The top 10 January transfers

13 April 2012

A few super-signings in the January transfer window can make all the difference, regardless of whether you are a title contender or relegation battler.

Countless teams have fallen by the wayside for not investing in January while others have brought in "unknowns" who have transformed their fortunes.

As this year's January sales open, we take a look at the top 10 mid-season transfers of all time.

10. Emmanuel Eboue, 9 January 2005, Beveren to Arsenal

Having begun his career as a wing-back, the Ivory Coast international became a right midfielder under Arsene Wenger's tutelage. Having cost Arsenal only £1.5m Eboue was a bargain from the off, becoming a permanent fixture in the Arsenal side. This season he has felt the wrath of the Arsenal supporters, but he has been a good servant to the club at a cut price.

9. Henrik Larsson, 1 January 2007, Helsingborgs to Manchester United

The Celtic legend returned to the UK from Helsingborgs for a short-term loan spell in 2007. Although only scoring three times, Larsson brought fresh blood into the side and helped guide Manchester United to the title. Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to keep him, but Larsson stayed true to his word and returned to Sweden a hero in Manchester.

8. Matthew Upson, 22 January 2003, Arsenal to Birmingham City

Although one of England's most promising defenders, Arsene Wenger sold the injury-prone Upson after he failed to establish himself at Highbury. A bargain at £1m, although it rose to £3m, Birmingham also made a tidy profit when they sold him to West Ham for £6m. Most importantly though, Upson brought much-needed stability to the Blues defence, while also getting his own career back on track.

7. Mikel Arteta, 31 January 2005, Real Sociedad to Everton

David Moyes brought Arteta to Goodison Park on loan as a replacement for Danish midfielder Thomas Gravesen who had left for Real Madrid. It immediately became clear that unlike the bullish Gravesen, Arteta was a stylish, flowing footballer, with a fantastic touch and sublime vision. His incisive passing and eye for goal made him a permanent fixture in the heart of the Everton midfield and he is now their star player.

6. David Bentley, 31 January 2006, Arsenal to Blackburn Rovers

Having failed to live up to the early hype at Arsenal, Bentley excelled as Blackburn's most creative player. His pin-point crossing provided countless goals for the Lancashire side. Last year Bentley was seen as the immediate successor to David Beckham on England's right midfield, and while he has not been consistently at his best this season, he has shown moments of brilliance, not least against his former club with a 40-yard wonder strike in the North London derby.

5. Jonathan Woodgate, 28 January 2008, Middlesbrough to Tottenham

Woodgate's arrival at White Hart Lane was one of Juande Ramos' few master strokes. He immeasurably strengthened the ailing Tottenham back line, particularly when club captain Ledley King was injured. When the two were both fit, few teams in the league that could get past them, and Tottenham went on to win the league cup with Woodgate scoring the winner against Chelsea in extra-time.

4. Javier Mascherano, 31 January 2007, West Ham United to Liverpool

West Ham fans were delighted when the Argentine midfielder joined them in 2006, but Mascherano failed to impress in a struggling Hammers' side. A surprise move to Anfield saw him cement his position as Liverpool's first-choice holding player, and he has since been appointed Argentina captain by Maradona, who called him his "favourite" player.

3. Nemanja Vidic, 4 January 2006, Spartak Moscow to Manchester United

£7 million was all it cost Sir Alex Ferguson to sign Nemanja Vidic, whose performances have been priceless ever since. Like fellow January signing Patrice Evra, he did not adjust to the Premier League straight away, but soon found his feet and earned a reputation for one of the most feared defenders in the league. Alongside Rio Ferdinand, United have the best centre-back pairing Old Trafford has seen for years.

2. Emmanuel Adebayor, 13 January 2006, Monaco to Arsenal

In his first season at Arsenal the Togo international found life frustrating playing second fiddle to Thierry Henry. But after the Gunners talismanic Frenchman departed, Adebayor came into his own, scoring 23 goals in an unstoppable first full season. Last summer he was valued at over £20m when Barcelona became interested.

1. Ashley Young, 23 January 2007, Watford to Aston Villa

Watford fans were devastated when Martin O'Neill's £8m offer, rising to £9.75m, was accepted and Ashley Young signed for Aston Villa. Almost two years has passed and the player has set the Premiership alight, with his dazzling footwork, raw pace and ability to run all day. O'Neill has described him as a "genius" and he has also made an impression on Fabio Capello, earning England call ups. Young will be key if Villa are to break into the top four this season. The 23-year-old is the most exciting player in the Premiership at the moment, and may well be the answer to England's left-sided problem in the future. Expect great things from this one.

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