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The winter transfer window normally does not have as much hype and intensity as the summer transfer market. With clubs preferring to go full throttle before the start of the season, not many prefer to rely on their transfer business in January.
That being said, a number of signings in the winter transfer window have massively helped their respective clubs. While some have been influential in winning silverware, some have been helpful in the club's survival from relegation.
The winter transfer window can be a game-changer
The winter transfer window sometimes makes it easier for clubs to sign players running out of contracts in the summer. More often than not, it is a tricky period as the availability of players is not assured, which only makes it difficult for the buying club to negotiate.
At times, clubs have had to pay huge transfer fees in order to get the desired player. While some have worked out well, others have not been that fruitful. On that note, let's take a look at the most expensive transfers to have taken place in the winter transfer window so far.
Note: All stats are as per Transfermarkt
#5 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang(£57.38 million)
The Gabonese was a superstar at Borussia Dortmund and a goal-scoring machine there. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored 98 goals in 144 Bundesliga appearances, scoring a goal every 115 minutes.
His blistering pace and fine eye for goal made him a deadly figure in the attack. Aubameyang's superb form at Borussia Dortmund helped him earn a move to Arsenal in the 2018 winter transfer window. The transfer fee for the deal was priced at £57.38 million for the Gunners.
After two fully successful seasons with Arsenal, Aubameyang has struggled in form this term and has been linked with a move away from the club. In 128 Premier League appearances, the 32-year old has scored 68 goals and registered 16 assists for the north London club.
He is currently on AFCON duty for Gabon. However, a disciplinary issue last month saw Aubameyang get dropped from the squad. He has not played for them since.
#4 Christian Pulisic (£57.60 million)
Another player Borussia Dortmund benefitted financially from selling is Christian Pulisic. The American forward is capable of playing in multiple positions in and around the attacking line.
Pulisic's strength lies in his amazing dribbling, nimble footwork and superb creative skills. He was quite an asset to Dortmund and courtesy of his fine performances, he was signed by Chelsea in the winter of 2018. The transfer fee agreed between the clubs was marked at £57.60 million.
The deal involved him staying with Dortmund on loan for the remainder of the season. With Chelsea, Christian Pulisic has had a great time so far but has somewhat struggled to start regularly recently. Given the potential he has, the 23-year old is poised to become a big player for the Blues in the near future.
#3 Aymeric Laporte (£58.50 million)
Manchester City has sanctioned numerous transfers under Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard has signed some really good defenders so far and Aymeric Laporte is one of them.
The left-tooted centre-back was signed by Manchester City in the winter of 2018 and he has been with them ever since. So far, Aymeric Laporte has won three Premier League titles in three seasons with the club and has become an important player for them over time.
The transfer fee for signing Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao to Manchester City was tagged at £58.50 million. The Spanish club went on to sign Inigo Martinez as Laporte's replacement using just half the transfer fee.
#2 Virgil van Dijk (£76.19 million)
Liverpool had eyes on Virgil van Dijk almost ever since he moved to the Premier League to play for Southampton. With his brilliant defending skills and amazing ball-playing abilities, the Dutchman was quite impressive as the Saints' centre-back.
After multiple approaches, Virgil van Dijk was signed by Liverpool in the 2018 winter transfer window. The right-footed defender has had a crucial impact on the Reds. He has played a massive role in helping them win the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League and the 2019-20 Premier League.
Virgil van Dijk was signed for a transfer fee of £76.19 million, which was back then a world record transfer fee for a defender. It is safe to say that the deal is worth every penny given the success the Dutch centre-back has brought to the club.
#1 Philippe Coutinho (£121.50 million)
Liverpool made a gem of a signing when they signed Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan in 2013. Not many were aware of the incredible potential of the Brazilian back then.
With Liverpool, Philippe Coutinho went on to become a wonderful player, creating and scoring goals at regular intervals. His curling goals were a delight to watch in the Premier League. He scored 41 goals and registered 36 assists in the league for the Reds.
Impressed by Coutinho's brilliance, Barcelona signed him in the 2018 winter transfer window for a whooping fee of £121.50 million. Unfortunately, the move hasn't worked out well for him so far as the Brazilian has seen a massive dip in form since joining the Catalans. He has returned to the Premier League in the current winter transfer window to play on loan at Aston Villa.
