After a month full of excitement and last-minute drama, the January transfer window has finally come to a close. Quite unsurprisingly, the Premier League clubs have once again emerged as the focal point of the market, splashing out more sum than any other top league in Europe.
While clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace endured a quiet window, others like Aston Villa, Everton and Newcastle United were among the busiest in all of Europe.
Here, at The 4th official, we will take a look at Premier League’s bigger gainer and the biggest loser in the recently concluded January transfer window.
Biggest Winner – Everton
It was always going to be a close call between Everton and Newcastle United when it comes to being the biggest winner in the January transfer window.
The Toffees were one of the busiest clubs in the market, signing no less than six new players at the expense of losing Lucas Digne, who moved to Aston Villa in a permanent deal.
The Frenchman’s departure certainly creates a massive void in the club’s chance creation, but by bringing in Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek, Everton have taken a step in the right direction. Both the midfielders are capable of offering the creative essence in the final third that could go a long way in further aiding Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the final third.
In addition to the playmakers, Everton have signed two new fullbacks in Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson. Mykolenko could prove to be an excellent replacement for Digne, whereas Patterson is regarded as one of Scotland’s biggest talents. He is a long-term replacement for the ageing Seamus Coleman at right-back.
Other additions include Anwar El Ghazi, who can compete with the likes of Andros Townsend, Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon out wide, whereas the young Billy Crelin has been drafted into the reserve side after joining from Fleetwood Town.
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Biggest Loser – West Ham
West Ham have been the biggest loser in the transfer market simply by missing out on all of their top targets. While Leeds United have been equally disappointing in that regard, the Hammers edge ahead as they had been linked with a move for a host of players throughout January.
Indeed, David Moyes was very keen on signing a central defender last month, in addition to a new attacker who can compete with Michail Antonio.
However, the Hammers have failed to sign a single player, which could be catastrophic in the club’s objective to once again clinch a European spot at the end of the season.
Antonio’s struggles with lack of fitness have been well-documented in the past. And with the team lacking any reliable alternative, Moyes’ men could find themselves in a difficult situation during the second half of the campaign.
The Londoners have already lost two back to back matches against Manchester United and Leeds United. And while they do have a relatively easier set of fixtures, it could be a challenge for Moyes to keep up with the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United, in their bid to sneak into the top six come May.
