Eric Gomez: Giovani dos Santos' move to Mallorca sure to reap fruits for El Tri
A joint sigh of relief had to have been simultaneously heard throughout North America on transfer deadline day when it was announced that Giovani dos Santos would join Mallorca, and not say, Inter or Sevilla.
While that might seem like a strange assertion, consider this: Dos Santos is so well-regarded in the European circle that despite four seasons of mostly warming the bench for Tottenham, he was still on the radar of several top teams. However, it’s pretty unlikely to assume that the 23-year-old would have been asked to instantly step in and unquestionably start for high-end teams.
No, what Dos Santos needs more than any one player on Mexico’s national team radar is minutes. While the prospect of donning a fabled jersey like Inter’s or playing for a constant Champions League threat like Sevilla might seem great at first, it’s that type of thinking that put Giovani in the prison cell known as White Hart lane for a four-year sentence.
Consistency did wonders for fellow Premier League escapee Carlos Vela when the former Gunner joined Real Sociedad on loan (and later, permanently) in 2011. Today, Giovani can probably be described as overjoyed knowing full well he’ll have a chance to shine for perennial mid-table side Mallorca.
All signs point to Dos Santos being an unquestionable starter for Joaquin Caparros’ side as soon as the injury he picked up in Olympic play quits nagging him. Add to that the mountain-sized chip on Giovani’s shoulder for being told time and again in England that he wasn’t good enough to be a starter. Now, Dos Santos actually has a manager that wants him around. According to Caparros and team VP Lorenzo Serra Ferrer, Tottenham’s loss is definitely Mallorca’s gain.
Easily the team’s biggest coup in the recently ended transfer window, the U-17 World Champion in 2005 now has a chance to make up for lost time and put his career back on track at a still young age, in a perfect situation. Just as his attorney, Vicente Montes noted, the Spanish league suits Gio’s style far better than the Premier League ever did. The drop in media attention and consequent lax pressure from supporters at the Iberostar Stadium will create a looser environment for the player and allow for a learning curve.
WELBECK SAID; VAN PERSIE WILL HELP MAN U CHALLENGE FOR THE TITLE IN THE UP COMING EPL
Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck is confident that the signing of Robin van Persie will improve the club's chances of winning the Premier League.The Dutchman scored 30 league goals last season, helping Arsenal to secure third place and a Champions League spot. But, with only a year left on his contract, the Gunners captain publicly announced in July that he would not be extending his deal, leading the north Londoners to decide to cash in. Manchester City had been the early favorites, but Welbeck is thrilled that the Red Devils are set to seal his signature, after he underwent a medical on Thursday evening.
The England forward told talkSPORT: "We're all delighted (for the coming of Van Persie in Man United) . He's a world class striker and he's got major ability. He can change games, score goals and create them also. He's only going to help us in the title race."
WENGER SAID; ARSENAL HAD NO CHOISE BUT TO SELL VAN PERSIE TO OLD TRAFFORD
Arsene Wenger claims he had no option but to accept Manchester United's bid for Robin Van Persie, with the striker in the final year of his contract.
Van Persie announced his intention to leave Arsenal last month after being disillusioned with future plans for the club, and Wenger told TF1 the club had “no choice” but to cash in or run the risk of losing the striker for nothing next summer.
"It's sad to lose a player of his quality. He had a year left on his contract so we didn't have the choice." he said.
When asked by TF1 whether he will recruit another player to replace Van Persie, Wenger replied: "We already recruited to replace him.”
The north London club has spent big in the summer transfer window so far, with forwards Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud joining from Koln and Montpellier respectively for a reported combined total of around 25 million euros. Santi Cazorla is another recent addition from Malaga for a reported 19 million euros.
Van Persie will travel to Old Trafford on Thursday to undergo a medical and finalize personal terms ahead of putting pen to paper
Wenger kaitoa arsenal kwenye mbio za ubingwa..je,i ni sahihi?
Arsene Wenger conceded his Arsenal side are now out of the title race after defeat by Manchester City.
The 1-0 loss leaves the Gunners 12 points behind the leaders in fifth place in the Premier League.
Wenger had hoped to use the game to close the gap at the top and look to overhaul the sides above arsenal in the second half of the season.
But he was quoted as saying by his club's official website: "Unfortunately for us it was a game that we couldn't afford to lose because it puts us too much [behind City].
"I think it was a game that could have gone both ways. It was very intense with both teams going for it and I feel as well that we were a bit unlucky."
"If we had won the game we would have come back to six points and with players coming back like our full-backs and wilshere and [Abou] Diaby - we will have a better squad in the second half of the season.
"At the moment we are too far behind.
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