Sina Sports News - The summer transfer window has closed, and Manchester City became the biggest buyer in Europe with a spending of £130 million on new players. Does high investment always guarantee high returns? Which teams have truly acquired their money's worth, and which teams have found hidden gems? The UK's *Independent* has selected the 12 best transfers of the summer, and here are the results:
1. Balotelli (Inter Milan to Manchester City, £23 million)
Media reports indicate that Balotelli cost Manchester City £23 million. Given that this former Inter player is considered one of the most promising talents in European football, this deal can be seen as quite a bargain. However, Balotelli's strong personality makes him a troublemaker, meaning he could potentially become another Robinho. Among all of Manchester City's signings this summer, Balotelli stands out the most, proven by his goal on his debut.
2. Gyan (Rennes to Sunderland, £13 million)
Gyan became famous during the South Africa World Cup, scoring three goals for Ghana, including the extra-time winner against the USA in the round of 16. To acquire this World Cup star, Sunderland paid a club-record £13 million. During his two years at Rennes in Ligue 1, Gyan scored 14 goals in 47 appearances. His physical prowess and attacking awareness make him well-equipped for the Premier League.
3. Javier Hernandez (Chivas Guadalajara to Manchester United, £10 million)
Like Balotelli, the young Mexican striker still has much room for improvement, but his abilities are already evident. He also scored on his competitive debut (Community Shield against Chelsea) and has significant potential for growth. Manchester United completed the acquisition of Hernandez before the World Cup for approximately £10 million. This seemed a bit expensive at the time, but his performances in South Africa proved that United not only made a good choice but were also very forward-thinking. If they had tried to sign him after the World Cup, it would have cost them much more.
4. Ireland (Manchester City to Aston Villa, included in Milner's transfer exchange)
By selling Milner, Aston Villa received £18 million in cash from Manchester City and an additional £8 million worth of Ireland. Ireland was once named Manchester City's player of the year, but due to injuries, his status at City gradually declined. However, there’s no doubt about Ireland's ability, and a change of environment will help him revive his career. Villa made a great deal.
5. Hleb (Barcelona to Birmingham, loan)
Just before the transfer window closed, Birmingham completed a fine signing. Former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb joined Birmingham on loan for a season from Barcelona. A few years ago, Barcelona believed the Belarusian had the ability to secure a place at Camp Nou, proving he indeed has talent. If Hleb can regain his form, we can expect something from him in the new season.
6. Joe Cole (Chelsea to Liverpool, free transfer)
Among all free transfers, Joe Cole provides the best value. Liverpool emerged victorious in this signing battle. Although his Premier League debut for Liverpool wasn't perfect (he was sent off), it's just a matter of time before he makes an impact. Also, don’t forget that Joe Cole is only 28 years old, and his prime playing years are ahead of him.
7. Dembele (AZ Alkmaar to Fulham, £5 million)
Fulham quietly completed the signing of Belgian international winger Moussa Dembele. His first game for Fulham was in the League Cup against Port Vale, where he scored his debut goal with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. In the last Premier League match against Blackburn, it was Dembele's two assists that helped Fulham draw 2-2 in a thrilling finish. At only 23 years old, Dembele has a bright future ahead of him.
8. Squillaci (Sevilla to Arsenal, £6.5 million)
This summer, Arsenal lost key defenders Gallas, Sylvestre, and Campbell, making it necessary to bring in new blood. Wenger didn't follow conventional wisdom by seeking an unknown young player but instead brought in 30-year-old French defender Sebastien Squillaci. For a full international defender, £6.5 million is a real bargain.
9. Gallas (Arsenal to Tottenham, free transfer)
After his contract expired at Arsenal this summer, Gallas joined Tottenham on a free transfer, becoming another player to have played for London's three major clubs (Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham). Past performances prove that Gallas is one of the most reliable center-backs in this league. Getting the Frenchman for free, as Redknapp put it, is a deal you don't even need to think twice about.
10. Foster (Manchester United to Birmingham, £6 million)
Foster joined Manchester United in 2005, but during his time at Old Trafford, he only made 23 official first-team appearances. At the start of last season, Ferguson had intended to give Foster more opportunities, but poor performances in the Community Shield against Chelsea and a mistake in the Manchester derby saw him fall back into disfavor. Despite Ferguson's insistence on believing in Foster's abilities, Foster was eventually sent to Birmingham. With Joe Hart's loan period over, Foster's arrival will perfectly fill the gap in Birmingham's goalkeeper position.
11. Hunt (Hull City to Wolves, £3 million)
Perhaps Hunt's transfer didn't attract much attention, but his addition gives reason to believe that Wolves' impressive performance last season won't be a one-off. Hunt was a star player at both Reading and Hull City and one of the consistently performing midfielders in the Premier League.
12. Bellamy (Manchester City to Cardiff, loan)
Indeed, this isn't a Premier League signing, as Cardiff is competing in the Championship this season, but Bellamy's move must be mentioned among the best of the summer. Last season, the Welshman was one of the top performers in the Premier League, excelling in speed, passion, and goal-scoring instincts. Currently, Cardiff is second in the Championship standings, and Bellamy has been instrumental. The addition of the Welsh striker strengthens Cardiff's promotion aspirations, and Bellamy himself is happy to help his hometown team achieve this feat.
(G14)