Archive for the ‘Transfer Market’ Category

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are both reportedly interested in Ajax’s Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen. Vertonghen, 22, is a regular at the heart of Ajax’s defence and has ensured that the Amsterdam outfit do not feel the absence of Thomas Vermaelen, who moved to Arsenal last year.

Vertonghen had spells with VK Tielrode and Geerminal Beerschot in his native Belgium before joining Ajax as a 16 year old in 2003. He was sent out on loan to RKC Waalwijk to garner valuable first team experience in 2006. He was a rare starter in the 2007-08 season but made his mark the following season after the departure of Johnny Heitinga.

Vertonghen is currently contracted to Ajax till June 2013. A versatile player, Vertonghen plays in midfield while donning the colours of the Belgian national team.

Real are also tracking the progress of Vertonghen’s team mate Christian Eriksen. The Danish youngster is widely hailed as one of the future stars of the Eredivisie. He made his senior debut last month against NAC Breda and has also attracted the attention of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Eriksen’s contract with Ajax is due to expire next summer but the club are working towards giving him a new deal. Head coach Martin Jol has already expressed his desire to keep Eriksen at the Amsterdam Arena for as long as possible.

Eriksen joined Ajax from OB in 2008 for a reported €1m fee. The 18 year old has already represented Denmark at U-17, U-18 and U-19 levels.

Arsenal’s captain and Spanish midfielder Francesc Fabregas has denied reports that he has agreed to join Catalan giants Barcelona at the end of the current season. These reports which emanated out of Spain had suggested that Fabregas had reached a verbal agreement with the Barcelona officials regarding the move. But Fabregas came out in public after Arsenal’s win against Liverpool to clear the air. He said that he was fully committed to Arsenal and his main focus was to help Arsenal mount a serious challenge to the Barclays Premier League title. To quote Fabregas, he said, “They have denied it, I have denied it. I just want to focus on Arsenal.”

But comments made by Cesc’s father have added to the confusion. Fabregas Sr. admitted that his son would be open to a move to Camp Nou at the end of the season. Arsene Wenger though has been caught in the crossfire. He came out trying his best to douse the fire by saying ‘nothing plus nothing is nothing’.

Cesc Fabregas was a part of the Barcelona youth system and scored at an alarming rate for a midfielder. He moved to Arsenal in September 2003 sensing that his participation at Barcelona would be limited. With the emotional attachment towards the Catalan club, a move to the Nou Camp can never be ruled out.