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Chelsea’s January transfer window is a success

By Tyler Strauss

May 2, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution forward Charlie Davies (9) and New York Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga (20) fight for a header during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The New England Revolution won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution forward Charlie Davies (9) and New York Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga (20) fight for a header during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The New England Revolution won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Throughout the years, much has become expected of the “silly season”, where players are reported to come and go, but more often than not, the news lacks any sort of substance.

Although there has been exaggeration of transfer rumors throughout the years, many expected Chelsea to firmly enter the market and make waves throughout Europe. Much to people’s surprise, the Blues were relatively quiet throughout January, focusing perhaps on results rather than transfers.

Chelsea went undefeated throughout January, winning 4 and drawing 2 matches. That is the first month during the campaign where Chelsea failed to suffer a loss.

However, while their results were impressive, their composure in the transfer market was all the more remarkable. In the past, Chelsea have made January moves that ultimately weakened the squad.

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Last campaign, Chelsea swapped Andre Schurrle for Juan Cuadrado, arguably the largest mistake of their entire previous season. Conversely, the Blues were decently quiet in the market, opting to take small risks.

The West Londoners welcomed former AC Milan striker, Alexandre Pato on loan from the Corinthians. The Brazilian proved to be a talent early on in his career in Italy, but failed to stay healthy and eventually moved back to his native Brazil.

The striker hasn’t been injured in the past few seasons, and Chelsea have taken a low risk gamble of bringing him in on loan. They now have more depth at the striker position, while not suffering a large transfer cost. If the Brazilian proves to be quality, they have the option to sign him permanently over the summer. However, if Pato’s troubles continue, the Blues can rid themselves of the 26-year-old over the summer.

Either way, it seems to be good business, as it’s little risk, high reward.

Another incoming player is the signing of 20-year-old American defender, Matt Miazga. As an American writer, this is a very exciting time. The former Red Bulls centre back enters the fray at Stamford Bridge as a squad member, with Hiddink not eager to loan him out.

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Instead, the American will be afforded an opportunity that not many Chelsea youngsters have been privy to. Miazga can prove himself during training, and perhaps earn a few first team opportunities.

This is outstanding business as Chelsea have secured perhaps the future of American soccer. Granted any U.S. player who shows the least bit of talent is heralded as the future of American soccer. That being said, this kid is proving to be the “real deal”.  Chelsea would do well to give him a chance and hope that the 20-year-old can slot in next to Zouma in the future of the Blue’s defense.

Outgoing transfers were also successful. The West Londoners collected a pretty penny by selling Ramires to China for £25 million. This was outstanding business as the Blues utilized the Brazilian during his prime and made a profit on him, just as his influence was beginning to wane. This means Chelsea can reinvest over the summer.

One of the talking points at the end of the window was the Blues’ failure to sign a star. No big name entered the fray at Stamford Bridge. This is positive. It’s not as though the Blues left any big names sitting on the market. No player that could have entered the squad, that Chelsea could have signed, would have turned the club around completely. There were no obvious purchases to be made and any big name would have most likely been cup tied in the Champions League.

Therefore, to attract a big name, Chelsea would have been forced to throw money at a club to make the deal. This would mean that the player would come to West London with a hefty fee and we know all too well how that affects players in the past (Fernando Torres).

Furthermore, what if the new player didn’t fit the ideal mold of the new incoming manager in the summer. Would this be an expensive mistake? Absolutely.

Therefore, the Blues exercised caution, opting to allow Hiddink to continue to work his magic and choosing to wait until the summer to continue to rebuild. For now, the talent they added can certainly help the Blues achieve results during this campaign.

Related Story: Newcastle won the January transfer window

In the grand scheme of things, there was little money spent, little risk invested, and a large upside on both incoming players. That is the perfect January transfer window for Chelsea. And it should be heralded as such.

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