The January transfer window ended with the slightly anti-climactic deadline day which saw most of the clubs keeping to themselves in the Premier League. A couple of struggling clubs did make late dashes and a number of transfers went through at the last moment. And regarding the teams higher up, as they say, why fix when it is not broken.
There were a number of high profile signings when it came to defenders and this saw a number of interchanges and a couple of new players coming into the League. Let us take a look at the top 3 transfers as far as defenders are concerned.
MAMADOU SAKHO (CRYSTAL PALACE)
One of the few deals to be confirmed at the last moment. Crystal Palace have been struggling badly since last year. They notched up just 6 wins throughout the entirety of 2016 and under Sam Allardyce, it was no different. He had failed to win a league game before yesterday’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth and the imbalance in the team was apparent.
While the attack was an area which was not clicking, it was clear that they had the players required to spark a turnaround up front. But the defence was in tatters and the signings of Van Aanholt and Schlupp was aimed at fixing the issues they had at left-back.
But Big Sam sought to give his backline a much harder spine and the availability of Mamadou Sakho made him get back in for a final splurge. Sakho will surely strengthen their backline and along with Dann is expected to give their defence a much more solid look.
ANDREA RANOCCHIA (HULL CITY)
Ranocchia has been described as a large, strong, and physically imposing centre back. His tactical sense and his positioning have also been lauded. He is a good tackler but the area of his expertise which has gotten him the most praise is his aerial ability which will hold him in excellent stead in the League.
All these qualities point to a smashing addition to the beleaguered Hull City outfit who will now have to play out of their skins for the rest of the season to harbour any hopes of surviving the drop. Marco Silva has brought in players and he has looked at ease in his new surroundings but he needs a string of results to give them some real hope now.
JOSE FONTE (WEST HAM UNITED)
The Hammers had a nightmarish start to their season and although they have recovered to an extent, the early season scare will be fresh on their minds and the group will not want to revisit the grim relegation places again. Bilic had issues in various areas and he has added Snodgrass and Jose Fonte to the team to solve a couple of them in January. The defence was extremely jittery and Fonte is capable of forming an excellent partnership with Winston Reid at centre-back.
Their defence looks much more settled and solid now which will hopefully help in their ascent up the table in the near future.
