Andre Villas-Boas, left, will have a tough time convincing Gareth Bale, the Player of the Year award winner, to stay at Tottenham Hotspur. Adrian Dennis / AFP
Andre Villas-Boas, left, will have a tough time convincing Gareth Bale, the Player of the Year award winner, to stay at Tottenham Hotspur. Adrian Dennis / AFP
Andre Villas-Boas, left, will have a tough time convincing Gareth Bale, the Player of the Year award winner, to stay at Tottenham Hotspur. Adrian Dennis / AFP
Andre Villas-Boas, left, will have a tough time convincing Gareth Bale, the Player of the Year award winner, to stay at Tottenham Hotspur. Adrian Dennis / AFP

Premier League: will Bale or Suarez stay? 10 questions at the transfer window


Richard Jolly
  • English
  • Arabic

Can Tottenham keep Gareth Bale?

Everyone bristles when sides are described as one-man teams yet there is no denying Gareth Bale's contribution to Tottenham was colossal. The double Footballer of the Year scored 26 times and won matches almost single-handed.

It is little wonder Real Madrid are interested and it is a pertinent question how long Spurs, after again missing out on Champions League qualification, can count on the Welshman's loyalty. With Bale, Andre Villas-Boas may need only a couple of judicious signings - particularly a striker - to propel Tottenham into the top four. Without him, he would need a major overhaul.

Can Liverpool keep Luis Suarez?

For much of the past year, Brendan Rodgers's mantra has been that Suarez is not for sale and is happy at Liverpool. Then the Uruguayan starting speaking about joining Real Madrid. Should he do so - and Liverpool remain publicly adamant he is staying - then Rodgers would have the money to sign several players and reshape his squad.

Yet it is implausible that he would secure a replacement of a similar calibre; the reality is the world's top strikers probably do not want to play for them right now. And, minus the 30-goal Suarez, the Reds could be in another season of transition.

Can Manchester United keep Wayne Rooney?

If Sir Alex Ferguson were still in charge, the probability is they would not even have wanted to. Moyes has been more conciliatory towards the 27-year-old striker and it may reflect badly on the new manager if his reign began with an elite player leaving.

It may depend on whether Rooney is sufficiently disillusioned that he is determined to leave, whoever the manager, as well as if Paris St Germain will match his huge wages and meet United's considerable asking price. If they do, Moyes will have an even bigger budget.

Will David Moyes sign a superstar?

The new Manchester United manager has never enjoyed the luxury of a large transfer fund but United's huge revenues mean he should have £50 million to spend, even before income from sales.

His predecessor, Ferguson, liked Robert Lewandowski and dreamed of bringing Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford. Moyes seems to have an interest in Cesc Fabregas as well as his former Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini. Now, after years of dealing on the cheap, he has the chance to think big.

How will Jose Mourinho reshape Chelsea?

When Chelsea first appointed Jose Mourinho, in 2004, he transformed the team immediately, bringing in Didier Drogba, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Arjen Robben. Now, more change is likely, with Chelsea requiring a central midfielder - Real Madrid's Sami Khedira has been linked - and, probably, reinforcements in defence.

Like all other recent Chelsea managers, he faces the problem of what to do with Fernando Torres, especially as, compared with the other top teams, they desperately need a world-class striker.

Will Manchester City get their top targets?

Last summer, City wanted Robin van Persie, Eden Hazard, Daniele de Rossi and Javi Martinez and got none of them. Now they want Edinson Cavani, Isco, Jesus Navas and Fernandinho, and the latter two have been reeled in.

To bring in all four, representing a cost of around £100 million (Dh572m), would also require them to sell wisely to bring money in. And if, say, Cavani eludes them - and he is in demand elsewhere - they have to ensure that, unlike 12 months ago, they find appropriate alternatives.

Will Arsene Wenger actually spend big?

Every year, the Arsenal manager apparently has vast sums at his disposal; this year, it apparently is £50m. Yet last year's arrivals were funded by the sales of Robin van Persie and Alex Song, just as two summers ago, the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri financed Wenger's buys.

None of Arsenal's premier players are expected to leave and Wenger has the chance to strengthen significantly. Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic appears one target as the Frenchman looks to enter the market for high-class players who can turn Arsenal back into contenders.

Can Aston Villa get rid of the old guard?

Paul Lambert has been a revolutionary at Villa Park, dropping virtually everyone with any experience. This summer, he may try to complete his clear-out. Stiliyan Petrov has, sadly, had to retire and the defender Richard Dunne is out of contract and has already packed his bags.

Lambert will be keen to get rid of big earners like the goalkeeper Shay Given, the defender Alan Hutton, the midfielder Stephen Ireland and the striker Darren Bent, all of whom have fallen from favour.

He will be keener still to keep the much-admired spearhead of his young team, the excellent Christian Benteke.

Will the promoted clubs splash out?

Twelve months ago, Southampton and West Ham came up, spent sizeable sums and stayed up. Reading were cautious in the transfer market and went down. Yet the equation for new arrivals in the Premier League is not that simple. Overspend and underachieve and the club could be sent spiralling downhill.

The signs are that Hull will not gamble with their future by paying fees they cannot afford. Nor will Crystal Palace, who were in administration three years ago, although Ian Holloway's war chest will be increased by the £15m Manchester United are paying for Wilfried Zaha. Cardiff, who have wealthy Malaysian owners, are likely to be the biggest buyers of the trio.

Who will go in the QPR fire sale?

A cautionary tale for any side in the bottom half of the Premier League, QPR paid large fees and amassed a wage bill that is clearly unsustainable. Now they need to dispense with many of their expensive failures.

The goalkeeper Julio Cesar is likely to leave along with the midfielder Esteban Granero. Loic Remy, the striker, has an £8 million release clause.

However, the defender Christopher Samba cost £12.5m and his £100,000-a-week wages may deter potential buyers. They also will struggle to move out the likes of Bobby Zamora, Andy Johnson, Jose Bosingwa, Park Ji-sung and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Nani
The Portuguese has just had the worst of his six seasons at Old Trafford and has only one year left on his current contract, meaning Manchester United have to cash in now or risk losing him on a free transfer. The winger has been linked with Monaco, Zenit St Petersburg and Arsenal.

Edin Dzeko
The Bosnian has grown frustrated with life as Manchester City's super-sub and they, in turn, have been irritated by his inconsistency. There is talk he could he included in a part-exchange for Edinson Cavani. Borussia Dortmund also are interested in the striker. Either way, Dzeko will go.

James McCarthy
If Wigan had stayed up, they would have struggled to keep hold of James McCarthy. After going down, it seems certain the midfielder will leave. McCarthy, who enjoyed an excellent season, has long been mentioned in connection with Arsenal. Plenty of other clubs may covet him.

Marouane Fellaini
The Belgian has a £24 million (Dh137m) release clause in his contract at Everton. It may well tempt his former manager David Moyes, now at Manchester United, but could interest others as well. Arsenal are believed to be in the fray with the added carrot of Champions League action. Fellaini has completed the best year of his Everton career and a track record of troubling the best is a sign of his ability.

Andy Carroll
Unwanted at Liverpool and very much wanted at West Ham, the questions concern the size of the fee and if anyone else – Newcastle, in particular – will enter in the bidding. The canny Sam Allardyce will probably force the price down, knowing Brendan Rodgers does not need a target man.

Mark Schwarzer
Turns 41 in October but remains one of the Premier League's most consistent goalkeepers. Schwarzer wants to stay a first choice in order to appear for Australia in the World Cup.

William Gallas
Had a tough year at Tottenham where his presence tended to coincide with their worst performances, but spent a dozen years at London's top clubs.

Richard Dunne
Injury meant he missed the entire season for Aston Villa but the Irishman has been one of the division's most determined defenders for a long time.

Antolin Alcaraz
Had Alcaraz stayed fit all season, Wigan probably would have stayed up. The Paraguayan is a class act, as the central defender showed in the FA Cup final.

Maynor Figueroa
Likely to join West Ham, the Honduran has been one of the more reliable left-backs in the Premier League for several seasons.

Giorgos Karagounis
The veteran Greece captain, 36, quickly became a crowd favourite after joining Fulham last summer. He retains his competitiveness and enthusiasm.

Phil Neville
May be wanted as a manager or a coach, as well, so the Everton captain faces a decision if he should play on. He is hugely respected for his professionalism.

Andrey Arshavin
One of Europe's most coveted players a few years ago, Arshavin cost Arsenal £15m. The Russian can frustrate but still possesses huge talent.

Florent Malouda
Frozen out at Chelsea this season, but the France international was a regular source of goals from the left wing between 2008 and 2011.

Carlton Cole
An England international three years ago, Cole's goal return is mixed but he is an athletic target man who should attract Premier League interest.

Roque Santa Cruz
Manchester City paid £17m for Santa Cruz four years ago and he helped Malaga reach the Champions League quarter-finals this season. Injury-prone, at 31, but talented.

twitter
twitter

Follow us

The%20Letter%20Writer
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Layla%20Kaylif%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eslam%20Al%20Kawarit%2C%20Rosy%20McEwen%2C%20Muhammad%20Amir%20Nawaz%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
ABU%20DHABI%20CARD
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3E5pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Al%20Rabi%20Tower%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(Turf)%201%2C400%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E5.30pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E6pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Championship%20%E2%80%93%20Listed%20(PA)%20Dh180%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E6.30pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hili%20Tower%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E7pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUAE%20Arabian%20Derby%20%E2%80%93%20Prestige%20(PA)%20Dh150%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E7.30pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Championship%20%E2%80%93%20Listed%20(TB)%20Dh380%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What to watch out for:

Algae, waste coffee grounds and orange peels will be used in the pavilion's walls and gangways

The hulls of three ships will be used for the roof

The hulls will painted to make the largest Italian tricolour in the country’s history

Several pillars more than 20 metres high will support the structure

Roughly 15 tonnes of steel will be used

Results

6pm: Dubai Trophy – Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m 

Winner: Silent Speech, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby
(trainer) 

6.35pm: Jumeirah Derby Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (T)
1,800m 

Winner: Island Falcon, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor 

7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (Dirt)
1,400m 

Winner: Rawy, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer 

7.45pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m 

Winner: Desert Fire, Hector Crouch, Saeed bin Suroor 

8.20pm: Al Fahidi Fort – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,400m 

Winner: Naval Crown, William Buick, Charlie Appleby 

8.55pm: Dubawi Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m 

Winner: Al Tariq, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watsons 

9.30pm: Aliyah – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 2,000m 

Winner: Dubai Icon, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor  

THE%20STRANGERS'%20CASE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Brandt%20Andersen%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOmar%20Sy%2C%20Jason%20Beghe%2C%20Angeliki%20Papoulia%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Napoleon
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Ridley%20Scott%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Joaquin%20Phoenix%2C%20Vanessa%20Kirby%2C%20Tahar%20Rahim%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%202%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE BIO

Age: 33

Favourite quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” Winston Churchill

Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.

Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?

Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Dolittle

Director: Stephen Gaghan

Stars: Robert Downey Jr, Michael Sheen

One-and-a-half out of five stars

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20SupplyVan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2029%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MRO%20and%20e-commerce%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

SPECS

Toyota land Cruiser 2020 5.7L VXR

Engine: 5.7-litre V8

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 362hp

Torque: 530Nm

Price: Dh329,000 (base model 4.0L EXR Dh215,900)

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Queen

Nicki Minaj

(Young Money/Cash Money)

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
​​​​​​​Penguin Press