Premier League January Transfer Window Review - The Players
The British transfer fee record was broken twice in just a few hours leading up to the January transfer deadline. Premier League clubs spent more than £215 million during the window, half of which was shelled out on the last day. These are the big names that moved.
Fernando Torres went to Chelsea for £50 million. Though it blows out the British transfer record, it seems like a good deal for one of the world’s best player. But he hasn’t been in form since last April and has sustained a few injuries over the last two seasons. Torres came through in the clutch for Liverpool and scored the most important goal in Spain’s history with the Euro 2008 Final winner. He has scored 26 goals for the best national team in the world. Chelsea are banking on him complimenting Didier Drogba well. It was too much money for Liverpool to pass.
Andy Carroll went to Liverpool for £35 million. The Newcastle United forward is on his way to being England’s next young star. He has 11 top-flight goals and is tall enough to win any header, but thigh injuries and bad behaviour off the pitch makes him a risky get. He displays accuracy and power from 25 yards out., as evidenced against Arsenal and Aston Villa. He is overvalued as of right now, but Liverpool are hoping that he matures fast. That much money for a 22-year-old with six months of Premiership experience is a questionable move, but Kenny Dalglish should be able to handle his temper.
Edin Dzeko went to Manchester City for £27 million. Manchester City have become infamous for throwing out ludicrous amounts of money for unproven players. Well, they didn’t spend the most this window and the 24-year-old transfer from Wolfsburg already made his presence known. He had an assist for Yaya Toure in City’s 4-3 win over Wolves and scored his first goal against Notts County in an FA Cup match, which saved his club an early fourth round exit.
Darren Bent went to Aston Villa for £24 million. That much money from a relegation zone club turned some heads. Sunderland manager Steve Bruce should feel uneasy after rescuing Bent from Tottenham two years ago. It took only 17 minutes for Bent to score for Villa against Manchester City in his debut.
Luiz Suarez went to Liverpool for £22.8 million. The Ajax captain became Dalglish’s first big signing. The 24 year old is a proven goalscorer and can pace Liverpool up front. The Reds are hoping that Suarez can build on his goal frenzy at the World Cup and prove to be more valuable than Torres long term.
Steven Pienaar went to Tottenham for £2.5 million. Everton’s player of the year in 2009 was a bargain. The 28 year old has come a long way since arriving from German club Borussia Dortmund three years ago. Chelsea were also bidding for the versatile South African winger. It was a good move for Everton with his contract expiring. But the Spurs already have plenty of talent at midfield with so he might have to fight for playing time.