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It was a fantastic transfer window in January. Just like the preceding ones, the winter transfer window was full of drama as European powerhouses put in immense efforts, going head-to-head in an intense battle with the aim to beat one another and secure the finest deals from the market.
This resulted in a number of high profile switches and huge transfer sums, with many top superstars including the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Morata, and Mario Balotelli all moving on as well as famous youngsters like Frankie De Jong and Brahim Diaz putting an end to the speculations surrounding their future by completing transfer deals of their own.
While the transfer window enabled us to finally witness the coming to fruition of many deals that were rumoured to us a couple of months ago, it also produced another set of transfers that were quite unexpected and caught everyone by surprise. Below, we take a look at 5 of these shocking transfers:
#5. Samir Nasri to West Ham United
Many transfers shocked us during the winter transfer window and one of them is the one that saw former Arsenal playmaker Samir Nasri returning to the English Premier League, this time, joining West Ham United on an initial loan deal that will run till the end of the campaign.
It took a long time before the French International returned to action after falling victim of breaching anti-doping rules when he received an intravenous treatment at a Los Angeles clinic and ruled out of action for 18 months as a result.
Having served his ban completely, the former Arsenal midfielder has reunited with Manuel Pellegrini, the man he worked with during their time together at Manchester City and the two will work together once again as they aim to help The Hammers maintain a safe place on the Premier League table.
Also see : EPL Transfer News, Fantasy Premier League , Fantasy Premier League Tips
#4. Martin Caceres to Juventus
The winter transfer window was full of drama. While other European powerhouses were pulling our nerves with unexpected deals, Italian champions Juventus also surprised us with a shocking transfer of their own, signing Uruguayan superstar Martin Caceres on loan from fellow Serie A side, Lazio.
Caceres is a well-known player in Turin, having represented the Old Ladies on two different occasions before now. The departure of Medhi Benatia who left for Qatari side Al-Ittihad opened up space at the Old Ladies Stadium and the club was convinced to bring back their former defender to replace the departing star.
While Martin Caceres is seen as a good and cheap option to strengthen the Bianconeri's backline, it is worth mentioning that the club's decision to sign the Uruguayan International for the third time in 10 years really surprised many.
#3. Peter Crouch to Burnley
In one of the moves that set the English Premier League on fire during the winter transfer window, Burnley FC announced the signing of former English International, Peter Crouch from Stoke City, taking many by surprise with their decision to bring the attacker back to the EPL.
After spending half of the season representing Stoke City in the Championship, Crouch decided to move to the Turf Moor in a deal that also saw Wales striker Sam Vokes moving the other way.
Having just celebrated his 38th birthday recently, it came as a huge surprise to many Burnley fans with the club's decision to sign the former Stoke City man but Clarets coach, Dyche stated that he had no hesitation signing the attacker.
''I've never been too bothered about people's age''
''I don't factor age in when people are as motivated as big Crouchy"
#2. Ryan Babel to Fulham
Many ex-Premier League superstars surprised us with their decisions to return to the English top flight during the winter transfer window and one of these players is former Liverpool winger, Ryan Babel.
After lining up at Anfield Stadium between 2007 and 2011 before representing other European sides including the likes of Hoffenheim, Ajax, and Kasımpaşa, the Dutch International has returned into the English division, signing a permanent deal with Fulham FC that will see him represent the club till the end of the season.
Though 32, Babel has shown that he still has the ability to perform at a decent level with the 5 goals he scored for Besiktas this season before leaving for England. Besides, his experience in the English division will be of great advantage to Fulham as they battle to avoid relegation during the term.
#1. Kevin Prince Boateng to Barcelona
Catalan giants, FC Barcelona are well-known when it comes to making shocking signings and they lived up to the reputation once again during the winter transfer window, shocking everyone with their decision to sign Ghanaian International, Kevin Prince Boateng from Sassuolo.
The departure of Moroccan striker Munir El Haddadi left a vacant space in the Blaugrana's attack and they decided to secure a loan move for the versatile attacker till the end of the current campaign, with the option to make it permanent during the summer - a move that met a lot of mixed reactions from both football fans and journalists.
Boateng is in a decent form at the moment, having scored 5 goals for Sassuolo in 15 games before leaving for Barcelona and he will be keen to make an impact at the Nou Camp, albeit in a limited role.
