Does Money Make the Club?

        With the Champions League final done and dusted the 2014-15 season begins to become an after thought. Those fans lucky enough to have celebrated a title start to wind down their celebrations as they realize the team that won them that trophy probably won't be the same as the sun burns brightly through the summer transfer window. As we all know this time of year is particularly dreadful as rumors break faster than Gareth 'Ferrari' Bale down the wing and none of our favorite players are safe from the rumor mill. 

        Some of us have it easier than others though. Even with Financial Fair Play big name clubs have the advantage of being able to open up their pocket books and wave around money like it like it has no value. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, PSG, Manchester City all never shy of opening up their checkbooks to have the best players, but does having the most expensive players really make the squad a winning team?

       The top of the European tables surely makes it seem that way as the richest clubs continue to be the top dogs year after year. Which is why year after year Gooners around the world are demanding Arsenal starts dishing out the big bids to strengthen their side, but Spanish football does a good job to prove otherwise. Two Spanish teams are a leading example of good leadership making a good team and not necessarily the bigger wallet. Andalusian side Sevilla finished 5th in the league which most people wouldn't consider as a successful run, as it wouldn't normally get them even in a qualifying position to the Champions League, but their back to back Europa League titles say otherwise. In the summer of 2013 Sevilla traded nine players to English clubs, including their two biggest stars Jesús Navas and Álvaro Negredo, which left fans thinking the club was sure to be battling in the bottom half of the table. Instead they finished 5th and won their first Europa league title and their third over all. The following summer they lost their captain Ivan Rakitić , who played a large role in securing that Europa League trophy, to FC Barcelona and other key players elsewhere such as Alberto Moreno (current Liverpool). Despite losing out on key players once again, the 2014-15 season was no different for them and they once again secured the 5th place spot in the league while defending the Europa League title; Becoming the first ever team to win two back to back European titles and became the first team to earn the right to a Champions League promotion from winning the Europa League. Despite constant changes in the squad Sevilla have found a consistency that keeps them winning when it counts the most.

      Another Spanish side that deserves recognition for their success despite their constant changing of squad members and even managers is Valencia. Though their Cinderella tale hasn't left them with a title to prove their success their statistics rightfully do so. In his first season as manager Nuno Santo and Valencia were also faced with the challenge of having to replace star players with equally, if not more, talented players that came with a smaller price tag. To do so Valencia looked to their neighboring country and brought in a few young Portuguese stars from Benfica, including a player who had a big impact André Gomes (who I have previously mentioned as a player every club would love to have), and further abroad bringing in five Argentinian players including key defender Nicolás Otamendi. Valencia finished their season in 4th place with 77 points, one point shy of previous league winners Atlético Madrid, securing the final Champions League spot. Having only lost five games in the season Valencia were able to steal points away from every Spanish side except current league winners Barcelona. This includes the crucial draw with Real Madrid, which seemingly sealed the title for Barcelona. And being a young squad it means Valencia will only be able to build on their success and continue to put pressure on the top clubs in Spain.


      So having big money signings must be nice and probably helps to bring kit sales to new heights, it seems squads are proving you don't need to toss out hundreds of millions of euros to play like you're worth that much. While there is no promise that the smaller teams will be able to keep their successful squads with the top dogs looking to steal their talent away, their fans should be able to rest soundly knowing their club will find away around it. As for fans of the top money clubs you should also sleep soundly this summer because while some say money can't buy happiness it sure can buy your new favorite player. Most off all best of luck to all fans out there trying to survive the dreadful transfer period.

-Til next time, this is the Final Whistle.