Neymar’s transfer to PSG for £222 million raised quite a few eyebrows. While there is no denying that Neymar is a player who can shatter the world record in terms of transfer fees; the extent of the transaction points towards a scary scenario.
In today’s chaotic transfer market, the competition is not in getting the best players; but in how much you can shell out.
That day is not too far when we shall finally see the barrier break the £1 billion mark.
So, what about clubs that cannot match the financial might of the big clubs. What do they do? They can’t just look towards youth as the result oriented nature of the sport doesn’t tolerate incompetence. Extensive scouting and smart signings can be one way to deal with this anomaly.
So, taking our budget to be equal to Neymar’s transfer amount of £222 million, let us attempt to field a competitive starting XI, that can cause some damage if faced on a football field. Fantasy Premier League, anyone?
Goalkeeper:
Begovic – £10 million
The Bosnian played a bit-part role for last seasons Champions and has secured a move to Bournemouth FC for just £10 million. With ample PL experience and famed shot stopping abilities, he is a bargain buy.
Defense:
Michael Keane – £29 million
Michael Keane is one of the many success stories from Manchester United’s famed youth academy. Just as Macguire, Keane was a ray of light in Burnley’s dismal campaign; although they did manage to avoid the drop.
Keane has proven his credentials in the Premier League and is a more than decent defender for £29 million.
Harry Maguire – £17 million
Harry Maguire was one of the positives from Hull’s dismal 2016/17 season. While Hull did get relegated; Harry was offered a route back to the Premier League as Leicester City showed interest in the defender. At £17 million, he is a cheap and efficient buy given his qualities.
Jairo Riedewald – £9 million
Frank de Boer was a famed tactician at Ajax, and a move to the Premier League was always on the cards. He was quick to bring in a few acquaintances at Palace, as Jairo Riedelwald signed for the Eagles for £9 million. Aged just 20, he is gifted with defensive abilities and will certainly be a young player to watch out for.
Sead Kolasinac – Free transfer
Only two games into his Arsenal career, he has already established himself to be an integral part of their team. With a goal and an assist to his name, expect a lot more from the Bosnian this season. The icing on the cake – he came on a free transfer.
Midfield:
Nemanja Matic – £40 million
It’s just one game into the season and Nemanja Matic already looks like a player of the year contender. He hasn’t set a foot wrong donning the red of Manchester. The way he’s seamlessly fit into the box-to-box role at United makes him look like a bargain buy.
Bernardo Silva – £50 million
Monaco’s victory last season had a lot of catalysts, but the one who made them tick at the centre of midfield is Portuguese, Bernardo Silva. His last name and tiny frame have elicited comparisons with his current City midfield partner David Silva. His performances last season, most notably against his current employers in the Champions League is testament to his transfer fees. Expect some magic from him in central midfield!
Tom Ince – £9 million
Huddersfield man in midfield, and can also be employed as a forward; his performance against Palace justifies the hype shown in the youngster. Instrumental for Derby last season, David Wagner seized the opportunity in signing the Englishman for £9 million. Bargain.
Attack:
Marko Arnautovic – £22 million
Arnautovic is a player who can frustrate at times, but he does possess frightening ability. He can pick a rabbit out of his hat on his day and has been an important player for Stoke during his time there. Now a player at West Ham, he definitely does make the cut as a £22 million rated player.
Jermain Defoe – Free transfer
Little has to be said about Jermain Defoe. His exploits in the league have earned him his status as ‘Premier League legend’. A potent goal-threat on a free signing? Great deal!
Mohamed Salah – £34 million
His inclusion can be debatable given his lacklustre time with Chelsea. But the Egyptian seems to be up to his old tricks after exciting with Roma, prompting Jurgen Klopp to splash the cash on him. A solid start to his second stint in the Premier League with a goal on debut speaks in his favour.
Total cost of the team: £220 million.
While this team may not fare well in European competitions, they can definitely make any Premier League opposition look weak on their day.
