January Transfer Window 2024 Review: Best signings, surprises and moves that may not work out
January Transfer Window 2024 Overview
The January transfer window 2024 produced some interesting moves, some which were predetermined, and others that came out of the blue. While there weren’t many headliners or record-breaking moves, teams benefitted with shrewd deals.
Most of the movement of notable players in the top five European leagues was via loan moves, with some containing purchase clauses for the summer. These players are likely to help the teams they have joined achieve their objectives for the ongoing season.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best signings of the window.
Best Signings of the January Transfer Window 2024
Timo Werner: RB Leipzig to Tottenham (Loan)
Werner first made a name for himself at RB Leipzig during his time with the Bundesliga side between 2016-20. During that time, he scored an impressive 93 goals and provided 40 assists in just 157 appearances. Known to either play through the middle or the left wing, the German is valuable option for any team.
He also has prior experience in the Premier League with Chelsea, where his goalscoring form took a significant dip. Werner scored 23 goals and provided 21 assists in 89 appearances for the Blues, before returning to RB Leipzig in a deal worth €30 million in 2022. Prior to his move, the German scored two goals and provided an assist in 14 appearances. A change in scenery is just what he could use.
Tottenham are fifth in the Premier League, seven points off top spot. With Heung-min Son temporarily unavailable due to his involvement with South Korea at the AFC Asian Cup, cover was needed. Acquiring a player of Timo Werner’s ability on a low-risk loan move is something that could greatly benefit Ange Postecoglou’s team. He has already bagged two assists in four appearances for Spurs since arriving.
Jordan Henderson: Al-Ettifaq to Ajax (Free Transfer)
Having joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in July 2023 after 12 glorious years at Liverpool, Jordan Henderson was reportedly unhappy. Him and the club mutually terminated the player’s contract and he signed with Ajax on a two-and-a-half-year deal thereafter.
With 604 club appearances along with 81 appearances for England, Henderson will bring heaps of experience with him to a squad with an average age around 24. John van ‘t Schip could use an old head in his ranks who will prove to be an immense influence whilst not playing too many minutes.
Henderson has won the Premier League, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup, among other honours. His presence in the Ajax dressing room is bound to lift the players.
Kalvin Phillips: Manchester City to West Ham United (Loan)
Phillips signed for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City back in 2022 for a fee around £45 million. However, a lack of first team chances saw him make just 31 appearances for the Cityzens across competitions since. Guardiola expressed his regret at not being able to afford the Englishman game time, prompting a move.
West Ham will greatly benefit from Phillips, who is a player of a similar profile to Declan Rice, who left for Arsenal in June 2023. David Moyes’ side needed reinforcements in midfield and Phillips can prove to be a key addition until the end of the season.
ALSO READ: Saudi Pro League Transfers- All the Done Deals in January 2024.
Surprising moves from January Transfer Window 2024
Arthur Vermeeren: Antwerp to Atletico Madrid (€27m)
Vermeeren is one of the most talented and highly-rated prospects in European football currently. With the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Barcelona vying for his signature, it is an incredible coup for Atleti that they signed him from under their noses. It is also very surprising that Antwerp let their top talent leave in the middle of the season.
The 18-year-old Belgian is well suited for Diego Simeone’s style of play, though. Standing at six feet tall, Vermeeren can either play as a central midfielder or also in a slightly defensive role. He is a good passer of the ball and has great composure and a mature head despite his young age.
Armando Broja: Chelsea to Fulham (Loan)
This one is bewildering considering Chelsea were already dealing with a shortage of strikers due to injuries. Christopher Nkunku has just returned from a long-term injury that had kept him out for nearly a year. Meanwhile, the Blues loaned out David Datro Fofana to Burnley after the striker struggled for game time since joining in June 2023.
Pochettino’s men are currently 10th in the Premier League with 31 points from 22 games. They are 14 points off fourth place and needed a viable backup should Nkunku’s injury concerns resurface. Letting Broja go could cost Chelsea but will benefit Fulham greatly. The Cottagers are just five points behind the Blues and will look to end the season strong.
Jadon Sancho: Manchester United to Borussia Dortmund (Loan)
Sancho’s spat with manager Erik ten Hag was extensively covered by the English media. However, the fact that the club chose to send the player out on loan rather than resolve the issue was baffling. Being called out by the manager and not being allowed to defend himself put Sancho in a tough spot, with a temporary move to his former club seemingly the best option.
The winger is still only 23 and has already made a total of 140 appearances for Dortmund across two stints. He made 82 appearances for United, scoring 12 times and providing six assists but will look to return to his best form with Dortmund this season. Since joining, he has already provided two assists in three Bundesliga appearances and will look to continue in the same way.
Moves from the January Transfer Window 2024 that may not work out
Hannibal Mejbri: Manchester United to Sevilla (Loan)
Mejbri looked to have earned a spot on the fringes of the first team after his short and impressive cameos when given the chance this season. The player just five times in the Premier League, scoring one goal against Burnley. He has now moved to Sevilla on a short-term loan, with the Spanish club having an option to make the deal permanent for €16 million plus four million in add-ons in the summer.
However, he seems to have already had his work cut out despite making an appearance in Sevilla’s 5-1 thrashing by Girona. Manager Quique Sanchez Flores seemed unimpressed with the youngster, axing him from the first team until he ‘learnt where he was.’ It will take a considerable amount of effort from the player to win over the manager once again.
Sacha Boey: Galatasaray to Bayern Munich (€30m)
Boey only joined the Turkish giants from French side Rennes back in 2021 for €5 million. Since that time, he made 83 appearances for the club across competitions, scoring four goals and providing four assists. Having come into prominence over the last season, this move has probably come a year or two too soon for Boey.
Bayern were also targeting Newcastle United’s veteran defender Kieran Trippier (33) for the right back spot but instead moved for Boey (23). While Galatasaray made good coin in a deal worth a total of €35 million, it could prove to bee an overpay from Bayern’s perspective.
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