January Transfer Window Underwhelms

Only three days remain in the January transfer window, and so far — despite everyone’s high expectations — it’s been a very quiet month. The future increase in funds from TV revenue was expected to propel clubs to use the money now. However, there have been very few huge signings.

Watch Sky Sports’s “Through The Night” programme and pay attention to the “Transfer News” section. More than 75% of the transfers mentioned are for foreign players. The numbers of players being transferred from lower league clubs to the Premiership is pitifully small. Most notable were the two Rotherham players that Watford signed. Promising players such as Southend’s Freddie Eastwood and Preston’s David Nugent, it appears, will stay in the Championship.

Out of all of the signings in the Premiership thus far, Aston Villa and Fulham have done the best work. Villa’s signing of John Carew is a coup. The 6′ 4″ Norwegian striker, nicknamed The Hulk, will make an immediate impact. Villa’s Ashley Young will take time to adapt after moving from Watford, but has a promising future ahead of him.

Fulham’s signings of Alexei Smertin and Vincenzo Montella add experience to the Craven Cottage side with Montella already having made an immediate impact with four goals.

Expect a flurry of activity in the transfer market between now and Wednesday night. Clubs that are expected to make significant signings include Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur.

Who would you like your club to sign in the transfer window? Thoughts and comments are welcome (click on comments link below).