January Winners and Losers: Insights on Shrewd Spurs and Surprise Spenders
The January transfer window has come to a close, and while it may not have been as eventful as previous years, some clubs have emerged as winners while others have struggled to make the desired impact. With clubs facing the challenge of adhering to Financial Fair Play regulations, the window has seen cautious spending and strategic moves. Let’s delve into the winners and losers of this year’s January transfer window.
Winners: Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur started the transfer window with clear intentions and wasted no time in securing important deals. They managed to secure a loan deal for Timo Werner, providing a much-needed boost to their attacking options. Additionally, they made the permanent signing of Radu Dragusin, adding defensive stability to the squad.
In addition to these signings, Tottenham also saw several players leave the club, including Eric Dier, Hugo Lloris, and Ivan Perisic. However, the highlight of their transfer window came on deadline day when they secured the signing of talented youngster Lucas Bergvall from Swedish side Djugarden. This signing was particularly impressive as they managed to beat Barcelona for his signature. talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook praised Tottenham’s business, stating, “I think Spurs are the winners, they got the deals that Ange Postecoglou wanted relatively early in Werner and Dragusin – one of the few paid for signings this window. The fact they’ve managed to get Bergvall from under the noses of Barcelona right at the death is a feather in their cap.”
Crystal Palace: Surprise Spenders
Crystal Palace surprised many by becoming one of the biggest spenders in this year’s January transfer window. The club secured the signing of Daniel Munoz from Genk in an £8m deal, bolstering their defensive options. On deadline day, they further strengthened their squad by signing Adam Wharton from Blackburn for £22m. These signings provide much-needed squad depth for manager Roy Hodgson as they aim to finish the season strongly.
Losers: Everton
Everton find themselves in a precarious position, languishing in the Premier League relegation zone. Their struggles with Financial Fair Play regulations meant that they were unable to make any signings during the January transfer window. Instead, they saw Mason Holgate depart for rivals Sheffield United on deadline day. talkSPORT’s Alex Crook expressed his concern for Everton, saying, “I think Everton are one of the losers. I saw them midweek and they couldn’t finish their dinner at Craven Cottage. Dominic Calvert-Lewin hasn’t scored for 16 games, Beto looks like he’ll never score again! I fear for Everton, with or without the points deduction. They’re in big trouble.”
Newcastle: Hindered by Constraints
Newcastle United, under the management of Eddie Howe, find themselves in a difficult position this season. Despite sitting in eighth place in the Premier League, they have been hampered by injuries and financial constraints. FFP regulations prevented them from making any signings during the January transfer window, leaving them unable to strengthen their squad. Instead, the focus revolved around potential departures, with Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson, and Miguel Almiron all linked with moves away from the club. Newcastle managed to keep hold of their key players but were unable to add any reinforcements. Crook commented on Newcastle’s situation, stating, “Newcastle look weak. In an ideal world, they would have liked to sign a couple of players, Kalvin Phillips being one of them.” The club may need to sell players in the summer if they wish to bring in new faces.
Conclusion
While the January transfer window may not have provided the same level of excitement as previous years, it still presented opportunities for clubs to strengthen their squads. Tottenham emerged as winners with their shrewd signings, while Crystal Palace surprised many with their significant spending. On the other hand, Everton and Newcastle found themselves hindered by financial constraints, leaving them unable to make the desired impact in the transfer market. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how these January transfers will shape the fortunes of these clubs.