Ranking the 5 best 2022 January transfer window hauls
The winter transfer window is now officially shut. Deadline Day (31 January) was typically chaotic, with a flurry of moves going through, and numerous deals collapsing at the last moment. Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang decided to arrive in Barcelona earlier than expected, but was hit with a rude shock as his potential move threatened to collapse.
Fortunately for the Gabon striker, the Blaugrana did eventually get their man. Meanwhile, Juventus, who looked down and out for the season, hit back with a superstar signing. However, there was no such joy for many teams in England, as numerous London clubs endured a difficult month in the market.
#FCB 
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang joins Barcelona, done deal and here we go. Contract agreed and now set to be signed by Aubameyang in Barcelona headquarters. Medical successfully completed. 🔵🔴 #FCB
Arsenal will save his huge salary as they wanted. Deal in place. #AFC #DeadlineDay https://t.co/IZEDCj2Zky
As the dust settles after a frantic deadline day, here is a look at five clubs who enjoyed a successful winter transfer window:
#5 Everton
Although Everton's tumultuous manager search was in the spotlight, the Merseyside club had a good transfer window, bringing in six players. The sale of Lucas Digne to Aston Villa will hurt, though, especially, as Rafa Benitez, who decided to bench the Frenchman in the first place, has now been sacked.
New head coach Frank Lampard's first signing as Toffees boss was Donny van de Beek on loan from Manchester United. There is no option to buy, though, and the Dutchman is expected to return to Old Trafford at the end of the season.
Dele Alli is another high-profile arrival, and was signed on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton could make the move permanent in six months' time.
Donny van de Beek is a Blue! 🔵✍️ https://t.co/Aiv8PfFT3Z
Anwar El Ghazi joined from Aston Villa on loan, while 22-year-old Ukrainian left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko was the most expensive signing at £21 million. Nigel Patterson was the youngest signing, with the 20-year-old right-back arriving from Rangers for £12.5 million. Young goalkeeper Billy Crellin, signed from Fleetwood for an undisclosed fee, rounds off the arrivals.
Everton have endured a shocking season so far. They are languishing in 16th in the league table, and are winless in their last five games. With the team accumulating only 19 points from 20 games, Lampard's immediate concern will be to avoid a relegation dogfight.
#4 Aston Villa
Steven Gerrard and Aston Villa were the epitome of efficiency this winter window, identifying the right players and getting bargain deals over the line nice and early.
They signed French full-back Lucas Digne from Everton in a £27 million deal, while Anwar El Ghazi moved the other way on loan. Out of favour left-back Matt Targett also left the club, and was loaned to Newcastle United.
Welcome back to the Premier League, Philippe Coutinho. 🔥 https://t.co/qdphgA8Nuo
Philippe Coutinho was the marquee signing, joining on a loan move from Barcelona till the end of the season.
Villa will have the chance to make the move permanent, if they wish, for £33 million at the end of the season. Another astute signing was the acquisition of defender Calum Chambers from Arsenal on a free transfer. Robin Olson has also arrived from Roma on loan, and will act as Emiliano Martinez's deputy.
With four new additions to their squad, Aston Villa hope to break into the top half of the Premier League table. They are currently on 26 points from 21 games.