AS a largely uninspiring transfer window closed last week, the biggest surprise was how so many clubs left it so late (again ) to do their business for the season . 

Arsenal, in my opinion, were the biggest losers as they first allowed so many key players to run down their contracts, then allowed Oxlade -Chamberlain to move to a top 4 rival in Liverpool, decided not to sell Alexis Sanchez which means he will leave for free next season and bid US$92 million for Thomas Lemar in the last few hours with no success.

Now I have no idea who is actually running the club but to allow these factors to accumulate is nothing short of shocking. It’s going to be a long season for Arsenal fans 

Liverpool also missed out on Virgil Van Dijk but bought smartly in Salah and have secured Keita for next season. The Countinho saga is over for now but what they do with a player who handed in a transfer request will be interesting to see.

No idea who is calling the shots at Chelsea but it doesn’t seem to be Conte as the transfer scenario there doesn’t seem to be making any sense with them spending US$35 million on Danny Drinkwater and missing out on Llorente (whom Conte actually wanted). 

Spurs have bought at last, with them spending heavily on Davidson Sanchez and Serge Aurier. Key players who will provide valuable cover for players departed, and depth for the season.

Manchester City have spent over US$200 million in this window and should be happy overall and hopefully the defence is up to par for the trials of the Champions League and the Premiership.

Lastly I think Manchester United have bought wisely this season and in Nemanja Matic one of the bargains of the season. With Zlatan staying on for another season, it will only add to Lukaku and Lindelof purchases.

Why they didn’t go in for Mahrez when he was available is another mystery as he fits the profile for United. 

Let’s now wait till January when the horse trading begins all over again. – September 4, 2017.

* Gogulan Dorairajoo is manager of KL Galaxy FC and an all-round football pundit with a passion for the world’s greatest sport. He also happens to be a long suffering fan of Aston Villa FC.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.