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Christmas Shopping: Who Should Inter Buy?
Many hope for Christmas to come early, but in football, it comes a little late. What should Inter do in the January transfer window? Goal.com's Adam Scime investigates...
23-Dec-2008 3:57:37 PM
It is well documented that Inter president Massimo Moratti has spent an immense amount of money on his club over the years. The question right now is: Will the oil tycoon invest in January, and will coach Jose Mourinho ask him too?
The Adriano/Drogba Saga
At first it seemed that Mourinho and Adriano were in a potentially fruitful relationship as player and coach. Both credited one another for the work they were doing. However, that all went sour soon enough and Adriano is now linked with a move away from the club.
Currently, Adriano is recuperating in Brazil and who really knows if he will return to the club. The Portuguese tactician did make it clear though, that if Adriano does leave, he needs a replacement. Many reports have suggested that Chelsea’s Didier Drogba could be Moratti’s Christmas present to Inter fans. Mourinho has always regarded the Ivorian as ‘one of his players.’ So, the ex-Chelsea tactician would probably welcome the move if it occurred.
Hired Hitmen
Drogba’s arrival may not be imminent. Thus, the media has of course been filled with other options. A potential solution to Inter’s striking woes could be in the form of a player they already own. Robert Acquafresca is on loan at Cagliari and is considered one of the Azzurri stars of the future. A recall could be in order, but only if the Sardinians are able to secure the services of someone to take his place.
Meanwhile, Arsenal goal-scorer Emmanuel Adebayor is the most recent name to be linked. However, this seems more fantasy football than anything else.
The Problem Could Lie Elsewhere?
Some say Inter’s problem is not the lack of goal-scorers, but of goal creators in the centre of the pitch. Dejan Stankovic is an efficient player, but a straight-forward one. Creativity is not his greatest asset. Zinedine Zidane has long since retired, but would be the perfect fit.
Names associated with the Benemata midfield are Frankie Lampard (Chelsea), Alberto Aquilani (Roma), Gokhan Inler (Udinese), Marek Hamsik (Napoli), and Anderson (Manchester United).
A Good Defense Is A Solid Defense
You’d be hard pressed to find a better defense than Inter’s when everyone is healthy. The zippy Brazilian Maicon, Ivan Cordoba, Christian Chivu, Walter Samuel, Maxwell, Nicolas Burdisso, Nelson Rivas, and Marco Materazzi all give Inter plenty of options at the back. Thus, there are very few rumours circulating about the Nerazzurri back-line and it will likely see no changes.
Inter’s Christmas Shopping List
Likely List
In: No one
Out: Dacourt, Obinna, Crespo (50 percent chance), Adriano (50 percent chance)
Call me crazy, but I believe Inter will remain fairly quiet on the transfer front in the winter. The Drogba and Adebayor rumours are nice to hear. However, they are ineligible for the Champions League, which is where they would be needed this season. Thus, a move for the Ivory Coast or Togo international may not materialize until the summer, if at all. Another potential option would be recalling Acquafresca from his loan at Cagliari.
My guess is that now that Mourinho is using the two forward system, Mario Balotelli will definitely remain. Whether Crespo or Adriano could be on their way will depend on whether ‘The Special One’ feels he has enough firepower to mount a serious challenge on both the domestic and European front.
Victor Obinna has made it clear he needs more playing time. He was on his way to Everton in the summer, before a work permit was not granted in time. So perhaps, he will end up at Goodison Park after Christmas.
Despite not really making an impact since their arrivals this summer, Ricardo Quaresma and Mancini should remain.
My List
In: Acquafresca (Cagliari), and Aquilani (Roma) OR Hamsik (Napoli)
Out: Dacourt, Obinna, Jimenez, Adriano
It is becoming increasingly clear Adriano will never be happy here and will never reclaim his best form. So let’s send him on his way, if not now, then in the summer. Cruz and Crespo are well past their prime, but they can still contribute until the season is over.
In my view it is time Inter start looking towards the future. I would prefer Acquafresca be recalled and Inter part ways with players who clearly will play no part at the club. Obinna is a luxury that could be sent on loan or sold outright. Dacourt is unnecessary. Jimenez is scarcely used and is likely to go the way of David Pizarro.
One of Inter’s problems in recent years has always been creativity and a cutting edge from midfield. A great addition would be Napoli’s Marek Hamsik. However, Alberto Aquilani of Roma is more within reach, due to his ongoing contract negotiations. Jose Mourinho wouldn’t mind seeing either in black and blue.
Adam Scime, Goal.com
The Adriano/Drogba Saga
At first it seemed that Mourinho and Adriano were in a potentially fruitful relationship as player and coach. Both credited one another for the work they were doing. However, that all went sour soon enough and Adriano is now linked with a move away from the club.
Currently, Adriano is recuperating in Brazil and who really knows if he will return to the club. The Portuguese tactician did make it clear though, that if Adriano does leave, he needs a replacement. Many reports have suggested that Chelsea’s Didier Drogba could be Moratti’s Christmas present to Inter fans. Mourinho has always regarded the Ivorian as ‘one of his players.’ So, the ex-Chelsea tactician would probably welcome the move if it occurred.
Hired Hitmen
Drogba’s arrival may not be imminent. Thus, the media has of course been filled with other options. A potential solution to Inter’s striking woes could be in the form of a player they already own. Robert Acquafresca is on loan at Cagliari and is considered one of the Azzurri stars of the future. A recall could be in order, but only if the Sardinians are able to secure the services of someone to take his place.
Meanwhile, Arsenal goal-scorer Emmanuel Adebayor is the most recent name to be linked. However, this seems more fantasy football than anything else.
The Problem Could Lie Elsewhere?
Some say Inter’s problem is not the lack of goal-scorers, but of goal creators in the centre of the pitch. Dejan Stankovic is an efficient player, but a straight-forward one. Creativity is not his greatest asset. Zinedine Zidane has long since retired, but would be the perfect fit.
Names associated with the Benemata midfield are Frankie Lampard (Chelsea), Alberto Aquilani (Roma), Gokhan Inler (Udinese), Marek Hamsik (Napoli), and Anderson (Manchester United).
A Good Defense Is A Solid Defense
You’d be hard pressed to find a better defense than Inter’s when everyone is healthy. The zippy Brazilian Maicon, Ivan Cordoba, Christian Chivu, Walter Samuel, Maxwell, Nicolas Burdisso, Nelson Rivas, and Marco Materazzi all give Inter plenty of options at the back. Thus, there are very few rumours circulating about the Nerazzurri back-line and it will likely see no changes.
Inter’s Christmas Shopping List
Likely List
In: No one
Out: Dacourt, Obinna, Crespo (50 percent chance), Adriano (50 percent chance)
Call me crazy, but I believe Inter will remain fairly quiet on the transfer front in the winter. The Drogba and Adebayor rumours are nice to hear. However, they are ineligible for the Champions League, which is where they would be needed this season. Thus, a move for the Ivory Coast or Togo international may not materialize until the summer, if at all. Another potential option would be recalling Acquafresca from his loan at Cagliari.
My guess is that now that Mourinho is using the two forward system, Mario Balotelli will definitely remain. Whether Crespo or Adriano could be on their way will depend on whether ‘The Special One’ feels he has enough firepower to mount a serious challenge on both the domestic and European front.
Victor Obinna has made it clear he needs more playing time. He was on his way to Everton in the summer, before a work permit was not granted in time. So perhaps, he will end up at Goodison Park after Christmas.
Despite not really making an impact since their arrivals this summer, Ricardo Quaresma and Mancini should remain.
My List
In: Acquafresca (Cagliari), and Aquilani (Roma) OR Hamsik (Napoli)
Out: Dacourt, Obinna, Jimenez, Adriano
It is becoming increasingly clear Adriano will never be happy here and will never reclaim his best form. So let’s send him on his way, if not now, then in the summer. Cruz and Crespo are well past their prime, but they can still contribute until the season is over.
In my view it is time Inter start looking towards the future. I would prefer Acquafresca be recalled and Inter part ways with players who clearly will play no part at the club. Obinna is a luxury that could be sent on loan or sold outright. Dacourt is unnecessary. Jimenez is scarcely used and is likely to go the way of David Pizarro.
One of Inter’s problems in recent years has always been creativity and a cutting edge from midfield. A great addition would be Napoli’s Marek Hamsik. However, Alberto Aquilani of Roma is more within reach, due to his ongoing contract negotiations. Jose Mourinho wouldn’t mind seeing either in black and blue.
Adam Scime, Goal.com
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