It’s been one of the most drawn out and prolonged transfers in soccer history but Owen Hargreaves has finally completed the formalities of his move to Manchester United from Bayern Munich. Manchester United is the favorite at +150 odds to win the English Premiership 2007/2008 at Bodog.com.
"It's been a long time coming!" confessed Hargreaves. "It was probably the worst-kept secret in football, but it's great to be here. I think it's great to finally reach a positive conclusion. Especially after all the time and energy that's been put in from everyone involved!"
Canada-born Owen Hargreaves' transfer fee is believed to be in the region of £17million. He joined Bayern from the Calgary Foothills in 1997 and won four Bundesliga titles with Bayern as well as the 2001 Champions League and Intercontinental Cup (World Club Championship).
His versatility and willingness to play in any position on the field meant he rarely got a chance in his preferred midfield anchor role. Unfortunately this led to some mediocre performances and he became a target of the boo boys.
That all changed when he produced a fine display against Portugal in the World Cup quarter-finals to enhance his reputation.
A broken leg suffered in Bundesliga action back in September meant an extended lay-off and forced him to miss England's first competitive games under new coach Steve McClaren.
But the United medical reports a clean bill of health and his presence in the Red Devil midfield will not harm his new club’s chances this season.
Manchester United: +150
Chelsea FC: +150
Liverpool FC: +450
Arsenal FC: +800
Any other Team: +5000
