“Just throw some money at it…” – Fixing a problem the Manchester United Way

This transfer window proved an interesting caper for the red side for Manchester, as their onfield results continued to underwhelm in an eerily similar fashion to last season’s failed David Moyes experiment, new manager and purported saviour Louis Van Gaal adopted a problem solving method never before seen in the hallowed halls of Manchester United Football Club… “Just throw some money at it.” On paper, United’s window as a whole is flawless, they have brought in some truly world class talent, I don’t think anyone is really arguing that the likes of Angel Di Maria and Falcao can improve the squad of any football club. However, in United’s case they have had a window wherein they have employed Real Madrid’s tactics of generally ignoring the areas of their squad which actually needed strengthening and instead purchased a couple of supposed ‘galacticos.’

Analysing United’s squad at the beginning of the season and indeed watching them play last season yielded the knowledge that reinforcements were in fact needed, and following the departures of Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand over the summer defence should always have been the priority. They began on the right track with the purchase of Luke Shaw, a now 19 year old left back with undoubted potential to become the Premier League’s best in his position, however paying 30 million pounds for a player of this age and inexperience is a seriously risky proposition. As the window progressed, United did manage to strengthen their defence further, with the acquisitions of World Cup Finalist Marcos Rojo and Netherlands International Daley Blind. I would perhaps suggest that Van Gaal had forgotten about the signing of Shaw and felt he still needed to plug the gap left by the departures of Patrice Evra and Alex Buttner and thus signed two more! Otherwise there is simply no logic behind spending over 50 million pounds on left backs in one window… especially when you have been sending your team out in 3-5-2! Judging on the beginning few matches this season, albeit without these three signings, United will struggle to fill a sizable gap at centre back this season, and depending on Jonny Evans certainly won’t get them anywhere… although it does seem as though Van Gaal will have to shelve his beloved 3-5-2 for now in lieu of a formation where he can field perhaps field one or even two of his three new left backs!

United have been aware of the need for midfield reinforcements since the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Moyes attempted to plug the hole with vastly overpriced Marouane Fellaini and we all know how that wen, Van Gaal seems to have fared slightly better signing Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria for a combined total of 88 million pounds. However, whilst Di Maria is undoubtedly world class, he occupies a position (Left Wing/Midfield) in which United already possess the likes of Juan Mata, Ashley Young, Adnan Januzaj and until recently Danny Welbeck and spending 59 million pounds in a position your squad does not really need to strengthen cannot exactly be considered smart business. In Herrera’s case I believe he is a signing United truly needed, their squad has been crying out for a midfielder who will control position and will dictate play for a few seasons now and I believe they have finally found one. A look at their current squad shows that they continue to be light in central midfield, boasting 5 central midfielders, namely Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Herrera and Fellaini, however many of whom United fans would not trust to ply their trade in the first team following their recent showings.

Up front United have never had a problem, last season Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney managed 12 goals in 21 games and 17 goals in 29 games respectively, an unbelievably efficient return, and they were ably supported by Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez. However, both have since departed the club, to Arsenal and Real Madrid respectively, and United have welcomed the addition of Monaco striker Radamel Falcao on a season long loan to a star-studded forward line. United now boast three world class strikers, but it will take some brilliant man management skills from Van Gaal to get the best out of all thee. Falcao is a signing that will be judged on one thing; goals. Van Gaal has taken a big gamble on the Colombian who has a history of injuries and the Dutchman, alongside anyone who affiliates themselves with the Red Devils, will be hoping that he can stay fit, adapt to the English game and deliver for the 20 times premier league winners.

Essentially, this United team has been bolstered on paper through the tenacious, cashed-up approach of Louis Van Gaal and Ed Woodward, but what will really matter in the end is the ability of Van Gaal to get the best out of his playing group and the speed at which he manages to do so. Expect United to start slow but come home strong. Hang in there United fans, there are better times ahead.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on Manchester United’s transfer window,

Thanks for reading,

Jake Rosengarten

Window-Shopping: Potential Premier League signings who could set the Premier League alight if given a change of scenery this January

Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez are two examples of players who excelled after arriving in the Premier League in January

As the Gregorian calendar begins anew so too does the mass hysteria which greets each and every Premier League club as fans and management alike ponder who can improve the playing rosters of their beloved clubs. The January transfer window is a time for clubs to evaluate their starts to the season, determine who is pulling their weight and who isn’t, who has earned their money and who will be deemed surplus to requirements, but most of all, it is a time where fans and pundits argue endlessly as to who should be signed to fix that problem area. Newspapers spurt out a seemingly uninterrupted stream of mostly nonsensical rumours which help to further fuel speculation as to who will arrive at and depart from Europe’s top clubs. As players do eventually join, the question must be asked, who will succeed and who will fail?

The following players have all been linked in some capacity to one of the Premier League’s 20 teams and all have the ability to become an immediate success at whichever club they arrive.

Juan Mata

Chelsea’s player of the year for the past two consecutive seasons has cut a forlorn figure on the many benches of grounds around the Premier League. Mata has gone from one of the league’s most electric playmakers to one of its most expensive seat-fillers in the space of less than a season. Simply put, Jose Mourinho clearly failed to view a single Chelsea game in the previous two seasons to returning to Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid. For if he had, Mata would be occupying a spot atop the assist chart alongside Mesut Ozil rather than a seat on the sidelines. There is no doubt that clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool would be monitoring Mata’s situation at Chelsea, licking their lips at the thought of the Spaniard joining their ranks in January. Rest assured, if a move for Mata materialises for any of these clubs he will return to his devastating best and Mourinho will be left ruing the day he let the diminutive world cup winning winger leave the books of Chelsea.

Chelsea fans are well aware of what Mata can offer when given a bit of playing time.

Tom Ince

Ex-Liverpool academy player Ince was heavily linked with a return to Anfield in August but no move materialised. As a result, he continued to ply his trade with Blackpool in the Championship, displaying the type of skill, pace and determination which could make him a fruitful move for a Premier League club in January. As of late, he has been linked with moves to Swansea, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Everton, the majority of which is pure speculation on the part of tabloids aiming to coax unsuspecting readers into believing drivel in order to boost sales. However, if a move for Ince foes eventually come to fruition he could be money well spent as his playing style is sure to contribute goals and/or assists for whomever acquires his services.

Wilfried Zaha

When Zaha arrived at Manchester United at the beginning of this season he was fresh off leading Crystal Palace to promotion from the Championship and was considered by many as one of the brightest talents in England. However, his opportunities with the Red Devils have been almost non-existent and like Mata he has spent much of this season on bench, if even picked for that honour by David Moyes. Zaha is the kind of player fans love and opposition teams hate, a tricky winger with bags of pace who is not afraid to take a player on. If sent out on loan by United he could make all the difference for a side looking to avoid relegation. The perfect signing for a side like Fulham or Crystal Palace who lack a cutting edge. If he does leave United, the Premier League will soon take note of his immense talent.

That is the Rosey Wrap on the English stars who would benefit from a January move,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Suarez and Sturridge teach the Baggies a lesson: 5 things learnt from Liverpool vs. West Brom.

1. Sir Alex Ferguson is wrong
   
   The release of Sir Alex’s autobiography was sure to cause a stir, and that it did. With the former Manchester United gaffer claiming amongst other things that Liverpool’s favourite son Steven Gerrard is not, and has never been, a “top, top player.” These words have surely sparked about half the reported pub brawls in the Liverpool area for the past decade or so. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers took to the media this week to defend his skipper, stating that he felt Ferguson’s comments were “harsh” and that Gerrard’s “performance level at 33 years of age shows he's a top, top player. He's a great talent - a wonderful player - and I don't think anyone could argue against that." However, Gerrard himself did not comment, he rather opted to let his football do the talking, and that it certainly did at Anfield on Saturday. Gerrard took up a more advanced position than he has been in recent matches and his class shone through, he marshalled the midfield expertly, hit his trademark long balls with pinpoint accuracy, fed Sturridge and Suarez with remarkable vision and led his side with poise. Gerrard certainly proved Sir Alex wrong, and he will continue to do so if form is any indicator.
   
   
2. Luis Suarez is one of the world's best strikers
   
   The way in which the Uruguayan took his opportunities was a thing of beauty. If the way he nutmegged a West Brom centre back and stroked the ball calmly past Boaz Myhill wasn’t stunning enough then his second certainly was. Suarez played the ball out wide to left wing back Aly Cissokho who simply chipped the ball into the past of the flying number 7 whose header from the edge of the box was simply perfect to beat Myhill and sail into the top left corner of the net. Headers don’t get much better than that. His hat trick goal came off the back of a beautifully weighted Steven Gerrard free kick from the edge of the box which Suarez helped on its way into the top right hand corner of Myhill’s net. This hat trick showcased every part of Suarez’s game which makes him one of the top strikers in world football. The movement, the clinical finishing, the tricks, the defensive work, the link-up play, every facet of Suarez’s game is focused upon putting the ball into the net, and this is what makes him one of the world’s top 5 strikers. Sure, there are many strikers who can score goals, but as Brendan Rodgers alluded to in his post-match press conference, most are not as ‘complete’ of a player as Suarez. His hat trick was exceptional, and a Suarez firing on all cylinders will be a worrying prospect for Arsene Wenger and his rampant Arsenal side who welcome the Uruguayan and his Liverpool teammates to the Emirates next Sunday. 
   
   
3. West Brom's midfield simply isn't good enough
   
   Yes, Liverpool’s midfield performed well in this match, but they were allowed too much time, space and possession by West Brom’s Claudio Yacob and Youssouf Mulumbu whose work in defensive midfield was far from satisfactory. Time and time again the ball found its way to Suarez or Sturridge dropping deep towards halfway and they were granted room to run at the defence, and players of their quality and form are not going to be kept at bay for 90 minutes if they are allowed to run at defences. However, Steve Clarke’s tactical approach to this match is partly to blame, although Yacob and Mulumbu were shocking. Clarke failed to realize the necessity to minimize space through the centre of the park and Liverpool continued to exploit this, as the score line reflects. The Baggies significantly strengthened their line-up in the previous transfer window with the arrivals of Nicholas Anelka, Steven Sessegnon and Morgan Amalfitano, but what they will really need in January is a box to box midfielder who will marshal the centre of the park and allow West Brom to accumulate some possession and control periods of a match.
   
   
4. Manchester United are well behind Liverpool this season
   
   This West Brom side defeated David Moyes’ Manchester United at Old Trafford just two matches ago, but today they were handed a heavy defeat by the Reds. This showcases the gulf between the Merseysiders and the Red Devils. In addition to this, as West Brom were convincingly bested by Liverpool, at Old Trafford United scrapped to a 3-2 victory over lowly Stoke City after being down 2-1 at half time. Moyes must be weary of the form and quality of both Liverpool, and current league leaders Arsenal, who have both showed that they have come a long way from last season and could possibly be real title contenders come the business end of this season. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Liverpool have the best strike duo in the league
   
   Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie? Sergio Agüero and Alvaro Negredo? Olivier Giroud and…? Step aside, as Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez’s four goal display at Anfield showed exactly how dangerous they are and that there is no better strike combination on offer in the Premier League this season. In fact, on a world landscape, there aren’t many better. The understanding between the two has flourished since Sturridge’s arrival from Chelsea last January, in which time Sturridge has netted 21 times in 27 appearances in the red of Liverpool. This season, between them they have had the net bulging 14 times in as Sturridge and Suarez sit cement themselves as numbers one and two respectively in the race for the premier league golden boot. Even more remarkably, Suarez has scored 36 goals in his past 46 games for Liverpool, including 6 in 4 games this season. If these two keep firing, there is no telling the heights Liverpool could reach this season, they hold the key to champions league football.
   
   
   That’s the Rosey Wrap on Liverpool vs West Brom,
   
   
   Thanks for reading,
   
   
   By Jake Rosengarten

Same, same but different: Why Liverpool taking three points against Stoke signifies a big change at the Reds.

Let me set the scene, Liverpool dominate possession, have over 20 attempts on goal against a lesser opposition and still somehow manage to not take 3 premiership points, sound familiar? It was almost the case once more at Anfield as the Reds almost managed to stifle what should have been a routine victory against Stoke City. It has been the thing that has separated Manchester United from any other side in the premier league in recent seasons, they simply know how to win. Even when perhaps they shouldn't take the points or they find themselves almost going down to lesser oppositions they always seem to miraculously take full points back to Old Trafford.

Jokes like this have become the pet peeve of every Liverpool fan.

It has been the scourge of every Liverpool supporter’s existence in recent years; their side dominates but simply cannot finish off the opposition. Yes, the Anfield side nearly did this against the Potters yesterday, with a Daniel Agger handball in the 89^th minute all but gifting Jonathan Walters an equalizer from the spot. However, Liverpool’s Belgian summer signing stood tall between the sticks and kept out what was, let’s face it, a rather lacklustre effort from the spot from Walters. The most important thing to take away from this is the fact that Liverpool secured full points. In years gone by, they would perhaps have lowered their heads, expected to hear the opposing fans celebrate and chalk it up as a point, but not this time, as the passionate Reds players rushed to celebrate with the jubilant Mignolet.

The question must now be asked, have Liverpool finally learnt how to win? The answer is complicated, whilst I don’t claim that one gritty win represents an omnipotent change in the mindset of the players, this will surely give them confidence in future fixtures and could perhaps be a turning point for Brendan Rodgers and his side. This season every point is crucial as the Reds look to regain a champions league spot or better after last season’s sub-par performance yielded them 7^th place and a second consecutive finish behind fierce cross town rivals Everton. Top 4 is the target and if they are to achieve this they must establish a winning formula in which they secure every possible point and do not drop points in games which they should be winning.

Liverpool players embrace Mignolet after his penalty save

A good start is essential in a campaign like this one, the top places will be as competitive as ever before and it is important that Liverpool capitalise on the lack of form shown by fellow top 4 aspirants Arsenal, who went down 3-1 to Aston Villa yesterday.

Overall, the season is played over 38 rounds, and one win cannot possibly act as some sort of divine sign that Liverpool are destined to achieve their goals and continue winning, however this win is a step in the right direction and the players will be eager to chalk up a couple of wins in the early rounds. Psychology is a big thing in sport, if teams do not think they can win, then they will not win, simple as that. Sure, Liverpool’s performance was not as good as it could have been yesterday, but they showed a winning mentality which is a big change from what they have displayed in the past.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on the importance of Liverpool’s win at Stoke,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

It’s time to put away FIFA 13; the real deal returns: 5 Predictions for the Upcoming Premier League Season

1. Chelsea to lead after 6 rounds
   
   
   As the self-proclaimed ‘special one’ returns to the helm at the Blues after a 6 year hiatus he will be eager to send the message forth throughout the league… “I’m back.” José Mourinho never was one for modesty, and I believe that his star studded Chelsea side will ultimately be very hard to stop. They begin the season with matches against Hull City, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Everton, Fulham and Tottenham. This is no easy draw, facing three of last season’s top six within the opening six rounds. However, a side which possesses the likes of Juan Mata and Eden Hazard, both members of last year’s PFA team of the season, alongside new signing Andre Schurrle and the always dangerous Romelu Lukaku, can never be underestimated.
   
   

   I predict that Chelsea will burst out of the blocks, in a Usain Bolt-esque metaphorical first 100m of the Premier League season, despite these tough matches and sit atop the ladder after the first 6 rounds. Albeit, I do believe that Chelsea will, as per usual, run out of steam, and find themselves in their usual scrap for third or fourth by next April/May. If Mourinho is to scale the heights as Chelsea and work his magic once more he must keep hold of Barcelona target David Luiz and find a way to effectively rotate his strike force, which includes former football joke of the year Fernando Torres and the injury plagued Demba Ba. Roman Abramovich is not one to play the waiting game, trophies or its back to Spain with you José.
   
2. No Luck for Promotees
   
   
   The lucky Championship sides who earned themselves a berth in the premier league for this season are Cardiff, Hull City and Crystal Palace, whether they will consider themselves lucky when they are sitting on a lowly sub-35 point score come the end of next season is a different story. This is more directed at the quite under strength squads possessed by Hull and Palace  rather than a Cardiff side which boasts former Liverpool and Manchester City player Craig Bellamy and impressive new Chilean signing Gary Medel. I believe that Cardiff will hold their own and avoid relegation this season, whilst the other two promotees will not be quite as lucky. Put simply, I am rather skeptical of whether either of these two sides possesses the raw talent to win more than the odd game in a very competitive premier league competition.
   
   
   Thinking back to the struggles of Aston Villa last season, as well as the relegation of Community Shield 2013/14 participants Wigan Athletic, I can confidently say that the promotees will struggle as their sides are simply not up to the standards of even these struggling sides of yesteryear. Put simply, their managers must beef up their squads with some premier league quality additions or they will be back in the Championship quicker than ex-Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha signed his Manchester United contract.
   
   
3. Swansea to Challenge the Top 7
   
   
   A bold prediction I know, but I believe that Swansea really do have the squad that it takes to challenge the previously relatively stable top 7 sides of the competition. Led by Michael Laudrup, the Swans, who feature the talents of Spanish bargain Michu and new boy former Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony, will be a tough proposition for any team who come up against them. Liberty Stadium saw a trophy last year and will see European football this season, and there is absolutely no reason why they can’t secure it again for next season perhaps even through qualification from league places.
   
   
   

   If last season is anything to go by, the swans will be a force to reckon with, and no one will fancy a trip to their backyard, not even their opening round opponents and last year’s champions Sir Alex Ferguson-less Manchester United. Mark my words; do not underestimate Swansea this season.
   
   
   
   
4. Controversies Aplenty
   
   
   What is a premier league season without controversy? That’s like Theo Walcott without pace, Raheem Sterling without a stupid haircut, and well… Luis Suarez without controversy… it just doesn’t make sense! So I’m here to tell you don’t take your eyes off that screen because there will be controversies whether anyone likes it or not. In the past few seasons we have been privileged to some awful yet entertaining instances such as the Suarez-Evra racial row, the Suarez-Ivanovic biting incident and others that, I can’t believe it either, didn’t involve Luis Suarez!
   
   
   The controversies will be back in 2013/14, along with Suarez (in round 5), so don’t miss a minute of England’s premier footballing competition! I promise it will be more entertaining than anything non-football related you could possibly be watching, which might consist of, god forbid, something non-sport related whatsoever.
   
   
5. City to win the League
   
   
   I am making the call right now. Manchester City will bring the premier league trophy back to the Etihad Stadium at the end of season 2013/14, but it will by no means be pretty. Having brought in new manager Manuel Pellegrini and made more big money signings including Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Stevan Jovetić and Alvaro Negredo, the citizens will have a squad unrivalled in depth and talent. Their only problem may well be keeping all the stars happy due to the fact that there simply isn’t enough places in the first team to fit them all in. Just simply looking at their strikers, along with new boys Jovetić and Negredo, they already have Sergio Agüero and last season’s top scorer Bosnian Edin Džeko on their books.
   
   
   With a squad like this, I just don’t see them being beaten, the league is theirs to lose as far as I’m concerned. In my eyes, their main challengers will be Chelsea and perhaps Manchester United if David Moyes can get his act together in time. Manchester City to be champions of 2013/14.
   
   

   

   
   
   
   
   That concludes Rosey’s predictions for the 2013/14 Premier League season,
   
   
   Thanks for reading,
   
   
   Jake Rosengarten

5 Players under 23 who would improve every premier league club

The Rosey Wrap examines some of the brightest young talent available...

1. David Alaba (Age 20)
   
   A 20 year old with a champions league winners medal around his neck is more wanted in world football than a Scottish to English translator is on the ESPN football coverage.  Bayern’s Austrian Left back David Alaba boasts just that. At 20 years old, he has already cemented himself as Bayern’s starting left back, won 2 bundesliga titles, a DFB Pokal title and secured 24 national team caps, after becoming Austria’s youngest ever debutant at 17 years old.  TransferMarkt.co.uk estimates his transfer value at roughly €22 million, reflecting just how valuable he has become, considering his age and experience on the biggest of all stages.
   
   
   The Premier league’s big spenders will surely have their eyes on Alaba with very few world class left backs plying their trade in England. This could well be a chance for clubs in the mould of Manchester City, Chelsea or Manchester United to sign a player they will expect to occupy a spot in their starting 11 for a solid decade. Do not be surprised if Alaba is linked to Manchester City and/or Chelsea for a ludicrous sum this window, however I would be surprised if he makes the switch.
   
   
2. Christian Eriksen (Age 21)
   
   Ajax midfield maestro Christian Eriksen has been linked with big money moves to Liverpool and Manchester United almost every transfer window in recent memory. The Dane is widely expected to leave the Eredivise this window as some of Europe’s biggest clubs lurk in the wings. At 21 years of age, he has already played over 100 games for Ajax as well as featuring 27 times for his country, winning a number of awards on the way, including 3 consecutive Eredivise titles, Danish talent of the year 2010 and Danish Football Player of the Year in 2011. Having seemingly achieved all he can for Ajax many tip that this will be the year which he moves to England, and with Liverpool’s interest already confirmed, they could well be his destination.
   
   
   Eriksen would represent a coup for whoever signed him, as is the case with most players on this list, he already boasts a large amount of top flight experience at a very young age, and this is what will ensure that clubs will be willing to offset a large amount of funds for his signature. 
   
   
3. Romelu Lukaku (Age 20)
   
   Massive Belgian Lukaku looks more like a wrestler than a footballer, his strength and eye for goal are his main assets as he showed in his loan spell with West Bromwich Albion this season. Scoring 17 goals in 35 appearances, Lukaku showed exactly what a force he can be and is widely tipped to secure a position in Chelsea’s first team squad on his return next season. Dubbed ‘the next Drogba’ he already has 19 national team caps under his belt and would command a transfer fee close to €20 million. He proved this season what a force he is, and would almost certainly be snapped up by one of Chelsea’s competitors should the opportunity arise. He would improve the final third capabilities of any and every premier league side as he possesses the attributes of a smaller player in a 1.9m tall frame. 
   
   
4. Mario Gotze (Age 20)
   
   New Bayern signing Mario Gotze is considered by some as the hottest youngster in world football. Commanding a transfer fee of over €30 million in his move from Borussia Dortmund to rivals Munich, Gotze managed 10 goals and 13 assists from 28 matches in this year’s bundesliga, stats which reflect just how good he is. A goal scoring midfielder is something needed by every club and there simply aren’t all that many at work in the premier league right now. At 20 years of age, he has already featured over 20 times for the German national team and is valued highly by Joachim Löw’s side.
   
   
   Considering his signing of a contract at Bayern for next season, he will not be moving to the premier league, he has been included on this list as he is quite simply a player who possesses all of the qualities needed to succeed in England and is a player who every premier league manager would jump at having in their side.
   
   
5. Mario Balotelli (Age 22 )
   
   The man who every Premier league fan misses, more controversial than drugs in sport, a worse haircut than Mister T and a rap sheet longer than O.J Simpson, it’s the Italian menace Mario Balotelli! The now 22 year old, collects the title of the most arrogant man in football and yet he is someone who you just cannot take your eyes off. Simply magnificent on the ball, the ex-Manchester city striker now with A.C Milan had a stellar start to his second stint in Italy, scoring 24 goals in 26 matches and proving himself unbelievably important for Milan.
   
   Despite his past controversies, including throwing darts at youth team players and almost burning down his house celebrating a victory before it happened with fireworks, he is still a player who would be well wanted at some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Scoring for fun in the serie A, City could well be kicking themselves for letting him go, and without a doubt he could add something to the forward line of every premier league club.

5 Predictions for the Upcoming July/August Transfer Window

Below are my five predictions for the upcoming transfer window, feel free to comment below on anything you agree or disagree with… Enjoy!

1. Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United transfer saga

In every transfer window there is one rumour which keeps coming back, in this window I predict Ronaldo to United to be in the papers almost constantly. As the window progresses, the move will look more and more likely, however it will not manifest, no doubt due to the unwillingness to haggle of modern day Ebenezer Scrooge, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Frankly, I can’t see Ronaldo leaving Madrid for a long time, he seems to be perfectly happy and scoring at will, what more could a player ask for.

2. Spurs to sign a world class striker

Andre Villas Boas will surely be looking to open up his wallet this window in order to take some scoring pressure off his team’s seemingly only goal threat, PFA player and young player of the year, Gareth Bale. The Welshman has been in scintillating form this season and has won all sorts of plaudits, but it has come time that someone else with the ability to put the ball into the net signed for Tottenham Hotspur. Hopefully it will help Spurs fans to put behind them the disturbing displays they have witnessed from Emmanuel Adebayor this season.

Who will be signed is anyone’s guess, it could be any one of a number of strikers, one thing is for certain though, they will already be on the verge of signing for Liverpool. But on a more serious note, options range from Brazilian Leandro Damiao to relegated QPR’s Loic Remy to Borussia Dortmund’s Polish hit man Robert Lewandowski. I am unsure who AVB will sign, but my gut tells me it could be Lewandowski.

3. Arsene Wenger to say he will spend big.... then sign Thierry Henry again

All in good fun! But seriously, I can see Wenger promising to spend big again this window, as he does every window, and only delivering an average player. I feel sorry for Arsenal fans around this time of the year, as their hopes sky rocket with their claims “in Arsene we trust,” only for their dreams to be dashed by the very man in which they held their faith.

The gunners have done well this season to hold onto a top four position thus far, and if they wish to perform well in Europe next year as well as even have a run at the title, they will need reinforcements. Wenger will surely know this, but whether or not he will make the right choices in the market remains to be seen.

4. Jose Mourinho to return to Chelsea 

It’s been all over the internet for the past week or so, but I am just going to come out and say it, I believe that José Mourinho will be the manager of Chelsea next campaign. Rafael Benitez has given it his best, but the fans are simply not all behind him and this is a big problem at a club whose fans have such high expectations as those of Chelsea. Sure, Benitez’s side hasn’t been in all that bad form but he certainly does not have them at the levels which Mourinho could. Knowing Roman Abramovich, the axe well be wielded as the Russian oil tycoon moves to reunite with his former Portuguese colleague.

If the rumours are to be believed, then Mourinho will be bringing with him Atletico Madrid’s Columbian powerhouse Falcao. This could spell trouble for the rest of world football, as a Mourinho led side which features Falcao as well as Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and others could well stake their claim to the premier league title and even the champions league title in the coming season. 

5. Luis Suarez to stay at Liverpool

After his controversial bite on Branislav Ivanovic and subsequent 10 match ban from the FA, there was talk that Luis Suarez could well have played his last match for Liverpool Football Club. However, I do not believe that this will be the case; I believe that the Uruguayan will come back stronger than ever in the 7^th match of next season. I cannot give a rationale for this prediction, it is just a gut feeling, based on Suarez’ previous behaviour. Whilst some feel he is of questionable character, he has always showed nothing but loyalty to Liverpool for everything they have given to him and I believe he will remain at Anfield for long enough to see them return to the champions league.

That’s Rosey’s predictions for the upcoming transfer window,

Thanks for Reading!

By Jake Rosengarten