Football’s January Sales

Tuesday, 05/01/2010

Premier League managers are dusting off their chequebooks to try and find a guaranteed 20-goals-a-season man to take them to the next level, a defensive colossus to tighten up the back four or a midfield dog of war to keep them in the division.

Transfer window activity is usually a slow burn, with much of the excitement coming in the last few hours as agents stalk managers with call after call, players ensure they’ve got enough petrol in their Bentleys to get to a new club at short notice if required and Spurs and Portsmouth swap squad players around.

This window could be a different prospect however, and not just because of Pompey’s transfer embargo, as the many of the top-flight teams resist the transfer market and the often-inflated January prices.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti have both indicated they’re unlikely to make any additions to their squads, even though both Man United and Chelsea could arguably do with strengthening. A lack of money at United is seemingly forcing Fergie’s hand and Ancelotti doesn’t appear a man to rush into short-term solutions.

One boss who’ll possibly spend is Rafa Benitez, with his Liverpool squad still looking pretty weak. The Spaniard could do with strengthening in defence and midfield but it’s up front where he really needs to find back up for Fernando Torres.

The three other teams vying for fourth with the Reds are also likely to try and bolster their ranks. Aston Villa could do with more attacking flair in the centre of midfield, Spurs are desperate for defensive cover for Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate and new Man City boss Roberto Mancini will probably bring in a couple of his own players in to maintain their Champions League challenge.

Whilst City will have plenty of cash to splash, the teams fighting against relegation will be wheeling and dealing for loan signings and swap deals in a bid to keep themselves afloat. Blackburn, Hull and West Ham will all look to strengthen but will have to sell before they can buy. Bolton will try and make money available for their new boss.

 

A few Possible moves...

David James: Portsmouth to Spurs

To prove his fitness for the World Cup, Jamo may consider White Hart Lane a better option than Fratton Park and playing in a side challenging for the Champions League instead of battling for Premiership survival would improve his chances and state of mind.

 

Matthew Upson: West Ham to Spurs or Liverpool

The Hammers would be at pains to sell Upson to one of their biggest rivals, but the money generated for either Upson or Scott Parker or both, could help secure the club’s long-term future, even if their chances of relegation would be increased.

 

Ruud Van Nistelrooy: Real Madrid to Liverpool, Spurs, Blackburn or Stoke

A move to Anfield for the former Man United man would raise as many eyebrows as Michael Owen’s summer move to Old Trafford. There’s little doubt that Van the Man could still score goals in the Premier League, but whether another injury prone striker is what Rafa needs is questionable.

 

Victor Moses: Crystal Palace to Fulham, Man City or Liverpool

Exciting young forward with buckets of pace and potential, Victor Moses is destined for the big time. A move this January may be too early for him, but Palace’s increasing money troubles may force their hand. Fulham may be his best bet.

 

Patrick Vieira: Inter Milan to Man City or Spurs

Vieira appears to be linked with a return to England every transfer window, but this winter might see the rumours come true. With a World Cup on the horizon and the Frenchman still out of favour at Inter, a move to City, Spurs or even back to Arsenal could be on the cards.

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