Top 5 transfers in the January transfer window (EPL)
After a relatively dull January transfer window, the dust has finally settled and the teams now have a squad which they have to stick with till the end of the season. Some teams have gone on and added a host of new names like QPR and Newcastle, while some have decided to wait till the summer for any new acquisitions. This article looks into the top 5 transfers in the January window which will make a difference in the Premier League.
5. Nacho Monreal (MALAGA to ARSENAL)
Bought from Malaga for an undisclosed fee, Monreal was drafted into the Arsenal squad to strengthen the Gunners’ defense. One of the most underrated left backs in the world, Nacho was one of the unsung heroes in Malaga’s excellent La Liga campaign last season. At 26, Monreal is reaching his peak form and will play an important role for Arsenal. Extremely skillful while going forward as well as defensively solid at the back, Monreal finally looks like a solution to the left back problem which has tormented Wenger since Clichy’s departure.
4. Phillipe Coutinho (INTER to LIVERPOOL)
Joining Liverpool this transfer window for an £8.5 million fee from Inter, Coutinho will be looking to make his mark at Anfield. Just 20 years old and blessed with natural skill and ability to beat players, Coutinho is tailor made for the Liverpool style of play. Never afraid to take on a player, Coutinho will help reduce the burden on Suarez, and Liverpool fans will be salivating at the prospect of both of them firing on all cylinders. Already capped by the Brazil national team, he is a great buy for Liverpool as he is young and extremely talented.
3. Daniel Sturridge (CHELSEA to LIVERPOOL)
Sturridge has been an absolute revelation ever since he signed for Liverpool. Signing a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee thought to be in the region of £12 million, Sturridge made his Liverpool debut on 6 January against Mansfield Town in the FA Cup third round, scoring his first Liverpool goal after just 7 minutes. After scoring 4 goals in 5 matches, Sturridge now seems like an excellent buy. Linking well with Suarez and providing a cutting edge to the attack of Liverpool, the England international looks set for a long and fruitful partnership with Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool.
2. Wilfried Zaha (CRYSTAL PALACE to MANCHESTER UNITED)
One of the brightest young talents in the world of football, Wilfried Zaha had been turning a lot of heads with his stellar performances for Crystal Palace. It only looked like a matter of time before Zaha was swooped up by a top side, and Manchester United won the race to sign this exciting young talent. Blessed with great speed, skill and an eye for goal, Zaha will be another valuable addition to the already imposing attack of Manchester United. Loaned back to Crystal Palace for the remainder of the season, United will have to wait till the summer to make use of his considerable talents.
1. Demba Ba (NEWCASTLE to CHELSEA)
Chelsea’s striker woes have been well documented, and this January window provided an opportunity to remove these woes for good. Having secured the services of Ba this January, Chelsea have taken a huge step in the right direction. A proven goal scorer and in blistering form, Ba, who was bought for around 7.5 million, is a real bargain. Already settling well with his new teammates at Chelsea, Ba might finally fill the huge void left by Drogba’s departure. Also, with Ba in the squad, a new dimension of play can be added to Chelsea’s attack.
Honourable Mentions – Lewis Holtby (Schalke to Tottenham), Loic Remy (Marseille to QPR), Mapou Yanga -Mbiwa (Montpellier to Newcastle), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse to Newcastle)