Transfer Round Up #5

After a week away, I'm back to bring you 5 more transfers from across Europe. Feel free to leave your opinions on the transfers in the comments or via the various social media outlets.

Bastian Schweinsteiger – Bayern Munich to Manchester United - £14m

Louis Van Gaal strengthens his midfield with the signing of Bastian Schweinsteiger. Having missed 25 Bundesliga games in the last 2 seasons, I don’t see the German World Cup winner nailing down a first team spot, but infact rotating with Michael Carrick. I’ve stated for The Big Interest how this signing will not just benefit the side on the pitch, but alsoon the training ground as he will help all the youngsters as they grow. Schweinsteiger brings the winning mentality something which United have lacked since Fergie left. Making his debut off the bench on Saturday, the first movement the German did was to look up and see what was in front of him, more of which is needed for Manchester United. A very good signing for Manchester United.

Arturo Vidal – Juventus to Bayern Munich - £24m

Bayern Munich won the race for the much coveted Chilean international after several English sides were confirmed to be interested in signing Arturo Vidal. Although a different player to Schweinsteiger, he was almost signed as a replacement and will provide more energy in the midfield than Alonso or Lahm. He won 74 tackles in the Serie A last year, more than any other Juventus player and only Paul Pogba scored more goals from midfield. He was definitely the stand out player in the Juve midfield and it will be interesting to see how he fits in among the other world class midfielders at Bayern’s disposal

Filipe Luis – Chelsea to Atletico Madrid - £11.2m

After one year at Chelsea, Filipe Luis has returned to Atletico Madrid for £11.2m, £3m lower than what Chelsea paid for him. He was never able to dethrone Cesar Azpilicueta of that left back spot and has returned to his home to where he will almost certainly get more first team football. Even though first team football was sporadic, the Brazilian featured in 15 Premier League games and had a better tackles per minute ratio than any other Chelsea player. Two seasons ago, Luis was instrumental in Diego Simeone’s title winning side as well as their march to the Champions League final. A good move for all parties as Chelsea will free up some wages, first team football for the player and Atletico have signed a decent outfit at left back.

Falcao – AS Monaco to Chelsea – Loan

After a despondent season on loan at Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho is taking a chance on Colombian Falcao. Only scoring 4 goals all season, Falcao was undoubtedly a flop for United last year but Mourinho is backing on last season only being an acclimatization year for the Colombian. The move sees him reunite with former Atletico team mate, Diego Costa, a partnership that scored 54 goals in the 2012/2013 season. I don’t think Mourinho will play two up front so it is likely that Falcao will play a rotational role with Costa. At 29 years of age, I’m not convinced Falcao will ever return to the heights of his time at Atletico, but he can get key goals for the club. Already thanking Chelsea for the warm welcome, I have a feeling this year could different for the Colombian.

Jackson Martinez – FC Porto to Atletico Madrid - £24m

Continuing with the Atletico theme, Simeone’s side have signed Jackson Martinez from Porto for £24m. Coined as a ‘selling side’ Porto certainly know how to get the most money out of their players. Scoring all 7 of his goals in the Champions League from inside the box, showing he is a real poacher. In the Portuguese league, he scored 67 goals in 89 appearances, impressive no matter what league it is scored in. Martinez is a powerful player and will flourish off the aggressive tactics of Diego Simeone. After selling Mario Mandzukic to Juventus, Martinez was acquired to add a physical presence to the attacking line. 

The signings of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arturo Vidal represents the best buys out of the five. Filipe Luis and Falcao will be looking to reunite their careers after poor spells last season while Jackson Martinez will be looking to bring his form for Porto to Atletico Madrid.