Oplosan Toak: Joe Cole

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Joe Cole completed his transfer to Liverpool but Carly Cole packed things to new home HERSELF..pity..

There were no heart-stopping moments for Joe Cole and Liverpool on Tuesday as the England midfielder gave the thumbs-up after passing his routine medical without a hitch.

The former Chelsea player flew out to join his new team-mates at the club’s pre-season training camp in Switzerland on Monday.

But Cole had to be put through his paces by Dr Peter Brukner, Liverpool’s head of sports medicine and sports science, before he could seal his £80,000-a-week move to Anfield.

And, as these pictures show, fans on the Kop could breathe a sigh of relief as the 28-year-old passed his medical with flying colours.

Meanwhile, Carly Cole (nee Zucker) took the DIY approach as she packed up her London home ready for her move to Liverpool.

The 26-year-old showed no fear of getting stuck in as she loaded bags, a cot and baby carrier into a car outside her house, assisted by her family.

Carly, the wife of England footballer Joe Cole, is set to move up north with her husband and their four-month-old daughter Ruby after Cole was bought by Liverpool FC from Chelsea.

And being a fitness instructor, Carly clearly had no qualms about working up a sweat as she steadfastly made countless trips back and forth with her family's household possessions.

At one point she was seen hoisting a white cot down the steps of her property, helped by two female members of her family.

She even managed to crack a smile after managing to carry the cumbersome item to the car.

But her driver then stepped in and helped the ladies lift it into the boot.

The task in hand did appear to take its toll on the former I'm A Celebrity star, however, and she did have to take a few breathers in between trips.

Carly will now be living near the likes of Coleen Rooney and Alex Gerrard, whose footballer husbands Wayne and Steven play for Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

The First Major Moves of the Summer Transfer Window

Joe Cole – From: Chelsea To: Liverpool – Fee: Free Transfer

News Story

Age: 28 Position: Attacking Midfielder Nationality: English Interest: 9/10

This, so far, has been the most captivating transfer of the window, mainly due to the fact that English double champions Chelsea just pushed the talented 28 year old to one side without so much as a second glance. Available on free, he found his best and most financially rewarding offer from Roy Hodgeson’s new look Liverpool side, supposedly turning down the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham. He will wear the “legendary” number seven shirt at Anfield and will undoubtedly be a better replacement for both Yossi Benayoun (who left for Chelsea) and Albert Riera (who has spent the last 6months rotting in the Liverpool reserves.)

Eduardo Da Silva – From: Arsenal To: Shaktar Donetsk – Fee: £6million

Age: 27 Position: Striker Nationality: Croatian Interest: 9/10

News Story

This one hasn’t been completed just yet, but is expected to be confirmed within the next 24hrs. The 27 year old Brazilian born striker has spent 3 years at Arsenal, and after a promising start, his blossoming career was derailed by a serious double leg break in February in 2008. After more than a year out, he struggled to find his previous form, failing to break back into the starting line up and more importantly failing to find the back of the net. Now, despite signing a new contract in November 2009, he is now on his way to start afresh in Ukraine with Shaktar Donetsk (pending a medical). The subsequent response from all Arsenal fans is a positive one, wishing the former Number 9 all the best, while this decision is best for all parties.

Pedro Leon – From: Getafe To: Real Madrid – Fee: €10million

News Story

Age: 23 Position: Right Winger Nationality: Spanish Interest: 3/10

The talented young wingers transfer may have slipped under the radar for some, but he is a very smart signing for Jose Mourinho’s Madrid side. The tricky technically gifted winger will provide some much needed balance to the Madrid side, and should provide ample backup for Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as slotting into the 4-3-3 system if needed.

Adriano – From: Sevilla To: Barcelona – Fee: €9.5million

News Story

Age: 25 Position: Left Back/Right Back, Left Mid/Right Mid Nationality: Brazilian Interest: 3/10

The Brazilian signed from Sevilla, and is one of the most versatile and reliable players in the Spanish league. Adriano can play in four positions, making him the perfect utility man, and is perfect for Barcelona. He’s transfer, also slipped under the radar, but has expressed his desire to get straight to work with Pep Guardiola, and continue FC Barcelona’s recent success.

Angel Di Maria – From: Benfica To: Real Madrid – Fee: €25million

News Story

Age: 23 Position: Left Winger Nationality: Argentinean Interest: 9/10

Linked with a whole host of European clubs, and recently subject to a bid from Manchester United, the Argentine left winger had an excellent 3 years in Portugal with Benfica, leading him to command a €25million fee from the Madrid money bags. Added to the squad to bring balance to the side, however it seems was signed before Mourinho was instilled as manager, so it remains to be seen if the Portuguese tactician has any real motive to use the 23 year old, time will tell.

Adriano – From: Flamengo To: AS Roma – Fee: Free Transfer

News Story

Age: 28 Position: Striker Nationality: Brazilian Interest: 7/10

There was interest in the burly Brazilian ever since January, were AS Roma headed up a queue that included West Ham United, to sign the fallen star. After some time away from Europe, the 28 year old is looking to repay Claudio Ranieri’s faith in him, and prove the critics that he can still cut it in the big time, perform at the highest level and maybe even get into the Brazil national team.

Simon Kj æ r – From: Palermo To: Wolfsburg – Fee: €12.5million

News Story

Age: 21 Position: Centre back Nationality: Danish Interest: 9/10

Well well well, the young defender who was linked with every major club in Europe, ended up preferring to ply his trade in a very physically and technically demanding league in Germany, with Steve McClaren’s Wolfsburg. Despite having a poor World Cup, the signing is somewhat of a coup at just €12million, however he is very young and this should be a stepping stone to see how he develops for moving onto the best in Europe.

Edinson Cavani – From: Palermo To: Napoli – Fee: €16million

News Story

Age: 23 Position: Striker Nationality: Uruguayan Interest: 7/10

The Uruguayan international joined Napoli on the back of a very good World Cup, which saw him help his country to finish in 4th place in South Africa. After being heavily linked with Tottenham, the 23 year old joined the vastly improving Napoli side, to play along the likes of Marek Hamsik, Fabio Quagliarella and Ezequiel Lavezzi.