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The Year of the French
By Dominic Vieira, writing from Nitra, Slovakia
Intense transfer speculation is revolving around the Bundesliga with names such as Gotze, Tasci, Reus and Vidal dominating scout reports. After a strong 2010 World Cup campaign revitalised with the presence of several young talents, it’s no surprise that the attention has transferred to Europe’s most populated country. After the tournament Ozil and Khedira completed bumper deals to Real Madrid, it’s not often to see big names leave the country, but who could say no to Mourinho? Or to the money. The same can be said about Portugal which constantly sees its top players join Europe’s elite’s for millions; a huge interest has been placed on FC Porto’s Falcao and Hulk. In addition, Fabio Coentrao completed a €30m “dream move” to Real Madrid this week.
However, this season it’s all about the French and I’m not referring to their fine Bordeaux wines or passionate classical romantic literature, but to the sheer talent of footballers scattered across the country. France is a football nation which lacks poaching and expensive transfers, but this summer could be different a one. Vendre, vendre, vendre!
