5 most sensible transfers of 2023 January transfer window
Here are the transfers in the January window that makes most sense
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The transfer window is well and truly over, and Todd Boehly will not be able to sign any other player. Now that the dust has settled, it is time to take a look at the transfers that are considered the best concerning all the parties–the buying club, the selling club, and the player–involved.
The English Premier League firmly dominated the transfer window as it broke multiple other records in the process. While Chelsea was the busiest of the lot, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and others were also seen reaching deep into their pockets.
A report published by the financial audit firm, Deloitte, showed that the PL spent £815 million in the winter window, almost doubling the previous record of £430 million in 2018. So, it is normal that most of the transfers that made a list will involve some of the English clubs.
Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandes to Chelsea
Since the acquisition of Chelsea by the American billionaire, Todd Boehly, Chelsea has outspent its rivals by a country mile, even putting the Roman Abrahamovic era to shame. During the transfer window, Chelsea signed a host of players, but the two that make more sense are the signings of Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk and Enzo Fernandes from Benfica.
Mudryk:
Mudryk is a 22-year-old Ukrainian winger with a raw pace, catchy moves, and a knack for goals. A YouTube sensation for a couple of years, Mudryk broke into the scene with his performances in the UEFA Champions League. He scored goals and two assists in six games in the group stages. But what makes him such a valuable player for Chelsea goes beyond the performance metrics.
Mudryk is the only forward in the Chelsea line-up, which is devastatingly quick with the ball on his feet. Unlike Havertz, Ziyech, Pulisic, or Mount, he can easily run behind the defense. He also fits Greame Potter’s system as the former Brighton, and Hove Albion manager has always preferred a strong and mazy runner. According to stats, only Lewis Hall has attempted more dribbles in a match for the Blues than Mudryk, and he only played for 35 minutes against Liverpool. So it is needless to say that Mudryk is an exciting prospect. If he can live up to his potential, he will change Potter’s squad. Shakhter, a seller club, would also appreciate the sum they received from Chelsea to be seen as a win-win for all.
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Enzo Fernandez:
The World Cup winner became a hot prospect since that 57th-minute curler went in against Mexico in the tournament. Fernandez has started all the games since then and won the Golden Boy award. The 22-year-old joined Chelsea minutes before the deadline in a whopping £107 million move from Benfica, a record in the world of transfer.
Enzo has been the glue in Benfica’s UCL run, where they topped Group H above PSG. In 29 matches this season, the Argentine has registered 27 interceptions, and 78 successful tackles. However, his performance increases on the bigger stages. In Europe and in the World cup, he has committed 39 successful tackles with an average of 3.8 tackles per game. With Jorginho being 31 and considerably slower, Enzo will bring much-needed grit to the heart of Chelsea’s midfield. Benfica also made a sweet profit on the player, buying him for just £13 million pounds and then selling him after six months.
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Azzedine Ounahi to Marseille
One of the most exciting players in the World Cup 2022, Azeedine Ounahi, announced himself to the world with his impeccable dribbles, piercing carries, and wonderful link-up play. A largely unknown member of the entertaining Morocco side, the 22–year-old was not carried away by the stage and playing with his much-illustrated teammates.
Ounahi signed for Olympique Marseille for just £7.1 million last week, a deal that went under the radar. Marseille is currently second in Ligue 1, five points behind PSG. He even registered his first goal of the season on his debut against Nantes.
While he can play in almost any position in the midfield, Ounahi is at his best as a deep-lying playmaker. In the World Cup, he had seven interceptions and six key passes, showing his efficiency on both parts of the pitch. He also had 13 attempted dribbles in the midfield. In a team that plays almost 50% of its football in the middle third, it is fair to say that Ounahi will be a smart acquisition.
Joao Cancelo to Bayern Munich
Joao Cancelo’s loan transfer to Bayern Munich made big headlines. Before anyone could grasp the dynamics of the deal, Cancelo was already getting ready to play for the Bavarian giants. Cancelo has been one of the most consistent players for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The 28-year-old has been deputized in both left and right back for Guardiola’s juggernaut in the previous season, but he has found games hard to come by this season. He has appeared in only one league game thus far and four times in the champions league. The manager has clearly preferred to play Nathan Ake and the in-form Kyle Walker.
Cancelo, in his debut match for Bayern, has already registered an assist as he sat a cross-up for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to slot it in against Mainz 05. Cancelo will be an important addition to Hansi Flick, who has played him on the right side of midfield.
Joao’s departure was rather virulent as the player blocked multiple Manchester City fan organizations on social media. It is to see whether the German club agrees to spend another £61 million to exercise the buyout clause in the deal.
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Marcel Sabitzer to Manchester United
Joao Cancels’s move to Bayern Munich also facilitated Marcel Sabitzer’s loan to the red side of Manchester. The 28-year–old has been one of the most talked about prospects a couple of years back when he was playing for RB Leipzig. However, since his move to the German capital, his form has dilapidated. The Austrian has also found himself stuck to the bench, sometimes due to prolonged injuries and sometimes due to his form.
However, Sabitzer’s addition is crucial for Manchester United, who reportedly passed up four midfielders to sign him. Eric Ten Hag has been very particular with the profile of players and knows exactly what he wants. Sabitzer was brought in to replace Christian Eriksen, who suffered an ankle injury that will sideline him till May. Sabitzer’s energy and physicality will be required as Manchester United competes for four honors.
Cody Gakpo to Liverpool
One from the early days of the season. While all the outlets were busy covering Manchester United’s link with the talented Dutchman, Liverpool swooped in and signed him in a few days.
Gakpo had a scintillating world cup, scoring three in five games. He also had 36 goal contributions in 47 games in all competitions in the 21/22 season. Gakpo was brought in to replace the outgoing Sadio Mane, as both plays in the same position. However, life in the Premier League has not started as he hoped, as he is yet to make his mark in the league. At just 23, Gakpo has age on his side and is expected to fire once he gets used to the speed and difficulty of the Premier League.
Choosing the top five most sensible transfers inadvertently means that many equally sensible transfers had to be left behind. And as it is with almost everything, differences of opinion will also come forward. Still, given the moves’ finances and significance, it is surely hard to argue against these.
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Arpan Ghosh
(1403 Articles Published)