The winter transfer window has finally come to a close. And as is the case with most signings in January, there aren’t too many high-profile moves that typically shock the footballing world – although China has added a little spice into the mix.
A host of European clubs signed multiple players in the 31 days possible. Some offloaded disgruntled stars, some kept hold of disgruntled stars, some signed disgruntled stars and some wish there were more disgruntled stars to sign in said duration.
The frustration from a host of elements across the world seems to have played a part in the way the transfer window panned out. There’s a connection somewhere there, I promise. But for now, we look at five of the best transfers that happened in January. Best could either mean ‘most value for money’ or ‘a star in the making’ kind of deals.
#5 Gabriel Jesus to Manchester City
Gabriel Jesus may have had an agreement with Manchester City in the summer transfer window, but his transfer to Pep Guardiola’s side only materialised this month due to his commitments in the Brasileiro Serie A.
Manchester City were desperately in need of a striker capable of adequately supporting and complimenting Sergio Aguero. And in the youngster, they might finally someone who can come in and share the load of scoring goals. We’ve already gauge how important he could be from his two performances for the Citizens.
At €32 million, Jesus’ transfer from Palmeiras to Manchester City is the third most expensive one to go through this month. He’s only 19 and has the potential to become a world beater should he replicate the kind of form that saw him get included in the Rio Olympic squad for Brazil.
#4 Morgan Schneiderlin to Everton
At Southampton, Morgan Schneiderlin had the reputation of one of the best midfield destroyers in the game. His move to Manchester United – under the grasps of Arsenal – was seen as the kind of move that would greatly benefit both parties but it didn’t quite pan out to be that.
Schneiderlin pushed for a move and has found haven in an exciting young project at Everton. Ronald Koeman is doing to the Toffees what he did with the Saints before. He’s building a young-ish, dynamic squad that can challenge for UEFA Europa League places in the least and he’ll need the kind of maturity and experience in the middle of the park to ensure his teams can play more freely.
With Gareth Barry coming towards the end of his extremely long Premier League career, Schneiderlin has the chance to cement a spot in the Everton midfield for years to come. He’s an excellent interceptor and has the strength and the agility to brush players aside and setting attacks in play. It’s a move that’ll make Everton fans’ mouth water and it’s a move that might finally do justice to the Frenchman’s talent.
#3 Goncalo Guedes to Paris Saint-Germain
Touted to be the ‘next Cristiano Ronaldo’, Goncalo Guedes followed a fairly modern path by joining French giants and defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain. The Parisians seem to have an abundance of talent out on the wings and this signing came as a surprise but given his talent and tenacity, they knew they had to sign him before anyone else could.
Guedes is a fantastic talent who can play on either wing and has the passing as well as dribbling ability that could work wonders in Ligue 1. At Paris Saint-Germain, he has the kind of winning squad capable of taking his talent to the next level. The likes of Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti, Angel di Maria and Lucas could all have an impact on how the youngster’s future pans out.
Unai Emery’s men paid a sum of €30 million to sign him from Portuguese giants, Benfica, making him the fourth most expensive transfer on this list – but definitely one of the top three signings who could go on and achieve greatness in years to come.
#2 Manolo Gabbiadini to Southampton
It was hard to keep a track of Manolo Gabbiadini’s current team until yesterday. The Italian has basically played for a new team every year since 2010. That either because a lot of teams believe in his talent or that he’s good enough to suit many teams at a competitive budget.
We’re not guaranteed what it’s about but the Italian has signed for Southampton for a lot of money – for the club of their stature, at least – and has to prove his worth in England. The Saints were yet to replace Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle (both of whom left in the summer) and hence the move for the 25-year-old.
However, he comes from Napoli – one of the biggest clubs in Italy – and has been scoring decently with 5 goals in all competitions. 3 of those 5 goals have come in his last three matches for the club meaning he’s coming to the Premier League club in good form – something they’ll need desperately since the competition is getting tighter and tougher every week.
#1 Julian Draxler to Paris Saint-Germain
Every transfer window since he made headlines for a few of his performances for Schalke, Julian Draxler has been linked with a move to Arsenal. He’s the one who continuously complimented those ‘Salomon Kalou to Arsenal’ rumours and it’s a shame that didn’t eventually happen.
The 23-year-old joined Paris Saint-Germain for €40 million from Wolfsburg and was the second highest signing of the winter. Having never quite settled into the club since signing last summer, Draxler was desperately looking for a move away from the Bundesliga side. And the Ligue 1 giants were the only ones capable of funding his move.
He remains one of the best signings the club have made since the influx of their money. He’s naturally talented, exceptionally creative, efficient in front of goal and can finally guide the side to the top of the table this season.
