The best January transfers
Is this all about desperation or a good chance to sign a bargain?
This article will explore some of the best signings from the the January Transfer Window.
Is it a good time to sign players or not?
Seamus Coleman
There will be players on this list with a higher profile but very few that work out at better value for money than Coleman. Everton signed him from the Irish side Sligo Rovers in 2009. He has eclipsed 350 first-team appearances for the Merseysiders and has captained the team in recent times. The player has been an excellent servant for the Blues and has shown there is no shortage of talent across the top flight in Ireland.
Patrice Evra
In December 2005, French sources revealed that Manchester United was interested in signing Evra. Despite rumours that Monaco had reached a transfer agreement with Internazionale. On the 3rd of January 2006, Evra revealed he preferred to move to England to join Manchester United. He finally moved to Old Trafford a few days later. Despite a difficult start, Evra became a fan favourite with Manchester United supporters.
Nemanja Vidic
Another defender that United signed in 2006. Vidic was a relatively unknown central defender when he joined the club from Spartak Moscow in 2006. The Serbia international won five Premier League titles, three League Cups, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time at the club.
Virgil van Dijk
Is this a good time to sign defenders? Van Dijk totally transformed Liverpool's defence after his £75million switch from Southampton. Their massive investment in the Dutch defender in January 2018 lifted the Reds from being a regular top-four contender into a back-to-back Champions League finalist and registering successive seasons in excess of 95 league points. He's still at Anfield now and remians one of the key players in a Liverpool side challenging for the title.
Branislav Ivanovic
In January 2008, Chelsea confirmed that the club had agreed terms with Lokomotiv Moscow for Ivanović's transfer, having beaten competition from the likes of Milan, Ajax, Juventus and Internazionale for his signature. Despite not making a first-team appearance for Chelsea during the 2007–08 Premier League season under manager Avram Grant, Ivanovic would become a key player at Stamford Bridge.
Kieran Trippier
Trippier signed for Premier League club Newcastle United on 7 January 2022 on a two-and-a-half-year contract for a fee of £12 million plus add-ons. This is looking like a complete bargain. He made his debut in a 1–0 defeat to Cambridge United in the FA Cup. Despite this difficult start, the Bury-born attacking defender quickly became a key part of a Newcastle side that qualified for the Champions League in 2023.
Bruno Fernandes
After he signed in January 2020, the Portuguese playmaker brought a much-needed creative spark, quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite with his flair, vision, and leadership on the pitch. During his time at Old Trafford, he has won an EFL Cup in 2023 and an FA Cup in 2024. As United strive for more silverware with another new manager, Fernandes remains key to their ambitions.
Andy Cole
You have to go back a few years for this signing. On 10 January 1995, Cole was sold in a shock deal to Manchester United for a deal worth £7 million – £6 million cash plus Keith Gillespie going in the opposite direction, setting a new record for the most expensive British transfer. He eventually became a key player at Old Trafford. A couple of weeks later, Cole was needed as Eric Cantona's suspension meant he was integral to MUFC as they missed out on a second successive double.
Cole scored some memorable goals during his time in the Premier League. Watch the best of them in the video below.
Will any January 2025 signings have a similar impact?
January could be a busy period for several clubs. With Manchester City currently experiencing a crisis, they are expected to offload a few players before strengthening their squad.
Meanwhile, City’s rivals, Manchester United, are adjusting to a new manager with a markedly different style of play compared to their former boss, Erik ten Hag. The club has already been linked with several wing-backs as part of their plans to reshape the team.
