10 best January transfer signings of all time

The inception of the January transfer window happened thanks to a FIFA ruling in the 2002-2003 season and the transfer dealings have become more expensive with each passing year. The Winter transfer window, as it is famously called, is used by many clubs to address their needs midway through the season be it as a stop gap or a long term solution. Like the summer transfer window, the media goes gung-ho about this too every season.The Winter transfer window has changed the face of football across the major leagues in Europe with players being able to demand moves to other clubs in this month long window. Managers use this window either to get players to help intitle run-ins, relegation battles or most importantly address any injury problems their club might be going through.This window can be a huge disadvantage for a player as they are devoid of a proper pre-season, have very little time to adapt to a new locale and teammates and are required to hit the ground running from Day 1. Most of the transfers made during this window involve ludicrous sums of money (read Fernando Torres and Andy Carroll) and absolute failures.However, there are players who have used this window to chart their own success stories at new clubs. We look at the best 10 signings in the January transfer window till date.Honorable Mentions:Philippe Coutino (Inter Milan to Liverpool)Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea to Liverpool)David Luiz (Benfica to Chelsea)

#10 Christophe Dugarry

Dugarry Birmingham — The 1998 World Cup winner was a surprise loan signing for Birmingham City

Transfer: Bordeaux to Birmingham City, 2003

Cost: On Loan

A loan deal is always seen as a safe move between clubs, one where all the parties benefit. However, none of the loan deals has been as successful and a happy ending as the one which involved Christophe Dugarry. Persuaded over a cup of tea and a rich tea biscuit by then Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce, Dugarry turned out to be an unlikely hero for the club.

Flirting with relegation in the Blues debut 2002-2003 season in the top flight, Birmingham City needed an astute signing in the winter transfer window and the French World Cup Winner turned out to be just the one to bail Birmingham out. Dugarry’s impact wasn’t instant as he struggled to find the net in his first 10 games. However, he managed to score 5 goals in 4 games which Birmingham won at a canter that ensured that Birmingham stayed in the top flight for another season.

Having made his deal permanent the next season, he struggled to contribute significantly to the team’s fortunes and ended up scoring a solitary goal in his time at the club. Despite his struggles after his permanent transfer he was inducted into the Blues' hall of fame based on the conjuring act he produced in 2003 to save the Blues from relegation.

#9 Brede Hangeland

Transfer: FC Copenhagen to Fulham, 2008

Cost: £2.5 Million

If you asked any Fulham supporter who was the best player to have represented their club, undoubtedly the majority would answer Brede Hangeland. Doubted by David Moyes on his survival in the Premier League, Hangeland proved him wrong by being Fulham’s mainstay in central defense for more than six and a half years.

Strong, commanding and relaxed on the ball, the Norwegian became Roy Hodgson’s first signing at Fulham in January 2008. What a bargain of a signing he proved to become! Fulham’s origins of their best center half pairing came on a cold wet night at Bolton Wanderers where Hangeland formed a lethal partnership with Aaron Hughes.

Hangeland was ‘the stopper’ who read and sniffed out any danger while Hughes’s job, his partner in crime, was to cover the Norwegian and act as the last line of defense in case of any mistakes.

Hangeland played an important role in ensuring that the Cottagers survived the relegation battle in 2008. It was the following season where Hangeland rose like a phoenix with his consistent defensive showings ensuring that Fulham finished seventh in the Premier League (highest in Fulham’s history). More importantly, Hangeland was pivotal in the run to the final of the UEFA Europe League in the 2009-2010 season.

Hangeland struggled to reach the heights of his initial years once Roy Hodgson left the club but he still remained an indispensable part of the team till he left the club.

#8 Ivan Rakitic

Transfer: Schalke to Sevilla, 2011

Cost: £1.3 Million

One of the most low-key January transfers since the inception of the January transfer window involved the now ‘Orchestrator’ of the Barcelona’s midfield medley. The Swiss-born Croatian international Ivan Rakitic was always destined to be a top midfielder and he wouldn’t have been pulling the strings at the Camp Nou if it wasn’t for his transfer to Sevilla.

Immediately thrust into the first team by Sevilla’s manager Gregorio Manzano post his transfer, Rakitic slowly stamped his authority in the midfield and became a fan favorite at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. Although, after he arrived at the club he became physically stronger and more importantly, he became mesmerizing with the ball at his feet.

Standing at 6 feet tall, Rakitic is ambidextrous as he has the uncanny ability to pick up passes with both feet. His ability to pick the long and short passes made Sevilla a mighty opposition in the La Liga. Deployed as a Regista, Rakitic truly excelled in his midfield mastery and went on to win the Europa League in the 2013-2014 season.

His last season at the club saw him being named the captain of the club by coach Unai Emery an ultimate honor for the soft-spoken Croat. He scored 34 goals across all competitions for Sevilla but it was his assists and chance creation that made him an enigma. In the 2012-2013 season, he created more than 100 chances which made him the among the top four players across all leagues in Europe with such statistics.

#7 Javier Mascherano

Transfer: West Ham to Liverpool, 2007

Cost: On Loan for £1.6 Million

Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez’s arrival at England remained one of the most peculiar cases that football had seen. The Argentinean starlets were already hot prospects after their showing at the 2006 World Cup. They were teammates at Corinthians, the Brazilian club, and arrived in England when the club signed a controversial deal with London-based Media Sports Investments (MSI), headed by Kia Joorabchian.

A deteriorating relationship was laid bare in public when both Mascherano and Tevez were transferred to West Ham United for an undisclosed fee. The transfer was not sanctioned by Corinthians but by four murky investment funds MSI, Just Sports Incorporated, Global Soccer Agencies (GSA) and Mystere Services Limited which were coincidentally owned by Kia Joorabchian.

Mascherano was a highly rated defensive midfielder by then and he had a troubled 6 months at West Ham. As fate turned out Rafa Benitez and Liverpool were alerted of his possible availability and Benitez personally went to see the player to convince him to move to Anfield.

After protracted negotiations with FIFA, Mascherano joined the Reds on an 18-month loan deal which proved to be a masterstroke by Benitez. Mascherano quickly adapted to the team and became an integral part of the well-oiled double pivot with Xabi Alonso that saw the Liverpool flourishing in the league and in Europe.

An absolute monster tackling midfielder, Mascherano was well suited to plug any hole between the midfield and the defense as well as regaining possession whenever it was lost. More importantly, Mascherano had a wide array of passing which helped Alonso and the team while attacking and counterattacking.

He was a colossal figure in the midfield and was a vital cog in Liverpool’s run to Champions League final in 2007 and the famous title-winning run in 2005. 'Jefecito' or 'Little chief’s' foundations to the ‘Destroyer’ he has become could be attributed to his successful period at Anfield.

An ability to play with the grit and determination of an army even now, it was no surprise that the Anfield faithful sang out his name to the tune of ‘Seven Nation Army’ by The White Stripes.

#6 Nemanja Matic

Transfer: Benfica to Chelsea, 2014

Cost: £21 Million

Signed by Chelsea as a 21-year-old ball playing midfielder from Košice, a Slovakian football club in 2009 for £1.5m, Nemanja Matic was subsequently loaned out to the Dutch feeder club Vitesse Arnhem in 2010 for further development. He, however, failed to make the grade at Chelsea and was used as part of the deal with Benfica that saw David Luiz moving to Stamford Bridge.

Trust and playing time was what Matic needed and he got it in abundance under the tutelage of Jorge Jesus at Benfica. Jesus understood Matic’s strengths and turned him quickly from a playmaker to a rugged defensive midfielder. His impressive showings in Portugal and in Europe as an authoritative and tough tackling defensive shield in front of the back four turned him into one of the hottest prospects that every major club wanted to get hold of.

Considered a reject by the Blues, Matic had the last laugh when Jose Mourinho convinced him to move back to the Bridge in 2014. Seen as one of the final pieces of the jigsaw alongside Cesc Fabregas, Willian and Oscar, Matic was instrumental in Chelsea’s title winning season of 2014-2015.

An ability to shut out teams by swiftly breaking opposition attacks, Matic also has a keen eye of releasing the pass that would launch the all important counterattack that Chelsea capitalized on several occasions last season.

His statistics of 29 clearances at 3.6 per game, 73 interceptions at 2 per game, and 101 tackles at 2.8 per game along with creating 24 chances for Chelsea made him the Premier League’s best defensive midfielder last season.

Although not as effective and struggling to dominate teams this season, Matic still remains a pivotal figure for Chelsea if they are resurrect their troubled campaign.

#5 Branislav Ivanovic

Transfer: Lokomotiv Moscow to Chelsea, 2008

Cost: £9.7 Million

Nicknamed ‘The Bane’, similar to the one from popular movie franchise the Batman, Branislav Ivanovic is a no-nonsense defender who has shut out attackers since his move from Lokomotiv Moscow in the 2008 winter transfer window.

Not a regular in the Chelsea team in his first 6 months at Stamford Bridge, the transition period from the Russian league to the Premier League was a difficult one for Ivanovic. However, the first leg of Champions League at Anfield in the 2008-2009 season truly announced his arrival at Chelsea. His scored two goals in the 3-1 win over Liverpool and was subsequently nicknamed as Branislav ‘two-goal’ Ivanovic.

Physically strong and dominant in the air, the Serbian is characterized by his potential and adaptability to play across anywhere on the backline. Groomed as a center back throughout his career it was the switch to the right back at Chelsea that brought the best out of Ivanovic. His quick pace going forward as well as tracking back made him one of the best right backs in the league and was named in the PFA 2009-2010 and 2014-2015 Team of the Year in the right-back position.

Ivanovic has constantly been one of the best performers in the Blue shirt, making him nothing short of a legend, since his transfer from Russia. The arrival of Jose Mourinho in 2013 ensured that Ivanovic switched to another gear has the Portuguese tweaked his tactics to complement the Serbian powerhouse in the four-man defense.

2 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League trophy, 3 FA cups and 1 Europa League title have truly elevated him to the cult echelons at Stamford Bridge.

#4 Patrice Evra

Transfer: Monaco to Manchester United, 2006

Cost: £5.5 Million

Money buys players and it turned out to be one of the best deals that Sir Alex Ferguson orchestrated. Arriving in the same transfer window as Nemanja Vidic, Evra went on to cement his place as one of the best left backs the world has ever seen.

A turbulent start to his Premier League life saw him having a nightmare of a performance in a Manchester derby. However, by the end of his first full season in 2007, he was already in the PFA team of the year on the back of consistent and dynamic performances on the flank.

Speed, ability to read the game faster than the opponents, quick reflexes were key assets of his game that made him a threat bombing forward supporting an attack or while defending counterattacks or from open play.

His attacking instincts made him an extremely tough player to mark. His inviting crosses and irresistible partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs made him one of the most dreaded players in the Premier League era.

He still remains one of the most popular figures amongst the United faithful due to his affable character and his love for the club. Captaining the club, he went on to win 5 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League, 3 FA cups and was named in the PFA team of the year thrice.

#3 Kevin De Bruyne

Transfer: Chelsea to Wolfsburg, 2014

Cost: £18 Million

If Katy Perry is right then Mourinho will always lament deeply about ‘The one that got away’ from his clutches in 2014. Dubbed as the next superstar, Kevin De Bruyne, a Chelsea player had made quite a reputation for himself while on his stints on loan at Genk and then Werder Bremen. Mourinho’s return to Chelsea was seen as the turning point for the Belgian.

Alas, it never turned out to be one. Warming the bench, his reputation severely battered; De Bruyne’s move to the Volkswagen Arena in the winter transfer window did not make much headlines.

A sense of injustice brings the best out of a fighter and De Bruyne is one heavyweight champion. Out to prove a point to his ex-employers and his critics, De Bruyne was pivotal in the revival of the Wolves’ fortunes. De Bruyne was awarded the Player of the Season in the Bundesliga for his stupendous showing in the 2014-2015 season.

The attacking midfielder’s core strength lies in his direct approach to the game. He is quick and it’s his acceleration with and without the ball that has punished defenders both in Germany. Dribbling, ability to take on players and his crossing ability are strengths that have eventually resulted in so many assists.

The 23-year-old Belgian was instrumental as he scored 16 goals and added 28 assists ensuring second place in the Bundesliga, Champions League qualification and more importantly, landing the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) for Wolfsburg. He scaled new heights when he registered a record 21 assists in the Bundesliga alone easily eclipsing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally in Spain.

It was his exploits at Wolfsburg that made him one of the most sought after and expensive starlets (£55 million) that Manchester City invested in. He might just become one of the best players on the planet if he is to be groomed by Pep Guardiola in the near future.

#2 Nemanja Vidic

Transfer: Spartak Moscow to Manchester United, 2006

Cost: £7 Million

A completely unknown player outside of Russia, Vidic’s transfer to the Red Devils in the January of 2006 raised quite a few eyebrows. Sir Alex Ferguson had been scouting Vidic for a few years and so was Arsenal but it was United’s financial might and their status as the Premier League’s powerhouse that convinced Vidic to pick United over their rivals.

Many doubted whether Vidic would be successful but the Scottish manager had already foreseen the centre back’s quality to know he would achieve cult status at the club. Vidic paired with Rio Ferdinand at the beginning of the season and instantly the duo became a force that would dominate the league till their departures.

Vidic was a no-nonsense defender, strong in his tackles, equally strong in the air, an astute reader of the game and quick enough to stifle the opposition forwards. These qualities are paramount to Premier League success. He had the uncanny knack of scoring from set-pieces which setup quite a few crucial victories for United.

Part of one of the most talented teams that included Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Edwin Van Der Sar to name a few, Vidic along with Ferdinand became a vital duo as they were part of one of the meanest defenses in Premier League history.

The Serbian spent seven and a half years at Old Trafford and his trophy cabinet is an impressive collection. He won the Premier League 5 times, a Champions League and he was also a two-time Premier League Player of the Season. This is quite an impressive return for a relatively unknown player before his transfer.

Although the club’s captain left unceremoniously halfway through David Moyes’ woeful season in charge, Vidic will always be remembered as a hero for his achievements at the club.

#1 Luis Suarez

Transfer: Ajax to Liverpool, 2011

Cost: £22.8 Million

The greatest winter transfer story was the one with Luis Suarez. If Suarez is counted in the same breath as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr, it is because of the greatness he achieved in being the pivotal man at Liverpool.

Everything that was Good, Bad and Ugly with Liverpool since the January of 2011 centered around Luis Suarez. El Pistolero was destined for greatness and when he signed from Ajax for £22.8 Million, it was clear that Liverpool had a world class player at their disposal. But with greatness comes that extra baggage.

The Bad and Ugly focused on the racism slur with Patrice Evra and the infamous bite on Branislav Ivanovic’s arm. Sure Suarez’s on-field antics brought disrepute to the club and fans alike but what cannot be disregarded was his insane ability with the ball at his feet. Nutmegs, continuous dribbles, precise headers, thunderbolts, hat-tricks, outrageous passes, you name it and he did it all during his time at Anfield.

This was the Good that the Kop and Liverpool fans yearned for and Suarez provided it in plenty.

Suarez’s talent is unparalleled. A warrior of a player, who would go an entire day running after the ball, reached his zenith in the 2013-2014 season when he scored 30 goals in just 44 matches. That season’s Premier League Player of the Season, he almost inspired Liverpool to a remarkable Premier League title during that magical campaign.

Although he only won the Carling Cup in his time at the Reds, it cannot be discounted that the foundation of his trophy-laden exploits at Barcelona was laid at Anfield.