Transfer window now closed

This is it. Nobody else is arriving or leaving, at least for the next six months when the transfer window re-opens. Ok, lets take a look at what changes Sao Paulo FC made and quickly talk about the rumours that circulated the last weeks.

New players arriving: Marcelinho Paraiba and Carlinhos Paraiba (from Coritiba), Xandao, Fernandinho and Andre Luis (from Barueri), Leo Lima (from Goias), Rodrigo Souto (from Santos FC), Alex Silva (from FC Hamburg) and Cleber Santana (from Atletico de Madrid). Nine new players for the season, and out of these, I highly doubt Leo Lima and Andre Luis will perofrm well. Marcelinho Paraiba arrived to be one of the eleven starters and a lot is expected from him, Cleber Santana, Alex Silva and Xandao, whohad a good game last week against Paulista.

On the other hand, Sao Paulo FC had to let go one of the country's best defenders, Andre Dias. After two and a half years at the club and two national league championships under the belt, the club recognized his value and sold him to Italian club, Fiorentina. His departure will be deeply noted, but I am sure Alex Silva and Xandao will complete Miranda and build another strong three-men defense. Another player that left, but will not be missed as much is Arouca, who was traded for Rodrigo Souto. In my opinion, both Santos and Sao Paulo benefited from the trade off as each player can complete each other in their team roles.

As in any transfer window, rumours play a big role. Among several names linked to Sao Paulo in this window, Cicinho, Robinho, and in the last day or two, Nilmar, were the most significant. I would be extremely happy if any of these three joined us, and think that would greatly increase our quality and chances of winning the Libertadores Cup. Who knows, maybe in six months.

In the meantime, we should be happy with what we got and hope our bench is as strong as the starting line-up. In my opinion, the eleven starters in a 3-5-2 formation should be: Rogerio Ceni, Miranda, Alex Silva and Xandao, Adrian Gonzales, Jean, Hernanes, Jorge Wagner and Marcelinho Paraiba, Dagoberto and Washington.

New season is starting, get ready...