These 10 players changed the courses of their clubs' fortunes after signing in fascinating January winter transfers
The January transfer window in the Premier League has a reputation for being a challenging time to secure top signings, yet over the years, it has been the source of some truly transformative deals.
These mid-season moves have often been pivotal in shaping the fortunes of clubs, turning the tide in league races, and even impacting the European football landscape. Let's delve deeper into these top January signings, exploring their impact and the dynamics they brought to their respective clubs.
10. Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC to Sunderland, 2015)
Although Jermain Defoe had multiple successful January moves, his transfer to Sunderland in 2015 was particularly impactful as he scored four crucial goals for the Black Cats.
Defoe's goal-scoring ability played a crucial role in Sunderland's Premier League survival campaigns, as he scored 30 goals in 70 matches in his final two seasons at the club, showcasing his poacher's instincts and his importance in high-pressure situations.
9. Gary Cahill (Bolton to Chelsea, 2012)
Gary Cahill's transfer from Bolton to Chelsea for £7 million was a shrewd piece of business. His reliability, leadership, and defensive acumen were instrumental in Chelsea's domestic and European triumphs, including their Champions League victory in 2012.
Cahill's partnership with John Terry is remembered as the solid defensive foundation that underpinned Chelsea's success during his time at the club between 2012 and 2019.
8. Philippe Coutinho (Inter to Liverpool, 2013)
Signed for a modest £8.5 million, Philippe Coutinho quickly became a key player for Liverpool. His flair, creativity, and ability to score spectacular goals made him a fan favourite.
Coutinho's development at Liverpool led to a significant transfer to Barcelona with a mammoth €135 million deal that made him one of the most expensive players in football history. Incidentally, the move to Barcelona was also a winter transfer, making Coutinho the most expensive January transfer signing of all time.
7. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Dortmund to Arsenal, 2018)
Aubameyang's move to Arsenal for £56 million was a statement of intent from the club. His pace, finishing ability, and flair added a new dimension to Arsenal's attack.
Winning the Golden Boot in his first full season highlighted his quality with 22 goals in 36 Premier League matches and 31 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions.
Aubameyang's performances often lifted the team in crucial moments, making him a pivotal player in Arsenal's setup, before he was rewarded with the team’s captaincy in 2019.
6. Martin Odegaard (Real Madrid to Arsenal, 2021)
After six underwhelming years at Real Madrid where Martin Odegaard suffered under the weight of unfulfilled potential, the Norwegian decided to take a chance on a move to Arsenal in the Premier League that changed his life and the club’s trajectory.
Although the initial move in the winter of 2021 was a loan deal, Odegaard would go on to sign permanently with the Gunners, quickly becoming an integral part of the Arsenal squad.
The former prodigy was quickly thrust into the Arsenal set-up and was named captain of the young Gunners soon after his arrival, eventually leading them to a famous title challenge in the 2022/23 season, where they narrowly lost out to Manchester City.
5. Patrice Evra (Monaco to Manchester United, 2006)
Alongside Vidic, Patrice Evra's move to Manchester United in 2006 significantly bolstered the club's defence. His consistency and offensive contributions from the left-back position were key factors in United's domestic and European successes.
Evra's adaptability and professionalism made him a respected figure in the dressing room and among the club's supporters.
4. Bruno Fernandes (Sporting to Manchester United, 2020)
Bruno Fernandes' transfer for £47 million in 2020 brought a much-needed creative spark to Manchester United's midfield, and his vision, immaculate eye for goal, and leadership qualities have been crucial in United's pursuit of returning to the top of English and European football.
Fernandes's impact was immediate, as he quickly became a fan favourite and a key figure in the team's attacking dynamics, racking up goals and assists at an alarming rate for the opposition.
3. Luis Suarez (Ajax to Liverpool, 2011)
Luis Suarez's arrival from Ajax for £22.5 million marked the beginning of a transformative era for Liverpool's attack. With his tenacity, skill, and unique goal-scoring ability, Suarez became an integral part of the team.
His performances in the 2013/14 season, where he won the Premier League Golden Boot, are right up there with the finest individual performances of the Premier League era.
Suarez' impact extended beyond goals; his energy and competitiveness galvanised the team and the supporters alike, leading Liverpool to a narrow title challenge where they succumbed to a Steven Gerrard slip to lose out to Manchester City.
2. Virgil van Dijk (Southampton to Liverpool, 2018)
The £75 million Liverpool spent on Virgil van Dijk might have raised eyebrows initially, but it proved to be a wise investment. Van Dijk transformed Liverpool's defence, bringing calmness, organisation, and an aerial threat that were previously lacking.
His contribution was pivotal in Liverpool clinching the Champions League in 2019 and securing their first Premier League title in 30 years the following season. Van Dijk's presence also elevated the performances of those around him, making Liverpool's defence one of the most formidable in Europe.
1. Nemanja Vidic (Spartak Moscow to Manchester United, 2006)
Manchester United’s acquisition of Nemanja Vidic for a mere £7 million is widely regarded as the finest bit of business in Premier League history.
Vidic's defensive prowess, combined with his leadership skills, played an instrumental role in the club's domestic and European successes during his time at Old Trafford.
His partnership with Rio Ferdinand is remembered as one of the best defensive pairings in Premier League history, and the Serbian’s ability to adapt quickly to the physicality and pace of English football was remarkable, making him a cornerstone of United's defence for many seasons.
Other notable mentions include Seamus Coleman, who joined Everton from Sligo Rovers in 2009 and became a staple in the Toffees side for many years; and Ashley Young, who moved from Watford to Aston Villa in 2007 and later joined Manchester United, winning multiple titles.
Clint Dempsey, who transferred from the New England Revolution to Fulham in 2007 for a short stint, became a key player known for his versatility and goal-scoring ability. Lastly, Mikel Arteta's move from Real Sociedad to Everton in 2005 was notable for starting the Spaniard's love affair with the Premier League, which continues today after his retirement.
Related content
09:43 - 04.01.2024
Proper Baller - Haaland gives seal of approval on Sancho's imminent return to Dortmund
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland is excited by reports of Jadon Sancho's possible return to Borussia Dortmund from Manchester United.
23:59 - 03.01.2024
Manchester United's most expensive January signings: Where are they now?
"See where they play, how they play, if they play." We list the top ten most expensive January acquisitions Manchester United have made and their current status.
23:00 - 03.01.2024
Getafe boss reveals what Greenwood said to attract RED CARD in defeat to Rayo Vallecano
Getafe manager Jose Bordalas explains the details of the spat between Mason Greenwood and the referee in the defeat to Rayo Vallecano, which earned the Manchester United loanee a sending-off.
19:53 - 03.01.2024
Man United agree with Cameroon to keep Onana until Tottenham clash
Manchester United reached a cordial agreement with FECAFOOT to keep Andre Onana until the day before their AFCON kickoff.
18:32 - 03.01.2024
Cristiano Ronaldo dreams of linking up with two former Real Madrid teammates at Al Nassr
Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly pushing the club to bring two former Real Madrid stars to the Middle East.
10:07 - 03.01.2024
We will smile together again — Andre Onana makes promise to Man United fans
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has warned his critics that he will be back to his best soon.
08:44 - 03.01.2024
Jadon Sancho: Man Utd misfit closes in on loan return to Borussia Dortmund
Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are in negotiations over a deal for Jadon Sancho to return to the Bundesliga club on loan.
01:09 - 03.01.2024
Manchester United fans beg De Gea for second chance as Onana prepares for AFCON
Fans of Manchester United have begged former goalkeeper David De Gea to return to Old Trafford one more time, despite the Spaniard's painful summer exit
00:33 - 03.01.2024
Mbappe, Ndidi and the Top summer free agents eligible for pre-contract agreements in the January transfer window
Several top footballers are now eligible to sign pre-contracts with a view to leaving their clubs for free in the summer and these are the top of the bunch