EPL Half Season Awards - Transfers

EPL Half Season Awards - Transfers

The January transfer window heralds the halfway point of the season. With the Manchester clubs establishing an early dominance over traditional rivals Chelsea and Arsenal it has been the challenge of Tottenham that has looked the most likely to challenge for a top two spot. After a bright start Liverpool have drifted back towards mid-table mediocrity, while Premier League newcomers Swansea and Norwich City have looked more likely to avoid the drop than their wealthy counterparts Queens Park Rangers. This series will announce a number of awards for Premier League clubs at the halfway point of the season kicking off with an evaluation of pre-season transfers.

A number of big name transfers took place in the lead up to the 2011-12 season. Players such as Samir Nasri, David De Gea and Stuart Downing found new homes amidst much fanfare, but have struggled to adapt to their new surroundings. Despite hitting the ground running Nasri has struggled to establish himself in the competition strongest squad while De Gea and Downing have not offered their respective managers anywhere near value for the 20 million spent. On the other side of the coin Sergio Aguerro and Juan Mata are examples of big name stars that have looked at ease amongst the competitions heavy hitters. 

Manchester United and Liverpool heralded the arrival of a number of exciting prospects at the opening of the season but the considerable investment has failed to return for either side yet.  Jordan Henderson and Stuart Downing are $20million players that have looked anything but while David De Gea and Phil Jones have failed so far to revitalise United’s ageing backline. As a result these two sides edge out Queens Park Rangers  as recipients of the mid season award for worst incoming transfers.

Newcastle United supporters went into this season with serious doubts over Mike Ashley and the direction of the club. After selling prized asset Andy Carroll last January, June and July brought the departures of first team mainstays Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Jose Enrique. While promising youngsters Davide Santon and Gabriel Obertan were brought in for combined fees of almost $9 million it was the $5 million purchase of Yohan Cabaye and free transfer of Demba Ba that propelled Newcastle to an unbeaten few months and a prized top 4 position heading into December. A run of tough fixtures has brought with it a sense of reality but as we move through January a top half finish and perhaps European football is a realistic proposition for Newcastle fans. While other sides have made strong signings the combined successes of Newcastles new boys makes them the clear winners of any award for incoming transfers at this point of the season.

With fifteen Premier League goals on a free transfer Demba Ba has undoubtedly proven to be this season’s finest piece of transfer window business. Honourable mentions must be given to Sergio Aguerro, Juan Mata and Yakubu.

The next article in A View From The Top’s half season awards will be the Defenders of the Season.