I Suppose Cats Do Like Doing Nothing

Blog written by BarneyLW
Published: 22nd July 2014 7:40

No news is good news, I suppose? A week ago it looked a dead certainty that star striker, Wilfried Bony was Anfield-bound, as Liverpool look to splash out to compensate for losing teething superstar Luis Suarez by adding quality and quantity to their squad. Now, the focus very much remains on QPR striker Loic Remy, who has flown out to the States to discuss a move, taking the focus very much away from a move for the Ivorian.

So where does that leave Swansea in regards to transfers? Well they are in America themselves, on a pre-season tour across the pond. As are Tottenham, whom this week have continued a mini transfer window with themselves and the Swans. Ben Davies looks set to secure a move to the North London club this week. Very few would hold it against the local lad, doing well to secure a career boosting move (potentially) without resorting to the usual antics of not showing up to training or speaking through a complaining agent.

On a personal level, I especially hold no ill-will towards the composed left back as it should mean a return for Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, as part of the deal. A potentially terrific signing.

A fee has also been agreed for club favourite Michel Vorm, now this could cause some mixed opinion worth discussing. A goalkeeper who has been in the Netherlands squad for two world cups, with undoubted ability, athleticism and arguably the best range of passing and distribution from goal that the league has. Although it begs the question, why would he want Tottenham, and why would Tottenham want him?

It doesn't seem a match made in Heaven. The man known as 'The Cat' for his agility has previously said there was a time where he could have been number two, but now is not it. With that in mind, it seems a strange move for a club who have the commanding French keeper Hugo Lloris, as well as Brad Friedel, an experienced veteran, who could still do a solid job into his fortieth year.

Vorm is believed to be himself sceptical about his place in the pecking order, but if he does eventually leave, it leaves questions about the gulf between top half and bottom half teams. The bigger teams have always been able to spend big, simply because they can, but if the smaller clubs are not careful it will become a Premier League where the bigger teams cherry-pick the best players, (once again simply because they can) whether they play or not.

The league runs the risk of going into two mini-leagues; in terms of quality and financial muscle. I speak as a concerned football fan in general, not just one who wishes to see Vorm in a Swans' shirt next season. These problems arose long before Spurs were interested in the Dutchman, and they will be there long after their interest is finalised, one way or another. As for Swansea, without Vorm, they have two good keepers in Gerhard Tremmel and newly-acquired Lukascz Fabianski. Having said that, no one wants to see keepers of Vorm's quality sit on a bench for a season.

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