And breathe. Deadline day is over and, while Jim White may have found reason to sound excited about every done deal, we’ve sifted through the bones of the completed business to pick out some of the most significant to Fantasy managers.
Konstantinos Mitroglou – Olympiakos to Fulham
A true marquee signing for the Cottagers, Mitroglou is one of Europe’s in-form marksmen having struck 23 goals in 26 appearances so far this term for his national side and Olympiakos. While that record speaks for itself, the reported £12.5 million signing represents a roll of the dice from Rene Meulensteen, as Fulham scrap for survival. On a relatively uneventful deadline day, the Greek striker stands out as a possible emerging Fantasy prospect but, as always, the pricing is key to his appeal. We’d wager we’ll see Mitroglou come in around the 8.0 mark in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and, should he hit the ground running, we’re likely to take notice from Gameweek 30 onwards with Fulham welcoming Newcastle, Norwich, Hull and Palace to West London for their run-in. Look out for an in-depth Scout Report on Mitroglou early next week.
Lewis Holtby – Tottenham to Fulham
An intriguing move by Rene Meulensteen, who looks to have replaced the mercurial and unpredictable talents of Adel Taarabt with those of the versatile German. It’s fair to say that Holtby has struggled to impose himself at White Hart Lane having been denied a consistent run of starts and defined role. Although a move back to Germany was reportedly his first option, Holtby is now looking to make an impact at the Cottage. His agent has stated that his client will get to play in his “favourite position” which, given the player’s previous claims, suggests he’ll be deployed in central midfield or even in front of the back four alongside Scott Parker. Hardly an exciting Fantasy prospect, then, compounded by his 6.2 FPL price tag.
Wilfred Zaha – Man United to Cardiff
One of many transfer window moves from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and, potentially, the most significant for Fantasy managers. Zaha has been frozen out at United but the move to South Wales is an opportunity for the former Palace starlet to revive his reputation. Zaha will even feel he can use it as a platform to make a late run-up for the plane to Brazil. That might be ambitious but Fantasy managers would do well to monitor this one – Zaha will be deployed on the flank but he’s a big direct threat to the opponents goal which could see him offer real value for his modest price tag (5.4 FPL, 4.9 in Sky Sports (SS) and 1.5 in Dream Team (DT)). Look out for our Moving Target analysis soon.
Fabio – Man United to Cardiff
Another shrewd looking move from Solskjaer and another raid on his former club. Fabio has rarely threatened to match his brother, Rafael’s, achievements at Old Trafford but the switch to Cardiff offers him a new chance to shine. The Bluebirds have themselves a left-back with strong attacking tendencies who could well combine well with Noone or Zaha. His 4.1 FPL price tag looks interesting given that we’ve seen Ben Turner and Mark Hudson alternate of late alongside Steven Caulker. Fabio would seem assured of his start and, if he can show attacking potential, could tempt investment given a fixture list that has Cardiff face Villa, Fulham and Hull in their next three home matches.
Kim Kallstrom – Spartak Moscow to Arsenal
Once a legend of Championship Manager, now a fully-fledged Premier League player. Arsene Wenger has been pushed into doing deadline day business by Aaron Ramsey’s recent setback and ongoing injury concerns surrounding Jack Wilshere’s ankle. Kallstrom arrives as a midfield reinforcement, then, providing cover on the left of centre or on the flank. The Swede has a left-foot hammer and goals in his locker, with a mean direct free-kick at his disposal. First and foremost, however, Kallstrom is a solid performer and an effective link man who rarely concedes possession: Wenger’s preferred flavour of player. It’s doubtful whether this can all translate to Kallstrom being an Fantasy asset – the price tag will dictate matters and, with Ramsey sidelined, we’ll likely need him to come in around the 7.0 mark for the Swede to rouse any real interest.
Tom Ince – Blackpool to Crystal Palace
The winger’s move to Selhurst Park will put Fantasy managers on alert with Ince a proven source of assists and goals at Championship level. Having missed out on a loan deal for Wilfred Zaha, the capture of his England U21 team-mate on loan could prove a major coup for Tony Pulis as he looks to strengthen his attacking options. With Jason Puncheon completing a permanent deal and Joe Ledley set to arrive from Celtic, Palace suddenly offer a trio of options from midfield who have the potential to provide goals and tempt Fantasy investment. Ince’s price will be of huge interest given the recent contribution from Puncheon – should he come in under 6.0 in the FPL, we could see plenty of investment in a player who scored 18 goals from 45 starts last season and 7 strikes from 22 outings this. Meanwhile, Palace also sealed the signing of Scott Dann from Blackburn for an undisclosed fee – a less positive move from a Fantasy perspective which is likely to create uncertainty within Pulis’ defence.
