The January 2022 transfer window is done and it is time to see how some of Europe’s best clubs performed in it.
Let’s take a look at the top-three signings in each of Europe’s top-five leagues, courtesy of our colleagues at Football Today.
Premier League
#3 Kieran Trippier – Atletico Madrid to Newcastle United (€16m)
Newcastle United’s takeover has been one of the biggest stories in sports today and Kieran Trippier’s arrival from Atletico Madrid highlights their seriousness towards making the club into a powerhouse.
Trippier has returned to his homeland following a successful three-year spell in La Liga to help the Magpies secure salvation in England’s top-flight.
#2 Donny van de Beek – Manchester United to Everton (Loan)
Despite his underwhelming career at Manchester United, Donny van de Beek could be a surprise package in the second half of the season should Frank Lampard find the way to incorporate him into his Everton side.
The Dutchman can cover a multitude of roles alongside the midfield line and could be the one to keep an eye on as the Toffees look to fashion a bottom-half escape.
#1 Luis Diaz – Porto to Liverpool (€45m)
Luis Diaz was an absolute beast in the Primeira Liga over the past two-and-half years, establishing himself as one of the most highly-rated wingers in European football.
His dazzling displays at Porto have earned him a high-profile switch to Liverpool in late January, with Jurgen Klopp eagerly awaiting his new addition to fit alongside his long-serving attacking stalwarts.
Serie A
#3 Jeremie Boga – Sassuolo to Atalanta (€22m)
Not known for splashing out high figures on recruiting new players, Atalanta have decided to go against the club’s transfer policy to land Jeremie Boga this winter.
The French forward’s scintillating form at Sassuolo over the past couple of years has eventually made him La Dea’s most expensive signing ever, summing up the club’s faith in the ex-Chelsea flop in a nutshell.
#2 Robin Gosens – Atalanta to Inter Milan (€25m)
Robin Gosens may have experienced an injury-riddled first half of the season in Bergamo, but he is still one of the attacking-minded left-backs in Europe, let alone Serie A.
If he can get back in shape and replicate his eye-catching performances at Euro 2020, the German defender should be a massive coup for Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 system at Inter.
#1 Dusan Vlahovic – Fiorentina to Juventus (€70m)
Arguably one of the most talented young forwards in world football and a regular feature in Serie A news headlines, Dusan Vlahovic turned down the prospect of joining Arsenal to follow his heart and sign for Juventus.
The current Serie A top-scorer should be a solution to Juve’s scoring woes for years to come as Massimiliano Allegri aims to steer his side back to their former heights.
Related: 24 Nigerian Footballers Who Moved In The Recent Summer Transfer Window
La Liga
#3 Jesus Corona – Porto to Sevilla (€2.3m)
Another classic piece of sporting director Monchi’s business saw Sevilla land the illustrious winger Jesus Corona on a low-coast deal from Porto.
Known for his fancy footwork and ability to dribble past defenders, the Mexican star ticks all the boxes for a type of player Monchi has been recruiting in Andalusia.
#2 Ferran Torres – Manchester City to Barcelona (€55m)
Barcelona’s decision to fork out €55m to lure Ferran Torres away from Manchester City contrasts the usual La Liga news headlines of Joan Laporta’s attempts to get the club out of considerable debt.
However, it is also a statement of intent as the Blaugrana aim to get back on the rails following the summer heartbreak caused by Lionel Messi’s blockbuster departure for Paris Saint-Germain.
#1 Anthony Martial – Manchester United to Sevilla (Loan)
Sevilla mean business this season, and Los Rojiblancos’ ability to sign Anthony Martial, even on a temporary basis, speaks volumes about their title ambition.
Despite trailing La Liga pacesetters Real Madrid by only four points, Julen Lopetegui’s men have found the goals hard to come by, and the Man United outcast could address that issue.
Ligue 1
#3 Tanguy Ndombele – Tottenham Hotspur to Lyon (Loan)
Less than three years since becoming the Tottenham Hotspur record signing, Tanguy Ndombele flies back to Ligue 1, hopeful of reviving his career.
The deep-lying midfielder has faltered in the Premier League despite high expectations. He will now be looking to rediscover his mojo in familiar surroundings.
#2 Cedric Bakambu – Marseille (Free Agent)
Since leaving Villarreal for Beijing at the peak of his powers in 2018, Cedric Bakambu has turned into a slightly forgotten man despite his impressive scoring exploits in the Chinese Super League.
After a four-year hiatus, the 30-year-old striker has returned to Europe, getting on the scoresheet only a couple of minutes into his Marseille debut.
#1 Romain Faivre – Brest to Lyon (€15m)
A tally of seven goals and five assists from 21 Ligue 1 appearances for mid-table Brest has catapulted up-and-coming playmaker Romain Faivre to the Groupama Stadium.
Widely regarded as one of the hottest prospects in France’s top-flight, the 23-year-old has chosen probably the best place to cultivate his skills, given Lyon’s reputation as a talent factory.
Bundesliga
#3 Gonzalo Castro – Stuttgart to Arminia Bielefeld (Free trasnfer)
Gonzalo Castro could be the catalyst to inspire Arminia Bielefeld’s bid to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga despite being well in the autumn of his playing career.
The experienced Bundesliga campaigner, who has spent the last 17 years in Germany’s top-flight, has already found the net despite being handed just 41 minutes of play.
#2 Max Kruse – Union Berlin to Wolfsburg (Undisclosed)
Another evergreen Bundesliga face swapped allegiances late in the transfer window to try and haul Wolfsburg out of trouble following a decent spell at Union Berlin.
It will be up to the veteran forward to make the Volkswagen Arena faithful forget about Wout Weghorst’s switch to Burnley midway through the season.
#1 Sardar Azmoun – Zenit St Petersburg to Bayer Leverkusen (€4m)
Although his arrival at the BayArena was initially planned for the summer, Bayer Leverkusen eventually agreed a €4m deal with Zenit to sign the ‘Iranian Messi’ right away.
Described as a prolific scorer with exceptional playmaking skills, Sardar Azmoun will join Patrik Schick and Moussa Diaby in the frontline to help Die Werkself secure a top-four finish this season.
