Summer of 2009: The Recap

By: Thomas | September 1st, 2009

In this post I’m going to talk about all of the PSG transfers this summer, and give them a letter grade, based on how the price suits the player and my impressions of their play so far. But first, the days news:

1) It seems as if Jerome Rothen may finally have found a club.

2) Marseille want Stephane Sessegnon along with everyone else. Well guess what. You can’t have him.

3) Kerlon won’t be coming here, at least not this season.

4) We’ve got Boulogne in the CDL round of 32 on September 22-23.

Transfer Review

In:

Coupet (800,000 €, Atletico Madrid): At first I was skeptical about this signing, considering Coupet’s age and the fact that it forced Landreau out, but I had forgotten about what a brilliant keeper he is after the horrendous Euro 2008 and his disappointing season at Atletico. I think he will serve us very well in goal. B.

Erding (10 M€, Sochaux): Erding is an excellent player, young, with loads of talent, and a knack for finding the net. He will really improve the forward line and has made important contributions already. The price was a little hefty, but he will probably earn it back. A-.

Jallet (2.5 M€, Lorient): A very versatile player who can play anywhere on the right as well as in central defense. A good buy to provide backup and solidity for our right side. He has preformed brilliantly in the 59 minutes he has played, netting two goals and an assist off the bench. I suppose it is to early to judge after playing so little, but for the time being, A.

Grondin (Free, Valenciennes): A third string goalkeeper signed after his contract expired. Boring. Well, I guess backup is always good and it can’t come any cheaper. C.

Kombouare (N/A, Valenciennes): The new man in charge has done an excellent job so far, and seems to be especially proficient in the art of substitutions. I think change was needed as Le Guen was not the man to improve on last seasons performances. A.

Note: Sankharé, Ngoyi, Boli, and Baning all returned from loan over the summer.

Total cost of players bought: 13,300,000 €
Number of players/staff signed: 5
Letter Grade: A-

Out:

Souza (2 M€, Grêmio): Souza was on loan at Gremio last year, but was a fairly important part of the side the year before. He has been deemed surplus to requirements and the move has been made permanent. We lost money on the guy, so I’ll give it a B-, as his salary took up space.

Mickaël Landreau (1.6 M€, Lille): I was sad to see him go, but we got a capable replacement for half the price. I was disappointed that we didn’t get more for him though. C.

Youssouf Mulumbu (2.5 M€, West Bromwich Albion): It was a poor move for Mulumbu’s career, but I guess England lured him. He had been on loan with an option to buy, and WBA took that option, so Kombouare had no say in the matter. That means that a grade is N/A.

Chris Mavinga (Free, Liverpool): He is a 17 year old defender who apparently had loads of talent, but refused to sign a new contract with PSG due to interest shown by big clubs. He left for Liverpool on a Bosman. I am disappointed to see young talent go, especially without reimbursement. D-.

Larrys Mabiala (Free, Nice): I was never impressed by Mabiala much and the clubs failure to renew his contract did not surprise me. He has already gifted the opposition a goal with Nice. No regrets, A.

Fabrice Pancrate (Free): I’m surprised the 29 year old is still without a club, as he had some good years for PSG. However, with our forward surplus, he was not a priority to keep and when his contract expired he was allowed to leave. It cleared out salary space, so I’ll give it a B.

Stephane Veron (Free): Our number three keeper last year, Veron’s contract was not renewed. Our new number three is far better than Stephane, so no regrets. A.

Sent Out on Loan: Mateja Kezman (Zenit, option to buy), Everton Santos (Niigata, option to buy)

Total income from players sold: 6.1 M€
Number of players sold: 6
Letter Grade: B

Net Income/Loss: -7.2 M€

So, what are your thoughts on this past Mercato?