Premier League January Transfer Window Review – The Clubs
My last post talked about who went where in the big moves of the Premier League’s January transfer window. This one will talk about how the moves affect the clubs and what punters should look out for with my predictions for the rest of the season.
Tottenham could still make the Champions League, but they will probably have to settle for the Europa League. Chelsea is ahead of them on the Premiership table and isn’t likely to dip below the fourth spot after adding David Luiz and Fernando Torres. Tottenham missed out on a signing a new striker during the window and it could prove costly. Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City are all in good form.
Chelsea have a dynamic striker force with Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres now. They were strong before adding Torres and once Frank Lampard returns, they could make a late push for the Premiership title. They are also trying to stabilize the defence with the addition of David Luiz from Benfica.
Liverpool is going to struggle even more in the latter half of the season without Torres. A new striking tandem of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll should get them in position to challenge for one of the remaining Europa League positions, depending on who wins the FA Cup.
Blackpool should remain in the Premier League for a second season. Charlie Adam is staying, despite having a late offer from Tottenham accepted. The additions of James Beattie, Andy Reid, Jason Puncheon and Sergei Kornilenko bring more than enough talent needed to stick around.
West Ham are trying to avoid relegation with the loan signing of Robbie Keane, but they don’t have enough depth at each position. They will likely fall in the Championship Playoffs and Keane would move back to Tottenham, with Scott Parker joining him. West Ham would then be just an average Championship team.
Newcastle have a tough road ahead in the second half of the season without Carroll. Their attack is weakened and may fall into a relegation battle. The lone bright spot is the addition of Stephen Ireland, but he doesn’t have much quality playing experience.
Aston Villa should pull clear of the drop zone after adding Michael Bradley on loan and signing Darren Bent. Bradley has great work ethic and should compliment their midfield. When Bent is on, he seems unstoppable. Manager Gerard Houllier is just settling in so Villa should be battling for a top 10 spot by the end of the season.