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Top 10 European Transfers of the Summer

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The transfer window has closed for another 4 months, and brings with it an end to all the rumors and speculations. It has been a relatively quiet summer, unlike recent years where mega deals were signed. Manchester City and Real Madrid were the busiest Clubs in the summer, with City signing a large number of player including the likes of Yaya Toure, David Silva and Mario Balotelli. The rest of Europe chose to display thrift in times of austerity. But there wasn't a shortage of exciting moves, even if the money on offer wasn't as awe-inspiring as seasons past. Here is a look at our Top 10 European transfers of the summer of 2010:

1) David Villa (Valencia to: Barcelona, €40million)

Fact File:

david_villa_barcelona.jpgAge: 28
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Sporting Gijón (2001-2003), Real Zaragoza (2003-2005), Valencia (2005-2010)

Goals/Appearance: Internationals 43/65, Sporting Gijón 38/80, Real Zaragoza 32/73, Valencia 107/166

Club Honours:

Real Zaragoza: Copa Del Rey 2004, Supercopa de España 2004
Valencia: Copa Del Rey 2008
Barcelona: Supercopa de España 2010
International: UEFA European Football Championship 2008, FIFA World Cup 2010

Individual Honours:
Don Balón Award (Spanish Player of the Year): 2005-06
Zarra Trophy: 2005-06, 2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10
Valencia Top Scorer: 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10
UEFA Euro 2008 Top Scorer

Strengths: Goal-poacher, Two-footed

Weakness: Lacks pace, Not effective as target man/ lone striker

Expected Contribution: Barcelona are already blessed with an amazing array of attacking talent, but they needed a top quality striker who can guarantee 30 goals a season. Zlatan Ibrahimovic had an indifferent first season and has been offloaded to AC Milan and with Thiery Henry joining the New York Red Bulls, Villa can expect to start most of the games. A major share of Barcelona's goals will be shared between Lionel Messi and Villa. (read more)

2) David Silva (Valencia to Manchester City, €32million)

david_silva.jpgFact File:

Age: 24
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Valencia (2004-10)
Goals/Appearance: Valencia 21/119

Career Honors:

Valencia: Cope Del Rey: 2008

International: UEFA U-18 European Championship 2004, UEFA European Championship 2008, FIFA World Cup 2010

Strengths: Movement, Versatility, Strong left-foot, Great touch

Weakness: Will take time to get accustomed to the physicality of English football

Expected Contribution:Manchester City have bought tons of players over the summer but Silva ranks as the most talented of the lot. He'll take some time to adjust to the physicality and speed of the Premiership, especially the harsh English winter. His versatility will ensure he plays a vital part in City's campaign while his European experience will come in handy in the Europa League. (read more)

3) Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen to Real Madrid, €22million)

mesut_oezil.jpgFact File:

Age: 21
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Schalke (2006-08), Werder Bremen (2008-10)
Goals/ Appearance: Schalke 0/30, Werder Bremen 13/71

Career Honours:

Werder Bremen: DFB Cup 2009

International: UEFA European U-18 Championship 2009, FIFA World Cup Third Place 2010

Strengths: Surging runs from midfield, Strong Left-foot

Weakness: Not the finished article yet, lack of goals

Expected Contribution: The German will play a vital role in the Real Madrid midfield, providing the link between defence and attack. In the absence of Kaka, who is out for 3 months with a knee injury, Jose Mourinho will look to Ozil to fill the attacking role in midfield. Madrid will have to play exceptionally to displace Barcelona as the top team in Spain, so the new signings, including Ozil, Angel Di Maria and Sami Khedira will have to step up to the plate quickly to help Madrid achieve their goals. (read more)

4) Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux to Lyon, €22million)

Fact File:

yoann_gour.jpgAge: 24
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Rennes (2003-06), AC Milan (2006-09), Bordeaux (Loan, 2008-09), Bordeaux (2009-19)
Goals/Appearance: Rennes 6/66, AC Milan 1/36, Bordeaux (Loan) 12/37, Bordeaux 6/32

Career Honours:

Rennes: Coupe Gambardella 2003
Milan: UEFA Champions League 2007, UEFA Super Cup 2007, FIFA Club World Cup 2007,
Bordeaux: Ligue 1 2008-09, Coupe de la Ligue 2009, Trophée Des Champions: 2008, 2009,

International: UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship: 2005

Individual:
Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2008-09
Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2008-09, 2009-10
Ligue 1 Goal of the Year: 2008-09
France Football French Player of the Year: 2009
UNFP Player of the Month: March 2006, April 2009

Strengths: Passing, Goals, Movement

Weakness: Lack of Consistency

Expected Contribution : The French playmaker has shown glimpses of his talent in the last couple of years at Bordeaux and he'll be hoping that at Lyon he can finally turn into the complete player. He will be an integral part in a Lyon side that's looking to reclaim the title after two barren years. His amazing movement, passing vision and threat he poses from set pieces sets him apart.

5) Simon Kjaer (Palermo to Wolfsburg, €10million)

Fact File:

Age: 21
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: Midtjylland (2007-08), Palermo (2008-10)
Goals/Appearance: Midtjylland 0/19, Palermo 6/62

Career Honours:

Club: None

Individual: Danish U/19 Player of the Year 2007, Danish Talent of the Year 2009

Strengths: Tall, Physically strong

Weakness: Lack of maturity

Expected Contribution:There are very few young center backs in Europe who can claim to be as talented as Simon Kjaer. The Dane has the height, physical presence and concentration required of a center back. The 21 year old needs time to convert his abundant talent into the finished article. He was a regular starter at Palermo and will look to seal a spot in the starting line up at Wolfsburg. The Bundesliga offers a great challenge to any defender, especially with its pace and physicality, so Kjaer will be looking forward to developing into one of the most feared center backs in the world.

6) Marouane Chamakh (Bordeaux to Arsenal, free)

marouane_chamakh.jpgFact File:

Age: 26
Nationality: Moroccan
Former Clubs: Bordeaux (2003-10)
Goals/Appearance: Bordeaux 56/230

Career Honours:

Bordeaux: Ligue 1 2008-09, Coupe de la Ligue 2007, 2009, Trophée Des Champions 2008, 2009,

International: Africa Cup of Nations Silver Medal 2004

Individual: Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2009-10

Strengths: Aerial ability, Physical presence

Weakness: Lack of Pace, Not a prolific scorer

Expected Contribution: Arsenal have finally got a tall and physical centre forward who can give them another dimension in attack. Arsenal play a very fluid system and the addition of Chamakh will give them a target man who can hold the ball up and bring the flair men into play. 15 odd goals this season would be considered a successful one for the Moroccan and with Robin Van Persie's constant injury worries he can expect to be a regular starter. (read more)

7) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona to AC Milan, loan)

zlatan_ibrahimovic_2.jpgFact File:

Age:29
Nationality: Swedish
Former Clubs: Malmo FF (1999-2001), Ajax (2001-04), Juventus (2004-06), Inter Milan (2006-09), Barcelona (2009-10)
Goals/Appearance Malmo 16/40, Ajax 49/109, Juventus 23/69, Inter Milan 57/88, Barcelona 16/29

Career Honours:

Ajax: Eredivisie: 2001-02, 2003-04, KNVB Cup: 2001-02, Johan Cruijff Shield: 2003
Inter Milan: Serie A: 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, Supercoppa Italiana: 2006, 2008
Barcelona: La Liga: 2009-10, Supercopa de España: 2009, 2010, UEFA Super Cup: 2009, FIFA Club World Cup: 2009

Individual:
Serie A Top Scorer: 2009
Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year: 2005, 2008, 2009
Serie A Footballer of the Year: 2008, 2009
Guldbollen: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009
UEFA Team of the Year: 2007, 2009
Swedish Male Athlete of the Year: 2007, 2010

Strengths: Dribbling ability, Great first touch, Vision

Weakness: Not a team player, Attitude in question, Lack of work ethic

Expected Contribution : The Swede had an indifferent season with Barcelona and has returned to Italy. AC Milan have been struggling in the last few years, largely due to their inability to replace their aging stars. Ibrahimovic can play as a target man, with Alexander Pato playing off him. The Italian style of play will suit his languid approach. This might be his last chance to shine in the top Leagues and he'll have to perform consistently to make an impression. (read more)

8) Mario Balotelli (Inter Milan to Manchester City, €28million)

mario_balotelli.jpgFact File:

Age: 20
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Lumezzane (2005-06), Inter Milan (2006-10)
Goals/ Appearance: Lumezzane 0/2, Inter Milan 20/59

Career Honours:
Inter Milan: Serie A: 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, Coppa Italia: 2010, Supercoppa Italiana: 2008, UEFA Champions League: 2010

Strengths: Pace, physical strength, free kick

Weakness: Temperamental, Not a team player

Expected Contribution: The controversial Italian striker is undoubtedly talented but his temperament and attitude have left question marks hanging over his career. He has the speed and physicality required to survive in the Premier League. Roberto Mancini worked with the young striker during his tenure as Inter Milan's manager and will play a vital role in the development of his personality. Balotelli will be fighting for his spot with a host of other attacking player at Eastlands, so he must grab every opportunity he gets. He's got goals in him and with the right state of mind he can go on to become one of the star players in world football. (read more)

9) Angel Di Maria (Benfica To: Real Madrid, €25million)

angel_di_maria.jpg

Fact File:

Age: 22
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Roasario Central (2005-07), Benfica (2007-10)
Goals/Appearance: Rosario Central 6/35, Benfica 7/76

Career Honours:

Benfica: Portuguese Liga: 2009-10, Portuguese League Cup: 2008-09, 2009-10

International: FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2007, Summer Olympics: 2008

Strengths: Pace, Versatility, Eye for Goal

Weakness: Lack of maturity, Physical strength in question

Expected Contribution: Angel Di Maria is one of the most exciting prospects in Europe at the moment. He can play on either wing or behind the striker and with great pace he can go on to become a great player at Real Madrid. Playing for Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeau is a huge jump from playing for Benfica in the Portuguese League and only time will tell if he can deliver under pressure. (read more)

10) Diego Ribas da Cunha (Juventus to Wolfsburg, €15.5million)

Fact File:

Age: 25
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Santos (2002-04), Porto (2004-06), Werder Bremen (2006-09), Juventus (2009-10)
Goals/Appearance: Santos 21/64, Porto 4/49, Werder Bremen 38/84, Juventus 5/33

Career Honours:

Santos: Campeonato Brasileiro 2002
Porto: Portuguese Supercup 2004, Intercontinental Cup 2004, Portuguese Liga 2006
Werder Bremen: German League Cup 2006, German Cup 2009

International: South American Under 17 Championship 2001, Copa América: 2004, 2007, Olympic Bronze Medalist 2008

Strengths: Powerful right-foot, Long range shots, Movement

Weakness: Lack of consistency

Expected Contribution:The Brazilian has been on the move constantly over the last few years and will be looking to finally settle down at one club. He displayed his best form at Werder Bremen, playing a vital part in their midfield. He drives on from midfield to link up with the forwards and can also play behind the striker. He possesses a powerful right-foot and Steve McClaren will be hoping he can catapult Wolfsburg to success.

(Click here for our European Rumours Section)

File Photographs CopyrightOemar (Villa), Howard Mattinson (Silva), Luiginter (Balotelli), Ryu Voelkel (Ozil & Gourcuff), José Goulão (Di Maria), Tsutomu Takasu (Ibrahimovic)

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