Dodgy briefcases, contrived public photos and lots of money, much of which will be wasted. It’s fair to say that football transfers and the budget announcement have a lot in common.
Last year, £720 billion was spent on boosting the UK economy, and it may need something close to that figure to fix Man United’s troubles. But they are not the only team looking for a big slice of investment.
For the last decade, the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City have spent the GDP of small countries in an attempt to reach the pinnacle of the English and European game. Come the summer, there is every chance they will do so again.
For United, it is clear that a major overhaul of their squad, not least in midfield, is required to turn their fortunes around. £27.5 million signing Marouane Fellaini has been an unfortunate combination of unfit for play and unfit for purpose, while the likes of Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley and Ryan Giggs do not appear to be up to the required standard.
Across Manchester, perennial big-spenders are starting to struggle as their star-studded squad becomes stretched. With Sergio Aguero often injured and Edin Dzeko inconsistent, a new striker could be targeted, while a defence including Joleon Lescott, Martin Demichelis and Gael Clichy cannot be tolerated for much longer!
For Chelsea, the recent signing of Nemanja Matic has strengthened a midfield which was often brittle and over-exposed. Perhaps another central midfielder will be targeted for them, while the well-documented struggles of Samuel Eto’o and Fernando Torres mean that the Blues have not scored the number of goals their excellent creative players deserve. A top-class striker is a must.
For their London rivals, Arsenal, it is difficult to assess what is required. I remain unconvinced by Wojciech Szcsesny in goal, while Kieran Gibbs, although improving, still looks vulnerable and remains injury-prone. In midfield, there are few problems, but an ‘enforcer’ would not go amiss. In particular need of investment is, like with Chelsea, the striker department. Olivier Giroud is a decent player, but a better striker is surely needed to allow Arsenal to become consistent challengers for the Premier League.
Finally, Liverpool have slowly mounted a title challenge through canny investment, particularly last January’s signings Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. For them, like with Man City, a defensive overhaul may be required. Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique are decent, but not of the top level required to move Liverpool on a step. Expect them to splash the cash soon. Besides, Brendan Rodgers talks a bit like a politician, so that helps.
So, there’s my analysis of the transfer requirements of the top teams in the Premier League. And United are fortunate to meet my criteria of ‘top’! Today, we find out how the money of the hard-working public will be invested. The average football fan, who gives much of his money to his beloved club, will be hoping that money is spent for the good of their teams.
1 Comment
