Well SBOBET fans, on deadline day across Europe the biggest transfers in La Liga have already been done, but there are still one or two deals flying through, and the odd frustration in those who have missed out.
Each of the big three have made a marquee signing, Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona, Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, and the exciting move of 19 year old attacker Joao Felix to Atletico.
Transfer Hits and Misses
Antoine Griezmann announced himself as a Barca player in his first appearance at the Camp Nou, when he bagged a brace in the Champions 5-2 win over Real Betis. 120M is a mighty big price tag, but the French World Cup winner’s move to Barca is one reason why La Liga betting odds point to the Catalans as likely winners.
Arguably the biggest surprise in the window was the outcome of Gareth Bale’s early appearances for Real Madrid, when it seemed inevitable he was about to pack his bags and head to China. But an injury to Eden Hazard meant that Zinedine Zidane had to kiss and make up with his wantaway Welshman, and he’s done okay. He scored a superb brace for to win a point for Los Blancos this weekend against Villarreal, before being sent off.
So it certainly looks like Bale’s heart might still be in his job!
Luka Jovic also joined Los Blancos in a 60M deal, after Eden Hazard had completed his move, and left back Ferland Mendy signed from Olympique Lyon, making his first appearance in the draw against the Yellow Submarine.
Atletico Madrid has been busy during the summer, signing wing back Kieran Trippier from Spurs and Alvaro Morata from Chelsea, while Joao Felix’s 126M Euros move from Benfica captured the imagination and excitement in the red and white half of Madrid, and the young star scored Atleti’s opener in a 3-2 win over Eibar on Sunday.
One stellar deal which hasn’t yet happened is Neymar’s proposed move back to Barcelona, as PSG is reported to be sticking to their valuation, which is rather higher than the champions are willing to pay.
And Spurs star Christian Eriksen looks to be staying put after hoping for a move to Real Madrid for much of the summer.
But deals are still happening right up to the last minute, Arsenal full back Nacho Monreal has moved to Real Sociedad and Sevilla looks set to sign West Ham striker Javier Hernandez. The Mexican all time top scorer has ten months to run on his contract with the Hammers and looks set to move for a fee of £8M.
And another creative player is making his way from the Premier League to La Liga, with Chelsea winger Kenedy set to complete a 12 month loan move to Getafe.
Meanwhile Los Blancos say goodbye to keeper Keylor Navas who is on his way to PSG.
Biggest winners
Okay, we’re only three games in but the hard facts we have available suggest that Atletico’s business has been well executed. The early La Liga 2019 results see Los Rojiblancos sitting happily at the top of La Liga after three straight wins. Trippier has settled into a defensive quartet which Diego Simeone wants to mould into another world class rearguard, while Joao Felix could be the next Atleti superstar.
Biggest losers
Borja Iglesias’ 25M Euro transfer from Espanyol to Real Betis caught the eye. The 26 year old scored 17 La Liga goals last season and alongside Nabil Fekir, who has joined from Ligue 1 side Lyon, he looks likely to thrive with Betis.
But that makes Espanyol the biggest losers in my eyes. Having qualified for the Europa League, thanks largely to Borja’s goals, they are yet to score a goal in the league this term and sit in 19th place.
What’s next?
We’ll keep an eye on the three big deals which didn’t happen and see if there’s Christmas news for any of those involved.
Bale seems, for the moment, happy to be at the Bernabeu and it’ll be interesting to see how long that lasts for; and whether or not he is going to be joined by Eriksen from Spurs. The Danish creative midfielder is in the last year of his contract and will be able to leave on a free transfer next summer. But Spurs might want to cash in depending on how the player and club is faring when the winter window opens.
And surely Neymar will get his wish to move back to the Camp Nou before long, though whether PSG is likely to shift on its valuation of the Brazil star, currently at £200M, remains to be seen.
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