Expert Opinion
South American stars on the Premier League radar
South America’s reputation for providing exciting young footballers means that when these starlets are linked with Premier League clubs, fans tend to get pretty excited. So what can Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle and Tottenham fans expect if these rumours become a reality?
André Villas-Boas’ Chelsea have been regularly linked with River Plate youngster Lucas Ocampos, with the most recent rumours mentioning a £6million move for the talented winger. His tall frame, allied with his fiendish dribbling and lightning pace, have seen him draw comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo more than with his fellow Argentine, Leo Messi, and the Portuguese forward is Ocampos’ self-confessed idol. While he is undoubtedly talented, it’s worth remembering he has never played above the Argentine second division, and River would never accept an offer as low as £6million from Chelsea for the 17 year old.
Manchester United have been linked with a whole host of playmakers since the breakdown of Wesley Sneijder’s transfer in August, and while Nicolas Gaitán was the most recent name, Independiente’s Patricio Rodriguez has been a regular rumour that refuses to go away. While his compatriot Gaitán would be expected to fetch Benfica close to £30million, Rodriguez would be available for somewhere between £8-10million and is exactly what you’d expect from an Argentine playmaker. His slight frame and low centre of gravity are twinned with electric speed on the ball, and an eye for a pass. His ‘golazo’ against Olimpo last year demonstrates his phenomenal balance and agility, and he truly represents a value alternative to Gaitán’s bumper price tag. ‘Patito’ as Rodriguez is known, can also operate from wide, and would give Sir Alex Ferguson another creative option when Man Utd are struggling to break down their opposition.
Watch this clip of Man Utd target Rodriguez in action
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp seemed to put to bed rumours of a swoop for Brazil playmaker Paulo Henrique ‘Ganso’ (pictured above) this month by claiming he had never heard of the midfielder. But new information suggests that chief scout Ian Broomfield – the driving force behind Sandro’s £8million transfer from Internacional – has now recommended Ganso to his boss, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy seemingly keen on a £15million transfer. Playing a key role in Santos’ Copa Libertadores win (the South American equivalent of the Champions League), Ganso is a national team regular and will form a key part of Brazil’s 2014 World Cup side. He has previously stated a desire to move to Italy when he leaves, and this seems a move that would suit the lanky playmaker’s style. His trademark perfectly weighted, defence-splitting passes helped Neymar and Borges fire Santos to glory, and could well be on show at White Hart Lane in the future. This move looks unlikely to happen until June at the earliest though, with the player keen to stay for Santos’ centenary celebrations, and Levy desperate not to disrupt his club’s momentum.
Newcastle United’s search for a striker has hardly been low profile, and despite the form of Demba Ba, the Magpies know that they will need a top-quality partner for him if they are to sneak a European place this season. Modibo Maïga’s move from Sochaux fell through, and Mevlut Erding seems unlikely to join from Paris Saint-Germain, but long-time Newcastle target Facundo Ferreyra is still on their radar. Rising to prominence with Argentina’s under-20 side, the Banfield striker is a tall, yet mobile forward who can finish with both feet. Still young, ‘chucky’ will grow into a target man role with age, but his raw talent has got him on the Premier League radar and interestingly, he shares an agent (Marcelo Lombilla) with Toon captain Fabricio Coloccini.
Watch this clip of Newcastle target Ferreyra in action
(Watch as he receives the ball with his back to goal, turns, and drives past two defenders before an inch-perfect finish on his weaker left foot)
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Read more of Ed Malyon’s thoughts on South American football at Valderramarma.com, a website he edits. You can follow Ed on Twitter @eaamalyon
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