Every January, the transfer window opens and fans all over the world hold their collective breath in anticipation of the big transfers that they hope will happen. It seems as though every year fans are left disappointed by the lack of action taken by their beloved teams; this January was no exception. However, this lack of action doesn't mean that we didn't learn a thing or two about the world of international football as a whole.
1. The January transfer window is about as exciting as getting a root canal
This year's January transfer window was like a New Year's countdown, but without the kiss at the end. All of that build up and anticipation for nothing. Simply useless.
2. Chinese Super League is on the rise
The Chinese are spending and let me tell you, they're spending big. This transfer window alone, they brought in big name players like Teixeira, Ramires and Martinez. The Chinese seem to be serious about the growth of their domestic league and bringing in young and exciting talents like this will surely boost the league's skill level. It will also make it more appealing to other rising stars.
3. The MLS has a lot of work to do
Signing players like Ashley Cole and Nigel de Jong won’t raise the profile, skill level or the appeal of the league. Oddly enough, the MLS could take a few pointers from the Chinese when it comes to signing young international talent. Unless they change their strategy soon, the MLS will permanently cement its place in world football as the "retirement league."
4. Aston Villa is a lost cause
Sitting at the bottom of the Premier League, Aston Villa didn’t sign a single player during the January window, all but sealing their place in the relegation zone. Unless the current group of players can make a complete 180-degree turn in the next week or two, the Championship will be the Villains' next destination.
5. We can look forward to a very busy summer
The big European clubs were very cautious about making big deals midseason; this means they will have a lot of deals to get done during the summer break. Teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool have a lot of areas they can improve in, so we should all be expecting a very busy summer transfer window.
6. Arsenal doesn't want to win the Premier League
With a season as unpredictable as this, you would think that a team like Arsenal would want to take control of the situation. Adding reinforcements and depth to their current squad would have certainly helped the Gunners toward their title push. Arsene Wenger, as always, seems to be content with his current squad of players; let's hope his lack of action doesn't come back to haunt him.
7. You’re very stressed if you are a fan of Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid
With a huge transfer ban looming over both teams, Atletico and Real Madrid fans can only hope their team's legal department can delay the upcoming transfer ban until after this summer. They know their teams need to bring in reinforcements to their squads and prepare for the long haul. Hey, if Barcelona could do it, so can you (probably).
8. The biggest transfer of the window wasn't even a player
Pep Guardiola is moving from the German giants, Bayern Munich, to Manchester City. This move wasn't really a surprise to anyone who was following this saga from the start, but that doesn't take away from what a huge leap forward this is for Manchester City. Man City have always been known as the "noisy neighbors" in Manchester, but the acquisition of Pep Guardiola could really shift the landscape of football dominance in Manchester for years to come.
