THERE was a big buzz on the summer transfers in the lead-up to the start of top European football league competitions.
Millions were spent by clubs playing in the English Premier League, German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga in a bid to assemble a formidable squad.
Among the biggest spenders was Manchester United which forked out a staggering $470million to strengthen its depleting looking squad which made a giant fall under former manager David Moyes.
New manager Louis van Gaal brought in quality players such as Angel di MarÃa, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and loan signing Radamel Falcao to add firepower upfront.
The Red Devils may have become sharp in attack with these latest inclusions but continue to struggle in defence.
Van Gaal seemed to have overlooked the defence woes and went on splashing cash to satisfy his “attacking strategy”.
At home, as we countdown to the Courts Inter District Championship, the September transfer window must be a blessing in disguise for teams which are in dire need of resurgence.
Times Sport takes a look at the predicted player movement in the top five super premier teams this transfer window:
Suva
The Gurjit Singh-coached side has been enjoying a great season so far. With more than 80 per cent winning rate, the Whites have proven to be the most consistent team this season. Despite losing striker Samuela Drudru to Nadi earlier in the year, coach Singh has managed to work his options well to add the dynamism and speed in the team. Inia Boko, Ravinesh Karan Singh and Nickel Chand are the rising stars for Suva and have a thrilling co-ordination among them upfront. Veteran Pita Rabo has mastered the midfield play and his co-ordination is simply superb. With youngsters such as Antonio Tuivuna, Jale Dreloa, Shahil Dave and Kolinio Sivoki, Suva’s future looks secured. According to reports, Nadi strikers Napolioni Qasevakatini and Drudru are eyeing move to the Capital City and if they are successful, Suva will be very hard to stop in the remainder of the season. Suva needs them especially with the side playing in the O-League. Otherwise, they pretty much have all positions covered.
Ba
The Men in Black need a coach more than anyone else to get some consistency in their performance. Ba has quality in the squad with an excellent mix of young and experienced players but what they don’t have is a mentor to layout plans for them. Senior players Avinesh Suwamy, Shameel Rao, Kiniviliame Naika, Jone Vesikula, Abbu Zahid and Roneel Kumar with youngsters Samuela Nabenia, Narendra Rao, Praneel Naidu and Saula Waqa are putting up a great show but they seem astray at times especially when things get tougher on the field. Veteran Kumar has reportedly being eyed to coach Ba to the IDC. With the team also playing in the OFC Champions League (O-League), an investment on a lethal finisher would be a wise one.
Nadi
From the initial reports, the Jetsetters are set to lose some key players in both attack and defence. The striking pair Drudru and Qasevakatini was reportedly applied release to join Suva, which if successful, will make Nadi weak upfront. In defence, goalkeeper Beniamino Mateinaqara and sweeper Ilimotama Jese are linked with other teams. After the 2014 Vodafone Fiji FACT win, coach Kamal Swamy said that they had a new set of young players ready for big games. They might need those fresh legs in the squad. Seems like Nadi may have to make a fresh start after this transfer window.
Labasa
The Northerners have suffered much in the past especially during the transfer window. They have a reputation for unearthing talents and developing them for other districts. That somewhat have changed. Lately, Labasa has started investing on players from other districts to strengthen the side in a bid to remain among the best in the country. While they continue to surprise with the rookies they produce, the Babasiga Lions didn’t hesitate from signing some big names to bolster their side. Pita Bolaitoga and Maciu Dunadamu are set to return but the team may lose some good players as well. Edwin Sahayam has applied for release and this will leave a void in the midfield play. Labasa needs a lethal finisher and someone good for central role in the defence.
Rewa
After their Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants win, the Delta Tigers have forced their way to once again become a powerhouse in Fiji football. For the past couple of seasons, the Marika Rodu-coached side struggled to find form but they finally seem to have got the combination in place to become the top contender for the domestic tournament titles. Rewa has two sets of players in the team. Upfront, the side is laced with young but talented players in Misaele Draunibaka, Ratu Tevita Waranivalu, Setareki Hughes and Garish Prasad while experienced Simione Tamanisau, Lorima Dau and Simione Maikali stand tall in defence. Probably the only thing Rewa needs to do in this transfer window is to ensure they don’t let go of anyone because the ingenious blend of young and experienced players are proving to be a great spectacle.
