da dobrowin： So with the January Sales in the football world opening imminently, the Guardian has today reported that the total amount spent will be less than half that of the 2011 amount – which to be fair included two vastly overpriced, underperforming donkeys, but luckily for both their managers are in need of a trip to Specsavers and feel both are performing just fine. In reality if either were to be sold now, they would come with an enclosed ‘with sympathy’ card.
da premier bet： That aside, the £225 million spent this time last year has no chance of being broken apparently. This is due to a number of reasons, and in no small part the FFP regulations, with clubs scrambling to adhere to these rules, or face being kicked out of the Champions League in the not so distant future – or in the Manchester clubs case, the UEFA cup should the precedent they set this season be repeated.
TV deals are also up in the air and will affect spending, especially in the case of Spanish clubs, who are currently attempting to end the dominance of the big two when it comes to this kind of revenue. Not to mention we are in a touch and go economy – sorry Mr Cameron but we are – and clubs simply do not have money to throw away – Chelsea and City being obvious exceptions here.
That being said, there are a number of clubs who for varying reasons simply have to enter the transfer market – yes they have to spend wisely, but spend they must if they want their seasons to stop going into disarray.
Let’s start with Blackburn – Steve Kean everyone’s favourite punching bag has claimed to have met with the Venky’s to discuss January targets and thinks they will sign 4 players, including a defender. Well considering their rate of conceding goals, this sounds like a stellar idea from Kean. Blackburn have injury issues and to be frank need a couple of players to come in and freshen things up. They also risk losing a couple of players, especially young prospect Junior Hoillet and will have to look to reinvest this money in the club.
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Right at the other end of the scale we have moneybags Chelsea, who are in desperate need of a defender, with Gary Cahill looking a cert to complete the move as soon as the window opens, and with the African Cup of Nations, Chelsea could do with a forward and some cover in the middle of the park as well. Now we all know Roman is not short of money, and with AVB eager to stamp his mark on the club, we could well see yet another big spending January from the Blues.
Wenger has stated there are funds to buy in the transfer window, and with players off to the African cup he may well be forced into doing so. The two month signing of Henry is brilliant news for not just Arsenal fans, but all Premier League fans who will love the chance to see a downright legend back even for a couple of months.
Clubs who have very little to spend may have to sell before they can buy, and take Everton – new players are needed so much it is not funny, yet the funds are not there – perhaps someone like Rodwell will be sold to make money available? This will again kick start the market likewise with players who are looking for a move, clubs will have to replace them, and will be forced to buy as a result.
Depending on which supporters you talk to, no fan would say their club does not need to buy anyone and is a complete squad. Yes, they may differ over where the money should be spent – United fans for example – some may feel a defender is where the money should be spent due to mass injuries, others may still long for a creative midfielder. Either way they feel someone should be bought.
Certain managers will be out for a bargain – Redknapp and Warnock to name a couple, and it would be no surprise if the transfer window threw up a shock or two. Never count big spending City out either, and they have the power to bid astronomical sums of money for any player.
Whilst the record of last season may not be breached, the fact remains, certain clubs simply have to invest, and a little money this January may mean big rewards at the end of the season.
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