The coronavirus pandemic made the summer transfer window somewhat different from its previous trends. But the January window was open as usual for Europe’s top leagues, with football back on the agenda.
Clubs invested almost EUR 1.5 billion less ($ 1.9 billion) in the summer than they did in the previous year. However, a number of deals were negotiated in October to be concluded in January, according to FIFA.
Ben Davies to Liverpool (2M fee)
The late decision of Liverpool to sign a center-back on deadline day, after Joel Matip’s injury, smacks of desperation. Davies is a cheaper choice than many. When the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez return, it is hard to see how he can compete for a first-team spot.
Ozan Kabak to Liverpool (Loan)
For some time, the 21-year-old has been on Liverpool’s radar, so this deal makes a lot of sense for the club. He’s young, he’s hungry and he’s eager to learn, so that should work out for him well. It’s just that the rivalry for Anfield locations is going to get pretty intense fast.
Takumi Minamino to Southampton (Loan)
For a short time, the Japan midfielder has only been at the club and has been struggling for games. Hence, a loan transfer makes perfect sense, and he can definitely find space to impress in the attacking lineup of Southampton. The saints wanted some inspiration, and it’s a pretty good deal for them, too. At FC Salzburg, Minamino was outstanding, and if he can re-create any of that form, then they’ll have done well.
Shkodran Mustafi to Schalke (Free)
Arsenal took a big loss on this contract after signing him from Valencia for about £ 35 million in 2016. The German wasn’t the rock they wanted to defend, and his mistakes led to a lot of criticism. The Gunners were able to get his salary off the books. Schalke did well to land an established player for nothing as a substitute for Ozan Kabak. Mustafi has a number of years left at the age of 28 and should be much happier in the Bundesliga.
Ainsley Maitland Niles to West Brom (Loan)
Arsenal is hesitant to let Maitland-Niles join Leicester because they see them in the top six as competitors for a spot. And Maitland-Niles supported a move to The Hawthorns once that move was off the table. Because that is where he is more likely to get game time in his chosen midfield role. He also wanted to make sure that the European Championships will have normal game time.
Joe Willock to Newcastle (Loan)
Emile Smith Rowe’s emergence decreased Willock’s usual game time opportunities under Mikel Arteta. Also, because Arsenal also signed Real Madrid’s Martin Odegaard on loan last month. Willock has represented England at levels U16, U19, U20 and U21 and will provide midfield competition for Newcastle manager Steve Bruce at St James’ Park.
Josh King to Everton (Undisclosed)
His arrival comes just days after striker Cenk Tosun was permitted by the Toffees to return on loan to his former Besiktas club until the end of the season. At the end of the season, King’s deal with Bournemouth was due to expire and his five-and-a-half-year stay on the south coast is now over.
A year of speculation linking him with different Premier League clubs and now he is finally with the toffees. King, had scored 53 goals for the Cherries in 184 appearances. He became the club’s Premier League record scorer until their top-flight tenure of five years came to an end at the end of 2019/2020
Josh Maja to Fulham (Loan)
The 22-year-old Nigeria international joined the Cottagers, with the option of making the contract permanent for £ 9 million. On Deadline Day, Fulham manager Scott Parker was outspoken about his willingness to bring in a striker. This could provide Aleksandar Mitrovic with more firepower and cover.
Maja originally arrived from Sunderland in Bordeaux in a contract worth up to £ 3.5 million in January2019. He had scored 16 goals in League One for Sunderland and made the move to France. This move came after turning down the offer of a new deal with his agreement the following summer.
