The January transfer market did not raise too many sparkles. Reports in the media indicated that in Spain, England and Germany, there were few transfers of note, and this could be a sign that the difficult financial moment has hit the bigger clubs too. Or else they are saving up the money for summer.

The two signings that made the big headlines came in the last two days, when Mario Balotelli left Manchester City to join Milan in Italy, and David Beckham signed up for Paris St Germain.

They made the headlines for different reasons. Balotelli’s €20 million move was by far the most expensive of the lot. Milan replaced the departing Pato – who went back to Brazil for a €15 million fee after two seasons in which he was injured more than he was fit to play – with a controversial character.

Balotelli has signed for the club he supported as a child, and many will remember how Inter fans were incensed by such ad admittance while he was still one of their players. There is no doubt that he is a talented players, one of the very few stars who grace the football world these days. But he has also often been in the news for the wrong reasons too.

Many are arguing that Milan’s discipline and his love for the red-blacks will bring him in line. Other players of volatile characters have restrained themselves when playing for Milan – Ibrahimovic, Cassano  and Mexes quickly come to mind – but one has to wait and see what Milanello will be for Super Mario.

His signing was yet another of a youngster that have been picked up by the Italian club as they move ahead with a policy to build a young squad which may not be winning titles and trophies this season, but is bound to compete well in the next.

Beckham’s signing made the news not only because the Wonder Boy is always followed by the media, but also because he has chosen to have his salary due diverted to charity. It is a great gesture from a player who has earned lucrative contracts during his career – both as a player and in personal life – and sees such a donation as a way to help others in need.

Beckham , at 37, is now playing for the fun of the game, and although there is no doubt that his talent and experience will come in handy for Ancelotti, he knows that he is nearing the end of a great career that has seen him play for some of the best teams in England, Spain and Italy. Now he wants to try an experience in France.