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The January transfer window or the winter window this season is still a week away from closing and has proved to be a thrilling window thus far. With numerous players switching clubs, leagues and countries, new cultures, football styles and relationships await.
A number of players have moved in and out and between clubs in the Premier League in the window. With a few days to go, the intensity of the window could die down a bit but seems unlikely as clubs push for deals for the second half of the season.
Here we take a look at five of the most underrated signings in the Premier League during the January transfer window.
#5 Fousseni Diabate
Leicester City secured the signing of the talented Malian attacker Fousseni Diabaté, from Ligue 2 side, Gazélec Ajaccio, on a four-and-a-half-year deal. The versatile striker has played 20 times in all competitions this season and has represented Mali at Under-20 and Under-23 level before.
The 22-year-old can be deployed as a central striker and play on either wing.
A quick and talented attacker, Diabaté has caught the eye of numerous clubs with a string of spellbinding performances and professional displays for Gazélec Ajaccio in all competitions this season.
He began his career at the Stade Rennais academy youth system and went on to represent Stade de Reims making his professional debut for the club against Olympique Lyon in December 2016.
#4 Alex Pritchard
Huddersfield Town completed the signing of attacking midfielder, Alex Pritchard from Norwich City for an undisclosed fee on a contract running until the summer of 2021, with a further year’s option to extend in the club's favour.
A skilful, smart, attack-minded midfielder can operate in the number 10 position or on either flank. Pritchard will be an influential threat for the Terriers in the second half of the season if he is able to quickly adapt to the intensity of the Premier League.
A former Tottenham Hotspur Academy player and a former England Under-21 international, Pritchard impressed many managers during his stint in the Championship for Norwich and secured a move to the Premier League.
David Wagner expressed his delight at the signing with a chirpy message for fans that included he is the great signing and the type of player the club currently requires going forward.
#3 Jurgen Locadia
Brighton & Hove Albion completed the club-record signing of striker Jurgen Locadia from Dutch Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven, for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract until June 2022.
A prolific goalscorer in the Eredivisie, manager Chris Hughton has longed for a number one striker and Locadia could be the man to steer Brighton clear of the relegation dogfight.
Locadia began his professional career with PSV in sensational fashion scoring a hat-trick on his league debut, as an 18-year-old substitute in a 6-0 win over VVV-Venlo in 2012/13.
Locadia has scored a total of 45 goals and provided 34 assists, during his time with PSV Eindhoven. The Dutchman has also netted nine times this season and provided an impressive six assists in just 15 league appearances. He could be an influential signing for Albion if he can quickly adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
#2 Aaron Lennon
Burnley confirmed the signing of Aaron Lennon from Everton for an undisclosed fee ending a two-and-a-half-year stay at Goodison Park. Following a successful loan spell on Merseyside from Tottenham Hotspur during the second half of the 2014/15 season, the 30-year-old is the Clarets’ first permanent signing of the January transfer window.
The English winger will be keen and eager to help high-flyers Burnley establish themselves as a top half Premier League club and build on their current eighth-place spot in the table under manager Sean Dyche.
Before joining Everton on a three-year deal in September 2015, Lennon spent a decade with Spurs, having started his career with hometown club Leeds United. Lennon has made 21 appearances for England and is a good replacement for the injured Robbie Brady.
#1 Theo Walcott
English attacker Theo Walcott secured his move to Everton from Arsenal a few days ago for a deal worth £20 on a three-year deal. After struggling to find form at Arsenal this season, the move to Everton might turn out to be a great one for the player and great for Everton as he is a powerful attacking option.
Since the start of the season, Walcott has failed to create an impact in any of his appearances and could be down to confidence. However, after coming on as a sub in their previous game against West Brom and providing an assist for the goal, Walcott could be a potent threat for the Toffees.
Despite a lot of fans hurling abuse at the player, Walcott does have the ability and mindset to come back from the undervalued position he finds himself in. Allardyce could help revive the player's international career as well but the 28-year-old will need a string of spellbinding performances at Everton before he could even be considered to be picked in Gareth Southgate's England World Cup squad.
