5 big moves which have already happened in the January transfer window (2022)

The January transfer window has been open for a week now. The winter transfer window is usually idle compared to the busy nature of the summer. Teams are a bit more cautious about spending money on transfers halfway through the season.

January transfer window can be a blessing to teams

But January offers teams the opportunity to address specific needs. With half the season now behind us, teams have a better sense of what's working and what's lacking for them. The transfer window allows them to find stopgap solutions which can help them alleviate their struggles and bolster their squad.

With so many high-profile players set to become free agents next summer, this January transfer window was expected to be an interesting one. It's only been a week since the transfer window opened but we have already seen some high-profile signings.

Without further ado, let's take a look at five big moves which have already happened in the January transfer window.

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#5 Axel Tuanzebe (Manchester United to Napoli) - Loan

Aston Villa v Brentford - Premier League

Young Manchester United centre-back Axel Tuanzebe is all set to join Napoli on loan for the rest of the 2021-22 season. The 24-year-old was at Aston Villa for the first half of the season and started six Premier League games for them this term.

He has reportedly completed his medical at Napoli and is currently awaiting a visa appointment. The report adds that Napoli are hopeful that the paperwork can be finalized by the weekend so that Tuanzebe can play against Sampdoria in midweek.

Tuanzebe had his loan spell at Aston Villa cut short after he struggled for game time following the sacking of Dean Smith. The Englishman has proven to be a tough-tackling, level-headed centre-back who can stand his ground against the best attackers in the game.

But he needs regular playing time to iron out some flaws in his game and this could be a good transfer deal for all parties involved.

#4 Rafinha Alcantara (Paris Saint-Germain to Real Sociedad) - Loan

Paris Saint Germain v RC Strasbourg - Ligue 1 Uber Eats

Real Sociedad are among the La Liga sides that harbor top four ambitions this season. Rafinha Alcantara, the younger brother of Thiago Alcantara, is one of the most technically gifted players of his generation.

He rose through the ranks at Barcelona but couldn't nail down a starting berth in a very talented lineup and left the club in 2020 after multiple loan spells. He has been at PSG since the summer of 2020 and has assisted seven goals in 39 appearances across all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit since.

But he has been deemed surplus to requirements at PSG in the ongoing season. Rafinha is a creative midfielder with an eye for a pass and great technical acumen. He could be an impact player at La Real for the remainder of the 2021-22 season.

#3 Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid to Newcastle United) - €14.4 million

Club Atletico de Madrid v Real Betis - La Liga Santander

Kieran Trippier has made the unlikely switch from Atletico Madrid to Newcastle United. The Englishman won the La Liga title with the Rojiblancos last season and Newcastle United are essentially relegation fodder in the Premier League.

Backed by new investors, the Magpies have made no secret of their ambitions. Trippier is a great signing for them and is a significant upgrade on their current full-backs. The 31-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Newcastle United. The club will have the option to extend it by a further year.

He could make his debut for Eddie Howe's side as early as Saturday in an FA Cup encounter against Cambridge. Reports claim Atletico Madrid wanted Trippier to stay at the club at least until the end of the season. However, the right-back informed them that his heart is set on returning to England.

Speaking to the press after signing the contract, Trippier said:

"I really enjoyed my time in Madrid, but when I became aware of interest from Newcastle United, and having worked with Eddie Howe before, I knew this was where I wanted to be."

#2 Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona to Aston Villa) - Loan

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol - La Liga Santander

Philippe Coutinho has embarked on his second loan spell since signing for Barcelona. The Brazilian international will join Aston Villa for the remainder of the season. He will be working under his former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, who is currently the manager of Aston Villa.

Coutinho was one of the best players in the Premier League when he left to join Barcelona in 2018. However, that move has not worked out for him and a few seasons and a slew of injuries later, he is looking to revive his career in the English top-flight.

Coutinho joins Aston Villa on a six-month loan deal and the Premier League outfit do have a purchase option. The 29-year-old's departure is crucial to Barcelona as well as they will be able to finally register the signing of...

#1 Ferran Torres (Manchester City to Barcelona) - €55 million

FC Barcelona Training Session

Ferran Torres to Barcelona is the most high-profile transfer of the January transfer window thus far. The Spaniard has been sidelined with a fractured foot but is now nearing a return. Torres joined Manchester City in the summer of 2020.

He made 43 appearances across all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side, scoring 16 goals and providing four assists in the process. Torres finished as the top goalscorer in the UEFA Nations League earlier this year.

He is a highly exciting young forward with pace, great technical ability and maturity that belies his age. Barcelona have been desperate to bring in reinforcements to their frontline and in the 21-year-old, they have found a long-term solution to their problems.

Torres has signed a five-year contract with Barcelona and is now all set to be registered following Coutinho's departure to Newcastle United on loan.