Sport
Five EPL transfers that need to happen in this transfer window
Five EPL transfers that need to happen in this transfer window. It is that time of year again! Managers are begging their chairmen to dig deep and dust off the cobwebs that have engulfed the coffers, while out-of-favour players are hoping their previous exploits are enough to get them out of their current predicaments.
In the modern day small world that football is, most transfer committees will be looking overseas for a bargain, rather than convince an unwanted Premier League star to come to their club.
However, some unloved players are not necessarily devoid of the necessary talent, they are just in the wrong surroundings. Here we look at five players that need not look too far to reignite their stagnating careers, and which clubs can be that catalyst for revival.
Saido Berahino to Tottenham
The England Under-21 striker will be the first to admit that he has not handled the situation well at all, picking fights with West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace, but his time with the club is done, finito, terminado.
Having not started a match since late October, the final nail in the coffin of Berahino’s Baggies career was in the festive victory over Newcastle, where Victor Anichebe was brought in out of the wilderness to replace the injured Soloman Rondon, with Berahino overlooked.
Tottenham have long coveted Berahino, and their failure to land him in the summer may have actually been a blessing in disguise, as a lower bid is likely to be accepted to ensure the harmony around the Hawthorns is restored with the wantaway striker on his way, providing a team on the up a welcome boost in their quest for an unexpected Premier League crown.
Kevin Mirallas to Southampton
Nobody has a higher opinion of Kevin Mirallas than Kevin Mirallas, but there is no doubting that the Belgian forward certainly can offer a great deal to most sides. Once linked with Manchester United, Mirallas’ stock has fallen by the wayside, and he is in dire need to rejuvenation.
Gerard Deulofeu’s resurgence has meant Mirallas has been cast aside by Robert Martinez as free-flowing Everton have become the Premier League’s entertainers. At 29, the time is right to move on.
Several clubs will be interested, but with Southampton going through something of a mini-slump, a move for a man in need of a fresh start, who possesses boundless ability makes sense.
Loic Remy to Newcastle
They say never go back, it will never be the same. Most of the time that mantra is true, but in Loic Remy’s case, a return to the North East – the scene of the most prolific spell of his career – is written in the stars.
Newcastle have some talented individuals, but are yet to find their feet. The enigmatic Aleksandar Mitrovic’s temperament makes him somewhat of a liability, Ayoze Perez is not the finished article, and Papiss Cisse is a shadow of the threat he once was – Newcastle need a figurehead in attack, and Remy, who scored 14 goals on loan at St James’ Park in 2013/14 fits that bill.
The move would depend on Chelsea finding a replacement, but that is likely due to their paucity of options, leaving Remy free to head back north.
Jonjo Shelvey to Crystal Palace
The world seemed to be Jonjo Shelvey’s oyster after the Swansea midfielder’s early season scintillating performances earned him an England recall, but something has gone seriously wrong in South Wales.
Shelvey was left out of the squad entirely for the weekend clash with Manchester United, and with the Euros coming up this summer, the 23-year-old should not take any risks.
Palace is the perfect fit for a player with a repertoire of raking passes that Shelvey possesses. There is plenty of exhilarating attacking talent to pick out at Selhurst Park, and in boss Alan Pardew, Shelvey would get the chance to work alongside a figure who has already played a key role in his career to date.
Pardew worked with Shelvey during their time together at Charlton and gave him his professional debut aged 16 years and 59 days. Seven years later, Pardew’s faith is needed once again.
Andros Townsend to Watford
Andros Townsend’s unshaven, glum face tells its own story. Once Roy Hodgson’s go-to attacking weapon, Tottenham have no use whatsoever for Townsend, and never has a departure from White Hart Lane been more certain.
Frozen out doesn’t quite cut it. Townsend is on his way, but the question is where. Well, it is easy to forget the England winger is just 24, and his best years are to come.
Townsend needs to settle, and a move to Watford means he doesn’t have to move house, can join a team brimming with confidence, can supply one of the most potent forwardlines in the Premier League, and has the opportunity to work with a coach who will give Townsend a blank canvas. Spurs will want a suitable fee for him, but both the club and Townsend know their relationship is irretrievable, and ties have to be cut, now.
Cue relief all round.
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