Now the transfer window has slammed shut (as sky put it), how did we do? The basic changes to the squad are:
- Fernandinho replaces Gareth Barry
- Jesus Navas replaces Scott Sinclair
- Alvaro Negredo replaces Carlos Tevez
- Stevan Jovetic replaces Mario Balotelli
- Martin Demichelis replaces Kolo Toure
- Maicon was sold but not replaced
In addition, Wayne Bridge, Roque Santa Cruz and a number of youth team players have left on loan or have been released. Of the above, I'd argue Fernandinho and Navas are definite improvements. Negrado and Jovetic are different types of players to Tevez and Balotelli so it remains to be seen if that's an improvement. Demichelis should provide at least as reliable back up cover at centre back as Kolo Toure, and Maicon was probably going to be third choice right back and so we can probably cope without replacing him.
The biggest disappointment for me was the sale of Denis Saurez. Although he hadn't made the first team breakthrough yet he was a very promising talent and Barcelona clearly see something there worth investing in. The owners stated desire to see more academy players making the first team has seen a set-back with this.
Although we have a net spend of around £80 million, there will be a benefit from a reduction in the wage bill. Several high wage earners were moved on and either not replaced (e.g. Bridge and Santa Cruz) or replaced with lower wage earners (e.g. Tevez was probably on more than Negredo and Jovetic combined). This should help with FFP compliance.
Overall I think we've had a successful transfer window. Although there was no major name signed, all the new faces look to be good signings and the squad has a fresher, improved look.
No comments:
Post a Comment