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We are more than halfway into the current football season and title races across Europe are heating up. The January transfer window has seen several big clubs make a move and fans will be itching to see the new stars perform for their clubs.
While more grandiose transfers are usually made over the summer, the January transfer window provides a means for clubs to improve their sides mid-way into the season. Winter signings have often proved to be a blessing for clubs, pulling them out of sticky situations.
The January transfer window is coming to a close and it is time to find out which clubs have gotten the best deals so far. With a lot to play for at both ends of the table, the final half of the football season promises to be exhilarating.
Let us now take a look at the five teams who have spent the most money in the January transfer window-
#5 Everton : €38 million
The atmosphere around Goodison Park has turned negative of late. Everton have been struggling to string together wins this season and there have been issues off the pitch as well. Rafa Benitez couldn’t work his magic and was sacked after just six months in charge of the club.
They spent €38 million in January and have brought in two wing-backs to reinforce their defense. The first signing by the club was that of Nathan Patterson from Rangers. Everton paid €15 million plus add-ons for the right back. Dynamo Kyiv left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko was next in line, for whom a fee of close to €21 million was paid.
Everton have won just five Premier League games this season and are 16th in the league. Their recent form has been abysmal, and newly appointed Frank Lampard has his work cut out for him.
#4 Liverpool: €45 million
While many expected Liverpool to have a quiet December-January period, the club have shown the world what they are capable of both on and off the football pitch. Their transfer business has shown that owners FSG are committed to helping the club fight for trophies.
Liverpool have spent €45 million in the January transfer window. They have brought Portos’ Luis Diaz on board after fighting off competition from Tottenham Hotspur. The 25-year-old Colombian is a prolific goalscorer and will be an invaluable asset to Jurgen Klopp’s side. He has scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 18 Liga Bwin appearances.
Liverpool are currently second in the league and can close the gap with Man City to just six points if they win their game in hand. Many expected the Reds to crumble without the presence of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, but they have managed the situation phenomenally.
#3 Barcelona: €55 million
Barcelona have been in turmoil over the last year. Along with the departure of Leo Messi that has affected their performances on the pitch, they have had financial troubles as well. The Blaugrana have spent a total of €55 million in the January transfer window. Given the monetary problems that prevail at the club, it is difficult to see them signing any other players permanently this month.
Barcelona’s first buy of the January window was Ferran Torres. Barcelona paid Manchester City a fee of around €55 million for the winger. They have also signed Wolves winger Adama Traore on loan and are looking to get a loan deal for Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as well.
Barcelona are fifth in La Liga, 15 points behind leaders and rivals Real Madrid. They face Napoli in the Europa League. This tournament may prove to be the only way Barca can salvage what has been a disaster of a season.
#2 Juventus: €82 million
Although Juventus may be having a rough time in the Serie A this season, their winter transfer business will have surely put a smile across their fans’ faces. Juventus have spent a total of €82 million in the January transfer window. Their most recent signings have been Federico Gatti from Serie B side Frosinone and Denis Zakaria from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Their marquee signing, however, has been that of Dusan Vlahovic. The 22-year-old is in red-hot form and was wanted by several top clubs across Europe. Juve paid €70 million for the Serbian striker.
Juventus’ campaign began in an extremely poor manner and it was one of their worst league starts in close to fifty years. They seem to have stabilized of late, but their chances for a league title are slim to none. Juve fans will hope that with the new signings, the Bianconeri can end the season on a high.
#1 Newcastle United: €87 million
Newcastle’s financial takeover was announced in October 2021, and the fans have been in a frenzy ever since. The club was having a terrible season, and the board finally had to resort to changing the head coach. Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce in November and was tasked with sorting the mess out.
Howe will be delighted with the new transfer budget he has at his disposal. Newcastle have spent a total of €87 million in the winter transfer window, which is the most across Europe. Burnley’s Chris Wood, Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier, and Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes have all joined the Magpies. Guimaraes’ deal was the most expensive, with Newcastle paying a fee close to €50 million for the Brazilian.
Newcastle are currently 18th in the Premier League but can come out of the relegation zone if they win their game in hand. With the signings they have made, the Magpies should be able to finish the season on a high.
