EPL - Focus Back on Football After Transfer Window Closes

With the January Transfer Window closed we can finally focus back on the football and what’s sure to be a thrilling finish to the English Premier League. Chelsea and Man City are in a 2 way race for the title while Liverpool, Man United and Arsenal are trying to fend off threats from others as they fight for a top four finish. The 2 London clubs were perhaps the busiest in the transfer window While Man City did their deal early and Man United got goalkeeper Victor Valdez on a free transfer. Liverpool who were linked to almost everyone…. signed nobody. So what can we expect of the few men who made the move to one of England’s big clubs.

South American Takes Centre Stage

Chelsea left it late but secured the services of Juan Cuadrado from Italian club Fiorentina for a reported 26 million pounds. The winger was impressive for Columbia at the World Cup alongside player of the tournament James Rodriguez. He scored 4 goals in 17 matches in the Italian League this season and also had 4 assists. Cuadrado can make inroads with the ball at his feet and although he loves attacking Jose Mourinho will surely make the South American do a defensive job at the Blues. To balance the books somewhat Chelsea sold always on loan left back Ryan Bertrand to Southampton for 10 million pounds while German Andre Schurrle will play in his native country after being sold to Wolfsburg.

Can Paulista Prove Himself in the Premier League

Arsenal’s signing of Brazilian Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal for 15 million pounds is money well spent according to his former Spanish club. The centre-back was a dominant figure in La-Liga this season before his move, helping Villarreal to an 18 game unbeaten streak which saw them concede just 17 goals in their first 19 matches. The 24 year old is a dynamic and aggressive player with pace and aerial ability. Paulista will be out to prove he can adapt to the physicality of the Premier League and continue the fantastic form he showed in Spain. The Gunners may finally be building a backline too add to their outstanding attack.

The Beast Bony Strengthens City’s Strike Force

Wilfried Bony will by no means be a walk up in Manchester City’s starting 11 with the former Swansea star joining the likes of Stefan Jovetic Eden Dzeko and King Pin Sergio Aguero in the defending Champions strike force. But the Ivorian offers a new threat with his beast like body and his physical presence is already proven in the Premier League. He’s won close to 50% of battles for the ball he’s contested this season which is by far the best of any of City’s forwards and he’s also won more than half his aerial duels, which is also more than any of his new strike partners. The 26 year old netted 9 goals in 20 appearances for Swansea this campaign and will be aiming to add to that tally on his return from the African Cup of Nations. City, as they always seem to do, had the money to spend on Bony but was 28 million pound worth it? Time will tell…

While Liverpool didn’t bring in any players the return of Daniel Sturridge almost feels like they did. A goal in his first game back suggests they mightn’t need another star up front… As long as he stays on the pitch. While it was no surprise Manchester United kept quiet after spending almost 150 million pounds in the summer transfer window, the most by an English club. In all, Premier League clubs spent around 130 million pounds in the window, which matched last year’s figure but fell a whole 95 million short of the record January spending spree of 225 million pounds in 2011.