"Premier" League - Transfer Window Opens [Part I]

2006-12-31 17:06 © EuroFootball.com

January 1st is not only the beginning of the new year, but also the busiest time for European football clubs. This is when the so-called transfer window opens - clubs can once again buy and register new football players. Although the most expensive multi-million transfers usually happen in the summer, halfway through the season fresh blood can shake things up for both the top contenders and the struggling teams fighting for survival.

BBC experts looked at what can be expected this January from English Premier League teams.

London

What is needed?

A goalkeeper and a reserve left-back. Bringing a bit of experience into the young team.

How much can be spent?

Arsenal rarely publicly discuss their financial situation, so it's difficult to judge the club's real capabilities in the market. Despite coach Arsene Wenger stating that they will not make any purchases in January, last year's experience (four new players were bought in the winter, including Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor) gives hope for new faces in this London team.

Rumors

There are plenty of rumors circulating in the media. Players like Nigel Reo-Coker (22, West Ham, defender), Ashley Young (21, Watford, defender), Gareth Bale (17, Southampton, left-back), Craig Gordon (24, Hearts, goalkeeper), Leighton Baines (22, Wigan, right-back), Glen Johnson (22, Portsmouth, right-back - defender), Hatem Trabelsi (29, Man City, defender), Gokhan Zan (25, Besiktas, defender), Marius Alexi (17, Dinamo Bucharest, forward), Lucian Filip (17, Dinamo Bucharest, defender).

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