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Last summer, Malaga CF were taken over by Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani, and this summer they have been very busy in the transfer market as they look to secure at least a Europa League place next season. There have been inevitable, but completely unjustified, comparisons with Manchester City.
First of all, they have brought in some very experienced players, and not paid over the odds for any of them. Ruud Van Nistelrooy is an inspired signing, and will score twenty goals with no problems if he stays fit. The 35 year old Dutchman has signed on a one year contract from German side Hamburg. He has netted over 300 goals in a sparkling career, and his experience and unerring accuracy in front of goal will be a key component in any success the club has this season. He will especially thrive on the service of Joaquin, who has joined from Valencia for just £4million. Unusual, as Valencia still reportedly owe Real Betis £5million for his transfer to Mestalla back in 2006! If Joaquin can find consistent performances and finally deliver on his potential, then Malaga have signed a star.
One area that has been particularly strengthened at La Rosaleda is the defence. Jeremy Toulalan has joined from Lyon for ten million euros. The vastly experienced defensive midfielder has been tracked by top European clubs for years, so it is a real coup for Malaga to have signed him. Also at the back, Joris Mathijsen, Sergio Sanchez, Nacho Monreal and Martin Demichelis will all help to shore up a defence that shipped 68 goals in La Liga last season. In total, Malaga have spent around 27 million euros this summer. They won't be able to keep spending at this rate, as their stadium only holds 29000, and therefore the turnover won't fall in line with UEFA's financial fairplay if they're not careful.
Great transfers, and a fantastic coach in Chilean Manuel Pellegrini, should result in a top seven finish, and with it a place in Europe's second competition for 2012-13.
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