As the Premiership season has drawn to an end, many Goalkeepers will be looking at what position they now find themselves in. Be it in the Premiership or Sunday league, every footballer in the country may end up moving on this summer. Goalkeepers are no different.
Of course the glamorous transfers will happen in the Premiership, and there are many clubs on the lookout, and again many top Goalkeepers who will be looking for transfers!!
Who is On The Lookout?
Manchester United - Following the great Edwin Van Der Sar's retirement. Fergie has got a hell of a job on his hands in replacing, in my opinion the worlds greatest and of course Keepertalk's Goalkeeper of the season. Fergie's plan A was clearly to groom Ben Foster for the number one spot, however that unfortunately has not gone to plan. Plan B (not the rapper) is to get in a top quality replacement. As previously posted, Kusczak is a joke, and Lindegaard is unproven.
Tottenham Hotspur - Following a fantastic season for Spurs, it has become blatantly obvious that there has been a weak link in their side, and this link is called Huerelho Gomes. High profile mistakes, in high profile games at high profile moments by the Brazilian have contributed to Spurs' downfall this season. When your own crowd jeers your goalkeeper, that is always a problem. Good old 'Ary seems to have lost faith in his number 1, and Cudicini is nowhere near up to scratch. A top Goalkeeper is undoubtedly top of Harry's shopping list.
Aston Villa - Whilst Villa have had many problems this year, Goalkeeping probably has not been one of them. However the ageing Brad Friedel has shown signs of his age catching up with him, and it may be time for Villa to invest in longevity. Gut feeling is that Villa will invest in an English goalkeeper, however the decision will be in the hands of the manager - and we can't be 100% sure on who that is yet.
Wigan Athletic - Following a highly successful loan spell for Ali Al-Habsi, the Oman national will undoubtedly be The Latics' first choice to sign on a permanent deal. Whilst I am not a fan of his, I cannot argue that he has had a good season and will probably be heading to the DW this summer. However you cannot rule out the possibility of Wigan being gazumped by a bigger club, we all know Dave Whelan doesn't give out the most illustrious of contracts.
Arsenal - Fabianski and Almunia both aren't good enough. Some say that Szczesny is, however I dont believe so (see previous posts). It could well be that Arsenal will again try and sign a goalkeeper having baulked at Fulham's £2m valuation of Mark Schwarzer.
Leicester City - Sven's Championship side are now the Man City of the Championship, with money being no object in the owner's ambition of being in the Premiership. It is clear that a goalkeeper is a big void that need filling for the Foxes, and I would not be surprised to see them make a big signing this summer.
Others that may be monitoring the market - WBA/Newcastle - Both won't have a stopper as a priority, however may look to have a dip in the market should the right opportunity become available. Maybe a cheeky loan (you will see my guess later).
Who is Available??
Ben Foster - Keepertalk favourite BF has had a fantastic season at Birmingham, and has been let own by his teams inability to score goals. Despite Ben not wanting to leave Birmingham, he and the club will have to seriously consider his future. He may end up staying, however there will be plenty of Premier League sharks swimming around the winner of Keepertalk's save of the season.
Rob Green - Greeno is a goalkeeper who adheres himself to fans, however it looks certain that he will also leave West Ham following their relegation. West Ham will need him off the wage bill and I am sure that RG will not turn down the opportunity of a fresh start.
Shay Given - After a year on the bench, has Shay got comfortable sitting on his wages? If the answer is no, then surely a move must be on the cards this summer? Top class keeper wherever he has been, many would snap him up if they can afford his wages.
Ali Al Habsi - Surely Wigan bound? Bolton will not allow him to gazump Jussi, so surely it makes sense to sell. Probably a case of highest bidder wins.
Gomes - Spurs will undoubtedly be looking to sell, however common sense dictates that Mr Tickle would like a move abroad. Would be very suprised to see a domestic switch.
David de Gea - Looks set to sign for Man United, don't know much about him as La Liga bores me.
Maarten Stekelenberg - Linked with Man U, Spurs, Arsenal. Would be no surprise if he makes a Prem move.
Thomas Sorenson - Will he be happy being the cup keeper this season? Sense suggests not. Solid reliable premiership keeper.
David Stockdale - Performed admirably in Mark Schwarzer's absence this year. Gut feeling tells me that a loan move would make sense.
Frazer Forster - Had a great season on loan at Celtic. Will he be given an opportunity at Newcastle next year? Big decision for Alan Pardew.
Paul Robinson - Surely would have left Rovers should they have been relegated from the Prem, their survival will probably mean that he ends up staying. The Venkys are under no pressure to sell, and will be looking to heavily invest in the squad - not rip it apart.
Matt Gilks - Keepertalk's winner of fraudster of the season is out of contract at the end of the season. Man City have apparently shown an interest in signing him as a backup. Will be a great move for him because he is pretty rubbish.
Richard Kingson - Cant see him having much more of a future at relegated Blackpool. The Carphone Warehouse is probably a realistic transfer for Kingo.
Tomasz Kuszczak - Looks set to leave OT following being non stop pathetic. I have no doubt that somebody will probably make the mistake of signing him.
Keepertalk Predictions!
Ben Foster to Spurs - I believe that 'Ary will be looking for a goalkeeper of big character to come in to the dressing room. This is why I believe that his first choice will be Paul Robinson. Many Spurs fans have a soft spot for Robbo and he probably thinks he has unfinished business at Spurs. Despite this I do not believe that Rovers will sell. Redknapp has said many times that he is a big fan of the Fozzman and will probably see him as the next best thing.
De Gea/Stekelenberg to Man United - It looks clear that United are going to sign one of these. Think Fergie fancied Reina but Kenny has taken over he looks set to stay. Both will have the unenviable task of replacing Edwin, one of the true greats.
Rob Green to Villa - Think Greeno could be a good signing for Villa should they decide a replacement is necessary. Similar size club to West Ham and similar sort of spolight. Villa won't need to break the bank for him. Think Birmingham may prevent Foster from joining Villa, Green is the next logical choice.
Arsenal to stick with Szczesny - Wenger is an idiot, and will put is faith in him. Arsenal will have another end of season capitulation. What a shame.
Sorenson/Kuzszcak to Leicester - Leicester will be looking for someone in this mould. Sorenson would be the better choice, that doesn't mean much though.
Ali Al-Habsi to Wigan - The deal has probably already been done.
Shay Given to Leave Man City - Not much of a prediction here, but I have no idea where he will go. Villa will be interested. But reckon he will go this year, his last chance really.
David Stockdale to WBA - Cheeky loan deal for WBA, good opportunity for Stockdale to prove his England credentials. Carson is pathetic but Hodgson can always fall back on him if Stockdale doesn't make the grade. This will probably mean that Boaz Myhill goes out on loan somewhere.
That concludes the Transfer Window Preview, no doubt all these predictions will be wrong - they usually are. Feel free to post your own speculation.
