The Transfer window is something where things can turn at any time. While most of the big moves take place in the Summer Transfer Window, there are some big transfers that have taken place in the Winter Transfer Window and will be etched in football history. From Phillippe Coutinho’s move to Barcelona to Alexis Sanchez’s move from Arsenal to Manchester United here are – the 5 most shocking transfers in January history.
Philippe Coutinho: Liverpool to Barcelona (2018)
- Transfer Fee: €135 million
Everyone remembers the Philippe Coutinho saga from Liverpool to Barcelona. The Catalan giants broke the bank for the Brazilian attacking midfielder and paid €135 million in 2018. This ended up becoming the most expensive January transfer. However, the move was not what Barcelona hoped for. The player struggled and was sent on loan to Bayern Munich before being sold to Aston Villa in 2022. The move failed badly for Barcelona and it heavily impacted their financial constraints.
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Fernando Torres: Liverpool to Chelsea (2011)
Transfer Fee: £50 million
Back in 2011, the writings were on the cards. Spanish striker Fernando Torres was desperate to leave Liverpool and his move to Chelsea looked natural as the London Blues needed a proper striker. However, El Nino failed to live up to his hype and reputation. He managed to score just 45 goals in 172 appearances for Chelsea, making it one of the most shocking winter transfers in Premier League’s history.
Alexis Sánchez: Arsenal to Manchester United (2018)
- Transfer Details: Swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Manchester United fans waited for the entire winter transfer window in 2018 with bated breath about the Alexis Sanchez saga. After making the fans wait for weeks, the move ultimately happened. It was a swap deal between United and Arsenal. Alexis Sanchez joined the Red Devils while Henrikh Mkhitaryan joined the Gunners. Sanchez scored 3 goals in 32 starts before being shipped off to Inter Milan. On the other hand, Mkhitaryan too faltered, making it a horrible deal for both clubs.
Mykhailo Mudryk: Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea (2023)
- Transfer Fee: €70 million plus add-ons
2 winters back, the headlines in London bore just one name – Mykhailo Mudryk. The Ukrainian was tipped to join Arsenal before Chelsea made a late hijack into the deal. Ultimately, the player moved to the London Blues but hasn’t been able to live up his Shakhtar’s reputation. Adding more concerns, the player is now suspended by FA for failing drug Tests.
Dusan Vlahovic: Fiorentina to Juventus (2022)
- Transfer Fee: €81 million
Serbian forward Dusan Vlahovic shocked the transfer market when he joined Juventus back in the winter transfer window of 2022. For the unversed, Fiorentina and Juventus share a fierce rivalry and thus this move was considered shocking. Fiorentina fans were angry when Juventus got a star striker and the chaos that followed, making it a highly controversial transfer.
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