5 clubs which had the best January transfer window
Clubs have always been cautious about investing in new players during the January transfer window. They don't want to disrupt the rhythm of their teams halfway through the season and clubs are usually unwilling to part with their players during that time as well.
January transfer window provides an opportunity to find the right solutions
However, halfway through the season, teams will have a good idea about what departments they need to strengthen. So the winter transfer window could also be a great opportunity for teams to take calculated risks.
Some of the most recent examples of top January signings are Virgil van Dijk and Bruno Fernandes. Both players have been extraordinary since joining their current clubs, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Yet another eventful January transfer window has just drawn to a close. Without further ado, let's take a look at the five clubs that have had the best January transfer window.
#5 Liverpool
Over the course of the last decade, Liverpool have become masters at striking cut-price deals for world-class talent. The Merseysiders became well aware of Porto's financial troubles when they sold Marko Grujic to the Portuguese side for around €10.5 million last summer.
They registered an interest in 25 year old forward Luis Diaz, who has scored 16 goals and provided six assists in 28 appearances across all competitions this term. It was a deal that was expected to cost Liverpool in excess of €75 million.
Porto are famous for turning relatively unknown players into world-class talents and selling them at a huge profit. Diaz had an €80 million release clause but Porto were willing to settle for almost half of that.
Liverpool have signed the Colombian international for €45 million and have further strengthened their already intimidating frontline. For this simple and effective bit of business, the Merseysiders deserve a place on this list.
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#4 Barcelona
Barcelona's financial problems have caused them to act cautiously in the transfer market in recent times. With Sergio Aguero being forced to retire in the first half of the season and most of their forwards going through a rough patch, the Catalans had to strengthen.
They signed the exciting Ferran Torres from Manchester City for €55 million. Barcelona also brought in their former player Adama Traore on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers until the end of the season.
Finally, to address their goalscoring woes, the Catalans secured the services of Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a free transfer. The contract between Arsenal and Aubameyang was cut short by mutual consent.
Barcelona were finally able to get Philippe Coutinho out on a loan. They will still pay a majority of his wages but at least there's hope that he might be able to come back stronger owing to the game time he will be afforded at Aston Villa.
They also cut Yusuf Demir's loan spell short and have sent Alex Collado and Inaki Pena away on loan.
Understanding is Barcelona will sign Aubameyang from Arsenal on a free transfer. Permanent deal. His Arsenal career is over.