da wazamba： There is a growing consensus that the current Premier League season is one of the poorest in terms of quality, with Manchester United leading the pack without convincing performances, Arsenal’s continual potential and failings, Chelsea dropping out of the title race (well, until now) whilst Liverpool exited the top four altogether. Whereas the spending of Manchester City has added to competition and Tottenham Hotspur having a resurgence under Harry Redknapp, it could have been an even worse season than we have now.
da heads bet： Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has commented on the increased competition this season saying that games are even harder to predict. But this does not necessarily mean that the league has got stronger, whilst the top teams have dropped in quality due to lack of spending, it has allowed the other teams in the league to catch up. It’s no surprise that half of the teams are still in relegation contention this season.
So with this drop of quality, could we see clubs start to splash the cash in the summer in order to improve? The likes of Manchester City will be expected to get the cheque book out with their rich owners but it could force their competitors to spend the cash or face losing out.
The cause of United’s drop in quality has been down to a surprising lack of transfer activity over the last year. While many feel it’s because of the owners not making funds available, Sir Alex Ferguson has bemoaned that players are over-valued in the current transfer market. And it’s a similar story with Arsene Wenger being the smart economist he is, he hasn’t made the signings in defensive and goalkeeping positions that fans and critics alike have said they desperately need.
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And despite the fact that Tottenham are enjoying one of their most successful spells in the last two decades, there is still a big cry for the signing of a world class striker in order for them to maintain their top four place.
Let’s not forget the likes of Newcastle United, who have the potential to splash the cash they received for Andy Carroll in January, but only if owner Mike Ashley allows manager Alan Pardew to use it all to invest in his squad.
Although a busy summer transfer market could be on the cards, it’s certainly not guaranteed as more clubs are being forced to tighten the purse strings at their clubs whilst the value of players only increases. Only the likes of City and Chelsea can afford to spend big, if they choose to spend their cash within the Premier League then it would allow other clubs to spend too.
Unfortunately, I feel that more clubs will be looking abroad for cheaper alternatives. The transfer fee of Andy Carroll speaks volumes on how over-priced Premier League players are compared to those in Europe. With proven strikers by the likes of Diego Forlan, Giuseppe Rossi and Sergio Aguero, to name a few all being valued at around the same price.
Also, whereas the quality of the Premier League may have declined, it certainly hasn’t been dull to watch. The unpredictable results have made it a more interesting spectacle and it’s not just at the top of the table, teams recently promoted from The Championship have not been the “whipping boys” as many expected. Hopefully the transfer market will be just as competitive and the quality will increase next season.
Liverpool might be looking to splash the cash, but they should give Conor Coady more action. Here’s why…
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