Chelsea and Liverpool the transfer window winners

With the transfer window shut and with the fans finally able to enjoy a break from the constant speculation, it is time to take stock of what has been a record-breaking summer. The majority of Europe’s top sides has spent big yet again, with the exception perhaps being Manchester City, who had their spending powers limited by Uefa.

Diego Costa joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid

In England, Manchester United broke the British transfer record to sign Angel Di Maria, while they agreed to take RadamelFalcao on loan, despite his insane wages. However, they failed to strengthen their midfield, while a lack of options at center-half is still a concern.

Arsenal had similar problems, making the eye-catching purchase of Alexis Sanchez, but failing to add a defensive midfielder or center back to their ranks.

Manchester City already had a pretty decent squad and have strengthened where necessary, while Tottenham have focused on improving their defense, but neglected to add a striker to their squad.

Elsewhere, Hull City, Newcastle, Southampton and Everton made some eye catching signings, but the real winners of the window have to be Chelsea and Liverpool.

Liverpool might have lost their star man from last season in Luis Suarez but have used the £75million they received for the troublesome Uruguayan wisely. Nine transfers completed and all, with the exception of Mario Balotelli, look like they are already buying into manager Brendan Rodgers’s ethos.

Balotelli’s signing could turn out to be a stroke of genius if Rodgers can control the flamboyant Italian and get the best out of him on the pitch.

No such problems for Chelsea and Diego Costa though, despite the Spaniard’s fiery temperament. Four goals in his first three games have demonstrated to anyone who based their opinion on Costa solely on his World Cup showing that he is the real deal.

Cesc Fabregas has also looked impressive on his return to England, while in Loic Remy they have signed a class striker who could well get them those important goals in the latter stages of games that they struggled to find last season.

Chelsea, based on their signings and the players they already had, has to be the first team on people’s football accas from here on in. It looks likely to be a battle between Merseyside and west London for the title, although that could all change come January…