Deadline day Drama: Isak to Liverpool Headlines Frenetic Transfer window
The January transfer window slammed shut with a flurry of activity,headlined by Alexander Isak’s shock move to Liverpool. Several Premier League clubs underwent meaningful overhauls, while others opted for more measured approaches. Here’s a comprehensive rundown of every major move and a rating of each club’s business.
The winter window offered clubs a chance to address weaknesses and bolster squads for the second half of the season. Liverpool’s pursuit of isak, reportedly for a fee of £80m, represents a significant investment in thier attacking options. Manchester United also made key additions,while several teams focused on offloading players to reshape their squads.
WEST HAM UNITED
In: Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice, £35m), El Hadji Malick Diouf (Slavia Prague, £19m), daniel Cummings (Celtic, free), Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton, free), Callum Wilson (Newcastle, free), Mads hermansen (Leicester City, £18m), Mateus Fernandes (Southampton, £42m), Soungoutou Magassa (Monaco, £17.3m) and Igor Julio (Brighton, loan).
Out: Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham, £55m), Patrick Kelly (Barnsley, undisclosed), Sean Moore (Shelbourne, undisclosed), Aaron Cresswell (Stoke, free), Vladimir Coufal (Hoffenheim, free), Kamarai Swyer (Northampton, free), michail Antonio (released), lukasz Fabianski (released), Danny Ings (released), Kurt Zouma (released), Michael Forbes (Northampton, loan), Gideon Kodua (Luton, loan), Mason Terry (Braintree, loan), Emerson Palmieri (Marseille, undisclosed) and Maxwel Cornet (Genoa, loan).
Grade: D
A significant clear-out occurred at West Ham following a challenging campaign. Manager Graham Potter, appointed in January, secured a vital win against Nottingham Forest after two prior defeats, coinciding with a transfer window deemed uninspiring by many. Defensive reinforcements arrived in the form of El Hadji Malick diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters, expected to feature as wing-backs, while Jean-Clair Todibo’s loan became permanent. Soungoutou Magassa and Igor Julio further bolster defensive options. Callum Wilson’s arrival provides a useful addition, but supporters desired a more potent goal-scoring threat.WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
In: Fer Lopez (Celta, £21.3m), jorgen Strand Larsen (Celta Vigo, undisclosed), Jhon Arias (Fluminense, £15m) and David Moller Wolfe (AZ Alkmaar, £10m), Ladislav Krejci (Girona, loan) and Tolu Arokodare (Genk, £23.4m).
Out: Matheus Cunha (Man Utd, £62.5m), Rayan Ait Nouri (Man City, £36.3m), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad, £5.2m),Nelson Semedo (released),Tommy Doyle (Birmingham,loan),Nasser Djiga (Rangers,loan),Boubacar traore (Metz,loan),Pablo Sarabia (released,Al-Arabi),Craig Dawson (released),Chem Campbell (Stevenage,free),Chiquinho (Alverca,undisclosed),Tom King (Everton,undisclosed) and Fabio Silva (Borussia Dortmund,£22.8m).
Grade: E
The departures of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait Nouri represent significant losses for Wolves. however, the permanent signing of Jorgen Strand Larsen, following his 14-goal season, is a positive.Jhon Arias is anticipated to fill the void left by Cunha,but the club failed to secure further signings to strengthen the team comprehensively. Wolves entered the international break as the only Premier League team without a point.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Key additions included Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m,bolstering their attacking options. They also secured the loan signing of Ladislav Krejci from Girona to add depth in midfield. Outgoings saw Fabio Silva move to Borussia Dortmund for £22.8m.
Grade: B-
LIVERPOOL
The headline move was undoubtedly Alexander isak’s arrival from Newcastle for £80m. This significant investment addresses their need for a prolific goalscorer.
**Grade