This summer's transfer window has been unique because this has been a World Cup year, so the window of opportunity is arguably a bit smaller. Traditionally, the 'bigger sides' such as Manchester City and Liverpool tend to conduct their business earlier in the window.
Due to this summer's World Cup, the way clubs have been going about their business has been affected. With barely two weeks to go until the new season, arguably no club has conducted its business and is ready for the new season, even City, who are usually efficiency personified.
Sometimes, slow and steady wins the race and here is why I want to argue this.
Why Waiting Can Pay Off in the Transfer Market
In life, there are pros and cons for everything; the football world is no different. Due to the World Cup, clubs have been moving quickly for players to try and avoid the FIFA World Cup tax, an added fee to the transfer of a player who does well in the FIFA World Cup.
One player who comes to mind is Barcelona and Spain forward Ferran Torres. Torres, formerly of Valencia and Manchester City, is clearly talented but hasn't performed consistently enough to fully demonstrate why Barcelona and Spain continue to value him.
A good World Cup and getting the winning goal in the final have increased his stock. PSG, the French two-time defending Champions League winners, are credited with an interest in the Spaniard, but will arguably have to pay a premium due to his exploits in the USA/Mexico/Canada 2026.
So, whereas that's one argument for acting quickly, there are other arguments for taking your time when it comes to making a new signing. The example I want to use is of Torres' Spain team mate Nico Williams.
The Bilbao winger was in superb form in Euro 2024, so much so that his signing caused a bidding war between Arsenal and Barcelona back then.
Barca thought they had their man, only for the man himself to commit his future at the San Mames. Since then, he arguably hasn't been the same player since, as he hasn't been able to recapture that form of 2024.
Why Manchester United's Patience Could Be a Smart Strategy
It might come off as a biased comment, but I am really liking the way Manchester United are being patient in this window. Maybe it would have been nice to have signed Mattheus Fernandes and Elliott Anderson, but this season's Premier League trasnfer window has seen midfield players command a premium price.
Following the Glazers' previous approach to football operations, Manchester United are having to be particularly careful in this trasnfer window, as well as future transfer windows.
Why Patience Matters Even More With Financial Pressure
Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, although may not come across as stellar signings, they're by no means terrible signings either.
In my humble opinion, there's more virtues in bueng patient and waiting to see what or might not happen in the trasnfer window. Due to FFP, the margin for error is very small .
