This transfer window has been one to remember in the Premier League. Teams have broken records, swap deal have resurfaced, and teams made moves in desperation. The Winter transfer window is a time to revamp the squad and hope to inject some life into the team. This has been the most action packed transfer since the 2010-2011 season where Fernando Torres, Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez made their moves. Plenty of big clubs have made big money moves on attack and defense.
Arsenal
If 30 days ago, you would have told me I’d be writing an article about Arsenal’s successes in the January transfer window, I probably would have laughed in your face. Things were looking bleak for the Gunners 30 days ago (to say the least), as it appeared their star forward and attacking mid would both be on the move in the coming month. It turned out that Alexis Sanchez would be the only big name leaving the Emirates this winter, but even that wasn’t a total loss for Wenger’s squad, as he was able to salvage the Armenia Maestro, Henrikh Mkhitaryan from the deal. Combine that with signing for former Borussia Dortmund goal-scoring machine, Pierre-Emerick Abaumeyang, and the fact that the squad was able to retain the other contract rebel, Mesut Ozil, at the club until 2021, and I’d say Arsenal did some pretty good business this month. Who knows, maybe the board will reward Wenger with another contract extension at the end of the season for his good work when all’s said and done!
Liverpool
Two of this summer’s most interesting and elongated transfer sagas both came to a halt last month as Philippe Coutinho and Virgil Van Dijk both finally got their dream moves to Barcelona and Liverpool, respectively.
Van Dijk’s move provides the young Danish defender with a unique opportunity to command the back line of a prem squad that’s on the rise and looking to compete for trophies in the coming years. Liverpool gives Van Dijk a wonderful chance to be calling the shots for a solid team not only in domestic matches, but also in UEFA Champions league. All in all, Van Dijk’s new home should prove to be a great place for him to gain experience against quality opponents, and perhaps be a stepping stone in his career if he’s to become one of the world’s elite center backs one day.
Coutinho also completed a move to his dream club last month, however, his situation is a bit more unique. The Brazilian attacking mid has already proven that he clearly has the skill-set to be one of the most sought after players at his position in the world. Moving to Barcelona was arguably the best possible thing that could have happened for the sake of his development toward that point. Being a player that has experience both on the wing and in the middle, Coutinho will have at LEAST a few years to be mentored by one of the greatest attacking midfielders still playing today in Andres Iniesta and the GOAT himself, Lionel Messi. Sure, Coutinho will have some large shoes to fill in the not-so-distant future, but if he proved anything during his time at Liverpool, it’s that he always keeps his head up in the darkest of situations, does whatever is necessary for the team’s success, and NEVER shies away from a challenge.
Risky Business
Chelsea were busy in the transfer window as they pursue a top four finish. Antonio Conte spent money in attack as he picked up Olivier Giroud and Ross Barkley. Giroud and Barkley found themselves on the outside of their squad for different reasons. Giroud was considered as the third option behind Alexandre Lacazette and Danny Welbeck. The big man needs to stay on form if he wants to fight for a spot on the France squad this summer. As for Barkley, he was close to joining the Blues, but the move fell through after a physical at Stamford Bridge. Four months and zero minutes of playing time later he’s finally a Blue. Barkley will add an attacking element to the midfield or wing. Chelsea currently have players dropping due to injury, making Barkley’s acquisition very important.
I’m delighted and proud to become a Chelsea player. Looking forward to make my debut. Come on the Blues! #TheBlues pic.twitter.com/a4SQxG6ZaS
— Olivier Giroud (@_OlivierGiroud_) January 31, 2018
Just one point from the drop zone, Newcastle needed to get members of the squad that would insure they are staying up. Rafa Benitez has used his connections to secure the loans of winger turned wing-back Kenedy from Chelsea and hit-man Islam Slimani from Leicester City. Kenedy is a young player looking for experience, and Slimani is looking to find form. This could help the magpies stay up at the end of the season.
Big Sam has rescued the Toffees from relegation but still has work to do. The purchases of proven Premier League talent Theo Walcott, Turkish front-man Cenk Tosun, and experienced Eliaquim Mangala has helped. Currently in ninth, a gap of eight separates them from relegation. Establishing themselves against lower opposition will be helpful, as they look to have back-to-back top ten finishes.
Very little Business
A lot of clubs did very little business over the month of January. Some clubs that were stuck in the middle didn’t need to go buy but there were some that made few moves. Tottenham were a reversed team this window going out and purchasing Lucas Moura from Paris Saint-Germain. This is the second time this season the Spurs have called the french club with Serge Aurier. Moura is an excellent buy for the lily whites as he can add depth for Spurs, as they look to push for top-four and a Champions League appearance.
Man City could have left the squad the way it is and still have had the league wrapped up. Instead Pep Guardiola spent 65 million euros on Aymeric Laporte to secure a defense that has only conceded 18 goals in 25 games. Laporte is the second most-expensive defender in history and slides in front of Ederson. Laporte will sure up the back while Stones and Kompany return to fitness.
The #ManchesterCity's defense cost over £240M. 👕💰⚽️#MCFC #Laporte #LAPORTE14 #Guardiola #PremierLeague #Manchester #MUFC #ManCity #WelcomeAymeric pic.twitter.com/qlxv3MBhKj
— Financial Sports® (@FinancialSs) January 30, 2018
Other deals that were good for the their clubs include Joao Mario (West Ham), Gerard Deulofeu (Watford), and Daniel Sturridge (West Brom).
Have any opinions on the topic or want me to pick a different topic? Be sure to comment your thoughts. This piece was co-written by Cam and Jack.
Follow Cam on Twitter @CamB_PerSources
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