The Transfer Window

The transfer window nears as the season draws to a painful close: football fans all over England and worldwide will now be eagerly anticipating the return of the Barclays Premier League, but for now many bath in the glorious speculation that circulates their club regarding incoming and outgoing players that could make or break their team next season.

 

The first team to majorly dive into the transfer business has been West ham Unites who have secured the signing of Romanian captain Razvan Rat on an extendable one-year contract following his free transfer from Ukrainian outfit Shaktar Donetsk. The Hammers have been linked with the 31 year old left back numerous times in past transfer windows but have now pulled off the deal as they look to build a bigger and better team fit for their move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016. As well as this transfer news, the Hammers faithful have been further extended in their delight as confirmation as broken regarding on-loan striker Andy Carroll who is set to sign for West Ham subject to signing a contract after the Hammers agreed on a £15 million deal with parent club Liverpool. This potential signing means that Liverpool have lost an astonishing £20 million after signing Carroll from Newcastle United last season in a record breaking £35 million deal.

West Ham aren’t stopping their and David Sullivan stated in an interview yesterday that he and co-chairman David Gold aim to bring in around 3 or 4 more players this summer, with their eyes on Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku, who they feel would make a brilliant partnership up front with Andy Carroll. The young Belgian striker has had an impeccable season with West Bromwich Albion, scoring a hat-trick on the final day of the season to give the Albion a beautiful day to remember as they drew 5-5 with Manchester United after being down 3 goals on two occasions. West Ham enquired about the possibility of signing, or loaning Lukaku from Chelsea, but was told; Chelsea stated that it would be up to the next manager as to whether or not they retain Lukaku’s services.

 

Norwich was the early birds this season as they signed Ricky Van Wolfswinkel prior to the seasons end. The once-capped Netherlands international signed for the Canaries in a deal expected to be worth around £8.5 million from Sporting CP. As well as playing as a forward, the ‘wolf’ can also play in attacking midfield, giving the canaries some much needed steal and strength for next season. After signing on a 4-year deal, the wolf will meet up with new teammates on the 1^st of July. Norwich has also bagged another signing after making Javier Garrido a permanent signing on an initial 2-year contract with the option of a further 12-month extension. The former Manchester City left back described his delight at joining Norwich City permanently after a season-long loan from Italian Serie A outfit Lazio.

Who else are we set to see grace the pitches of the Premier league next season? Or better, who do YOU want to see sporting your team’s colours come next September?

Ben Edkins (@benedkins12)