The January Transfer Window’s Impact on Top English Clubs
The recent closure of the January transfer window has left a significant impact on the Premier League’s title contenders and their prospects for the remainder of the season. While not always an easy time to acquire high-quality players, the winter window can sometimes provide the necessary boost to determine the outcome of the campaign, as evidenced by Manchester United’s loan signing of the legendary Henrik Larsson in 2007.
Let’s explore the English teams that are in a prime position to win trophies, both domestically and in Europe, after the January transfer activity and their respective odds of accomplishing their goals.
Arsenal Struggles to Find Scoring Touch, Long Odds for Trophies
Arsenal has faced difficulties in finding the back of the net in recent weeks, which has cost them in crucial league games and the FA Cup defeat against Manchester United with 10 men for an hour. Mikel Arteta’s side remains six points behind league leaders Liverpool, albeit with a game in hand. While they are priced at 7/2 to win the title, it has been 20 years since their last triumph, and one might have expected them to be more aggressive in the transfer market. Surprisingly, Arsenal did not bring in any forward players or players of any kind in January. Winning the league or Champions League seems like a significant challenge for the Gunners, as those are the only competitions left open, and Arteta has chosen not to heavily invest in the squad.
Liverpool Poised for Treble Success
Liverpool, sitting atop the league table and progressing in Europe, have also decided to stick with their current squad. Arne Slot’s side are the 1/4 favorites to win the Premier League for the second time since its formation and are also the favorites to lift the Champions League trophy, with odds of 4/1. After a near-flawless first half of the season, the new Liverpool manager seems content with his available resources in the pursuit of multiple honors in his debut campaign in English football.