Boosted by a record £5.136 billion domestic TV deal, the Premiership clubs have splurged in the transfer market that ended this week. Thirteen of the 20 English Premier League clubs broke their transfer record this season.
However, results in the most prestigious competition the Uefa Champions League has shown that big money does not always lead to success. For several years now, English clubs have spent lavishly but not always wisely in the transfer market. In most cases it has not led to the desired success.
Chelsea won the Champions League in 2012 but after that the English club’s performances in this high profile competition have been dismal. In the 2014-15 season, no English club even entered the quarter-finals. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City were knocked out in the Round of 16. A year earlier, Chelsea reached the last four stage and Manchester United were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.
In 2015-16 Manchester City entered the semi-finals but lost to eventual champions Real Madrid.
This season, the La Liga clubs have spent the least Rs 3,562.96 crores (£400 million) in the transfer market but still both Real Madrid and Barcelona look to be the most balanced club teams in Europe. In Spain, most of the broadcasting revenue goes to Real Madrid and Barcelona, so the big two clubs use this extra money to strengthen their squads.
In England, the TV deal is more democratic and all the Premiership clubs get a fair deal.
Another reason why Spanish clubs have won the last three Champions League titles is because they are buying players wisely who fit into their system. The economic crises in Spain has also led to Real Madrid now not opting for galácticos. Gareth Bale in 2013 and midfielder Toni Kroos in 2014 were the last expensive, world famous players recruited by Real Madrid.
They are now focusing on developing a squad. This season they have only got international Spanish striker Alvaro Morato on loan to Juventus back in their side.
Barcelona are probably the most balanced team in Europe this season. They have spent £122 million, about £30 million more than anticipated but are looking to build for the future.
They have at last realised that their defence is vulnerable. So, Barcelona have bought two promising young defenders French internationals Samuel Umtiti (22 years) and Lucas Digne (23 years). Coach Luis Enrique also knows that despite having the best strike force in the world Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, they need quality back up forwards as the club are involved in multiple competitions. Hence they have spent £30 million on the highly rated, Spanish striker Paco Alcacer from Valencia.
As ace midfielder Iniesta is getting older and injury prone, they have added quality players in that area also — Portugal’s 22 year old international Andre Gomes, an all-action midfielder.
Premiership clubs have profile managers, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, and the most expensive player in the world midfielder Paul Pogba who left Juventus and joined Manchester United for Rs 10,381 crores (£1.165 billion).
However, in the Champions League Barcelona and Real Madrid will start as favourites as they have balanced and cohesive squads.
