Transfer window peters out, sign of poverty

Hmm, I had the feeling we’d see more movement in the Premiership as the transfer window closed. The only deal of note was the transfer of Jermain Jenas from Newcastle to Tottenham Hotspur.

In other leagues like Serie A, the Bundesliga and La Liga the same is true: very little movement.

Even having, for the first time, an English Football League transfer window made little impact on the Premiership’s little brother. Even a quality defender like Oliver Bernard, with no transfer fee was only signed on the last day by Rangers in Scotland. In the transfer market three, four years ago, a player in his situation would have been snapped up.

It’s a sign of the growing poverty; nobody has money because it’s going towards financing club debts, and the ones not in debt were certainly frugal.

Tottenham were the only exception, signing Jermain Jenas from Newcastle (obviously Newcastle needed some money, quick) in a five year deal. Jenas joins Michael Carrick and Edgar Davids, so I’m wondering what they have in mind since the 8m pound price tag is no bargain and Davids looked great alongside Carrick. Are they spending 8m to have a new player sit the bench?

The cycle of debt (or piling on more) often begins with the promise of a big money signing paying the club's debt back with a place in European competitions. It’s a huge risk Newcastle are taking bringing in Michael Owen for this price, considering there was Dirk Kuyt from Feyenoord. I think Newcastle paid thru the nose. Let’s not forget the upside, and in United’s favor, he’ll be able to play the way he plays best. Still a huge risk, but let’s see how much time this buys Souness and the team’s management.

As for the transfer window in general, ...eh.