Window Watch – The Club by Club Impact

The dust may have settled on a busy deadline day but the shrill tones of Jim White still rings loud in our ears like a super-charged bout of tinnitus. In the end, Wednesday proved to be full of twists, turns and disappointments in equal measure, with no real bank-busting marquee signings to sign off August in spectacular fashion.

Indeed, many of the “non-transfers” have proved to be as significant as the ones that did go through. Carlos Tevez staying at Man City only adds to the up-front rotation, while Wesley Sneijder’s stay at Inter Milan boosts the Fantasy potential of the likes of Anderson and Tom Cleverley at Man United. Further south, Daniel Levy’s refusal to budge over Luka Modric also affects our thinking, from both a Chelsea and Tottenham perspective.

Of the transfers that did go through, Mikel Arteta’s move to Arsenal moves the playmaker straight onto our Fantasy radars, while Chelsea’s surprise swoop for Raul Meireles also looks like offering strong potential, providing he can find a way into Andre Villas-Boas’ starting XI, of course.

Here’s our rundown on the final frenetic day of transfer activity and how they should impact on the Fantasy season ahead:

Arsenal

In – Andre Santos, Per Mertesacker, Chu Young Park, Mikel Arteta, Yossi Benayoun (season-long loan)

Out – Nicklas Bendtner (season-long loan), Armand Traore

Man United’s 8-2 Old Trafford hammering may prove to be beneficial in the long run for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger was nudged out of his transfer slumber and immediately moved to bolster his defence. Andre Santos will look to claim the left-back slot, with Kieran Gibbs dropping down our Fantasy radars, while the giant Per Mertesacker will surely partner Thomas Vermaelen in the heart of the Gunners defence- bad news for the likes of Johan Djourou, Laurent Koscielny and Sebastian Squillacci who set to be reduced to cameo roles.

From a Fantasy perspective, Mikel Arteta is the big one. A mid-price option (8.0 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), he looks a bargain if – as expected – Wenger gives him the role behind Robin Van Persie, with Alex Song and Jack Wilshere providing reinforcement in the holding roles. The Fantasy prospects of Aaron Ramsey look reduced as a result, particularly if Emmanuel Frimpong is used alongside Song whilst Wilshere continues his recovery.

Yossi Benayoun will stay low in our Fantasy thinking – similar to his Chelsea situation, he’s unlikely to be nailed-on and will battle it out with the likes of Andrei Arshavin as an impact sub. Park will give Gervinho and Theo Walcott some competition out wide and can even play up front – handy when Gervinho and Marouanne Chamakh head off to the African Cup of Nations in January, particularly with Nicklas Bendtner now at Sunderland on loan.

Fantasy Impact – High

Aston Villa

In – Alan Hutton, Jermaine Jenas (season-long loan)
Out – None

The arrival of Alan Hutton fills the void left by Luke Young’s departure to QPR. McLeish knows the player well and would seem likely to oust young Chris Herd from the role, despite his impressive display against Wolves. Hutton is available at 5.0 in the FPL, the same price as Stephen Warnock with arguably a greater attacking threat – an alternative for those who have refused Shay Given in goal and the more expensive option of James Collins. Jenas meanwhile, will presumably compete for starts in Villa’s midfield three although, right now, Stylian Petrov, Fabian Delph and Charles N’Zogbia are in the box seat.

Fantasy Impact – Low

Blackburn

In – Scott Dann, Yakubu, Jordan Slew
Out – None

Steve Kean made potentially two of the more astute signings on deadline day, with the capture of Birmingham’s Scott Dann and Everton powerhouse striker Yakubu. The latter is a proven goalscorer at the top level who could thrive on the service from the likes of Junior Hoilett and Morten Gamst-Pedersen. Dann meanwhile, was a standout performer for Birmingham last term and looks set to form a formidable barrier alongside Chris Samba. Ryan Nelsen’s appearances are surely set to be cut then, while Yakubu is likely to oust Jason Roberts if he can remain fit. The transfer of Jordan Slew, Sheffield United’s 18 year-old striker was pushed through at the death but he seems unlikely to make the breakthough to regular first team run-outs this term.

Fantasy Impact – Medium

Bolton

In– David N’Gog , Gael Kakuta (loan until January), Dedryk Boyata (season-long loan)
Out – None

None of Owen Coyle’s three late window arrivals look like guaranteed starters. With Ivan Klasnic scoring in all of the Trotters’ first three games, N’Gog will have a battle on his hands to earn a starting role. Add Tuncay to the mix and with Kevin Davies a permanent fixture up front, the Frenchman’s start is by no means guaranteed. Long-term however, a Davies/N’Gog partnership seems likely.

Kakuta arrivies on loan from Chelsea to offer Martin Petrov and Chris Eagles competition for the flank roles – not great news for Fantasy managers eyeing up a dabble with Bolton’s wide men once their fixture list brightens up. The non-transfer of Gary Cahill lessens Dedryck Boyata’s chances of first-team action, though Coyle has stated he sees the defender as an option right across his rearguard.

Fantasy Impact – Low

Chelsea

In – Raul Meireles
Out – Gael Kakuta (loan until January), Patrick Van Aanholt, Yossi Benayoun (both season-long loans)

Wednesday was more about the deals that failed to materialise at Stamford Bridge. The pursuit of Luka Modric proved fruitless, despite claims by Harry Redknapp they had tabled a £40m bid prior to the closure of the window.

The expected deal for Alvaro Pereira also fell through, leaving a late move for Raul Meireles – a player Andre Villas-Boas sold upon his arrival at Porto- as their only acquisition. Priced at 7.5 by FPL, Meireles should provide competition for Ramires in the Chelsea central area and, with a far greater goal threat, could be a potential bargain. We’ll keep him on the radar and wait for the Villas-Boas teamsheet.

Fantasy Impact – Low

Everton

In – Royston Drenthe (season-long loan), Denis Stracqualursi (season-long loan)
Out– Mikel Arteta, Jermaine Beckford, Yakubu

Everton were dealt the cruelest blow of any team, losing their talismanic playmaker as the window closed. In Fantasy terms, this should significantly boost the prospects of Leighton Baines – the left-back will now be number one for direct-free kicks and penalties. The only concern will be the lack of firepower to convert Baines’ left-wing supply that proved so effective last term.

Loan signing Royston Drenthe will offer David Moyes an option on the left flank, while Denis Stracqualursi – top scorer in Argentina’s first division last term – could be set for plenty of pitch time given the fragility of Louis Saha. Both are unknown quantities and Fantasy managers will need some form before they even begin to register on our radars.

Fantasy Impact – High

Fulham

In– Zdenek Grygera, Bryan Ruiz, Orlando Sa
Out– None

Bryan Ruiz will undoubtedly walk straight into Martin Jol’s starting lineup but as yet, it’s difficult to assess where the Fulham boss will deploy his talents.

The Costa Rican could play on the left wing or up front. If Ruiz is used as a winger, it would boost the chances of Clint Dempsey as an out-of-position player up front, particularly while Bobby Zamora continues to battle his injury demons. Alternatively, Dempsey could take the left wing role, with Ruiz fielded as a forward. Both Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson will have their potential dented by the arrival of Ruiz.

In Fantasy terms, the FPL have classified Ruiz as a forward valued at 7.0, lessening his appeal and prompting a comparison with Zamora when considering the Fulham front line.

Grygera is adaptable and can play anywhere across the back line, though it’s possible he’ll slot in at right-back. This would allow Jol to field the familiar Brede Hangeland/Aaron Hughes partnership at centre half, damaging the Fantasy prospects of the likes of Matthew Briggs and Philippe Senderos, though the former may still feature while John Arne Riise recovers from a leg injury.

Sa looks the least likely of the new trio to force his way into the first XI and will offer Jol another option up front.

Fantasy Impact – Medium

Liverpool

In –Craig Bellamy, Sebastian Coates
Out – Joe Cole (season-long loan), Christian Poulsen, Raul Meireles, Phillipe Degen

Bellamy will offer Liverpool another helping of energy and movement up front as alternative to Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez, but the Welshman could well be used as back-up on either flank. The Fantasy potential seems limited with Bellamy likely to be used from the bench as an impact sub.

Centre-back Coates looks set to be eased into the Liverpool first-team squad and initially, looks to have minimal impact on the starting XI with Jamie Carragher set to combine with either Dan Agger or Martin Skrtel for the majority of matches.

Aside from Meireles, the outgoing players will have little impact on Dalglish’s plans. The Portuguese midfielder did feature twice in Liverpool’s first three games, but with both coming from the subs bench, it was clear he wasn’t regarded as a regular starter and found himself edged out by an influx of midfielders over the summer.

Fantasy Impact – Medium

Man City

In– Owen Hargreaves
Out– Roque Santa Cruz, Vladimir Weiss, Dedryk Boyata (all season-long loans),Craig Bellamy

With City’s major acquisitions sorted in the weeks prior to the transfer window, Roberto Mancini ‘s only move was to snap up free agent Owen Hargreaves. The ex-Man United man will be back-up to the likes of Nigel De Jong, Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure and – if available – will help when the African Cup of Nations takes a few of City’s players come January.

The window’s closure also means Carlos Tevez will stay at the Etihad until January at the earliest, giving Fantasy managers selection headaches, with rotation amongst the front men a definite tactic in the months ahead. None of the outgoing players were part of Mancini’s first-team plans and will have no effect.

Fantasy Impact – Low

Man United

In– None
Out– None

Sir Alex Ferguson had wrapped up the club’s transfers-in well in advance. The mooted deal for Wesley Sneijder failed to materialise and boosts the future game time of Tom Cleverley and Anderson, though despite the young duo’s eye-catching start to the campaign, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher offer competition in the central midfield area.

Fantasy Impact– Low

Newcastle

In – Davide Santon, Rob Elliot
Out – None

It appears that Newcastle are not looking to rush into spending the Andy Carroll cash. Alan Pardew continued his summer of frugal ways by wrapping up deals for Italian left-back Davide Santon from Inter Milan and young Charlton goalkeeper Rob Elliot.

Elliot looks set for a back-up role and is one for the future, whilst Santon could fill the void left by Luis Enrique and come into the defence, pushing out Ryan Taylor. The failure to capture a striker during the transfer window will place the burden of scoring goals on Leon Best, Demba Ba and Shola Ameobi – Best may well be the strongest Fantasy option on show there, although all three have a history of injury concerns and appear to offer little security.

Fantasy impact – Low

Norwich

In – None
Out – Tom Adeyemi (loan), Cody McDonald, Anthony McNamee

Apart from the departure of three fringe players, Paul Lambert’s deadline day appears to be a rather quiet one – the Manager preferring to get his business wrapped up earlier in the season. This lack of movement will only really interest those Fantasy Managers who have Norwich players in their ranks – John Ruddy, Ritchie De Laet, Grant Holt and Wes Hoolahan – all look set for regular starts barring injury.

Fantasy Impact – Low

QPR

In – Shaun Wright-Phillips, Anton Ferdinand, Armand Traore, Jason Puncheon (loan until January)
Out – None

The arrival of Shaun Wright-Phillips will be regarded as a decent piece of business, both Queens Park Rangers and the player himself, who will be looking to thrive once handed an assured starting role. Wright-Phillips would seem certain to earn starts, fitness prevailing, and looks likely to push Tommy Smith to the bench. At 6.4 in the FPL, he offers a real alternative to Moroccan playmaker and set-piece hogger, Adel Taarabt.

With Joey Barton also a recent addition and Jason Puncheon beating the clock to join from Southampton on loan to offer Neil Warnock further options on the flanks, the QPR midfield is now looking far stronger.

Warnock’s defence has also been boosted by the recruitment of Anton Ferdinand and Armand Traore, along with Luke Young, who was brought in earlier in the week. Ferdinand looks set to slot straight into the back-four and form a new partnership with one of Danny Gabbidon or Fitz Hall. Young and Traore will claim the full-back roles, leaving the likes of Bradley Orr, Clint Hill and Matt Connolly relegated to the bench.

Fantasy Impact – Medium

Stoke

In – Peter Crouch, Wilson Palacios, Cameron Jerome
Out – none

After breaking their transfer record with the capture of Peter Crouch, Stoke fans must be pleased with a job well done on deadline day. They now look to have plenty of choice up top, with Cameron Jerome also joining Kenwyne Jones, Jon Walters and Ricardo Fuller in the squad. Crouch and Jones seem likely to be in the box seat, with Jerome pushing from the bench. Walters, classed as a midfielder in many Fantasy games, will now have his potential cut by the new competition for starting roles up front.

Palacios will heap pressure on the existing central midfield pairing of Glenn Whelan or Dean Whitehead and would seem set to earn starts given the fee paid for his services.

Fantasy Impact – Medium

Sunderland

In – Nicklas Bendtner (season-long loan)
Out – Anton Ferdinand

Bendtner has been brought in to solve the Black Cats’ goal drought and put pressure on failing striker Asamoah Gyan. Steve Bruce has, so far this season, paired Gyan with Stephane Sessegnon playing in the hole just behind. Bendtner would now seem likely to oust Gyan, unless Bruce opts to go with a traditional 4-4-2 and move the pacey Sessegnon to the flank. Ferdinand’s departure shouldn’t have a big impact – Bruce has Titus Bramble and Michael Turner available to him as options, with John O’Shea also able to slot in alongside Wes Brown in the centre of defence.

Fantasy Impact – Medium

Swansea

In – Fede Bessone, Darnel Situ
Out – None

Brendan Rodgers boosted his defence with a string of last gasp signings. Following the shock injury to Alan Tate, ex-Swan Fede Bessone was snapped up to provide cover at left-back while French youngster Darnel Situ will be doing a similar job in the role of understudy to the likes of Ashley Williams and Steven Caulker in the centre after arriving from Lens.

Fantasy Impact – Very Low

Tottenham

In – Scott Parker
Out – David Bentley (season-long loan), Peter Crouch, Alan Hutton, Jermaine Jenas (season-long loan), Wilson Palacios

Harry Redknapp’s reputation as a deadline day wheeler-dealer went unfounded this year, as a potential move for Bolton’s Gary Cahill failed to materialise, amidst some unlikely rumours involving the likes of Kaka.

The main piece of business at the Lane saw long-time crush Scott Parker arrive from West Ham to bolster central midfield options. With Palacios and Jenas moving on, Parker looks set to be a certain starter with Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore now set for bit parts. Sandro remains sidelined but will come into the equation once fit.

Parker could form an attractive central midfield partnership with Luka Modric – retaining the Croatian’s service was perhaps a more significant bit of business on Tottenham’s part, with Chelsea having a last ditch £40 million offer rebuffed.

The exit door kept swinging as Spurs performed a rather brutish trimming of the deadwood and wage-bill. Peter Crouch, Alan Hutton, Jermaine Jenas, Wilson Palacios and David Bentley all moved on to pastures new. This lessens the struggle for places in the Spurs starting lineup – the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Kyle Walker and Aaron Lennon now look more secure as a result.

Fantasy Impact – Medium

West Brom

In – None
Out – Pablo Ibanez, Marek Cech

Roy Hodgson had very little action to take care of other than offloading a couple of his fringe players on permanent deals. Marek Cech left for Trabzonspor in Turkey and the chance to play in the Champions league while Pablo Ibanez moved a little closer to home by opting for the short trip to Birmingham. Ibanez was very unlikely to trouble the starting line-up, but the movement of the Slovakian cements Nicky Shorey’s place in the side.

Fantasy Impact – Very low

Wigan

In – Shaun Maloney, Albert Crusat, Patrick Van Aanholt (season-long loan)
Out – None

The Lactics’ main deadline day capture is that of Shaun Maloney from Celtic. The Scotland international, who can play on either wing or up front, certainly has plenty of potential after winning both Scottish Player and Young Player of the Year in 2006. Maloney also has something to prove to the English game after his previous stint in the Premier League was a frustrating one – he featured sporadically under Martin O’Neil’s Villa from 2006-08 making 30 appearances, scoring 5 goals and assisting others on 5 occasions.

Spaniard Albert Crusat also arrived earlier this week and will offer further wing options. This will presumably shift Hugo Rodallega back to a central striking role, while we can presume that Victor Moses will take up one of the wide roles with Crusat and Maloney vying for the other.

Elsewhere, Roberto Martinez has snapped up the services of Chelsea left-back Patrick Van Aanholt on a loan deal. With Maynor Figueroa ahead of him in the queue, however, you would expect the Dutch full-back’s game-time to be limited.

Fantasy Impact – Low

Wolves

In – None
Out – David Davis (loan)

Mick McCarthy was happy enough to steer clear of the deadline day romp, with 20 year-old midfielder David Davis’ loan move to Inverness the sole piece of activity coming out of Molineux. The lack of transfers, and thus further competition, will keep the popular likes of Matt Jarvis, Stephen Ward and Roger Johnson firmly in Fantasy Managers’ plans.

Fantasy Impact – Very Low