January 2018: Is This The Best Mid-Season Transfer Window Ever?
The winter transfer window can be really dull with clubs hesitant to let go of their best players in what can ultimately turn out to be the most defining period of the season. However, this transfer window has been completely opposite with big money moves involving big names such as Philippe Coutinho, Alexis Sanchez, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Virgil van Dijk. With a week still to go for the window to close, few more could follow.
Chelsea's $70m purchase of Fernando Torres from Liverpool was the biggest January move ever until this window. In this window, we have seen Liverpool smash the record for the world's most expensive defender with £75m purchase of Virgil van Dijk. Barcelona broke the club transfer record as they coughed up £145m for the ex-Liverpool no.10, also making him the second-most expensive ever.
Speaking of Alexis Sanchez, we've possibly witnessed the most intriguing fight between the two cross-town rivals trying everything to get their man. Finally, it was Manchester United who came out on top. The overall transfer package involved is in the three figure mark, quite a bit for a player who would be a free agent in four months’ time. In a crazy football market, one shouldn't be surprised.
Barcelona finally got their man in Philippe Coutinho - often dubbed as the long term replacement for club legend Andres Iniesta, who is of course not getting any younger. Barcelona spent all summer trying to persuade Liverpool to sell their priced asset, but the Reds were reluctant. Coutinho ultimately handed in a transfer request and with the huge fees involved, it was just a matter of time before Liverpool finally allowed the Brazilian Playmaker to go ahead and fulfil his desire to play for the catalan giants.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could light up the Premier League by joining Arsenal this month. The deal could smash Arsenal's club record ofr the £52.7m paid for Alexandre Lacazette.The German club want £60m for the forward and have already had a £45m bid rejected. However, media reports suggest that the deal is at an advanced stage and could be completed in the coming days. Bordeaux star Malcom is another player linked with a big-money move to the Emirates. Manchester United & Tottenham are also reportedly keeping an eye on the talented Brazilian.
With reports emerging of Chelsea close to agreeing a double swoop for Roma duo Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri, this transfer window has definitely been sensational.
January 2018 has definitely proved to be the most fascinating winter transfer window ever and with over a week to go, we might still have a few more surprises in store.