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Transfer windows are the most exciting times for a football fan with a guaranteed hourly dose of drama and anxiety. Ever since the new TV broadcasting deal was signed by the England FA, the Premier League clubs have seen loads of cash at their disposal for new signings. With top clubs needing to add some fire-power to their teams to push for glory and clubs in the lower end of the table seeking to solve the problems, the January window provides a much-needed opportunity to the clubs to save the seasons by making mid-season additions to their squads.
Every January window sees plenty of signings and this year was no different with a total of 203 deals worth £251.8 million getting completed by the end of Deadline Day. The window was darkened by the sad news of an airplane crash carrying that resulted in the demise of Cardiff City record signing Emiliano Sala and his pilot.
Otherwise, the Premier League saw some big-name departures which kept the window abuzz more than the arrivals. Established Premier League players like Cesc Fabregas, Jermain Defoe, Victor Moses, Brahim Diaz, Marouane Fellaini, Manolo Gabbiadini, Mousa Dembele and Alvaro Morata left for other foreign clubs, whereas the star Chelsea signing Christian Pulisic from Dortmund was loaned back instantly.
Sportskeeda takes a look at the Top 5 January signings that were made in 2019 after assessing the potential and performances made by these players.
#5 - Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea to Crystal Palace - Loan)
The 25-year-old Chelsea striker was snapped up by Crystal Palace on a loan deal having seen off interest from other clubs. Batshuayi has tasted Premier League with Chelsea where he scored the winning goal vs West Brom that effectively sealed the title for Antonio Conte and his men, before he was loaned out for more game time.
The faith laid upon him has already started to look worthy with Michy scoring a goal against Burnley and Leicester each. He is starting to grow in the role he is being offered by Roy Hodgson and has already made six appearances since his move.
With more than 50 Chelsea appearances during his time there under his belt, he will surely help the Eagles squad by adding the much-needed fire-power up front.
#4 Ryan Babel (Besiktas to Fulham - Loan)
Babel was identified as the experienced head by the now sacked Claudio Ranieri to save the sinking Fulham ship from relegation. The loan deal was worked out for the 32-year-old winger who has plenty of Premier League experience with Liverpool having played for the Reds 146 times between 2007-11 scoring 22 goals in the process.
Ryan Babel has played over 500 games in his career and has scored 106 goals at the Club level for an array of teams. Babel was also a part of the Netherlands team that reached the World Cup Final in 2010 having represented the country for a total of 54 times.
Despite Fulham at the danger of being relegated, performances on the wing by Babel might extend his stay in the Premier League. He has been involved fairly, and with 7 appearances already, he has scored once and assisted another three goals for Fulham.
#3 Denis Suarez (Barcelona to Arsenal - Loan)
Arsenal saw their long-standing interest in the Barcelona player materialise in the January window this year with a loan deal and an option to buy in the summer. The 25-year old attacking midfielder has already played for the manager Unai Emery at Sevilla, where the player was largely successful and influential in winning the Europa League title.
Suarez has the pedigree for top-level football having played for big clubs during his young career and is currently settling in the league having made five appearances for the Gunners already. Interestingly, Suarez already has a history in England and has been a part of Manchester City set-up from 2011-13. As Arsenal push for a place in the top-four, Denis is expected to add the much-needed depth and flair in the midfield since he can play either on the flanks or through the middle.
He has been involved five times for Arsenal this season however, he hasn't established himself completely with the squad yet. All the five appearances he has made for the club since his move has been off the bench coming on as a substitute.
#2 Samir Nasri (West ham - Free agent)
West Ham has roped in a serial winner for free in the form of Samir Nasri and a player of his stature needs no introduction, having proven his talent at the top level for the majority of his career. Nasri was however banned from football due to doping charges until January 2019.
Nasri has loads of Premier League experience having played for Arsenal and Manchester City for nine (9) seasons in which he racked up more than 50 goals and 300 appearances. He also won two Premier League titles and a League Cup and has also played for his current gaffer Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City, where the pair won the Premier League and League Cup double together in the 2013-14 season.
The signing has already started to look a good one with Nasri putting in match-winning performances from his preferred wide attacking position during the four Premier League appearances he has made for the club.
#1 Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus to Chelsea - Loan)
Higuain is by far the biggest name to arrive in the Premier League this January having played a stellar career as a lethal number nine. The 31-year old has played for the biggest clubs in Real Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan, and Napoli.
The Argentine had his best season where he scored 36 goals in 35 league matches under his current boss Maurizio Sarri that saw their Napoli team finish second in the 2015-16 Serie A. The Golden boot he won that season made him the transfer target for Juventus, who paid a record €90 million for the World Cup runner up in the following summer.
Since Higuain fits in the famed Sari-ball system, he is expected to solve the striker crisis at the Stamford Bridge as they push for a Europa League victory and a top-four finish. The results have clearly started to go their way with Higuain being prefered as the No.9 over Olivier Giroud. He has scored three goals already in the six Premier League matches he has started and is showing good signs of link-up play with Hazard and other teammates.
