, his prime years should coincide with the switch to Manchester City.

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