'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The January transfer window is often full of so many surprises that the impact of some of the transfers isn't realized until quite late.
Teams typically use the January transfer market to bring in reinforcements who would add significant value to the existing squad. They are just looking to tweak their teams a little for the second half of the season. However, it is not uncommon for a team to go out of their way to make a big-money deal during the winter transfer window in modern times.
This time around as well, fans witnessed numerous high-profile signings take place. Many loan deals were completed, providing runaway stars a chance to prove their worth.
However, there were many surprising and eye-catching moves which also took place. In this article, we will look at the top five shocking transfers that no one predicted before the window opened.
#5. David Neres to FC Shaktar Donetsk
It's easy to forget how important David Neres was to Erik ten Hag's great Ajax side, which reached the Champions League semi-final in 2019.
Between 2017 and 2019, the Brazilian scored 22 goals and assisted 19 times in the Eredivisie alone. He featured 11 times during the famous run that took the Dutch giants within seconds of the biggest match in club football.
From that squad, Frenkie de Jong, Donny van de Beek and Hakin Ziyech all moved on to greener pastures soon after. But it has taken some time for Neres to finally take the flight from Amsterdam. He chose Shaktar Donetsk as his next destination and moved for a transfer of just around €15 million.
Sadly, Neres almost lost the entirety of the 2019–20 campaign to a knee injury and has struggled to return to his best since.
However, he has scored three goals and two assists from just 460 minutes of action in the league this season. This suggests that Shaktar can still resurrect a quality player. Still only 24 and set to be surrounded by multiple Brazilians in Ukraine, let's hope that this change of scene is exactly what Neres needed.
#4. Ricardo Pepi to FC Augsburg
Teenage prospect Ricardo Pepi is currently one of the most exciting talents in world football. He was named 'MLS Young Player of the Year' for 2021 after netting 13 for FC Dallas last season. The 19-year-old has also scored three goals in his first six appearances for the USA national team.
He grabbed the interest of European giants like Manchester City and Liverpool. But that's not how it's played out, with Pepi choosing the Bundesliga instead. But rather than signing for Germany's biggest clubs, Pepi surprised everyone by joining Bavarian minnows FC Augsburg for a club-record €18 million.
As such, he became the division's most expensive American to leave the MLS and the second most valuable departure in the division's history. For Augsburg, this is quite the coup but also a huge gamble.
Augsburg are currently 16th in the Bundesliga and on course for the relegation playoffs, there's pressure on Pepi to deliver straightaway. That hasn't happened yet, as the striker is goalless in his first three appearances. But let's hope the youngster can justify his hefty price tag sooner rather than later.
#3. Ferran Torres to Barcelona
Barcelona's finances are currently a well-documented calamity. Hence, it was impossible at the start of the season to imagine Blaugrana paying €55 million for a player like Ferran Torres.
Barcelona were supposed to be swimming in debts totalling €1.3 billion, with free transfers their only salvation. But due to a massive €595 million loan from Goldman Sachs plus Sergio Aguero's retirement due to cardiac arrhythmia, Barca were handed some wiggle room. Samuel Umtiti had to sign a new contract cutting down his salary for Torres to be registered.
Hence, they signed the former Manchester City youngster and spread his fee over a four-year period.
It's also rare to see Barcelona make such a smart purchase. Still just 21, Torres scored eight goals in 15 appearances for the national side last year. He even impressed when given the chance at Manchester City, either playing down the middle or on the wing.
Last season, his 0.5 goals per 90 mins was only bettered by Phil Foden and Ilkay Gündogan at the English club. Although he could've won it all at the Etihad as a bit-part player, his preference is clearly to play a key role in Barcelona's revival.
#2. Nani to Venezia
Serie A new boys Venezia had a busy January transfer window, making additions to bolster their survival hopes. The capture of Michaël Cuisance from Bayern Munich for just €4 million was eye-catching in itself.
However, the Frenchman didn't envisage lining up next to Portuguese legend Nani. 35-years young, Nani has joined Venezia for free after enjoying a successful three-year spell with Orlando City. Although he didn't win any silverware in Florida, Nani rolled back the years to score 27 and make 14 assists in just 74 MLS appearances.
He even twice earned a spot in the division's all-star XI. Showing no signs of slowing down, last season the ex-Manchester United star continued to perform at a high level. He racked up more than three shots and 1.5 key passes per 90 minutes while leading the lines for progressive carries.
Hence, somewhat unsurprisingly, it only took him two minutes to make an impact at the Stadio Pierluigi Penzo with an assist on his debut. This transfer is a clear showing of Nani's intent to make it into Portugal's World Cup squad.
#1. Christian Eriksen to Brentford
It can't be put into words just how remarkable it will be to see Christian Eriksen back on the pitch. His well-documented cardiac arrest during the EURO 2020, less than eight months ago left him lucky to be alive.
It seemed impossible that his playing career would resume. Eriksen was fitted with an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), which by Italian law led to the cancelation of his contract with Inter Milan.
But that didn't stop him from pursuing opportunities outside of Italy. He trained with his hometown club BK Odense and then with Ajax. Plus there are footballers playing with ICD's too. Just take a look at Daley Blind. But that didn't mean finding a new team for Eriksen would be easy.
Step forward Brentford. A popular community-based club from West London taking the Premier League by storm in their first season since being promoted. The Bees have agreed a six-month loan contract with the former Tottenham Hotspur star this season. The side also have a strong Danish contingent which played its part.
It could be a perfect return to elite football for Eriksen and a story that every fan can appreciate no matter your allegiance.
