The Best Premier League January Transfers of all Time
The January transfer window is a tricky proposition. While it accords teams the chance to bring in reinforcements, it also acts as a source of distraction for several other teams.
Numerous high-profile managers have been critical of the said window with the mid-season transfer dealings a potential source of disruption for clubs.
Yet, quite a lot of clubs burn the midnight oil in January to get deals over the line. And as is the case with each transfer window, the Premier League clubs spend substantially more than their continental counterparts.
Though the English clubs have endured their fair share of dubious signings over the years, they have also made some intelligent acquisitions in the said period.
Thus, in honour of the smart pieces of business through the window’s chequered history, we would take a closer look at the best January transfers of all time.
Honourable Mentions:
#10. Clint Dempsey (New England Revolution to Fulham, 2007)
#9. Mikel Arteta (Real Sociedad to Everton, 2005)
#8. Javier Mascherano (West Ham to Liverpool, 2007)
#7. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal, 2018)
#6. Philippe Coutinho (Inter Milan to Liverpool, 2013)
#5. Virgil Van Dijk (Southampton to Liverpool, 2018)
In the winter of 2018, Van Dijk joined the Reds in an eye-watering deal worth £75m. The Dutchman, though, has looked to be worth every penny since his arrival on Merseyside.
Before the defender made his debut for Liverpool, the Reds were all over the shop defensively. The pair of Lovren and Matip had failed to inspire and with a shaky rear-guard, Klopp’s men found it tough to string together a run of good results.
Yet, this term, Liverpool has been the meanest defence with only 14 goals being conceded across 24 games. Though the likes of Robertson and Alisson have contributed to the new-found solidity, there is no denying that Van Dijk is the glue that keeps the defence together.
Strong in the air and in the tackle, Van Dijk is one of the most complete defenders on the planet currently. Moreover, he is deceptively quick across the grass and rarely ever gets out-paced.
In addition, he is extremely accomplished on the ball and has been a vital cog in Klopp ingraining his philosophy at Anfield.
Though Van Dijk hasn’t laid his hands on a trophy yet, Liverpool, led by the defender, look primed to end their Premier League hoodoo this term.
And don’t be surprised if the Dutchman helps Liverpool challenge for many more major honours in the years to come.