The January 2013 Deadline day didn’t produce the excitement that we’ve become previously accustomed to. However, there have been a number of interesting signings made.
With over £125 million spent in total by Premier League clubs, it’s fair to say the window hasn’t lacked activity. Here’s a summary of my top 5 transfers.
Demba Ba
Before the January window opened, Chelsea were desperately in need of a striker to assist the struggling Fernando Torres.
One of the best value deals of the window, Chelsea captured the Senegalese striker for a bargain £7m. A release clause in the 27-year-old’s contract meant the deal took place for much less than his true value, and this has been evident throughout January as he has contributed a series of good performances.
Ba made his debut against Southampton in the FA Cup, scoring twice in a 5-1 victory. Since, he has played 7 games scoring 3 goals.
Loic Remy
The Frenchman was hot property prior to signing for Harry Redknapp’s side. Newcastle United originally opened the bidding for the former Marseille striker, but just as a deal was about to be reached, QPR hijacked the move and signed Remy for a club record fee, although that has since been surpassed by Christopher Samba’s arrival.
Remy comes to England on the back of a big reputation in France. Last season he scored 20 goals for his former club, Marseille. Early signs of Remy adjusting to life in the Premier League are promising, especially considering his debut goal versus West Ham. If QPR are to avoid the drop this season, a lot will depend on the goals of their new striker and for £8 million, he may just be the man to lead Harry’s latest ‘great escape’
Daniel Sturridge
The 23-year old striker joined Liverpool from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee in one of the early deals of the window.
Some of his critics immediately labelled him overpriced and over-rated; however, he has made an excellent start to his career at Anfield with 3 goals in his first 3 appearances. Suarez has been moved to a deeper role to accommodate Sturridge which clearly highlights just how important Brendan Rogers feels he will be to Liverpool in going forward.
Jack Butland
Jack Butland has been a very popular name this January. The 19-year-old initially rejected talks with Chelsea because of his desire for first team football.
However, Birmingham needed to sell the young goalkeeper due to their financial situation. The Midlands club accepted a £4million bid from Stoke City as a result and Butland agreed a four-and-a-half year deal. He will spend the rest of the season on-loan at his former club.
Mathieu Debuchy
The French full back arrived from Lille after ten years at the French club. Alan Pardew eventually got his man after chasing him for the last few seasons. He has already slotted comfortably into the Newcastle back four and looks a very good player.
The Toon have brought plenty of French players in this season but the right back is arguably the pick of the bunch. For £5.5 million, Pardew looks to have gotten very good value for his money.
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