These two transfers point to two very different dimensions of the power game within the EPL. I think it is worth taking a minute or two to consider what each transfer says about the clubs involved.

Berbatov from a Man Utd Perspective

Utd fans will be happy that they have added Berbatov to an incredibly strong forward line. There is no doubt that he will be an asset on the field and could make the eventual sale of Ronaldo to Real Madrid a possibility for Utd. 

I do feel that the Utd leadership will feel that they were out played by their counter parts at Spurs. Utd were only bidding about 20 million pounds for Berbatov and I think they felt that they would get the striker for 23-24 mill tops. Of course Man City screwed that up for Utd when they bid 34 million and that led to Utd probably over paying for a very good player with little sell on value.

Berbatov from a Man City Perspective

Brief -- they showed their intent with the bid and it may have helped assure Robinho that he will be surrounded by stars soon if he joined. They also managed to force Utd to spend another 7 million or so which would have made them happy.

Berbatov from a Spurs Perspective

They made the best of a bad lot. 30.75 million for a striker who:

1. wanted to leave

2. cost 10.9 mill ish two years ago and helped win a trophy last year 

They will also feel that this is two instances where they have held firm and out negotiated Man Utd. 30.75 million is the equivalent of Modric (14m), Dos Santos (8m) and Gomes (8m). Plus they got Campbell on loan. Another way to look at it is that their profit on Berbatov paid for Modric and the young midfielder Bostock (5) and they got a young striker on loan.

As an aside, Spurs this summer have made the best of a tough hand - both Keane and Berbatov wanted to leave - they have reworked their squad. It is a younger and probably a more well rounded squad (they are missing one striker unless Campbell is a quality loan pick). Additionally Spurs have made about 4-5 mill profit this summer and will probably sell Rocha, Salty, Murphy, Ghaly and Prince in Jan. Together they should raise an additional 8 mill or so -- I suspect Spurs will spend that 12 (8+4) on one quality player -- probably a midfielder (Veloso) and will try and lock in one more striker.

Robinho from a Man City Perspective

This was a statement of intent by the new owners. Will Robinho on his own transform City? Probably not -- BUT he will influence other players to join the City Revolution. I hope to write a long post later on what that could look like.

Robinho from a Real Madrid Perspective

Yikes -- City did to them what they do to others - take advantage of an unsettled player. They will plan to come in for Ronaldo in a year I would suspect.

Robinho from a Chelsea Perspective

Ouch -- that hurts -- losing out to City!

SO -- what do you guys think about all of this?