Transfer spending isn’t the only answer in modern football

A critique of the belief that more signings solve problems, urging managers to coach and adapt instead.

Transfer spending isn’t the only answer in modern football

Maresca said Levi Colwill’s ACL injury leaves Chelsea with a gap in how they build up play. He asked the club to buy a central defender. The article notes Chelsea has spent around £483 million on signings while Maresca has been in charge. It also shows that other teams have managers asking for more players even when their squads are not empty. It suggests coaching and adapting tactics can help, instead of always buying. It points to Pep Guardiola and Aston Villa as examples of changing how players are used rather than buying new ones.

It links the talk of transfers to fan issues. It says ticket prices often rise when clubs keep spending. The author thinks money is not the only fix. It says some teams show that trainers can adjust by changing positions or roles. The article ends with a call to use coaching and development more, and to think about how systems fit players.

The piece highlights a tension between the business side of football and on field needs. It suggests that chasing signings can be a quick fix but not a reliable path to long term success. It warns that fans may grow wary if spending is used to justify price increases or a lack of coaching focus.

Looking ahead, the author asks clubs to invest in coaching and to adapt their systems. If managers can train players to fit a role, a squad can stay strong without big purchases. The piece argues this approach can help keep ticket prices fair and deliver sustainable results for fans and investors alike.

Highlights

The balance between buying and building will shape football in the years ahead.