Top Five January Deals
SillySeason give their five signings of the January window
So there we have it, another transfer window has come and gone, but what deals stand out from the rest?
Over 1billion was spent in the summer and winter windows combined just in the Premier League, and it’s now time for SillySeason to give their Top-Five signings of the January window.
Alex Batt is the man giving his verdict on the best signings, and he has chosen his Top-Five deals from the previous window.
Here they are!
5) Steven Naismith – Everton to Norwich City – £8.5million
Steven Naismith is an underrated Premier League footballer.
He was never going to get regular first-team football at Everton due to the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley, but he will be a regular at Norwich City and he could easily fire them to Premier League safety.
He’s already bagged himself one goal, which came on his debut against Liverpool, and he could be the difference between Premier League and Championship football next season.
He might not be worth £8.5million, but prices are always high in January, and if he can keep the Canaries in the top-flight, then it’s money well spent by Alex Neil.
A good signing for Norwich.
4) Mario Suarez – Fiorentina to Watford – £4million
What a signing for Watford.
Mario Suarez was a wanted man in the Premier League for a long time, with even Liverpool keen on signing him, but it was Watford that managed to strike a deal for the midfielder.
For £4million it’s an absolute steal by the Hornets, and it just proves how well they’ve done this season on and off the pitch.
It will be interesting to see if he can settle and adapt to the Premier League however, but with Watford miles above safety, there shouldn’t be a lot of pressure to delivery immediately.
3) Jonjo Shelvey – Swansea City to Newcastle United – £12million
Similar to the Norwich City deal, this may be overpriced, but it’s a signing that could possibly keep Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Jonjo Shelvey arrived at St James’ Park from Swansea City in a deal worth £12million, and after a stunning debut against West Ham United, the Magpies are already seeing what they can get from the Englishman.
His vision is incredible, his ability to pick a pass is up there with the best in the league and he’s also not afraid to get rough and dirty when needed.
Shelvey is the exact person Newcastle needed and he will be vital for the relegation scrap.
£12m might be overpriced for him, but like we said earlier, prices fluctuate in January.
2) Giannelli Imbula – FC Porto to Stoke City – £18.3million
It was the biggest deal of Transfer Deadline Day and it’s a massive signing for Stoke City.
It’s a deal that showcases just how far The Potters have come in recent months. Signing the likes of Bojan, Xherdan Shaqiri and now Giannelli Imbula.
It’s a massive fee on his head, but he comes with a brilliant reputation and he’s just the type of player Mark Hughes has needed for the centre of midfield.
Stoke lost Steven N’Zonzi over the summer to Sevilla and they failed to replace him.
However, in Imbula, they now have the perfect replacement.
1) Charlie Austin – Queens Park Rangers to Southampton – £4million
With the winner at Old Trafford, he’s probably already repaid the £4million that Southampton spent on him.
Yes Southampton got Charlie Austin for just £4m. Unbelievable signing and easily the transfer of the window.
This isn’t a normal Championship striker they’ve signed from Queens Park Rangers. This is a guy who netted 18 goals in the Premier League last season in a very poor and eventually-relegated side.
He will flourish at Saints with better players around him and if he gets game-time, he could be a late shock in Roy Hodgson’s European Championship squad.
Great value for money for a great player.
Southampton secure signing of the January transfer window.
So there are our Five Transfers of January.
Who did we miss out?
Comment your thoughts!
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt