Top Three Winter Transfers And Their Impact On The New Clubs
The winter transfer window wasn’t that attractive as many believed it would be with a lack any blockbusting transfers that would make a significant impact on a competition or change the balance of power in any country. Yet, several moves deserved to be mentioned in this article.
Inter landed Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen for just €20 million, but the Danish forward’s value is far greater. The reason why Spurs sold their playmaker for such a low price, is the fact that Eriksen’s contract lasted until the end of this campaign. After June, he would leave London without a single penny. Tottenham had difficulty reaching the top four in the premier league this season, but with Eriksen’s possible return, it might be possible next season.
On the other side, the Nerazzurri didn’t want to risk anything and they willingly paid the agreed amount. EURO 2020 is on the way, and having in mind that Eriksen plays a leading role in his national team, he can easily shine and attract the attention of other continental titans. Now that would create a much harsher competition for his signature, which is why Inter didn’t want to take any risks.
Inter is the second favourite to win the Serie A title this season. The only team ahead of them is Juventus with 4/6, while Antonio Conte’s side is at 9/4, although they have the same number of points.
The fact that Juventus awaits the team from Milan at their stadium in head-to-head clash gives them a massive advantage. Behind these two sides is Lazio with 5/1 for capturing the trophy, and just one point fewer in the standings. All other clubs are way below them, Atalanta 200/1, Roma 500/1, Napoli and AC Milan 1000/1. Eriksen’s presence will no doubt improve Inter’s chances to dethrone the Old Lady.
One other notable move, that might change the flow of the title race occurred in Germany. Borussia Dortmund landed arguably the most talented striker in the world, Erling Haaland. The Norwegian teenager came from Red Bull Salzburg, where he played for six months, setting numerous club and international records. His arrival came under undisclosed terms, but to be honest, that isn’t important that much.
What is though is that Haaland scored three goals on his debut and continued in the same manner afterwards. He currently has 8 hits on his account after less than a month since starting playing for the Millionaires. Some are saying that he might catch up with Robert Lewandowski and Timo Werner at the top of the goalscorers’ list.
However, that is a bit unreal, as those two have 22, and 20 goals respectively. Lewa is the No.1 favourite for the Golden Shoe with the odds ar 2/5, Werner is 15/8, while Haaland’s teammates, Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus sit at 150/1 and 250/1.
When talking about the title, Borussia is near Bayern Munich and Red Bull Leipzig in the standings. The reigning champions from Munich are the biggest favourites, with odds at 4/11, RB Leipzig 10/3, and Borussia is 13/2. Behind the Millionaires is Borussia Moenchengladbach 33/1 and Bayer Leverkusen at 80/1.
The third transfer that caught our attention saw Bruno Fernandes moving to Manchester United from Sporting CP. The Portuguese star cost €55 million and is expected to help United reach the fourth place and the Champions League. The competition is very strong, and the Red Devils are in a difficult position.
Right now, Solskjaer’s team is third in the line for that spot, behind Chelsea who is 1/2 to stay there, and Tottenham, 5/2. Manchester is 8/1, slightly ahead of the Wolves 10/1 and Sheffield United with 14/1.
No doubt, it will be very, very tough for them to reach the UCL. Playing for the second year in a row in the Europa League would be pretty bad for their finances. Liverpool is already far ahead of their biggest rivals, City also, which means that Solskjaer has to find a way to fulfil his task; otherwise, the future for both him and his team will be turbulent.
The summer transfer window will be much more interesting. The EURO 2020 will take place, and we all know the activity on the market once some big international competition takes place.
Also, Manchester City’s suspension from the continental competitions will no doubt affect the market, meaning that there will be a lot of high-quality players available for purchasing. Be sure that many of the current guys playing there won’t stay at Etihad.
Image: PA Images
