Spending Money Doesn’t Always Pay-Off

Nearly a month has passed since the transfer window closed, where clubs were looking to make signings that would change the course of their season.

We saw the clubs at the bottom of the Premiership try to make the signings that would keep them in the league; Wolves for example signed Jamie O’Hara, who has returned two goals in four games from midfield.

West Brom signed Mexico international Carlos Vela on loan from Arsenal; whose scored one in three games.

West Ham also recruited Demba Ba, who has also shown his worth with three goals in three games.

But as you start to look further up the list of big English signings a different picture starts to develop.

Aston Villa Coughed up a hefty 24million pounds for Darren Bent. He is the second highest scoring Englishman over the last few seasons, only being out done by Wayne Rooney, but he has only managed two gals in five games for the villains.

Big spenders Liverpool decided to break the bank on two separate occasions.

First Uruguayan bad boy Luis Suarez cost them 23 million pounds, the Striker is perhaps more famous for his World Cup handball, or even Biting PSV’s Otman Bakkal, but he has impressed after scoring one goal in three games. Given time I believe he will repay his price tag.

The chequebook came out yet again when they decided to make Andy Carroll the most expensive Englishman ever. The former Newcastle forward has been in the form of his life this season, but most people would question the 35million price tag.  The player signed for Liverpool whilst injured and is still yet to even make an appearance.

The signing of the window however was Fernando Torres 50million move to Chelsea. The blues were looking to change their fortunes and re-ignite their title chasing campaign. After all the talk, hype and money involved the player is still yet to score for his new club, despite featuring in most matches.

Going the other way, Chelsea let Daniel Sturridge make a deadline day loan move to Owen Coyles Bolton. The player had made a few appearances this season, but with the arrival of Torres, he would surely drop down the pecking order, and looked for first team football elsewhere.

Since then Englishman has scored four goals in four games, improving Bolton’s form and looking a real threat every time he plays. At just 21 he could have a bright future ahead of him.

Meanwhile Chelsea’s form has continued to deteriorate, and they find themselves fifth in the league, with their next match at home to top of the league Manchester United. It could be make or break for the clubs season as they still need points in order to into the leagues top four and qualify for next seasons champions league.

The money spent in the premier league this January just goes to show that no matter how much money you spend on an individual you not guaranteed instant success, something that Manchester City have had to realise.

But perhaps maybe I’m speaking to soon, there is 10/11 matches left in the season and plenty can happen in that time. Manchester City can still win the league? Torres can still score 10 goals? One things for sure though, I wont be putting my money it to happen anytime soon.

James Newnham