Revamping the Champions League

Quite frankly I was outraged to hear that there were plans to revamp the Champions League. It is rumoured that a proposal has been made to guarantee the 'big teams' spots in the Champions League at the end of the current cycle, from 2018 onwards. The proposals are primarily targeting clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool, AC Milan and their rivals Internazionale.

These proposals would be effectively creating a 'European Super League,' alienating many teams such as Napoli and Leicester who are at the top of Serie A and the Premier League respectively. As a football fan, the only positive I see in the move is the financial benefits and to be honest, these financial benefits should be completely trumped by all the negatives.

Throw back to the days where the top sides such as Benfica struggled to overcome Glentoran of the currently-named Danske Bank Premier League or when Linfield reached the quarter finals of the 1966-67 European Cup. Some would say this would be the 'true' Champions League as the knockout competition consisted of the champions of each league as well as the holders of the previous year battling it out for the title of European Champions. Those times changed in 1992, with the introduction of European co-efficiency table, effectively ruling out the clubs from nations such as Northern Ireland and Ireland from fielding their sides in the European competition.

This is not the first time a 'Super League' has been proposed. Back in 1998, sports marketing company, Media Partners, initiated talks with some of the top European clubs about breaking away from UEFA and starting up their own league. FIFA quashed these proposals by promising bans on any national associations, clubs or participants in the proposed idea. Similarly, UEFA looked to re-evaluate the European stage, with Cup Winners' Cup being merged together with the UEFA Cup in 1999 and then for a group stage to be introduced into the second tier competition in  the 2004-2005 edition as well as dishing out more money to keep the participants happy.

Looking at the potential changes, the European Clubs' Association boss (ECA), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has suggested "a tournament consisting of 20 teams from Italy, England, Spain and France," and also stating that a "stagnation means regression." If the proposed changes are made into a reality it will certainly increase the glamour of the competition and be more profitable for the chiefs. I'm still uncertain as to whether I would like to see these changes implemented. As stated previously, it runs the risk of making an unlikely fairy tale story, such as Leicester's this season, really having an impact on the club.

Let's break down a few statistics. For the 2015-2018 cycle of the competition, €12m will go to each participant in the Champions League group stage - every team is guaranteed to get that money regardless of their performance in the group stage. Each win for a club bags themselves a nice €1.5m while a draw nets €500k. There is also €428.9m available in a 'market pool' that will be split between each association 'according to the proportional value of each TV market represented by the clubs taking part.' A substantial amount would be available to the FA to be assigned subsequently to each participating English club. The higher the position in the domestic league previous to the current competition the more money would be on offer. Leicester finished in the Barclays' Premier League the more money they would take in from another part of the market pool, similarly a sum is awarded for each club according to how many European matches they play in the specific season.

There would be a finite amount of opportunities for clubs such as Leicester if a Super League was created. Who doesn't love a good underdog story?

There have already been a number of teams who have slammed the proposals, particularly from the Scottish Premier League. In fairness to UEFA and the ECA, they have done something that many people have tried, but failed... Unite both Rangers and Celtic. The Sun has reported that Ronny Deila has criticised proposals, while the Sunday Mail add that Rangers and Aberdeen will join forces with the Scottish Champions. I'm not surprised the Scottish FA are outrage as the changes could hinder Celtic, winners of the competition in 1966-67. The leagues that would be limited would drift further and further away from the so-called 'top leagues.'

On the other hand, it has been reported that viewing numbers are dwindling in the competition. Ben Rumsby of the Telegraph disclosed this week, that the viewing figures of BT Sport having been nothing short of dismal. The company's free to view channel, BT Showcase, peaked at just 200,000 viewers watching English teams in the top European competition after spending £879 million to acquire the rights of the elite competition. The ratings of BT Sport has plummeted since the Champions League changed hands from ITV and Sky Sports, so it's either a case of the channel or the competition needs re-jigged.

As a football fan, I don't see how these proposals can be made into a reality. I'm not even sure if they would be possible to implement due to the uproar it would cause leaving me to think that this is just an exercise to try and get the reputable sides a bigger slice of the monetary pie.

As always I'd like to hear your thoughts on the proposals and any changes that you would like to implement if given the option.  

Emphatic Milan Win Derby Della Madonnina

Goals from Alex, Carlos Bacca and Mbaye Niang give AC Milan the bragging rights tonight in the Derby della Madonnina.

It was a very lively start in the Milan derby with both sides really trying to grab the game by the scruff of the neck. Inter debutant Eder had a great chance when a cross was flashed across the six yard box, but he couldn't hit the target with his header.

Juraj Kucka troubled the Inter back line with a surging run into the box. His driven cross tried to find Mbaye Niang, but Samir Handanovic got down low to intercept. Eder and Ivan Perisic were finding joy down the Milan right with a lovely flick releasing Perisic. The Croatian tried to find Jovetic but excellent positioning from Alex cleared the ball.

Ignazio Abate flashed a ball across the box, with Keisuke Honda in the box, but the Japanese international couldn't supply the finish and the ball was cleared for a corner. Moments later, Honda delivered a cracking cross to be met by the head of Alex and the big Brazilian nodded into the back of the net to break the deadlock.

At half time, both sides had plenty to reflect on. Inter were getting joy down the Milan left with Luca Antonelli often being left exposed while the Nerazurri did have chances to score in the opening half but were often fluffed wide. For the Rossoneri, they looked threatening on the counter attack and the next half would play into their hands as they would not have to commit bodies forward.

From the first whistle of the final half, young goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma got entangled with Eder and after shouts for a penalty were dismissed, Inter coach Roberto Mancini was sent to the stands. The referee performed admirably, as he respected the occasion and tried to let the game flow through playing advantage. He didn't brandish the first yellow card until the latter stages of the second half.

As the half progressed, Inter began to force the game more leading to more and more sloppy errors. Their hosts seemed comfortable as they hadn't created a meaningful chance in the 20 minutes however they got a golden chance from the spot minutes later. Mauro Icardi got a shot off from inside the box that forced a terrific save from Donnarumma in nets. On the rebound, the official behind the goal adjudged Alex to have fouled the Inter captain. From the spot, the 16 year old stood strong and watched Icardi thump the post with his shot.

The game was put further out of reach in the 73rd minute. Niang had the ball on the right flank and delivered a sumptuous ball into the 6 yard box which Carlos Bacca was happy to deflect past Handanovic in nets. Bacca had not really got into the game up until this point but popped up when required to provide the home side with a cushion.

The game was put out of Inter's sight with less than 15 minutes. Giacomo Bonaventura dispossessed Davide Santon to give Milan a three on two counter in the Inter half. The ball was shifted to Mbaye Niang, who dispatched the ball on the second attempt past Handanovic. Milan were more clinical than their rivals while Inter often squandered their opportunities.

AC Milan were simply terrific on the counter attack and thoroughly deserve their win. The game could have easily been a different story if Mauro Icardi had converted the penalty just before Milan's second goal. It's a massive three points for the Rossoneri as they continue their push for a top three finish. 

Alexandre Pato - A New Hope?

I struggle to recount a player that has fallen off the scale as big as Alex Pato. Injuries during his stint at AC Milan thwarted him from fulling his potential as one of the most exciting prospects in world football, but now aged 26, could he be about to return to the big stage?

Rumours sparked at the start of the transfer window that the former wonder kid was on his way to the red side of Merseyside. Recently however, Pato has attracted some attention from Chelsea with various outlets describing the announcement as 'imminent'.

Milan signed Alexandre Pato from Brazilian side Internacional after he impressed in his first competitive season, scoring 6 goals in 11 matches. He scored within 60 seconds on his debut for the Brazilian side at just 17 years of age, meaning that he was touted as the next Ronaldinho after leaving the field that day to a standing ovation.

His first season in Italy was very good, especially for an 18 year old. He continued his tradition of debut goals and then went on to score another 10 in all competitions. In his early years, Pato was talked up and rightly so, as he had a lot of talent, it's a pity that the injuries wrecked his chances of really making the big jump. 

He featured in every game bar two in his second season, notching 18 goals in 42 games. He also formed one third of the famous trident that tortured Serie A defences for so long in the league. The 2009-2010 season saw him make less appearances, but still record a respectable 14 goals in all campaigns.

It was the 2010-2011 season when all started to unravel for Pato. He featured in 33 games in all competitions for Milan, suffering achilles and thigh problems, as well as being out for a short stint at the start of the season courtesy of a tear in the abductor muscle. He featured in even less the following season, just 18 times before being sold to Sao Paulo in January 2013.

In his first season back in Brazil he amassed 38 appearances, fighting his way back to full fitness, but never won over the fans at Corinthians and struggled to appear interested on the pitch. They cited his poor attitude as the reason they failed to relate to him and even the players found it hard to get on with him, considering his high weekly wage - the biggest in the club. Relations were not helped with his penalty miss in the 2013 Brazilian Cup quarter final loss to Gremio.

Currently, Corinthians cannot wait to get rid of the playmaker as they he is widely regarded as one of the clubs worst ever signings for the club. With the club financially unstable, getting their highest paid player off the wage bill would prove beneficial. Step forward potential suitors.

While Alex Pato will never reach the heights that were once touted of him, he is still only 26 and will be a useful player for Chelsea if they sign him. Playing in a wide role in his younger days, the injuries have affected his pace, so is normally deployed up front. He has the ability to play on the shoulder of the defence and will cause trouble for the players.

Joining Sao Paulo on loan, the Brazilian had a 2015 to remember with the goals returning in abundance. 23 to his name as Sao Paulo finished fourth in the Brasileriao and again 4th in the Paulista.

With Diego Costa as Chelsea's first choice striker and prone to the odd suspension, Alex Pato would be a player that Guus Hiddink could take a calculated risk upon. Radamel Falcao is struggling just as bad as he did last season at Old Trafford and Loic Remy could be soon departing Stamford Bridge. His price is currently a fuzzy area with various media outlets reporting that the £8m is required to buy his services while others believe that Corinthians are looking towards $20m.

It's hard to believe that Pato is still just 26 years of age, but to completely write the player off would be foolish. I tip the Brazilian to get back to where he was envisaged he'd be at this point in his career.

Are the Glory Days Returning to Milan?

After raiding the transfer market, both Milan sides seem to be assembling squads to rival the title holders, Juventus. It is one thing buying the talent, but will the former glory days be returning to Italy's second city?

Before touching on the players, the management of both squads need to be considered. Both Internazionale and Milan have capable managers, Inter appointing favourite Roberto Mancini and Milan looking towards former Fiorentina and Sampdoria man Sinisa Mihajlovic. Mancini loves his defenders to be comfortable on the ball and look to build from the back. Central defender is Juan Jesus is a prime example of this. Looking at Mihajlovic, he is certainly a lively and controversial figure. He has had run ins with Adem Ljajic, who is on loan at Inter Milan from Roma. During his stint as the Serbian national team coah he ordered people to sign a document indicating that they promise to sing the Serbian national anthem before each game. Mihajlovic may come across as a dictator, but he demands nothing but 100% commitment from his players and can be sure to get the best out of them.

There were a lot of purchases for either side in the summer transfer window, and most of them have been very good buys. Geoffrey Kondogbia was the big signing from Mancini with the Frenchman moving from AS Monaco for £21.7m. At only 22 years of age, he already one of the top midfield stars in Serie A, making 12 Serie A appearances until this stage. He controls a game and this was witnessed in the Champions League tie against Arsenal last season when he made a quality Arsenal midfield look sub-standard. Although he hasn't been firing on all cylinders recently, there is a bright future for the holding midfielder.

Stefan Jovetic is looking revitalised under Roberto Mancini. The man who brought him to Manchester City has freed him from Manuel Pellegrini where he made just 11 appearances in 2 years and was suffering from injuries and low confidence. Now back on more familiar turf, Mancini's acquisition has been inspired with the Montengrin netting 3 times in his first 2 games and delivering a string of very good performances. Jovetic also teams up with Croatian, Ivan Perisic. Out of the 13 games he has featured in, he has netted on 3 occasions. Perisic had a terrific season with Wolfsburg last year, culminating in a DFB Pokal victory. So far this season he has created 8 chances compared to last years' tally of 25. Perisic is a unique style of player. Normally utilised out wide, he doesn't display pace that would be commonly associated with a winger, however he can play make and be labelled as a wide playmaker. he is a useful player and will be applied cunningly by Roberto Mancini.

AC Milan raided the transfer market spending money on no less than 7 players. The pick of these include Carlos Bacca, Andrea Bertolacci and Luiz Adriano. Bacca was part of the Europa League winning side of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015, being a key marksman on the way. Already this season he has netted 6 times in 11 league appearances and his forming a very fruitful partnership with Adriano. he has a 42.7% strike ratio and will be one of the leading scorers when Serie A concludes at the end of the season. Last season he had scored 20 times and had an exceptional shot accuracy with 71% of his shots hitting the target. Looking at his partner in crime, Luiz Adriano arrived from Shahktar Donetsk for a fee of around £5m. Not quite reaching the heights of his partner he has 2 goals in 10 appearances. For Shahktar, he recorded 77 league goals in 162 appearances for the Ukrainians. Some people may remember the dropped ball incident in the Champions League Group stage in 2012. Willian attempted to return a dropped ball to the Nordsjaelland keeper, but Adriano nicked the ball and slotted it into the back of the net. He wasn't too popular after this, but Milan are keen to overlook his unsporting play.

Current standings are positive for both sides but particularly the blue half. Inter have only lost one game to league leaders Fiorentina and sit in second position, Milan are further down a bit in 6th and seem to be struggling for consistency. 6 victories and 4 defeats is a start, but something that needs to be worked on if they are to creep into the Champions League spots. Neither side have European football this year, and has really hurt all in Italy's second city. It remains to be seen whether Internazionale can keep the charge up but if they can get to Christmas still in the mix, then they have a great opportunity of securing the Scuddetto for the first time since the treble winning season. Juventus have fallen down the pecking order, but be under no illusions that they will have a run of form and challenge for Champions League spots.

One very key player for the Rossoneri that I would like to mention is Giacomo Bonaventura. AC Milan completed the signing of the midfielder for a fee believed to be approximately €7m. Last season he found his feet in his new club, playing 33 out of the 38 games and scoring 7 goals. It's his creativity that is most impressive. Last season he created 43 chances and even though he assisted just 4 times, I would point the finger at Milan's poor finishers. This season he has created more than half (26) the chances he did last season in just over 11 game, it's quite incredible how well he has performed under Mihajlovic. I watched his performance on Sunday with keen interest and witnessed assists for Mexes' and Bacca's goals. If Milan are to do anything this year he needs to stay fit.

One thing I would like to touch on in regards to AC Milan is their consistency. Against Lazio the other week they were simply incredible. They scored 3 great goals, while giving the home side barely a sniff of the ball. It was that match that actually prompted me to write this article and gave me a really high opinion of their chances of creeping back to the big time. However, they were a shadow of that game in their match v Atalanta and were very lucky to leave with a point. If it wasn't for their 16 year old goal keeper then Atalanta certainly would have left the San Siro with maximum points. The Rossoneri can't continue to rely on a 16 year old goal keeper as, although he has been solid, he is still learning and mistakes are inevitable. Giacomo Bonaventura has also been influential this season creating 25 chances already this season. He seems to hold the key for AC Milan.

Inter are sitting with smiles on their faces in second place behind Fiorentina on goal difference. Roberto Mancini is building a side that is extremely capable of bringing Champions League football back to their club. I watched the derby match against Milan and Inter and even though they weren't impressive, they still got all three points in that match courtesy of a Fredy Guarin strike. Contrary to the Italian stereotype, Inter looked to attack and they often looked dangerous and posed questions for AC Milan to answer. With Juventus currently in mid table, there is no reason why Inter can't remain there over Christmas. If the form continues, Mancini could have a title winning side at his disposal.

The money spent suggest both sides are resurgent and keen to get back to Europe's premier competition. Truthfully, I've been disappointed in the demise both side over the last number of years, but large proportion of that sympathy could derive from my fondness of Italian football. In the Champions League, Italy has not really had the same threshold since Internazionale's victory in 2010 as Juventus looked the only side to go anywhere and even at that, they disappointed in every season bar the last.

Milan End Lazio's Perfect Home Record

Milan send a message out to the rest of Serie A as goals from Andrea Bertolacci, Philippe Mexes and Carlos Bacca see them Lazio's winning run at the Stadio Olimpico.

Knowing what was riding on the game, plenty of physical tackles were going in as the match started. Milan's Alessio Cerci looked lively as did Giacomo Bonaventura. The former Torino man was played off the shoulder of the defenders the whole night and often found space in behind. Lazio were struggling to get on the ball and when they did, poor decision making meant that the ball was regularly lost. 20 minutes in, Milan's 16 year old goal keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was yet to be tested.

Milan made their dominance pay off. Cerci picked up the ball on the right and an in-swinging cross/shot was poorly dealt with by Federico Marchetti who palmed the ball into the path of Andrea Bertolacci who put the ball in the back of the net. Mihajlovic's summer signing with his first goal for the club. Lazio looked lethargic, lost and their perfect home record this season was in jeopardy.

Alessio Cerci had an excellent chance to double their lead. From a free kick, Riccardo Montolivo picked out a superb pass to Cerci who had a foot on his man. The winger killed the ball with his first touch before trying to guide a shot into the far corner only for the upright to come to the rescue of Lazio. If there was ever a move that deserved a goal, this was it as the vision of Montolivo and technique of Cerci was incredible.

The home side did get their first shot on target shortly before the break. Felipe Anderson cut in off the right, pegged the Milan defender before his shot ricocheted into the arms of Donnarumma. It was the first time, their talisman got on the ball, but his shot was easily dealt with by the keeper. As the first half concluded, the Milan display would have deluighted Mihajlovic while Stefano Pioli would have loads to think about and the Olimpico faithful made their thoughts heard.

Lazio needed a big improvement in the second half and a free kick into the box caused concern as Alex collided with his keeper and seemed to be out cold before he hit the floor. Philippe Mexes was his replacement and he had an immediate impact. Bonaventura's free kick into the box was met by the head of Mexes and he doubled the lead just 40 seconds since entering the game. Questions must be asked of Marchetti as well as the defensive line which failed to track the run of the goal scorer. 

Confidence was drained in the Lazio ranks while Milan were enjoying playing their football with a distinct swagger - Bonaventura's elastico that won a free kick was evidence of this. Pioli needed to change personnel if they were to get back in the game. Another chance came for Milan through Juraj Kucka as he got in behind the defence. With Carlos Bacca in the box, he failed to find the Colombian first time and when the cross was put in, it was cleared by Mauricio.

A cross was swung into the box and caused confusion for the Milan defenders. With Senad Lulic arriving, he controlled but was unable to lift the ball over the 6 ft 5 Milan keeper. Positive signs that Lazio can get more chances out of a defence that has only kept one clean sheet all season. Substitute, Ricardo Kishna thought that he had given Lazio a lifeline after he turned a ball into the net after a save from Donnarumma, however the assistant referee ruled the goal out for offside. It may have been disallowed but it did give the home side a much needed lift.

The lift was only temporary. Carlos Bacca rounded the keeper and scored after receiving the ball of Bonaventura who secured his second assist of the night. Milan never let Lazio get a foothold in the game and the margin does not flatter the away side one bit. With the victory secured, a clean sheet was next on the agenda, however Kishna dashed hopes of this on 85 minutes with a powerful shot that beat the Milan keeper at his near post.

Milan leave Rome with all three points as well as a good performance in an open game. They end their 6 year wait for a victory in the Stadio Olimpico and this victory sets them on there way to achieve a third placed finish that would see Champions League football return to the San Siro.

Guarin Strike Edges Out Rivals

The master beats the apprentice in a thrilling encounter in Milan. A sensational effort from Fredy Guarin gives Roberto Mancini the victory over his former assistant manager Sinisa Mihajlovic.

This game helped dispel all the common stereotypes with Italian football and the game started at a frantic pace with both sides looking to attack. The first sight on goal went the way of the Rossoneri with Carlos Bacca capitalising on a stray ball from Jeison Murillo. His pass to Luiz Fabiano was weighted perfectly but the shot was well saved by Samir Handanovic in the Inter net. Milan's front duo of Bacca and Fabiano were causing all sorts of problems for the Nerazzuri defence.

Once again, the movement of Luis Adriano wreaked havoc for Inter, but the Brazilian couldn't supply the finish. AC Milan looked sharp on the break, while Inter's defence looked shaky and coughed up several opportunities. In the dying embers of the opening half, Inter were gifted an excellent chance. Superb creativity from loanee Stefan Jovetic worked space and he was able to play Mauro Icardi through. Milan's full backs kept the Inter captain onside but his shot was scuffed and saved by Diego Lopez.

It was a superb half of football with both sides playing flowing, attacking football, aided by some excellent refereeing from Gianluca Rocchi - It was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken. Similar to the first half, the second period started frenetically. Jovetic was creating chances but couldn't get a shot away, while at the back, Inter were looking frail.

Their frailties continued as the Nerazzuri nearly played themselves into a sticky situation at the back. However Kondogbia managed to play the ball wide and after two passes, Fredy Guarin pulled the trigger and his shot left Lopez with no chance in the nets. The ball could have very nearly ended up in the Inter net but once they got out of trouble, Milan were at sixes and sevens at the back and their risk was rewarded. Icardi had an excellent chance to double Inter's lead but he got too low and his header soared over the bar.

Italy's bad boy, Mario Balotelli was introduced with half an hour to go to a chorus of jeers. His distribution was impressive, and he nearly equalised with less than 15 minutes to go when his shot cannoned off the upright. Balotelli impressed me, and he looked as if he had a new lease of life since leaving Anfield. In the last ten minutes Milan piled on the pressure and Internazionale barricaded their defence. Inter managed to hold on for a one goal victory and now sit top of Serie A with maximum points.

There are positives and negatives for both sides to work on. Inter will be pleased to have the bragging rights and also maintain their great start, however defensive worries will remain in Roberto Mancini's mind. For Mihajlovic, it obviously will be a disappointment to lose the derby, however his side fashioned some excellent chances and on another day could have been a different result. Inter are looking strong and will definitely be challenging come the end of the season.

Transfer Target #15 - Aymeric Laporte

Transfer target number 15 is Athletic Bilbao's Aymeric Laporte. The Frenchman is a young and upcoming prospect and has already a list the length of your arm of potential suitors.

Picked up from Bayonne in 2010, Laporte is only the second ever Frenchman to play for the Basque club after Bixente Lizarazu. Laporte quickly established himself in the Bilbao first team and made 15 La Liga appearances as well as 2 appearances in the Europa League. At 19 years of age, Laporte continued his form and only missed 3 La Liga games in the 2013/2014 season, mostly down to suspension and regularly played the full 90 minutes.

Onto this season... The 21 year old continued to attract the attention of the big European clubs. He made 49 appearances and was inducted into Squawka's best under 21 XI. Laporte won 9 less duels than the much sought after Diego Godin of Atletico Madrid (196), who is said to be one of the leading defenders in La Liga.

Last campaign, Laporte registered the most interceptions in La Liga, however also registered 4 defensive errors, one of which led to a goal. Standing at 6 foot 2 inches, it was no surprise that he came out on top in more than two-thirds of his headed duels. Impressive statistics for a young man.

On the international scene, he is yet to receive his first call up to France side, but will be knocking on Didier Deschamps' door. He has represented his country at U17, U18, U19 and U21 level. He captained the U19 to the Euro final in 2013 only to lose to Serbia through a Lukovic strike. His U21's Euro campaign culminated in a qualifying play off defeat against eventual tournament winners, Sweden.

Having just signed a new 4 year contract with a €50m release clause at the San Mames Stadium, a transfer is looking inconceivable for another year at the least. Manchester United were rumoured in signing the young centre back, with former team-mate Ander Herrera being the convincer. I'm not convinced this is a player that United need at the back, as an experienced head would prove more beneficial.

It's not just the Manchester club that were rumoured to be interested in the Bilbao player, with AC Milan looking to bolster their defensive line. Similarly, Chelsea and Manchester City are supposedly interested, however no move will be made.

Aymeric Laporte is growing name inside European football, and will continue to grow now that he has signed a new contract with Athletic Bilbao. Hopefully we will see him gracing the world stage at some point and I certainly would not bet against it.

Transfer Round Up #1

Managers in the Premier League and abroad have been dipping into the pockets of their owners frantically in order to secure their targets. Let's take a look at select transfers that have been completed so far...

Carlos Bacca - Sevilla to AC Milan - £21m

AC Milan were able to fend off interest from Liverpool in order to land Colombian Carlos Bacca. Recruited by new AC Milan manager, Sinisa Mihajlovic, the Colombian is signing off the back of excellent season, scoring 28 goals in 56 appearances for Sevilla. His tally included a well taken brace against Dnipro in the Europa League Final. Milan are getting a useful outfit and at 28 years of age, they have surely paid for his best years.

Alvaro Negredo - Manchester City to Valencia - £21m

Rather astonishingly, Pellegrini was able to make a £3.5m profit from the sale of Alvaro Negredo despite only making 49 City appearances in his two years contracted in Manchester. Valencia have signed a talented striker. He finished the 2013/2014 season with 23 goals even though his last came in January 2014. Last year he didn't quite to replicate his scoring feats, and only bagged 6 in 33 appearances. City will be glad to have him off the wage bill and Valencia will be happy to have acquired a player of his calibre.

Douglas Costa - Shakhtar Donetsk to Bayern Munich - £21m

Douglas Costa is a player well known to those Football Manager addicts out there. He can play out wide as well as in the centre. Acquiring Xherdan Shaqiri's old jersey, he'll probably slot in where the Swiss international left as a rotation option on the bench. Costa has scored 38 goals in 203 appearances, not to the same standard as Ribery and Robben, but he certainly has room to score more. Like Shaqiri, Costa is probably signed to succeed Robben and Ribery, but whether he will have have patience to break into the first team is another question. I'm not expecting much, but I hope the Brazilian is given plenty of first team football unlike the Stoke target.

Andrea Bertolacci - AS Roma to AC Milan - £14m

Mihajlovic continues his summer shopping with the signature of Andrea Bertolacci. Just matter of days after AS Roma had exercised the right to purchase the rest of the 24 year old's player rights, Milan enter with a £14m bid to prise him away from the Italian capital. In 125 Serie A appearances, the midfielder has scored 18 goals and assisted 17 times. 7 of those assists came last season for Genoa and was more than any Milan player registered. He will improve Milan and I look forward to seeing him at the San Siro.  

Nathaniel Clyne - Southampton to Liverpool - £12.39m

After objecting to renew Glen Johnston's contract, a new right back was of high priority for Brendan Rodgers, so where better place to go than to his favourite place on the south coast, Southampton. In a side that conceded just 33 goals all season, his signing will help to tighten up a leaky defence on Merseyside. Only Chelsea conceded less goals (32). While he is decent in defensive situations, he is also adept on the offensive creating 22 chances and completing 27 take ons. Liverpool have got themselves an upgrade in Clyne and he will be a key component in the Liverpool defence.

I've covered 5 of the major transfers across Europe and I will endeavour to share my opinions on many more during the Summer Transfer Window. Who is your pick of these five transfers that I've mentioned?

All statistics taken from Squawka or Transfermarkt.