FIVE things learned from the January transfer window

Yesterday’s deadline saw the window slam shut

So there we have it, another transfer window has slammed shut.

With the dealings done for the remainder of the season, it’s time for SillySeason to look into the Five Things learnt from the January transfer window!

1. Aston Villa look doomed

Rock bottom of the Premier League and 10 points from safety, you would have thought the recent transfer window was a huge opportunity for Villa to strengthen their squad in a bid to avoid relegation.

Instead they bought absolutely nobody and, to make matters worse, they couldn’t sell any of their unwanted players such as Charles N’Zogbia – who has been rumoured to have upset the camp.

Add to that the increasing speculation that recently appointed manager Remi Garde is thinking of leaving the sinking ship already.

It looks like this season is going to be one to forget for the Villa fans.

2. Newcastle United recruited well

A couple of months ago, Newcastle themselves looked favourites to go down alongside their Birmingham counterparts, but more recent performances suggested otherwise.

Credit to Steve McLaren, he has recruited extremely well; strengthening in areas that needed addressing as well as improving the balance of his team.

He has brought in holding midfielders Henri Saivet and Jonjo Shelvey, who bring serious competition for starting midfielders Jack Colback and Vernon Anita.

McLaren has also added pace on the wing with Andros Townsend and a massive goal threat in Seydou Doumbia. They even tied down Ayoze Perez to a long-term five-year deal at St. James’ Park

The Magpies are in the final relegation place and two points behind 17th placed Norwich City, but with those recruitments they look as though they will comfortably pull away from the danger of the drop zone.

3. Manchester United surprisingly quiet

Considering that United boss Louis van Gaal is under pressure in the Old Trafford hot seat, it is surprising he didn’t use some of the club’s huge budget to sign some superstars.

Or maybe it’s because it isn’t the players’ fault that they are under performing? Yes, it isn’t the greatest Manchester United squad you’ll ever see, but there is still plenty of talent.

Maybe it’s the philosophy of van Gaal that is restricting the way they can play? That’s what the majority of the Red Devils’ fans seem to think.

The Dutchman has had the money in the past, he has spent over £250 million since arriving in Manchester. However, he has wasted the talents of quality players such as Angel Di Maria.

Many believed United would look to strengthen in this window, but maybe the board just didn’t trust van Gaal with anymore of their money after his recent track record.

4. Charlie Austin was a steal

With all the transfer activity that has been and gone, there is one deal that sticks out for SillySeason.

Southampton signing Queens Park Rangers’ main man Charlie Austin for as little as £4 million looks like it could be the deal of the window.

He is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League, but it is more likely that he will get better service at the Saints in comparison to what he received during QPR’s time in England’s top flight.

Austin scored on his Southampton debut, which turned out to be the winner in 1-0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

It’s about time somebody took a gamble on him and we wouldn’t be surprised if he’s pushing for a spot in England’s Euro 2016 squad.

5. Over £1 billion spent this campaign

Throughout both the summer transfer window of 2015 and the January transfer window of 2016, a total of over £1 billion has been spent by clubs across the country.

This raises several questions and talking points – are clubs spending too much? or are these players worth their price tags?

Nevertheless, the transfer window continues to grow both in popularity and economics, but when is enough enough?