5 best Premier League transfers in the 2019 January transfer window

The January winter transfer window has opened and all the big guns of the Premier League are looking to deepen their squad strength. However, the midtable-placed clubs and the ones precariously placed in and around the relegation zone are also frantically looking for great value additions which could potentially change their fortunes for the better. Here is a look at the five best January transfer/loan deals which have happened so far in the Premier League:

5. Jason Puncheon (Crystal Palace to Huddersfield Town – Loan)

Huddersfield Town has managed to land Jason Puncheon on loan from Crystal Palace for the remainder of the season, in what could only be termed as a last-ditch effort to kickstart their horror start and to pick themselves up from the relegation zone. The move comes as a surprise as Puncheon has not been able to replicate his form post the horrific injury he sustained to his cruciate ligament in the 2017-18 season. He is 32 years old now and has frankly not come up with the goods for the Eagles off late. 

The versatile left-footed midfielder is touted by the Huddersfield Town Head Coach David Wagner to create an immediate impact. However, this is in no way guaranteed and the loan deal is a definite risk for the Terriers.

4. Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool to AFC Bournemouth – Loan)

After seeing himself warming the bench in the wake of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez churning out brilliant performances, Nathaniel Clyne has opted finally to exit Anfield and join a Bournemouth side which has had a bizarre season so far. The 27-year old right back has decided to forego a possible Premier League Winners medal with Liverpool and moved on to the Vitality Stadium which was brimming with utmost confidence after Bournemouth made an exhilarating start to the current season. 

However, a series of despairing losses have seen them going down to the 12th position, which is a matter of concern for manager Eddie Howe. After Adam Smith and Simon Francis suffered injuries, it was urgent that they strengthened their defense, and in Clyne, they have an experienced and reliable player. The loan deal is till the end of the season and should the Englishman perform well, the Cherries would be persuaded to offer him a permanent deal.

3. Dominic Solanke (Liverpool to AFC Bournemouth – £19m)

Another piece of business from the Reds with mid-table side Bournemouth saw the talented English youngster Dominic Solanke put pen to paper on a long-term £19m deal. This particular deal does not come up as a surprise at all because the brilliant performances of the terrific attacking trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah were keeping even the much senior and accomplished Daniel Sturridge away from regular starts. By that logic, Solanke was bound to move, and even Jurgen Klopp admitted that post the youngster’s departure, emphasizing the need for a young striker to get adequate playing time. 

On the other hand, Bournemouth have pulled off a really smart transfer in the sense that Solanke’s arrival would bolster their attack and provide good competition to Callum Wilson and Joshua King. The lone worrisome stat is that he has managed a paltry return of 1 goal from 21 appearances for Liverpool, but that might be due to him not getting a consistent run of opportunities.

2. Samir Nasri (West Ham United – Free)

Forever the quintessential controversial figure, Samir Nasri was slapped with a hefty 18-month doping ban, which was lifted some time back. West Ham were quick to pounce on the Frenchman, landing him on a free transfer, which proved vital as Nasri inspired the Londoners to a comfortable win over Birmingham City. This transfer can be said to be an absolute no-brainer owing to the experience and sheer talent that he brings to the table. Besides, the Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini has previously worked with the French playmaker at Manchester City, where they had won silverware together. 

Age is a definite factor for the 31-year old Nasri, but the tactical awareness and creative prowess that the Frenchman possesses, more than makeup for it. West Ham have indeed made a brilliant transfer scoop in this regard.

1. Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea –  £57.6m)

Easily regarded as the deal of this window so far, not just in the Premier League, but also in Europe, American wonderkid Christian Pulisic penned a big money contract which saw him leave Borussia Dortmund (not exactly, since he has been loaned back till the end of the season) for English giants Chelsea. Even though he is the second-most expensive outfield player in the Blues’ history after Alvaro Morata, it is a definite bargain, considering the player’s talent, sublime skill and the years ahead of him. However, a breathtakingly consistent showing from the English teenage sensation Jadon Sancho has kept him down the pecking order at Signal Iduna Park, which probably prompted him to leave Germany when Mauricio Sarri came calling.

As for Chelsea, it lessens the strain on their aging stalwarts Willian and Pedro, serves as a luxurious cushion to their enviable attack. 

Cover picture credits: The Sun