Real Madrid sign Woodgate?

[AngryPaul]

Jonathan Woodgate has signed for Real Madrid from Newcastle in a £13.4m move after passing a medical on Friday. Does it strike anyone else as strange? I mean good luck to the lad, but it just seems odd.

Real Madrid are argued to be the best team in the world. They sign players like Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo and Beckham. Owen was a suprise to me, but Woodgate?

OK, maybe I'm a bit harsh. I see Woodgate as a great defender, but never thought of him as Real material. I could understand if he had had a blinder of a Euro 2004 (he didn't play [injured]) or had a great 2003/4 season (hardly played [injured])
Injury-prone Woodgate suffered various injuries during his time at Newcastle, playing only 37 of the 128 games for the Magpies since his move from Leeds in January 2003.I am glad, however, to see English players in such high demand, especially from Real, but I just never thought Woodgate would be considered a 'galactico'The Bernabeu is not normally thought of as a finishing school, or Real a club who are happy to pay for potential instead of buying top-of-the-range.
:confused:

What are your thoughts? Were you shocked? Or did you see Woodgate as underrated and think he deserves this move?

[fishymcfish]

I for one am astounded, I have no idea why Newcastle would possibly consider selling their best defender, you can tell when we play without him, that his presence is needed to help the team. I know its real madrid, but they could at least have asked for a bit more money.

I'm, also confused by the fact that we now only have O'Brian and Bramble with no real cover for defence, except maybe Aaron Hughes, I don't see us putting up any remote challenge for the champions league without buying a top quality defender, and with only 11 days left of the window, I don't know if this will happen

[seaempty]

It was a bit out of the blue. I understand that they need to strengthen their defence, but paying nearly £15m on a (what I consider he will be at Real) reserve defender. I can see he has the possibilty, but it is an expensive gamble, especially with his injury record?

[dogincognito]

He's a top class defender, a great signing for Real, I'm confused why Newcastle would let him go more than anything...

[Evil Egg]

I think the sale of Woodgate has shown Newcastle's lack of ambition. Obviously, if they feel the need to sell their best defender, they don't really believe that they can push for a Champions League, let alone the title. I think that now they will face a tough season in which they will be lucky to secure 5th place, with the ever improving sides around them, namely Aston Villa, Middlesbourgh, Birmingham and Bolton, who i believe have all improved their squads from last season, where they looked very strong already.

However, i am quite surprised that Real chose Woodgate. I mean a club of their reputation, and financial standing could sign anyone they want, and although Woodgate is a great player, he hasn't really shone at Newcastle, due to many injuries. If he can get fit and stay fit for them, i strongly believe that they will have one of the best central defenders in the world in their hands.

[Leonidas]

I think it's actually a very good move by newcastle. They have made a £6million profit on a player who is always injured, and has played about only 18 times for the magpies since he signed. He is a great defender, there is no doubt, but I still think all in all it's a good deal. This however is dependant on who they sign to cover. I have heard they are after Boumsong from Rangers. Great defender, and very powerful, French International, but he has just signed for Rangers. Only a very large bid would secure him I feel. (and as a Rangers fan I hope he goes nowhere for a while yet!)

[Dingbat]

I think it's actually a very good move by newcastle. They have made a £6million profit on a player who is always injured, and has played about only 18 times for the magpies since he signed. He is a great defender, there is no doubt, but I still think all in all it's a good deal. This however is dependant on who they sign to cover. I have heard they are after Boumsong from Rangers. Great defender, and very powerful, French International, but he has just signed for Rangers. Only a very large bid would secure him I feel. (and as a Rangers fan I hope he goes nowhere for a while yet!)
I've also heard they're after our ex-captain Craig Moore, who's in Australia at the moment. Considering he'd only cost them £500,000, which is a good deal (for them anyway :() it could be win-win if we get him off our books and they get a centre back.

[Leonidas]

I don't know if he's up to playing for a top 5 team in the Premiership though. Boumsong, well he;d fit in anywhere, but Moore....?

[AngryPaul]

http://www.realmadrid.com/web_realmadrid/mmedia/000/000/043/617.jpgStill doesnt seem 'Real'.

Kinda like Jamie Carragher signing for AC Milan :eek:

[Dr S]

I was shocked...

but only because Leeds didn't have a sell on clause

[el_diablo5711]

he just doesnt seem in real madrid's league... but im sure he'll be okay