Henry to Barca

After the heart-break of losing the La Liga title to arch rivals Real Madrid on the last day, it was just the sort of encouraging news that Barca fans were waiting for. Although this signing would put the future of Eto'o into doubt, football fans around the world would be eager to see how some of the best attacking players in the world - Ronaldinho, Henry, Eto'o and Messi, link up. How will this transfer affect some of the clubs in Europe, we will have to wait and watch. Some random thoughts...

1. Arsenal were struggling to make it to the top four for the past two seasons and with Henry's departure and Wenger's future in doubt, it would seem Arsenal's title hopes are out even before the start of the new season.

2. Would Wenger too depart this season? He is supposed to be a man of integrity and he doesn't want to quit before his contract ends next season. However, with the departure of Henry, he knows he has to sign a world-class player to fill the void. Moreover with the departure of David Dein, he has lost a crucial ally in the Arsenal boardroom.

3. Henry loves the limelight. So do Ronnie and the outspoken Eto'o. Will there be ego clashes that could possibly threaten Barca's season? Will Rijkaard stay and be able to have control over his superstars?

4. Henry is 30 now. Does he still have it in him to prove himself like Van Nistelrooy did, in a different league?

5. I am no fan of Henry but I am a fan of Van Nistelrooy. I am no fan of Real Madrid but I love Barca. I am in a huge dilemma!

What's Hot and What's Not?

ManU sign Porto's Anderson and Sporting Lisbon's Nani. The duo are dubbed as the new 'Ronaldinho' and 'C.Ronaldo' respectively, in a deal over 40 million pounds. The Hargreaves saga looks like it's finally over with the player set to join ManU in a 17 million pound deal. Well, with the Glazers splashing so much cash, ManU fans can now look forward to no more signings for the next 5 years!

Anelka is linked with ManU in a 8 million pound transfer. I am sure by the time he retires, the total money spent on him by clubs would exceed $1 billion!

Looks like West Ham has won the battle with Newcastle in the race to sign Man City's bad-boy Joey Barton. That's right. Barton is set to sign for Newcastle, having rejected West Ham. Can I hear West Ham fans heaving a sigh of relief?

The most ridiculous transfer news item..."Barca will swap Eto'o with Henry and pay an additional 17 million pounds." That would be the most preposterous transfer ever since Chelsea paid 30 million pounds for striker Shevchenko.

Chelsea have spent just $1 in the transfer market, getting back their on-loan defender Alex back from PSV and have signed on out-of-contract players such as Steve Sidwell and Claudio Pizzaro. However, I can see another 30 million pound signing (definitely a striker) in the offing.

Believe it or not, Wigan has signed on defender Titus Bramble from Newcastle. Let's just say it's the end of Wigan's Premiership hopes and the beginning of Newcastle's!

Steve McClaren has brought back David Beckham into the England squad. Good way to admit to the English fans and the press his team can never score through open play.

Lampard was booed by English fans during friendly draw with Brazil. Yes, only Lamps! Mac finally got some respite.

Ever heard of the player who gave up his dream of being a celebrity chef because it was too stressful and then became one of the most successsful managers of all-time? That's Sir Alex Ferguson for you!

Best Moments of the EPL Season 2006/07

Best match - ManU's destruction of Bolton home and away.

Goals of the season - Drobga's winner over Howard against Everton at Goodison Park and Scholes' cracking volley at Newcastle.

Best team performance - Wigan's final day escapade.

Unsung hero - Everton defender Yobo

Funniest moment - Chelsea's guard of honour for Dong, Eagles, Lee, and co.

The season in 5 words - Exhilarating, Dubious, Ferguson, Tevez, Shocking.