Transfer Round-Up: Part 2 - France

Clubs around Europe have approached the transfer market hesitantly; with the exception of Real Madrid's €20 million signing of Fábio Coentrão, most clubs have topped up on young players and back-up, replenishing their stocks. The rumours, however, have remained strong and come back incessantly, with transfers including Alexis Sánchez, Cesc Fabregas and Javier Pastore reported to feature large fees. Nevertheless, this article will only focus on the confirmed deals and will also contain my thoughts on them.
NOTE: Transfers are arranged in the country in which the player is moving to and the club they are moving to. This is Part 2 and is focused on France's transfers.

France:



AC Ajaccio:

Guillermo Ochoa: From Club América, Free
A great signing for newly-promoted Ajaccio. Guillermo Ocho may have lost his way over the past year, and the suspicions of doping did not help. Nevertheless, Ochoa remains the best goalkeeper in Mexico and a year ago he was earmarked as Van der Sar's replacement. His aerial ability will greatly strengthen Ajaccio and for free, the club must be elated with this capture. Expect Ochoa to have a solid season and possibly move to a bigger club in Europe.

Dijon:

Abdoulaye Méïté: From West Brom, Free
Méïté is an experienced defender who should strengthen Dijon's defence in their fight for survival. While he is limited in possession, Méïté is a solid defender who played well in Marseille before.

Younousse Sankharé: From Paris St. Germaine, €1m
Sankharé performed well this season for Dijon, so his signing will come as no surprise. A versatile youngster, the 21 year old can play at left-back, left midfielder and as a defensive midfielder. He is a good investment for the future for Dijon and should contribute straight away.

Evian:

Sidney Govou: From Panathinaikos, Free
Sidney Govou has not rediscovered his form for Lyon since the 2006 World Cup Final. His career stagnated towards his later years in Lyon and he has not had the same effect as his fellow countryman Djibril Cissé at Panathinaikos. One reason may be his lack of pace, which was one of the weapons he possessed in his arsenal; with age his pace has deteriorated, and his overall dribbling skills are not good enough to beat defenders. Even though he is a veteran, Govou does not add much maturity to any club he joins. He will, however, be a starter for Evian but won't light up Ligue 1 as he used to.

Jonathan Mensah: From Udinese, Free
Jonathan Mensah is best probably known by people confusing him with his compatriot and fellow centre-back, John Mensah, who is more famous and older. Jonathan Mensah is also known, however, for playing with the victorious Ghana U-20 World Cup side. Having never played for Udinese, Mensah spent this year on loan at Granada in Spain, who were promoted to La Liga. A strong centre-back, Mensah is mainly an investment for the future.

Lille:

Benoît Pedretti: From Auxerre, Free
A cultured midfielder, Pedretti, like Govou, is approaching the end of his career, so a Ligue 1 title would look appealing. Pedretti can either play behind the strikers or as a regista, in front of the defence, utilising his passing skills. He was never fast, and at 30 years old, he would be better suited to playing a deeper role.

Dimitri Payet, From Saint Etienne, €9m
Dimitri Payet and Saint Etienne stormed off at the top of the Ligue 1 table at the beginning of this year, much like Payet's quick runs down the flank. While Payet did not really carry on the momentum from his season start, he still remains an exciting player and should replace Gervinho in the Lille side. Expect Lille to space their play with Hazard and Payet on the flanks and to beat teams with their speed.

Vincent Enyeama, From Hapoel Tel-Aviv, Undisclosed (reported to be €5m)
Enyeama has finally left Israel after impressive performances for Nigeria and Hapoel. A confident goalkeeper, Enyeama will probably be back-up to Landreau, who is very injury-prone for a goalkeeper. Despite this, Enyeama would be pleased to play in France and at champions Lille.


Marko Baša: From Lokomotiv Moscow, Undisclosed (reported to be €1.5)
A solid if unspectacular centre-back, Baša should provide decent back up for Lille. Has played in France for Le Mans before so he would not need a lot of time to adapt to the French style of play.


Lorient:


Mathieu Coutadeur: From Monaco, Undisclosed (reported to be €2m)
A defensive midfielder, Coutadeur is a great passer of the ball and also has the required discipline to play that position. Lorient are trying to rebuild post-Gameiro and Coutadeur should be their starting defensive midfielder for a couple of years at least.


Marseille:


Alou Diarra: From Bordeux, Undisclosed (reported to be €5m)
While Diarra may not have the passing ability or range of Coutadeur, Diarra is a strong, physical defensive midfielder. Good in the air, Diarra has been part of the French national team since 2004, and his protection in front of the back four would help Marseille in their search for another country. Can also fill in at centre back, if Marseille were to play with a back three or need replacements.


Nicolas N'Koulou, From Monaco, €3.5
A strong, quick defender who can play at centre back or right back. A very good prospect for the future, N'Koulou won't play from the start, but expect him to be a very good player in the future and form a partnership with Azpilicueta.


Paris Saint-Germain:


Kévin Gameiro, From Lorient, €11m
He scored almost a goal-per-two-games for Lorient and will look to help Paris Saint-Germain to European qualification. A very quick striker, Gameiro is an elite finisher and is someone who you would want to finish off a chance in the penalty area. Should provide goals for PSG. Often coveted by Arsenal, Gameiro should be part of a small man - big man partnership with Hoarau. 


Nicolas Douchez, From Rennes, Free
An athletic goalkeeper, Douchez will become PSG's first choice goalkeeper and is a good signing considering the price tag (or lack of one).


Rennes:


Jonathan Pitroipa, From Hamburg, Free
A very skillful midfielder, Pitroipa can either play as a trequartista or as a winger. Should add some flair to a hard working Rennes side. Can become a bit selfish at times and needs to improve his decision making.


Sochaux:


Sébastien Corchia, From Le Mans, Undisclosed (reported to be €1.8m)
A young, attack-minded right back, Corchia is one of the best talents in France. Sochaux is a perfect match for him as the club has reared many young players, such as Jérémy Mathieu, Pierre-Alain Frau and current France international Marvin Martin. Needs to improve his positioning but this will come in time.


Toulouse:


Pavle Ninkov, From Red Star Belgrade, Undisclosed (reported to be €1m)
A solid and defensive right back who was a bright spark in a Red Star team that performed below expectations. Can be quite limited in attack, but nevertheless is enthusiastic when doing so.


Rémy Riou, From Auxerre, Free
One of France's best young goalkeepers, Riou should be Toulouse's starting goalkeepers, although Pelé will provide competition. Very composed for a 23 year old, Riou also has great reflexes.

Transfer Round-Up: Part 1 - Spain

Clubs around Europe have approached the transfer market hesitantly; with the exception of Real Madrid's €20 million signing of Fábio Coentrão, most clubs have topped up on young players and back-up, replenishing their stocks. The rumours, however, have remained strong and come back incessantly, with transfers including Alexis Sánchez, Cesc Fabregas and Javier Pastore reported to feature large fees. Nevertheless, this article will only focus on the confirmed deals and will also contain my thoughts on them. 

NOTE: Transfers are arranged in the country in which the player is moving to and the club they are moving to. This is Part 1 and is focused on Spain's transfers. Part 2 will come out soon based on France's transfers.

Spain: 

Atlético Madrid:

Sílvio Pereira: From Braga, €8m

A left back who can also cover at right back, Pereira is tidy in possession and is full of pace and enthusiasm when bombing forward and joining the attack. While he can link up with the midfield in possession, he lacks the ball control and crossing ability to be a full threat forward. A good addition, but not something that would have the Atleti fans drooling in anticipation and will probably not oust Filipe Luís from his starting position.

Miranda: From São Paulo, Free

While most signings from Brazil nowadays are hyped-up youngsters who burden the label of 'Next [insert superstar]', Miranda can be seen as a veteran, despite him being only 26. After an unsuccessful tenure in Sochaux, Miranda returned home to Brazil with São Paulo, and became the epicentre of a championship winning defence, playing at the centre of a back three. Clean in the tackle and composed, he will fight for a starting position at the Vicente Calderón.

Gabi: From Real Zaragoza, €3m

Gabi returns back to Atlético, his first club, but his role would probably be kept by Raúl García in the starting eleven.

Getafe:

Pablo Sarabia: From Real Madrid, €3m

Álvaro Negredo. Juan Manuel Mata. Roberto Soldado. These are just some of the names of Real Madrid players who moved elsewhere in Spain as young players due to a lack of playing time. Pablo Sarabia is no different. An electrifying left winger, Sarabia is the type of player who would often leave defenders on their backsides thanks to his trickery and close ball control. Like a lot of young wingers, he needs to improve his final delivery into the box, but he should prove to be a shroud signing for Getafe, who often turn the unwanted scraps that Real Madrid and other big teams don't want and turn them into great players. Luckily for Real fans, however, is that they have a buy-back clause in his contract, so like Esteban Granero before him, don't be surprised if Sarabia returns to Real Madrid after a spell at Getafe.

Málaga: 

Jérémy Toulalan: From Olympique Lyonnais, €10m

Arab-financed Málaga's largest signing, Toulalan, did not have a fantastic season. After being banned from the French national team as part of the disciplinary action against the player's strike at the World Cup and failing to drive Lyon to another league title, Toulalan is looking to reinvigorate his career in the Costa del Sol. Despite his moderately poor season, he still remains as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, protecting the back four. Furthermore, at €10m, he is a good value signing for Málaga and will be fully involved in the club's push for Europe.

Nacho Monreal: From Osasuna, €6m

Monreal is one of the best left backs in Spain and has been a consistent performer for Osasuna. Due to him being only 25, he should feature in any future European competitions Málaga are looking to qualify for.

Isco: From Valencia, €6m

Isco was born and grew up near Málaga, so he would be right at place at home. Definitely one for the future, he will make a few appearances for Málaga, but won't be a starter and has been brought over from Valencia with the future in mind. Isco can play as an attacking midfielder or as a supporting striker and displays a great feel for the game, setting up teammates and has a great first touch. He needs to improve his decision making and is a risky signing for Málaga, but one day the fee of €6m may seem as a great bargain for Málaga. And its not like they are tight on money.

Joaquín: From Valencia, €4.2m

Another Andalusia native snapped up from Valencia, Joaquín, contrary to Isco, is a player who should be a star in the first team from the off. Joaquín, while he may not have fulfilled the promise he showed at Real Betis, is one of the best wingers in Spain and has come off a solid season for Valencia, shouldering some of the attack from the departures of David Silva and David Villa. Joaquín will probably add experience and leadership to a Málaga side which is being created.

Martín Demichelis: From Bayern Munich, €3m

Quite a fall from grace for Demichelis. One year ago Demichelis played in the Champions League Final against Inter, now after being shut out of the Bayern first team, has joined a team for €3m. Strong in the air and a fierce tackler, Demichelis is error-prone and isn't as composed as he could be. Could feature in midfield, especially as Mathijsen and Sánchez have been signed.

Sergio Sánchez: From Sevilla, €2.8m

While Demichelis is error-prone, Sánchez is injury-prone. Despite having never cemented a place in the first team in Sevilla, Sánchez could feature in the Málaga first team, whether at right back or centre back.

Joris Mathijsen: From Hamburg, €1m

A Netherlands starter for only €1m! While he only needs to contend with Heitinga as the best centre back for the Oranje, Mathijsen is a very good signing considering his cheap price tag. A solid if unspectacular season at Hamburg, Mathijsen should slot right into the heart of the Málaga defence.

Ruud van Nistelrooy: From Hamburg, Free

How Málaga's fans must be praying that van Nistelrooy rediscovers his form from his glory Manchester United days. Injuries have held him back in his career post-United, but he is still one of the cleverest foxes in the box and should lead the front line for at least a year for Málaga. 

RCD Espanyol:

Héctor Moreno: From AZ Alkmaar, €4m

Part of the Mexican 'Golden Generation', Moreno is a tough, no-frills defender. He tackles with bite and is relentless, challenging for every ball and hustling for possession, but Moreno is often lacking when he is in possession, unable to complete any difficult passes. Also , at 23, expect him to improve at Espanyol and possibly work on his distribution.

Juan Ángel Albín: From Getafe, €3m

Whether playing at left wing or as a supporting striker, Albín will provide goals and assists due to his close ball control and sweet left foot. Should feature in Espanyol's first team and will improve in a few years.

Real Madrid:

Fábio Coentrão: From Benfica, €20m

When he joined Benfica, he was a young tricky left winger, full of skill, but not good enough for the first team. Now, he leaves Benfica as one of the world's best left-backs and one of the best performers in the last world cup to Real Madrid's first team. Reinvented as a left back by Benfica due to his strength, Coentrão still retains the pace and the dribbling prowess he used to have when he played for Rio Ave. Defensively, Coentrão waits for the tackle instead of diving in and in attack he is deadly in the counter-attack, which should be great news for Mourinho's Real. 

Nuri Şahin: From Borussia Dortmund, €10m

It seems strange to consider a 22 year old as a veteran. But Şahin is that, having been present in Borussia Dortmund's first team since 2005, when he was the youngest player to play and score in the Bundesliga. The leader and focal point of the young Borussia Dortmund team which swept the Bundesliga, Şahin should play in the first team for Real Madrid due to his clever and precise distribution of the ball, ability to create chances for others and also chip in with his fair share of goals. An upgrade over Sami Khedira, Şahin at €10m is a great buy by Mourinho and the Real staff.

Raphaël Varane: From Lens, €10m

The opposite to Héctor Moreno, Varane is a cool and composed central defender who plays the game as if he is at least 10 years older than his age of 18. Varane has a great understanding of the game, reading the opponents passes and intercepting through balls. He is also comfortable in possession and should eventually develop into a ball-playing centre back. The emergence of Varane into the first team was the only bright part of Lens season which ended in relegation, but Varane will struggle to find playing time at Real Madrid and the best option for him and Real would be for him to be loaned out, possibly back to France, or to a lower La Liga side.

José María Callejón: From Espanyol, €5.5m

Spiky-haired left winger who is dangerous when being fed through by a cutting pass and given space to run in. Callejón has a dangerous left foot and can score from distance; he is also comfortable cutting onto his right foot when letting rip. Came from the Real Madrid youth team and like many others before him left before playing for the first team. Should be a solid back up for Ronaldo/di María.

Hamit Altintop: From Bayern Munich, Free

I don't understand this signing. While he was signed for free and is a very good player and leader, Altintop will never make the Real Madrid first team and Real have enough back up in midfield already.

Sevilla:

Manu del Moral: From Getafe, €3.5m

A speedy striker who can also play on the wing, Manu del Moral is a very good finisher who will contend for a starting spot in the Sevilla first team. A replacement for Luís Fabiano.

Emir Spahić: From Montpellier, €2m

Captain of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spahić is a strong and experienced centre back who can anticipate chances for the other team. A lack of pace may hinder his starting chances for Sevilla, but he should be present in the first team. At €2m, he could be considered a bargain as only last year Montpellier were reportedly demanding £25m for him from Arsenal.

Piot Trochowski: From Hamburg, Free

Trochowski can play at left wing or behind the striker and possess impeccable technique, whether it be at passing, shooting or dribbling. A lack of pace and strength is his major weakness and he can be inconsistent at times. A good pick-up for free. 

Valencia:

Daniel Parejo: From Getafe, €6m

Another promising youngster who had to leave Real Madrid for first team football, Alfredo Di Stéfano himself expressed his disgust when Parejo left by boycotting a Castilla match. A very skillful attacking midfielder, Parejo is a person who should contribute for Valencia now and in the future. He replaces Isco, and is a better player than him, although admittedly Parejo is three years older. Has a great first touch and can create chances for others.

Pablo Piatti: From Almería, €8m

Brought in from relegated Almería, Piatti's arrival hints that Juan Manuel Mata may move away, possibly to Liverpool or Arsenal, as they both play as left wingers. An amazing dribbler, Piatti exudes Argentinian skill and poise and should be a good signing for Valencia. Still has time to improve, also.

Diego Alves: From Almería, €3m

One of the best goalkeepers in Spain and has been linked with Real Madrid in the past. A good shot-stopper, Diego Alves is also a good penalty saver. Will probably be in the first team, he could be the best goalkeeper for Valencia since Santiago Cañizares, and all for €3m.

Villareal:

Cristián Zapata: From Udinese, €7m

Zapata is a quick and strong centre back currently representing Colombia in the  Copa América. Strong in the air, Zapata can also read the through balls well. He often joins attacks from the centre of defence and is effective due to his pace, but he needs to improve his passing and dribbling ability to be as effective as Lúcio.