14/15 Transfer Window

By Ko

As all the european transfers have been completed with the transfer window closed, as of September first, there are many clubs that seemed to have had a unsuccesful two months. Starting off with Real Madrid, they’ve lost the likes of Angel Di Maria, Xabi Alonso and Diego Lopez, all who played much part to their record tenth Champions League Title. Di Maria, who departed to Manchester United on deadline week on a British record 60 million pound fee after his superb performance for Argentina in the world cup. Will Real Madrid still be able to thrive without the assistance of Di Maria? This will prove to be a huge loss for Real Madrid. According to Amund Beleska “Without the pace and the creativity of the Argentinian winger, Real Madrid won’t be able to dominate like they did in the previous years” This is also due to veteran midfielder Xabi Alonso leaving the club in the summer to join bitter rivals Bayern Munchen. Alonso may not have been technically as talented as Di Maria but he was a leader on the pitch, probably Real Madrid’s most important player last year. Without a voice on the pitch, encouraging, pushing and always behind you 100%, you won’t be able to perform no matter how individually talented you are. And that’s what Alonso brought for you. He was a team leader. Real Madrid has brought in some young talents in as well, no doubt about that. Always famous for spending, president Perez brought in the likes of James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos, both who performed extremely well for Colombia and Germany respectively in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. However, these youngsters will need to grow and to adapt to the football in Madrid and this will most likely take a season for them to really become a part of the squad. Individual talent will never beat a well organized, encouraging team that’s always on each other's backs.

There are clubs that have had a very successful transfer however. Chelsea are one of the clubs who have had a really successful transfer window. Some may say that their purchase of Filipe Luis was a waste, with Ivanovic and Azpilicueta really thriving in that Chelsea full back role but the 32 million pound pricey fullback seemed to have been on top last season with Atletico Madrid so you can’t call him a waste yet. But with the addition of Diego Costa, Courtois, Cesc Fabregas, Loic Remy and Kurt Zouma you can say that Chelsea have had a great transfer window. With Courtois pushing veteran Chelsea keeper Cech out for the no. 1 spot and thriving in the position, keeping out vital shots out against Leicester City and Everton, it was the right call to bring the keeper back into the club. Cesc Fabregas who seemed to be underperforming with former club, Barcelona has been superb as the ‘brain’ of the team providing six assists in four games so far, Chelsea seem to have had the upper hand in that deal. It doesn’t just stop there. With Diego Costa and Loic Remy being added to the squad with Fernando Torres’ departure, the two new signings have adapted very well. Very well might be an understatement as Diego Costa scoring seven goals in just four games, a Chelsea record by far. Remy, who many thought would be keeping the bench warm due to the excellent start by Costa, made a brilliant start himself, grabbing a goal on his debut. With the addition of such players with much qualities, could Chelsea go one step further to clinch the UEFA Champions League (UCL) title? Or will Real Madrid be too strong for the blues?

You want to know what I think? I think Chelsea have what it takes to be crowned champions of Europe this season. With the addition of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, who both spent seasons in the Spanish La Liga, I think they will be able to read Real Madrid’s game and really challenge for that UCL title.