FIFA: 5 Attack-Minded Transfer Targets for Summer 2013
June 30, 2013 10:43 pm EDT by
Summer 2013 Transfer Window
As we anticipate the arrival of July 1, the day that marks the opening of the summer transfer window, we shall mull over players who are most likely moving. The transfer window has always produced shockers, overpriced busts, underpriced glories, amongst other things. This may be the one time out of the year where "gossip" is socially accepted and players will be associated with a bunch of teams making it unclear where these pieces actually end up.
The month is exciting and represents a sort of chase for who can snag the hidden talent, the young starlet, the legend, the superstar, or the most wanted. There will be winners, losers and teams that act "suspect" through the course of the two months, but money will be collected and given out by the minute.
Some people don't understand what the "transfer window" really represents so with that lets get a basic idea.
The transfer window is the period during the year in which a football club can transfer players from other countries into their playing staff. Such a transfer is completed by registering the player into the new club through FIFA. "Transfer window" is the unofficial term commonly used by the media for the concept of "registration period" as described in the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Player. According to the rules, each national football association decides on the time (such as the dates) of the 'window', but it may not exceed 12 weeks. The second registration period occurs during the season and may not exceed four weeks.
With that being said, here are my five attack-minded players who will most noticeably be featured as rumors or solid transfers in the summer 2013 transfer window.
Gonzalo Higuain
Gonzalo Higuain is one of the top names that could be switching teams this coming summer. With Real Madrid looking to off-load him and being happy with Benzema in the strikers position, Higuain becomes expendable and a chance for Real to make some profit. Originally bought for 12 million in 2007, Higuain will fetch at least 15 million. He has a knack for scoring with 107 goals in 187 appearances thus wherever he goes he will be a sure fire starter and goal producer. Arsenal seems the most likely as they try to create a 1-2 combo of Higuain and Rooney if the Manchester United superstar becomes available.
Luka Modric
After having a sub-par season at the Bernabeau, it seems Real Madrid is ready to offload Modric. I foresaw him being a bust over there because I think he needed another superstar type quality year with Tottenham to signify his worthiness of a big money move like the one Real paid for him. I think the Spanish Giants will be taking a loss on Modric in a effort to just get him out of there. In terms of teams, a return to Tottenham, or the EPL in general seems the most likely.
Edin Dzeko
Seems likely that Dzeko could be snapped up by any number of clubs. A return to his former Bundesliga may be in order, or a possible Inter Milan switch. You can count on him being in any rumors surrounding teams that need strikers. I could see him staying in the EPL as a very likely outcome mainly because a lot of teams would be looking to buy Manchester City's extras at decent prices. At 6-foot-4, Dzeko is a lethal threat in the air and shows characteristics of natural striker.
Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski has been rumored with a slew of teams but Bayern Munich and Manchester United have arguably been the most talked about to land the Poland international's services. At only 24 years of age, Lewandowski has a Van Persie-esque ability netting 54 league goals in 98 league appearances since joining in 2010.
David Villa
Villa is my favorite out of the bunch because he is a prolific attacker and doesn't seem to have lost a step regardless of his recent injuries. I mean, sure, he is going to turn 32 this December, but he just recently netted a hat trick in the FIFA Confederations Cup for Spain and reassured in my mind that he is one of the top forwards/winger able players going! Since joining Barcelona in 2010, he has scored 33 league goals in 77 appearances limited because of injury in 2011-2012. He had 10 league goals in 28 starts this past season but look for him to come out even more refreshed wherever he lands. Arsenal are the most likely and most talked about destination. Maybe a reunion with Guardiola at Bayern could be in the cards?
