One Transfer a Done Deal, Another Not So Much

By: Martha | December 14th, 2007

Wee Swede. It’s not even the silly season yet, but the transfers have already started (more or less). Udinese got it started with their quiet little signing of three young Ghanian players, and Juve and Inter are both trying to do their parts, as well.

Inter’s supposed signing of Daniel Carvalho from CSKA Moscow has been confirmed in the media several times over the last few days, usually with quotes from team personnel that express interest, but never actually say “It is accomplished.” (If anyone gets that movie quote, I’ll give you money.) And now, amidst continuing reports that the player still has only his medical to pass, this appeared on the CSKA website: “PFC CSKA Press Office officially informs that midfielder Daniel Carvalho has signed new contract with PFC CSKA until December 2009 with the option of further prolongation.” Doh! And now, rather than flying to Milan to meet with head wooer Massimo Moratti, Carvalho’s reportedly gone home to Brazil while negotiations with the club continue. Or, if he’s really signed a new deal, not. Sigh. Always too good to be true, I know.

Things look better, though, for Juve, who are reported to be close to finalizing a deal for 18-year-old Swedish starlet Albin Ekdal, who currently plays for IF Brommapojkarna. The kid, who turned down an offer from Chelsea when he was 15 and has, according to the Swedish media, been a target for Inter in the past, will supposedly cost £700,000 and, though he’s reportedly due in Turin today to shake hands and sign things, will go back to Sweden afterward and stay there until he “finishes his studies” in May. That said, there’s nothing yet on the Juve website (I did, however, learn there that Jean-Alain Boumsong just had a baby.) and Tuttosport is the source of the goal.com story, so who knows — Brommapojkarna’s director has basically confirmed the deal, so we’ll see if something more official comes out later today.