What is the Best January Transfer of All Time?

By Jonathan Lewis | 22nd Jan 2025

As we reach the heat of the January transfer window, Premier League teams will be busy assessing how to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season. It’s an unpredictable time of the year complete with busy fixture lists, making sports betting odds harder than ever to gauge winners.

Looking at this January, Arsenal desperately need a striker after struggling to find goals in open play, while Liverpool’s defensive injuries could derail their title challenge if left unaddressed. With relegation battles heating up and title races becoming more intense, many sides will look to make crucial additions to their squads.

The new year is an especially demanding period. Games are coming thick and fast, pushing squad depth to its limits. Over the years, clubs have turned to the January window to find solutions, and while some deals have flopped, others have proven to be exceptional business.

In this article, we look at some of the best pieces of business in January transfer windows.

Virgil van Dijk – Southampton to Liverpool

In January 2018, Liverpool made a then-world-record signing for a defender, paying £75 million to bring Virgil van Dijk to Anfield.

It was a game-changing move, as Van Dijk transformed Liverpool’s backline, adding leadership, composure, and dominance in the air.

Within 18 months, he helped the club win the Champions League, and the following season, Liverpool lifted their first Premier League title in 30 years, now captaining the club following the departure of Jordan Henderson in 2023.

Martin Ødegaard – Real Madrid to Arsenal (loan)

Not all impactful January transfers come with a hefty price tag. In 2021, Arsenal secured the services of Martin Ødegaard on loan from Real Madrid, and the Norwegian quickly became a key creative force in their midfield.

His performances convinced the Gunners to make the deal permanent the following summer, and he is now the club’s captain, leading them in their pursuit of major honours.

Edin Džeko – Wolfsburg to Manchester City

Edin Džeko’s January arrival in 2011 flew somewhat under the radar, but the Bosnian striker proved to be a vital cog in Manchester City’s rise to dominance.

His goals were pivotal in City’s FA Cup triumph in 2011 and then the dramatic title-winning campaign a year later, including a crucial equaliser against QPR on the final day.

Džeko’s contributions over his four-and-a-half years at the club ensured his legacy as one of the Premier League’s most reliable forwards.

Nemanja Vidić – Spartak Moscow to Manchester United

Signed in January 2006 for just seven million pounds, Nemanja Vidić became one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest transfer sparks of genius.

The Serbian defender formed a formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand, helping United to multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph in 2008, reaching two more finals in 2009 and 2011 but coming up short to Pep Guardiola’s swashbuckling Barcelona sides.

Vidić’s leadership and no-nonsense defending earned him the captaincy, cementing his status as a club legend.

Bruno Fernandes – Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United

Staying in Manchester, few January signings have had an immediate impact like Bruno Fernandes did upon joining the Red Devils in 2020.

The Portuguese midfielder instantly lifted the team, contributing goals, assists, and leadership. Fernandes played a key role in securing Champions League qualification that season and has been the heartbeat of United’s midfield ever since, becoming one of their most influential players.

Seamus Coleman – Sligo Rovers to Everton

In January 2009, Everton paid just £60,000 to bring Seamus Coleman from Sligo Rovers—a fee that remains one of the best bargains in Premier League history.

The Irishman developed into one of the league’s most consistent full-backs, known for his tireless work rate and leadership. Over the years, Coleman has been a loyal servant to Everton, becoming club captain and a fan favourite at Goodison Park.