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It has been a transfer window of big money signings and salaries. Many clubs have rejuvenated their squads across Europe, while some have stayed surprisingly silent. The top clubs of Europe have been busy throughout the summer with solid signings. We rate the transfer window for the top clubs around Europe in this article.
Note: These ratings are not based on squad strength. The ratings are based on the quality and importance of the players signed and sold. The clubs are rated according to finding viable replacements for the players leaving and setting the wrongs right in the team. The clubs are also rated on the basis of whether they were successful in obtaining their targetsThe money recuperated does not include undisclosed fees
1. Athletic Bilbao
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Total money spent : 2.5 million Euros
Total money recuperated: None
The Europa League runners-up have had a poor start to their La Liga campaign thanks to their leaky defence. Marcelo Bielsa has not strengthened his defence, which has let him down on many occasions. This could haunt their season. Fernando Llorente and Javi Martinez are close to leaving the club. Bilbao have signed Aritz Aduriz with the hope that he can replicate the goal scoring efforts. Considering the fact that no defensive recruits have been made and that top stars will eventually leave, Bilbao have had a wreckage of a transfer window.
Rating : 5.5/102. Atletico Madrid
Christian Rodriguez needs to click again with former team mate Falcao to determine Atletico’s La Liga success
Total money spent : 1 million Euros
Total money recuperated : 21.5 million Euros
Atletico Madrid have lost as many as 18 players in the summer transfer window to loan deals or transfers. They sold exciting talents such as Eduardo Salvio, Alvaro Dominguez and Fran Merida. Experienced squad players like Jose Reyes, Diego Costa, Antono Lopez, Perea and Paolo Assuncao have also left the club. While Eduardo Salvio’s replacement, Christian Rodriguez, is good, the other players have not been replaced ably.
Rating : 5/10
3. Barcelona
Jordi Alba is the solution to Barcelona’s left back problems
Total money spent : 32 million Euros
Total money recuperated : 3.5 million Euros
Barcelona’s new era under Tito Vilanova has all been about setting the wrongs right after last season’s disappointing domestic campaign. The left back headache was solved by signing Jordi Alba from Valencia for a meagre sum of 12 million. Seydou Keita was replaced by Alexander Song, who can also step in at centre back. David Villa’s return will bring a sigh of relief to Barcelona. A brilliant transfer window for the Blaugrana means they are favourites to be European Champions for the fifth time.
Rating : 8.5/10
4. Malaga FC
Carlos Kameni is Malaga’s only high profile signing
Total money spent : None
Total money recuperated : 29.3 million Euros
Just when things were starting to look good for Malaga, after qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, they were given a financial setback. This meant that they had to make funds by selling players. They lost crucial players like Santi Cazorla, Salomon Rondon and Joris Mathijsen, who were instrumental in Malaga’s European qualification. Carlos Kameni was signed for free, and he adds experience to the side. Malaga looks weak to make it to the Champions League again.
Rating: 5/10
5. Real Madrid
The Croatian Magician is finally a Real Madrid player
Total money spent : 30 million Euros
Total money recuperated : 23 million Euros
Jose Mourinho got his summer long transfer target Luka Modric from Tottenham for 30 million Euros. With Xabi Alonso supposedly upset about his contact, Modric’s signing comes at the right time. Real Madrid also got rid of unnecessary players like Fernando Gago, Royston Drenthe, Hamit Altintop and Dani Carvajal. Nuri Sahin was sent on loan to Liverpool to make space for Modric. Real Madrid were inactive for large periods but got their main man again.
Rating: 7/10
6. Sevilla
Alberto Botia’s talent can come in handy for Sevilla’s European ambition
Total money spent : 20.2 million Euros
Total money recuperated : 9.2 million Euros
Sevilla were very active in the summer transfer window. Experienced defender Julian Escude was replaced by exciting defender Alberto Botia. Hedwiges Maduro was signed for free, reinforcing Sevilla’s defence. Diego Lopez was signed from Villareal strengthening the goalkeeper department. Reyes adds firepower to Sevilla’s wingplay. Sevilla, however failed to replaced Frederik Kanoute and Arouna Kone with a capable striker. The goal scoring burden is solely now on the shoulders of Alvaro Negredo.
Rating : 7/10
7. Valencia :
Joao Pereira is one of many high profile signings for Valencia
Total money spent : 15.7 million Euros
Total money recuperated : 21 million Euros
Valencia have clearly had the best summer transfer window among the La Liga clubs. Their signings were strong performers against Real Madrid. Jordi Alba’s sale was followed up by an immediate replacement in the form of Aly Cissokho. Joao Pereira’s signing strengthens their defence even more. Valencia strengthened their midfield with the signing of quality players like Fernando Gago, Andres Guardado and Sergio Canales. Aritz Aduriz was replaced by on loan striker Nelson Haedo Valdez. Valencia can provide a strong competition to Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Rating : 9/10
