Who said there isnt quality available in January? If you throw money around, you can get top players for sure, but we are overpaying no matter when.
Vlaar or Strootman would be typical January signings, but if they would be good enough is another question. (Strootman after injury)
Is Vlaar a top player? He also is very injury prone and my understanding that his claim to fame is that he is dutch...that's it. Personally, I just dont think he is good enough.
Strootman is currently recovering from injury. I think he's only played 1-2 times since his injury and he hasn't been particularly good.
Its strange that every player Man Utd are linked with is injury prone and/or returning from injury. Vidal. Vlaar. Strootman. Hummels (this guy has only just made a comeback from injury and has played 10 times so far for his Dortmund).
Rather than buying a sicknote, with a proven history of injury, we need to get in a player who can guarantee us 80-90% of games. Chelsea seem to have no problems finding these players. Unfortunately we end up with players who can barely play more than 4 games in a row.
And if you need reminding, of our 6 Summer signings, only Falcao is able to play a 90 minute game (which is staggering). When we played against Liverpool a few weeks back, none of the Summer signings started the game.
I reckon we should test the waters and bid for Strootman in January, because despite Roma's insistence that he won't move in Jan, that deal seems possible.
Of course they will sell.
Apparently, Roma fans are now booing him when he (rarely) plays, as his intention is to move to Man Utd.
But, would you want to buy another Falcao (ie. an injured player who needs 4-6 months of rehabilitation)?