7 January transfers you might have missed: Beraldo, Matic, Guardado… | OneFootball

It’s been a strangely quiet January transfer window so far, with a few big names dominating the headlines.

You no doubt already know that Timo Werner has turned up at Tottenham, Manchester United have sent Jadon Sancho out on loan to Borussia Dortmund and Kalvin Phillips will be hoping to impress Gareth Southgate at West Ham.

But what about the transfers that came and went without as much fuss? Here are seven mid-season deals you might have missed.

Borja Iglesias

Liverpool fans will no doubt be keeping an eye on how Bayer Leverkusen’s title challenge fares, given that Xabi Alonso has been anointed Jurgen Klopp’s successor across the media.

One particularly interesting factor will be how Iglesias adapts to his new surroundings, having been brought in as cover for injured talisman Victor Boniface.

The experienced striker scored 52 goals in 182 appearances for Real Betis, but was only on the periphery under Manuel Pellegrini in the first half of 2023-24.

“It was an easy decision to choose (Leverkusen) because of the confidence shown in me from the beginning. And because of how keen they were to sign me,” said Iglesias upon joining.

“I come with a lot of enthusiasm, with the hope to grow and understand the idea of playing,”

Nemanja Matic

The big Serb has had a strangely nomadic time of it since those long old stints with Chelsea and Manchester United.

Since departing Old Trafford in 2022, the 35-year-old spent a year playing under Jose Mourinho at Roma but reportedly fell out with his old mentor and moved to Rennes last summer.

It didn’t take long for things to turn sour there, with Rennes describing his decision to miss training sessions as “wholly incomprehensible” – something Matic took to Instagram was due to a family matter.

He’s now joined Ligue 1 giants Lyon, who currently find themselves in the midst of an unthinkable relegation battle.

Claudio Echeverri

One you might have missed because Echeverri won’t actually be moving to Manchester City for another year, but everything has been agreed and announced.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder will spend 2024 continuing to hone his skills at River Plate, in a similar arrangement to that which brought Julian Alvarez to The Etihad.

We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about the Argentinian wonderkid.

READ: All you need to know about Claudio Echeverri, Man City’s ‘new Messi’

Javier Manquillo

The Spanish right-back has departed Newcastle United after making over a hundred appearances for the club. But not one of them came in 2023-24 and his contract at St. James’ was up in the summer, so the writing was on the wall.

A decade after departing La Liga champions Atletico Madrid for Liverpool, he’s back in his home country. Manquillo has signed for Celta Vigo on an 18-month contract, reuniting him with Rafael Benitez – who originally signed him for the Magpies back in 2017.

Andres Guardado

Seventeen years after leaving Atlas for Deportivo La Coruna, Mexican legend Guardado has returned home – although he’s signed for Liga MX giants Club Leon as opposed to a romantic return to his boyhood club.

The 37-year-old, who has represented El Tri at five World Cups, had spent the past 17 years in Europe, representing Deportivo La Coruna, Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen, PSV and Real Betis.

Dan Gore

Manchester United’s 2022-23 Reserve Team Player of the Year made his senior debut for the club on Boxing Day, but has since been sent out on loan to Port Vale for first-team experience.

It’s worth keeping an eye on how the midfielder gets on at the struggling League One club. He looks a special talent.

Lucas Beraldo

A name not especially well-known just yet, we expect to see Beraldo’s stock rise considerably in the coming months and years after joining PSG from Sao Paulo.

The 20-year-old Brazilian defender signed for a fee of €20million and has been talked up as the future of the Selecao’s backline.

From Thiago Silva to club captain Marquinhos, the Parisiens have loved a Brazilian centre-back over the years. Beraldo looks as though he’s got all the attributes to carry on that tradition.