5 successful emergency signings in the January transfer window

Emergency transfer moves sound last ditch, unprepared and done in haste. And frankly, to a certain extent that is the case. But in a football world where deadline days are celebrated (earmarked as yellow tie day by some) you cannot but wonder at how closely the entire European football industry focuses on the deadline day.With clubs looking at all the permutations and combinations before getting down to the business, it is common knowledge that the majority of the business in a transfer window happens at the eleventh hour nowadays. Thus, a lot of transfers appear to be emergency moves, although they actually aren’t.The success of these emergency purchases is questionable, case in point being Kim Kallstrom’s move to Arsenal last January, as he was literally airlifted from his holidays in the Middle East to provide some experience in midfield for Arsenal. But, he was sidelined as soon as he signed on the dotted line for the Gunners. So, decisions that are made in a hurry, do not always result in the best signings.However, time and again, we have seen that some of these contingency transfer dealings have borne fruits. Here’s a look at some such deals:

#5 Thierry Henry to Arsenal

Thierry Henry initially came back to train with the Arsenal squad so as to work on his fitness during the MLS off-season. Arsenal were on the lookout for some attacking options as the African Cup of Nations had depleted their squad. While people labelled this as a classic case of another shrewd Wenger buy, it was far more than that.

What makes this emergency transfer feature in this list is more related to the positive impact and overall lift that Henry's comeback gave the team. Nonetheless, scoring two goals, that too two match winning goals, in half dozen or so games on his return, does do some justice to his selection.

Moreover, it was always known that when Wenger went on to sign Henry for the second time, it was for his experience and his persona and not for those scintillating vintage Henry runs and finishes. It was not the showstopper Henry that people expected to see (though old habits do die hard), but a rather Sensei-ish Henry who took to the pitch this time on, as he helped out his young team, giving them a pillar to lean against for support.

Fans at the club will always be star-struck at the sight of the French World Cup winner, but the goal he scored against Leeds United in the FA Cup, was evidence enough on how having 'Titi' back at Arsenal lifts the atmosphere. It will always remain a special transfer for both the player and fans.