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The January transfer window is typically utilized to address minor flaws in the squad for the rest of the season. Clubs have traditionally been hesitant to invest a lot in new players during the winter transfer window.
However, the one-month window also provides clubs with a chance to make an upright assessment of their squad. It also allows fringe players to make a case for themselves elsewhere.
Several high-profile signings took place in the concluded January transfer window
After a whirlwind transfer deadline day, the January window slammed shut on Monday with a number of big signings taking place. The hefty deals of Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus and Ferran Torres to Barcelona topped the charts. The transfers of Luis Diaz and Philippe Coutinho also caught much attention.
As a number of players move in and out between clubs, several transfer businesses have somewhat gone under the radar. On that note, let's look at five transfer deals that were underrated during the January transfer window (2021–22 season).
#5. Arthur Cabral to Fiorentina
Replacing one goal machine with another, Fiorentina swiftly secured their replacement for Dusan Vlahovic. They signed Brazilian Arthur Cabral from Swiss side Basel.
Fiorentina were left with a huge void in their forward line after losing Vlahovic, who moved to Juventus for €70 million. The current joint-highest Serie A goalscorer this season has smashed 21 goals from 37 league appearances for La Viola.
With Cabral, Fiorentina now have a player who they believe has the potential to have a similar influence. They snapped the 23-year-old striker for around the €16.5 million mark, who will inherit the number 9 shirt from Vlahovic.
Cabral has some astronomical numbers with Basel, providing 82 goal contributions in 106 appearances. This term alone, the Brazilian has piled up 27 goals and eight assists in just 31 games in all competitions. A skilled dribbler of the ball, the former Palmeiras man is an intelligent poacher who loves to get in the box as quickly as possible.
He was awarded the Swiss Super League's player of the year in 2021 after assisting Basel to a second-place finish. Cabral joins a Fiorentina team that is currently in seventh position in Serie A, just outside of the European places.
#4. Denis Zakaria to Juventus
Juventus arguably had the best winter transfer window this time around. After acquiring Seria A's most in-form player in Vlahovic, they secured highly sought-after midfielder Denis Zakaria from Borussia Monchengladbach.
The transfer fee of €5 million, with a further €3 million in add-ons, can easily prove to be a bargain. He signed a contract with the Turin club until 2026. After being regarded as "a blend between Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini," Zakaria drew interest from a number of European clubs, including Manchester United.
The 25-year-old will provide Massimiliano Allegri's side with the much-needed strength and solidity they have lacked in midfield. Zakaria, who is 6 feet 2 inches tall, is a workhorse who can play in a two- or three-man midfield.
Only Axel Witsel (93.17) and Kevin Kampl (91.50) have superior pass success % across midfielders in Germany's top division than Zakaria (90.11). With the midfielder having joined, Juve allowed Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski and Aaron Ramsey to leave the club.
#3. Wout Weghorst to Burnley
As a replacement for outgoing Chris Wood, Burnley secured the signing of Netherlands forward Wout Weghorst.
The proficient striker finalized his move from Wolfsburg to Burnley for a fee of around £12 million (€14.4 million). Weghorst, who joins on a three-and-a-half-year deal, provides a towering presence for Sean Dyche's side.
During his three-and-a-half seasons at Wolfsburg, the former AZ Alkmaar striker has been a consistent goal scorer, scoring 70 goals in 144 games. Compared to Wood's three goals in 17 appearances, Weghorst has netted six goals in as many starts for the German club this season.
With just one solitary win in the Premier League this season, Burnley surely need someone to step up with goals. The Dutch international can surely be that individual. He has long aspired to play in the Premier League and might now be a vital figure in helping Burnley climb out of the relegation zone.
#2. Julian Alvarez to Manchester City
Argentine sensation Julian Alvarez, who was heavily linked with Manchester United, joined rival club Manchester City in a deal worth a reported £14 million.
Alvarez has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with City, but will remain with River Plate on loan until at least July, with the possibility of an extension. The 23-year-old is a sharp-eyed centre-forward who has been on fire recently. He has outstanding attacking movement and can score from almost anywhere.
Following nine goals in 25 games last season, Alvarez has struck an incredible 20 times and made six assists in only 23 games this season. He fired River Plate with their first Argentine Primera Division success in eight years.
The Premier League champions are apparently willing to let the teenager spend the second half of the season with another club.
An Argentine spearheading City's attack. Sounds familiar?
#1. Robin Gosens to Inter
One of the most improved wing-backs in recent times, Robin Gosens successfully completed his transfer coup from Atalanta to defending champions Inter.
Though Nerazzuri brought in the German on a loan but has an obligation to buy for a reported €25 million. According to reports, Gosens has agreed to a four-and-a-half-year contract worth €2.5 million net per season, excluding add-ons.
The 27-year old joined Atalanta Atalanta from Heracles in 2017 for just over €1 million and made over 150 appearances for the Bergamo side. He managed 29 goals and 20 assists, which are some bumper numbers for a wing-back.
Gosens has been out with a muscular injury for the majority of the season and hasn't featured in a game in over four months. He is expected to return to action following the ongoing winter break and is likely to provide stiff competition for Ivan Perisic at left-flank.
Signing Gosens is a spectacular business for Inter. He was in high demand among many European giants, including German heavyweight Bayern Munich.
