Bargain Buys 2010

Javier Hernandez

The transfer window is open, clubs have the chance to splash out and purchase players. I got me thinking…in the past year which buys have been the best buys. Which transfers have showed get value for money?

The first stand out transfer that pops immediately into my mind is Rafael van der Vaart. Signing from Real Madrid to Tottenham Hotspur for a figure round about £8 Million pounds. He scored 15 goals from all competitions, helping spurs cement 5^th place in the EPL. The game I remember him standing out the most is the Boxing Day game against Aston Villa at Villa Park. He and an excellent game, he bossed the midfield and really kicked the spurs on going forward. Although he was pretty injury prone during the season, the performances in showed merit the bargain buy tag. He played like he was worth £20 million.

Mesut Ozil is another stand out play that sticks out from this just gone season. The German playmaker set Real Madrid back about €15 million, just over £13million pounds (in contrast James Millner cost Man city £35 mill).  The great display at the world cup was carried on in Spain, replacing the injured Kaka in midfield. His maiden season in Spain brought some silver wear, the Copa Del Rey. Real Madrid really did so good business there. He really was a constant in their midfield all season long setting up some vital goals.

Rafael van der Vaart

This next one may be a bit unlikely but wait for it. Peter Odemwingie of West Bromwich Albion signed to the club last summer for a reported fee of  £500,000 from Locomotiv Moscow. He scored 15 goals in 32 appearances to help secure West Brom’s Premier League status. Coming into the Premier League he was somewhat of an unknown player, I wondered if West Brom took a huge risk but he proved me and most people wrong after netting 15 goals in all competitions. I think he warrants a spot on the Bargain buys list.

This next buy is probably the most shocking and outrageous buy of the summer; I mean I was in shock when I found this out. Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez (aka Chicharito) cost the red devils and apparent £8 million pounds. When the signing was first made the transfer fee was published as ‘undisclosed’. But Ferguson in an interview disclosed his true value. In Mexico Hernandez is touted as the next big thing. He has now taken the title of the best thing to come out of Mexico apart from corona (the beer). In his first season in England, he netted 20 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions. Vital goals against Stoke and Chelsea helped United to their 19^th league title. I compare this kid to Ole Gunnar Solskjae because he always scores; he comes on and guaranteed more or less a goal. In comparison, Chelsea Paid £50 million for Fernando Torres and he only scored 1 goal, United must be laughing.  So I think that warrants Chicharito to be in the bargain buys of 2010.