Despite the transfer window recently closing just a few days ago, the rumour mill never stops churning. With ever-increasing money coming into the Premier League through TV rights and sponsorship’s, there is no surprise that the English top-flight teams spend more than their foreign counterparts in Europe’s other big leagues.
Below we will be taking a look at some of the January transfer window’s biggest deals (involving Premier League clubs) and some of the rumours that have been surfacing.
Liverpool’s Big-money Business
Liverpool was involved in a transfer that was not only the biggest of the window but also the second biggest in football history. Phillipe Coutinho switched Merseyside for Barcelona and earnt the Reds £142 million in the process. It was a deal that was rumoured to be happening all summer but never materialised, instead being confirmed on the 6th January. The Brazilian wizard admitted to looking forward to a dream move to arguably the greatest club in the World with his dream eventually becoming a reality. The star made his debut on the 25th January against his former club, Espanyol.
It was vital that Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp used this money to invest in some players of his own. The German boss completed the signing of Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for £75 million before the Coutinho departure had gone through, another deal that was reportedly being finalised at the end of the summer window. This has hopefully brought some much-needed stability to the lacklustre Reds’ backline that has been extremely poor on several occasions this season.
Alexis Sanchez Saga
The transfer of Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United from Arsenal sent out shockwaves across the world as the ex-Gunner wanted to win more trophies and accolades which he wasn’t winning under Arsene Wenger.
The rumours of Sanchez’ departure dominated football news across the globe, especially as Manchester City started as favourites to sign the Chilean. Henrikh Mkhitaryan went the other way as part of the deal, signing for Arsenal. The midfielder registered a hat-trick of assists on his home debut in The Gunners 5-1 win over Everton.
The end of the window saw a reunion between the Armenian attacker and his former Dortmund team-mate, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who managed a debut goal against the Toffees. This saw a rush of transfers which included Olivier Giroud making a move across London to Chelsea to replace the outgoing Michy Batshuayi, who went on loan to Dortmund to fill the void left by Arsenal’s new star striker. Giroud is 9/2 to score the first goal when Chelsea face Watford on Monday night at Betsafe, where you can find football tips and betting odds.
Mahrez to Man City?
Riyad Mahrez reportedly handed in a transfer request with just a day left of the transfer window amidst rumours that Man City was interested in bringing him to the Etihad. However, with Leicester’s valuation of £80 million and the fact that they had almost no time to sign a replacement, the Foxes blocked his departure. With the news that the Algerian winger has gone on strike against the club, Pep Guardiola hasn’t confirmed or denied whether his side will go back in for him at the end of the season. Apparently, the former Le Havre forward knew that he would probably be picking up another Premier League winners’ medal if he was to sign for City. A very different proposition to the one that Walkington AFC and Beverley Town are facing in the Humber Premier League.
Arsenal was supposedly fascinated in Mahrez after his wizardry in Leicester’s title-winning campaign, and their interest is allegedly re-ignited. It was understood at the time that the 2015/16 PFA Player of the Year was open to a move to North London and he might be even more driven to get that move with his temper causing problems at his current club. Leicester fans are understandably frustrated at the behaviour of their star man as he missed two training sessions either side of their 2-1 defeat to Everton.
Hazard to rescue Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s season has been nothing short of abysmal as they dropped another two points away at Levante. Transfer rumours have once again surfaced about them signing Eden Hazard. Courted by Los Blancos in the past, this summer might be the one where he eventually signs. Reports are that Hazard is becoming unsettled by the news that Antonio Conte might be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, and if the Italian manager leaves will he. As Real Madrid often do, they look to spend the big bucks on the most outstanding talent from all over the world, Bishop Burton College are looking for some top-quality local players but unfortunately don’t have the same financial capabilities!
The Belgium international (Hazard) has been at his absolute best this term and there’s no shock to see one of the world’s best sides going after his signature. Marco Asensio, who has struggled for game time under Zinedine Zidane, is being linked with a swap move as part of the deal, that would inevitably require a lot of money on top of the Spanish wonder kid. Asensio isn’t at the same level as Hazard, but he is one of the brightest young players in the world at the moment and would bring a considerable amount of potential. Regardless of how good he could be, there is no way that Chelsea will want to sell their best player.
Lots of Action Ahead
With some big moves taking place during the transfer window, and with Coutinho leading the way, there will be plenty of action to watch in the coming matches.
