Should the January transfer window be scrapped?
In the lead up to tonight’s deadline there has been noises from players and managers alike expressing their dislike for January’s transfer window.
West Ham‘s Kevin Nolan and Sam Allardyce have both been outspoken in their belief that it should be scrapped altogether whilst QPR manager, and chief wheeler dealer, Harry Redknapp referred to it as ‘gang warfare’.
I’m sure it certainly irks many of managers of the top teams in the European leagues as they are bombarded with constant questions and speculation from the press right in the middle of a busy season. Also, as Liverpool can testify to, there is the very high risk of losing your best player halfway through a season.
Conversely, it serves as a chance for clubs to strengthen their squads ahead of the second half of the season. For example, Harry Redknapp at QPR has done a lot of business in the January window as he aims to perform a miracle and steer QPR away from relegation.
Some January transfers have proved pivotal; Jose Reyes move to Arsenal all those years ago helped them remain unbeaten and win the league. Again, Andrei Arshavin’s arrival in January 2009 provided Arsenal with the spark that allowed them to consolidate their Champions League position that season.
Perhaps if there was only the summer transfer window managers would be more inclined to spend and make additions to their squad as that would be their only chance?
The hype that surrounds deadline day does not help either and it is my feeling that the January transfer window does more harm than good. It is a unwanted distracted for players and coaches and whilst some managers do dip into the the market in January, I think most would be happy if it was only in the summer.
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