Top 5 deals (January transfer window)
By; Kadiri Toluwalase Akorede
The January transfer window is usually not the most ideal time to buy the best players largely because most clubs refusal to sanction the sale of their important players midway through the season. Thus, it's not uncommon to see top clubs not make major signings in the sometimes expensive window, instead focusing on short term deals for squad players, or rather start the ground work to sign a targeted player in the summer.
As such top clubs have generally been quiet in the window even as it draws to a close in a couple of days. Hence, with few deals completed by top clubs we take a close look at the top 5 deals to have been completed by top clubs across the European leagues.
#5. Kelvin Prince Boateng (Sassuolo » Barcelona)
"Barça - I'm coming !" read the Instagram post he posted, as news began to filter about his impending move to Barcelona. The Ghanaian international completed his loan move from Italian side Sassuolo, in one of the most bizzare transfer in recent times to become the first Ghana international to ply his trade for Barcelona.
It's no news Barcelona have been on the look out for a backup striker to main striker, Luiz Suarez, due majorly to the departure of Munir El Haddadi to Sevilla earlier in the window. However of all the names touted as possible replacements, "the Prince" was not part of the rumor mill until... the day he was signed !
The former AC Milan forward's technical ability, wealth of experience, ability to both lead the line and play either as supporting striker or even as unorthodox attacking midfielder as well as his knowledge of La liga, having enjoyed a fruitful stint at Las Palmas last season, adds more depth to the striking department for a Barça side looking to win it all this season.
#4. Gonzalo Higuain (AC Milan » Chelsea)
Maurizio Sarri finally reunites with his former protégé Gonzalo Higuain. Both men certainly enjoy working together with the striker having arguably his most prolific season under the Italian during their sole season together at Napoli where he scored a record equalling 36 league goals in the Italian top flight.
With Morata's scoring woes having continued into the new season and amidst reports he could be sent on loan to Atletico Madrid, the Argentine international completed a loan move from parent club Juventus with an option to be bought at the end of the season, and reunite with his former boss as Chelsea look to consolidate their place in the top 4.
#3. Krzysztof PiÄ…tek (Genoa » AC Milan)
In what can be described as the biggest January deal in Serie A so far. A.C Milan completed the permanent signing of Polish striker PiÄ…tek from Genoa as a direct replacement for out gone striker Gonzalo Higuain following his loan move to Chelsea.
The striker who joined Genoa in the summer earned a move to one of Italy's biggest clubs as a result of his prolific start at the Stadio Luigui Ferraris, where he scored 13 league goals in 19 appearances in addition to 6 Coppa Italia strikes in just 2 appearances, including bagging four goals on his debut against Lecce. In a nutshell, he scored an impressive 19 goals in just 21 appearances for Genoa, enough to convince the A.C Milan hierarchy he's the best man to lead their charge back to Europe.
#2. Christian Pulisic (Dortmund » Chelsea)
20 year old American golden boy, Pulisic completed a €64 million transfer from German club Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea (and quickly loaned back to Dortmund), to make him the most expensive American player ever. The news came as a surprise to fans and even Blues boss Maurizio Sarri admitting he was unaware Pulisic was being signed !
The American attacking midfielder, also capable at playing in the wing, and who was reportedly targeted by Liverpool certainly brings more dynamism, width, and depth to an already ageing strike force to the West London outfit. The Chelsea playing staff will be hoping his decent level of experience earned whilst playing for Dortmund will put him in good stead to flourish when he returns in the summer.
#1. Frenkie de Jong (Ajax » Barcelona)
The Ajax Amsterdam talented midfielder has ended all speculations regarding his future after signing for Barcelona in a deal worth €75 million plus €11 million in add ons earlier this week which will be completed on July 1.
The Dutch midfielder had attracted interest from both Manchester City and PSG, with the latter agonizingly close to sealing the deal until a late intervention from the Barca board. The former Willem II academy graduate who's capable of playing anywhere across the midfield has been one of the most sought after talent since he broke unto the scene three seasons ago at Ajax.
His signing fee is also the highest to have been paid for any player in the January transfer window so far in 2019 and the 4th most expensive Barcelona signing. And don't bet on anyone paying more in the closing stages of a very frugal transfer window.
No comments:
Post a Comment