January 2019 Transfer Window Review

Ah the January window. A journalist’s dream. Panic buys, big-money moves, all while the turmoil of English football rolls on.

This year, however, it was a relatively quiet window, and for possibly the first time in recent years, Premier League clubs have used their brains rather than their wallets in the transfer market.

Only one transfer broke the £25m barrier, yet Christian Pulisic isn’t even in the Premier League at present, having been loaned back to Dortmund for the remainder of the season.

In fact, it was such dull window five clubs in the top division actually failed to invest at all. Despite that, the market always managed to produce several weird and wonderful talking points.

Here’s our round up of anything you might have missed from the January 2019 market.

BEST DEAL?

Well, this isn’t even a contest, Peter Crouch to Burnley. He could really elevate them to another level… See what I did there?

Well, this isn’t even a contest, Peter Crouch to Burnley. He could really elevate them to another level… See what I did there?

In all seriousness, there are several-eye-catching moves from clubs this window. Bournemouth’s acquisition of Brentford defender Chris Mepham could prove to be very astute, considering the potential and ability of the Welshman. He is far too good for the Championship, yet will he adapt quickly to the top flight?

Leicester City pulled off a fantastic coup in bringing Belgian international Youri Tielemans in on loan from AS Monaco. A controlling midfielder still tipped to be one of the world’s best, and an absolute banker on Football Manager for the last few years ago!

Yet, for the Premier League, Crystal Palace have seriously pulled it out of the bag with the loan deal for Michy Batshuayi. A proven goal getter at Marseille and Valencia in recent seasons – and even for Chelsea when given odd chance to shine – the Belgian could score the goals to fire Palace away from the bottom of the table.

In the Championship, Sam Vokes’ move to Stoke City is a great signing for next season when the Potters can make a proper push for promotion under Nathan Jones. Also the swoop by Leeds United to take Kiko Casilla, a three-time Champions League winner, to the Championship under Marcelo Bielsa is a real coup.

BEST AGENT?

There are just some transfers that can can really leave you scratching your head . Or, to put it bluntly, moves involving players who simply aren’t good enough to sign for their new club. Kevin-Prince Boateng, my friend. Give your agent a bonus.

There are just some transfers that can can really leave you scratching your head . Or, to put it bluntly, moves involving players who simply aren’t good enough to sign for their new club. Kevin-Prince Boateng, my friend. Give your agent a bonus.

The man who has changed clubs more times that he has swapped hairstyles (he’s had a lot of hairstyles) has managed to roll up at the Nou Camp on loan from mid-tabled Serie A side Sassuolo, with an €8m option to buy at the end of the season.

At 33, he must be rubbing his hands with glee. Having only a decade ago playing alongside the likes of Danny Webber, Jamie O’Hara and Herman Hreidarsson to now rubbing shoulders with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets. Well done KPB, an absolute masterclass.

WORST SIGNING?

January always sees a few panic buys, this year was no exception. Fulham’s business, in general this window, has been simply bring in whoever they can. Ryan Babel has looked just about okay when in the side, Lazar Markovic has hardly kicked a ball in three years, and don’t even talk to West Ham fans about Harvard Nordtveit.

BEST ANNOUNCEMENT?

Thankfully the days of holding up a shirt or scarf in the training ground are long gone. To go an extra length is important these days, something Burnley know to their credit.

Also, Jason Puncheon on loan to Huddersfield is another strange one. He has experience but lacks the quality. Certainly not the ability needed to spark a survival bid.

BEST ANNOUNCEMENT?

Thankfully the days of holding up a shirt or scarf in the training ground are long gone. To go an extra length is important these days, something Burnley know to their credit.

The aforementioned Crouch signing may have raised some eyebrows, but the announcement on Twitter was almost as ironically brilliant as the deal itself.

Crouch’s famed robot celebration made a welcomed return to the Premier League. A great option for the Clarets, although at 38 he may only last 15-20 minutes a game when called upon.

This article was first written on Chris’ personal blog and can be viewed here.