£20 million for Jordan Henderson? Yeesh. £16 million for Phil Jones and he would have cost more had it not been for a buyout clause in his contract.
A lot of money for Liverpool and Man Utd to pay respectively for two such inexperienced players. Phil Jones only has about 30-40 appearances to his name and is coming off of a major knee injury. Henderson only has two year's experience and struggled for form for a good chunk of last season. Lot of money to spend.
I hope it works out for everyone involved. Lot of risk.
I have been disappointed not to see Arsenal active in the transfer market. They signed some talented teenager from Charlton but that's it. No big names. No established stars. Not linked to many people either outside of the regurgitated names that they choose not to sign at mid-season.
Chelsea just need to concentrate on getting Guus Hiddink. The rest can wait. A little more cutting edge in the final third to setup the strikers is what I'd like to see them add although I have been saying that for about 4 years now and it still hasn't come.
I'd like to see Liverpool add some wide attacking players. I'd love to see them, or preferably Chelsea, nab Ashley Young. I have been a big fan of his since his Watford days. He should have moved to a Big Four club years ago. He was good enough. I don't know why it has taken so long for him.
Phil Jones was a surprising signing for Man Utd with Chris Smalling already there behind Vidic (only 29) and Rio. Surprised to see Fergie spend so much on another young central defender with Smalling looking so good last season. Maybe he just saw a chance to lock in his next great central back pairing. They'll have to wait quite a few years before Vidic gives up his spot at the club though.
Edit: It seems that a bunch of top teams were after Phil Jones. Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and an unnamed club all tried to sign and were very disappointed to miss out on him. Considered a future starting centre half for England.
Man Utd have another bid in for another young center back, Varane, from France for £8 million. I have never seen him play. They are saying that Man Utd's interest in re-inforcing their defense is due to the likely departures of Wes Brown and John O'Shea.