January Transfer Window: Analysing the five best buys

The January transfer window is always a huge headache for the clubs. Some managers keep their hands in their pockets in January whereas some spend lavishly. For example, last season’s big money transfers Andy Carroll and Fernando Torres didn’t come off as expected. But the story is not the same every year. This season, some managers had their task cut out and some of the goods they bought from the market have proven to be assets for them. So here is a list of the few players who have made a significant impact for their new teams.

5. Louis Saha (From Everton to Tottenham)

Louis Saha was really having a torrid time at Everton this season. He had found the net just once in twenty-odd games. But now, after Spurs bought him to ease some pressure off Adebayor, he has scored three times and has an assist to his name in seven games.

4. Nikica Jelavic (From Rangers to Everton)

Everton lacked a prolific striker in their warehouse, one who has the capability to score 15 goals a season. But this January they found Jelavic who was in sublime form with the Rangers having scored 30 times in 45 appearances. Since joining Everton, he has scored twice and both of them have been match winning strikes.

3. Pavel Pogrebnyak (From Stuttgart to Fulham)

Pogrebnyak is a Russian international who is clinical in front of goal. He joined Fulham in January and scored on his debut versus Stoke City, scored again against QPR and then netted a hat-trick against Wolves and was named the Man of the Match. Now with 5 goals to his name in 4 appearances, he looks the real deal for Martin Jol.

2. Gary Cahill (From Bolton to Chelsea)

Central defender Gary Cahill, an England international, was under huge transfer speculations during the summer as Arsenal and Chelsea chased him for his signature. But Chelsea finally sealed the deal in January and Cahill now adds some strength to Chelsea’s defense. Since his arrival, he has scored twice in the blue shirt. Chelsea has kept 3 clean sheets in 5 of his league appearances.

1. Gylfi Sigurðsson (From 1899 Hoffenheim on loan to Swansea City)

Sigurðsson is an Icelandic footballer who plays as a central midfielder. He is a set-piece specialist and possesses great long-range shooting ability. He has been voted player of the season for two consecutive seasons while at Reading and Hoffenheim, respectively. He has added a spring to an already impressive Swansea City in their run in the league. Since his arrival, he has scored 5 goals and has given 3 assists in 10 appearances.