Rafael Benitez could be about to lure Swansea City striker Michu away from South Wales to Napoli on a season-long loan deal. The striker suffered an ankle injury which disrupted much of last season, and has not travelled with the squad for their pre-season tour of the United States. Swansea were reliant on goals from Ivorian striker Wilfried Bony in Michu's absence, and have since further strengthened their attacking line-up by bringing in Marvin Emnes and Bafetimbi Gomis. It now appears as though former Liverpool manager Benitez will offer Michu an escape by bringing him to Italy for a … [Read more...]
Galactico-Gate for Bale and Özil on Deadline Day
There had been much hype and headlines this summer over Gareth Bale's protracted move from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid. Not many doubted that the deal would actually take place, but the announcement of Gareth Bale's transfer to Real Madrid went tantalisingly down to the last day. The big surprise and story for the UK media on deadline day, however, was the late news that Mesut Özil would be moving in the opposite direction to Spurs great rivals Arsenal, for a club record fee of £42.4 million (interestingly, it is also the highest fee Madrid have ever received for a player). … [Read more...]
What the Champions League Draw Served Up For the Spanish Sides
Valencia, Villarreal, Real Madrid and Barcelona all awaited the Champions League Group Stage draw eagerly today as the coverage unfolded as smoothly as ever in Monaco. As ever, a predictable pause ensued as last year's tournament was articulately recapped in a montage of highlights and commentary. It proved a mouthwatering supplement to this year's competition as much as it wasted time for equally keen viewers. … [Read more...]