Ranking the Top 25 of the January Windows Best Transfers in the Premier League | OneFootball

Securing a transfer or bringing in a player in January is quite difficult. Often times, clubs are unwilling to part ways with key members of their squad halfway through the season. However, sometimes teams find a way to strengthen.

Here are 25 of the January windows best transfers of all time in Premier League history. Strap in; there are a few hidden gems here!

January Windows Best Transfers: Top 25 in the Premier League

25. Cody Gakpo – Liverpool – £37m

From PSV → To Liverpool

Cody Gakpo moved to Liverpool in the January window of 2023. The Dutchman arrived with huge expectations, with the Merseyside club beating rivals Manchester United to his signing. While his time at Anfield has had its fair share of highs and lows, the quality of the No. 18 has been shining since the appointment of Arne Slot.

Additionally, the Reds managed to secure a cutthroat deal, getting a major discount on a player touted to be worth a lot more. This was due to PSV needing to sell for financial reasons.

He has contributed to his side winning a League Cup trophy and has been a threat up top in multiple title-chasing seasons.

24. Christophe Dugarry – Birmingham City – Loan

From Bordeaux → To Birmingham City

While Christophe Dugarry was not at Birmingham City for long, his impact has gone down in the club’s history.

Joining on loan from Bordeaux on the 2nd of January 2003, the World Cup winner was there to save the club from relegation, and that is what he did. Sitting in 17th place with just 6 games left to play, Christophe Dugarry scored 5 goals in 4 games to catapult the club to a 13th place finish.

After his loan, the Frenchman joined on a permanent transfer, but his time was nowhere near as heroic, scoring just once in 15 games. Anyways, his signing goes down in history as one of the most impactful. Birmingham City survived the drop for two successive seasons before being relegated in 2005–06.

23. Papiss Cissé – Newcastle United – £9.3m

From SC Freiburg → To Newcastle United

Papiss Cissé’s arrival at Newcastle United in January 2012 turned out to be one of the best mid-season transfers in Premier League history. Signed from Freiburg for £9.3m, the Senegalese striker hit the ground running, immediately becoming a fan favorite at St. James’ Park.

Cissé’s debut season was incredible. He scored 13 goals in just 14 Premier League games, and he played a vital role in Newcastle’s push for European football. His volley against Chelsea remains one of the most iconic goals in Premier League history.

While his form dipped in the coming seasons, Cissé’s impact upon his arrival was unforgettable. Newcastle got incredible value for their money, with the No. 9 delivering moments that still resonate with the Toon Army today. He ended his time at Newcastle by scoring 44 goals in 131 appearances.

22. Theo Walcott – Arsenal – £9.1m

From Southampton → To Arsenal

Theo Walcott is undoubtedly an Arsenal legend. The Englishman joined the club at just 16 years old in January 2006 and was tipped to be a star in the making. The winger spent 12 years at Arsenal, scoring 108 goals in 397 matches—talk about value for money!

While it wasn’t the trophy-laden experience Walcott would have hoped for, his time at the club helped them secure two FA Cup trophies.

Like he came in, Theo Walcott left Arsenal in the January transfer window, joining Everton in a deal worth more than £20m. However, unlike the first time, his arrival at Arsenal is the only time he will feature on this list.

21. Wilfried Ndidi – Leicester City – £17m

From Genk → To Leicester

When Leicester City lost N’Ggolo Kanté, there were concerns they would not find a suitable replacement. At first, those concerns rang true. In the summer of 2016, the Foxes were unable to fill the void the Frenchman left.

However, fast forward to January and they had found their man. Wilfried Ndidi arrived from the Belgian league and has since been a stalwart for the club. With 289 games played, the Nigerian will likely go down as Leicester City legend.

Throughout his time, he has won an FA Cup and seen his side get relegated, but then guided them back into the top flight.

20. Emmanuel Adebayor – Arsenal – £3m

From Monaco → To Arsenal

While Arsenal fans may not like Adebayor for reasons totally unknown to everyone (nothing to do with that infamous celebration for Manchester City or the fact he later played for Spurs), there is no denying the best time of his career came at the Emirates.

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The Togolese striker joined in January of 2006 and played 146 games for the club. scoring 62 and assisting 19. At just £3m, that is pretty good value for money, right?

He left the club in 2009, joining Manchester City for a fee of £25 million. So while he won’t be fondly remembered by the Gunners faithful, he came cheap, scored lots of goals, and made the club a hefty profit. Not a bad January signing, eh?

Arsenal fans may dispute this name and could instead suggest he is one of the worst signings in the league…

19. Dele Alli – Tottenham Hotspur – £5m

From MK Dons → To Tottenham Hotspur

Though at the time it appeared like a gamble, Dele Alli’s £5 million move from MK Dons to Tottenham Hotspur in January 2015 soon proved to be among the most successful of the decade. Arriving with tons of potential, the teenage midfielder wasted no time making an impression.

In his inaugural first full season, he scored 10 goals and gave 9 assists, receiving a PFA Young Player of the Year award at the end of it. At Spurs, he became a fan favourite right away.

Alli’s early contributions were vital to Spurs’ rise under Mauricio Pochettino. For just £5m, Tottenham secured a player who would go on to become one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents.

The latters years of his career have not hit the same heights, with the midfielder openly speaking about his struggles with mental health.

18. Daniel Sturridge – Liverpool – £12m

From Chelsea → To Liverpool

Daniel Sturridge’s move to Liverpool in January 2013 proved to be a bargain. Signed from Chelsea for £12 million, the England international arrived with a point to prove, having struggled for regular game time at Stamford Bridge.

Sturridge showcased his quality almost instantly, forming a lethal partnership with Luis Suárez during the 2013/14 season. A partnership so dominant they were given the nickname “SAS,” aka Suarez and Sturridge.

His 21 league goals that campaign helped Liverpool mount a serious title challenge, but the club fell short in dramatic fashion.

While injuries eventually stopped his influence at Anfield, Sturridge’s contribution during his prime years was exceptional. He played a key role in Liverpool’s resurgence under Brendan Rodgers and even at points under Jürgen Klopp. He left the club in 2019 following Liverpool’s Champions League win against Tottenham Hotspur.

You can now witness him on Sky Sports as a pundit, likely annoying Roy Keane.

17. Branislav Ivanovic – Chelsea – £9.7m

From Lokomotiv Moscow → To Chelsea

Branislav Ivanovic is no doubt one of the greatest RBs in Premier League history. Considering Chelsea got him just short of £10 million, the Serbian may be one of the biggest bargains of all time.

Throughout his time at Stamford Bridge and since arriving in January 2008, Ivanovic pretty much won everything:

Just goes to show that hidden gems could be found in the winter window!

16. Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle United – £40m

From Olympique Lyon → To Newcastle United

Bruno Guimarães joining Newcastle United was a real show of intent from their Saudi owners in January 2022. The Brazilian was hotly tipped to join an array of elite European clubs, but it was relegation-battling Newcastle who got his signature.

Guimarães has been a revelation for the Toon and is perhaps part of the most balanced midfield in the league, partnering Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.

Bruno is certainly one of the best midfielders in the league, and the Northern side could definitely get over £100m should they wish to cash out or should he want to leave.

15. Nemanja Matic – Chelsea – £21m

From Benfica → To Chelsea

In January 2014, Nemanja Matić returned to Chelsea for £21 million, three years after he was transferred in a deal to acquire David Luiz. This time, the Serbian midfielder arrived more developed and ready to take over the Premier League.

Matić left an impression right away. After making a name for himself in José Mourinho’s midfield, he contributed toughness, composure, and tactical awareness to the Blues’ run for the title the following year. Chelsea was a powerful force because of his ability to set the pace and halt play.

Matić won two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup, and a League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge. His reputation as one of the Premier League’s most dependable holding midfielders was solidified during his second stay with the team.

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14. Edin Dzeko – Manchester City – £27m

From VfL Wolfsburg → To Manchester City

For £27 million, Edin Džeko joined Manchester City in January 2011, giving a team on the verge of glory that much-needed extra firepower. With a tendency for scoring vital goals at important moments, the Bosnian striker immediately proved his value.

In the dramatic 2011/12 title decider against QPR, Džeko’s most famous contribution came in the late equalizer for Sergio Agüero’s iconic winner. Beyond that, he constantly performed in City’s search for trophies, scoring 72 goals over all competitions during his Etihad tenure.

Having won both the Premier League and the FA Cup, Džeko’s combination of physicality and finishing made him a natural fit for City’s development into one of England’s most successful teams.

13. Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal – Loan

From Real Madrid → To Arsenal

When Martin Ødegaard arrived at Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021, there were questions about whether the Norwegian playmaker could live up to his early career hype. By the time his loan ended, those questions had been emphatically answered.

The Norwegian quickly became a key member of Arteta’s squad, and the Gunners later secured his signature the following summer.

The Arsenal midfielder is now captain of the club and they are seeking Premier League success once more after failing to secure the title in the previous two years.

12. Phillipe Coutinho – Liverpool – £8.5m

From Inter Milan → To Liverpool

Phillipe Coutinho arrived to Merseyside with not much expectation, but by the time he left the club, he was one of the best-performing players in the world.

While his time at Anfield was not filled with much success trophy-wise, he cemented himself as one of the best players in the Premier League in his latter years. There was a reason Barcelona splashed out a massive £142m for the Brazilian.

Liverpool fans will have fond memories of the little magician, even if they were not best pleased at the circumstances that led to his departure.

11. Clint Dempsey – Fulham – £2m

From New England Revolution → To Fulham

Clint Dempsey is one of the most iconic American players to ever play football, and his time at Fulham was filled with history-creating moments. Arriving for just £2 million, Dempsey played a key role in the Cottagers historic run to a European final.

He played 232 games for the London club, scoring 60 and assisting 20. Even if you didn’t know who he was then, dawg, you certainly know him now.

10. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – Arsenal – £56m

From Borussia Dortmund → To Arsenal

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang was Arsene Wenger’s last ever signing at Arsenal, and boy was it a good one. The Gabonese striker was phenomenal throughout his time at the club and was always a reliable outlet for goals.

The striker then became captain, lifting the FA Cup in 2019/20. He scored 92 goals in 163 games, giving him a ratio of more than a goal every two games.

His ending was not perfect, leaving the club after a series of disiplinary action, rarely starting, and being stripped of the Arsenal captaincy. Nonetheless, he goes down as one of the best January signings of all time.

9. Gary Cahill – Chelsea – £7m

From Bolton Wanderers → To Chelsea

Gary Cahill to Chelsea is one hell of a bargain. The Blues only paid £7 million for a man who would become a multi-time Premier League winner, a multiple-time FA Cup and Europa League winner, and captain of the club. Not to forget he won the Champions League with the club in 2011/12.

He played 290 games for Chelsea and Blues fans will definitely regard him as a legend of the club.

8. Kieran Trippier – Newcastle United – £12m

From Atletico Madrid → To Newcastle United

Kieran Trippier’s move to Atletico Madrid raised lots of eyebrows, but by the time he returned to England, he came back as a Spanish league winner. The arrival of the Englishman to the Toon Army, akin to Guimaraes, signalled a change of culture at the club.

Newcastle were not going to be relegation fodder.

The right-back quickly became one of the most influential fullbacks in the Premier League, with his goals and assists guiding his club to a Champions League finish.

7. Seamus Coleman – Everton – £60,000

From Sligo Rovers → To Everton

Bargain of the century alert! Seamus Coleman for 60 grand is without a doubt one of the greatest pieces of business a club has ever done, nevermind when comparing to just January signings. The Irishman has provided over 426 games of service throughout the years.

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His loyalty was rewarded by being handed the captaincy in 2019.

6. Patrice Evra – Manchester United – £5.5m

From Monaco → To Manchester United

When it comes to all-time Premier League left-backs, Patrice Evra is certainly in the debate. While he may not be your pick, you have to concede he is at least in the conversation.

The Frenchman played 379 times for the Red Devils, picking up 5 Premier League titles as well as a Champions League medal. He loves this game! For the price he was bought by Manchester United, he simply had to be high up this list.

5. Jermaine Defoe – Multiple Clubs – £30m Combined

From West Ham → To Tottenham Hotspur

From Tottenham Hotspur→ To Portsmouth

From Portsmouth → To Tottenham Hotspur

From Toronto FC → To Sunderland

Jermaine Defoe may be the undisputed GOAT of January transfers. The Englishman was involved in four across his whole career, and we are pretty sure each was a resounding success in some way.

Defoe must have an epiphany at every Christmas dinner where he decides he needs to try something new. Anyways, Defoe is without a doubt a Premier League legend, and with all these moves not being a failure, he had to make the top 5.

4. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United – £67.6m

From Sporting CP → To Manchester United

At a time Manchester United were struggling, the signing of Bruno Fernandes was a significant arrival. The Portuguese midfielder hit the ground running, scoring and assisting multiple goals in the early months of his tenure.

Now, Fernandes is captain of the club as they seek to return to their glory days. While it has been a rollercoaster ride for the No. 8, he has managed to bring silverware back to Old Trafford with a League Cup and FA Cup trophy.

3. Luis Suarez – Liverpool – £22.8m

From Ajax → To Liverpool

Luis Suarez’s time in the Premier League was marred by controversy, but there is no doubt he is one of the best players to ever play in the league. After the departure of Fernando Torres, the club brought in Andy Carroll for a club record fee, but it was the signing of Luis Suarez that would be the better transfer.

Suarez quickly made a name for himself, guiding the club to a League Cup trophy in his first full season. The Uruguayan followed it up, scoring 30 goals in all competitions the following year and then a historic 31 goals and 13 assists in just 33 games the next season.

He left the club in the summer of 2014, joining Barcelona and becoming one of the best No. 9s of this generation.

2. Nemanja Vidic – Manchester United – £7m

From Spartak Moscow → To Manchester United

Nemanja Vidić’s arrival at Old Trafford in January 2006 for just £7 million is widely regarded as one of the greatest bargains in Premier League history.

The Serbian formed a monstruous partnership with Rio Ferdinand, catapulting one of England’s most successful teams to even more silverware glory. Manchester United won three League Cups, five Premier League medals, and the 2008 Champions League, thanks in great part to his achievements.

He was later named captain and is known as one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history.

1. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool – £75m

From Southampton → To Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk’s move to Liverpool was one of the biggest signings in the history of the league, down to sheer impact. Liverpool massively struggled defensively as they battled for a successive Champions League finish.

His impact as the most expensive defender in the world at the time was instantaneous, with his leadership guiding the club to a Champions League final. Unfortunately for the Dutchman, they couldn’t quite get it over the line.

However, the following year, they went one step better. His quality at the back brought tons of success to Anfield, with the club winning their first Premier League title with him as their anchor. By the time he retires, he will certainly be known as one of the greats.

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