Records Set to Tumble
Transfer Records Set to Tumble
The season may have only just ended but there has already been a flurry of activity behind the scenes at many of Europe's top clubs.
In recent years many of the biggest summer deals have been completed in the closing days and even hours of the transfer window. Yet with more and more clubs being taken over by billionaire businessmen there seems to be an urgency to get new players in while they're still available.
Premier League newcomers Birmingham City are the latest team to get involved in the action, after signing Ecuador striker Christian Benitez for a club record fee. It's unlike to be the last transfer record that is broken this summer.
Unsurprisingly it was Manchester City that completed the first big deal, although few expected it to involve Gareth Barry. The former Aston Villa captain had been widely expected to sign for Liverpool but with the promise of more big names to come, Barry has instead opted for City in a deal worth £12million.
With a near limitless transfer budget, Manchester City are one of footballs newest financial powerhouses but while money does talk not everybody listens. During the last transfer window City's want to sign Kaka was relentless but despite a reported wage offer of a mammoth £500,000 a week, the Brazilian decided to stay at AC Milan.
While Kaka may have been left unimpressed by City's millions, the prospect of a move to Real Madrid is a different matter entirely. Although they have struggled of late, Madrid remain arguably the most famous name in world football. Keen to maintain that reputation, they too have come sprinting out of the blocks this summer and are on the verge of agreeing a £56million deal for the 27 year old.
With so much money floating around and an absence of a major International tournament, this summer could be one of the busiest ever in the transfer market. There may be a recession going on in the outside world but in the world of football it's boom time.
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