Lifestyle -- 19 days ago
Words: Alex Woodhall
Transfer deadline day has become a bit of a spectacle. Clubs taking part in the circus all vie to secure last minute deals for players to save their season or strengthen in the long term, usually the latter; bringing a whole new meaning to January sales.
With millions upon millions being spent year after year within the Premier League alone, not all deals work out as intended. Some on the other hand do have the desired effect and positive impact. Here are the best January transfer deals in British football history.
LUIS SUÁREZ – (2011) AJAX TO LIVERPOOL (£22.8 MILLION)
The Uruguayan arrived in Merseyside from Holland with a stellar goal scoring record and a biting incident already in tow. Suárez quickly hit top form at Liverpool with 69 goals in 110 games although his behavior was often under scrutiny. He was charged with racial abuse in 2011, biting in 2013 before being shipped out to Barcelona in 2014 for a healthy profit after another biting incident at the World Cup. As yet he’s still to find his feet or bare his teeth at Barca, only time will tell however.
PATRICE EVRA – (2006) MONACO TO MANCHESTER UNITED (£5.5 MILLION)
Quickly asserting himself as the club’s first choice left back, the Frenchman won 5 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League, 1 Club World Cup and 3 League Cups in an 8 year career in the North West. United certainly got their money’s worth as Evra made over 270 appearances during his highly successful tenure.
CHRISTOPHE DUGARRY – (2003) BORDEAUX TO BIRMINGHAM (LOAN)
Signed initially on loan, an aging Dugarry arrived in the second city a former World Cup and Euro winner, somewhat of a coup for a club embroiled in a relegation battle. 5 goals in 4 matches guaranteed the Blue’s Premier League status and he’s subsequently been inducted into their Hall of Fame.
NEMANJA VIDI? – (2006) SPARTAK MOSCOW TO MANCHESTER UNITED (£7 MILLION)
Arriving and leaving in the same windows as Patrice Evra, the two were defensive stalwarts as United enjoyed a fruitful 8 years while the two played together. Leaving last summer for Internazionale, 211 appearances and a captaincy later for United, Vidi? was recently voted the club’s best ever January signing.
JAVIER MASCHERANO – (2007) WEST HAM TO LIVERPOOL (LOAN)
England manager Roy Hodgson’s pick for the 2014 Ballon d’Or, the defensive midfielder signed on loan for Liverpool after a bizarre transfer to West Ham, before making it permanent in the summer. Establishing himself as one of the best ball-winning midfielders in the world during his time with the Reds, he was sold to Barcelona in 2010 for a slight profit.
DANIEL STURRIDGE – (2013) CHELSEA TO LIVERPOOL (£12 MILLION)
The England striker, moved from Chelsea to Liverpool after a rather unproductive spell in London. He’s struggled with injury this term, but his 21 league goals last season propelled Liverpool to second after just falling short in an admirable title challenge.
THEO WALCOTT – (2006) SOUTHAMPTON TO ARSENAL (INITIAL £5 MILLION)
The then teenage sensation, secured a move up the echelons of English football to Arsenal after some fine form in his fledgling career. His pace and trickery have made him a threat to even the most seasoned defenders in the world, although he’s been derailed of late after a serious injury. Expect to see him firing again in the not too distant future.
GARY CAHILL – (2012) BOLTON TO CHELSEA (£7 MILLION)
British defender Cahill made the move to London 3 years ago and secured a Champions League and FA Cup crown in his debut season. His form in this campaign may have been inconsistent so far, but on the whole he’s proved an astute purchase, all for a snip of what world-class defenders cost in today’s market.
BRANISLAV IVANOVI? – (2008) LOKOMOTIV MOSCOW TO CHELSEA (£9.7 MILLION)
Another defender Chelsea managed to secure for sub-£10 million who has developed into a leading talent, Ivanovi? has become one of the globe’s best defensive players in multiple positions during his London stint. Scoring the winner in the 2013 Europa League final, his marauding runs have proved as potent as his defensive capabilities.
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