As the January transfer window slams its doors shut for another year, teams across the Premier League are left with the decisions they’ve made over the last few weeks when it comes to improving their sides. This season felt unique due to the severe lack of domestic football enforced by the unprecedented winter break for the World Cup, but with a few months left of action, there are plenty of narratives to explore as we get into the second half of the campaign.
Indeed, at the time of writing there are still several teams who could face the drop in the battle for relegation, whilst the title race looks to be a two-way battle between Arsenal and reigning champions Manchester City. While Pep Guardiola’s side are still favourites with most Premiership betting sites to make it a hat-trick of successive titles, the likes of Newcastle United and Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United will look to solidify their chances of securing a place in the top four and the lucrative Champions League spots that come with it.
There’s still lots to unpack between now and the final day of the season, but with plenty of teams active over the January window it will be interesting to see how many new signings live up to expectations. For now though, let’s take a look at the best mid-season deals so far in the Premier League. Read on to find out more.
Leandro Trossard – Brighton to Arsenal
If Arsenal are indeed to be champions, they’ll need every member of their admittedly thin squad to pull their weight. One of the biggest concerns when it came to their title credentials was the depth they had out wide to support Bukayo Saka, but the signing of Leandro Trossard is one that looks sensible on and off the pitch.
Stylistically, the Belgian slots straight into the Gunners’ side without needing much of a transition period, as demonstrated by his recent cameos from the bench. In terms of a fee, £20 million for a player in the peak of their powers is a relative steal, and you fear Roberto De Zerbi faces a mass exodus on the South Coast as his side continues to overperform, with Moises Caicedo trying to force a move to north London at the last minute.
Mykhailo Mudryk – Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea
Initially a target for Arsenal, it was their London rivals Chelsea who swooped in and signed Mykhailo Mudryk on a long-term deal worth reportedly £88.5 million from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk. From the moment he made his debut at Anfield, the winger looked sharp and efficient, justifying the big money the Blues spent to improve Graham Potter’s side. Despite so much competition for places at Chelsea, it’s likely Mudryk can force his way into the starting 11 and with performances redolent of Eden Hazard even at this early stage of his career, the 21-year-old looks to have the right blend of potential and proficiency to stamp his authority on English football.
Danilo – Palmeiras to Nottingham Forest
One of the best emerging talents in South America, regular Copa Libertadores winners Palmeiras were bound to get some attention from the Premier League at some part, with their star player Danilo joining relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £16 million, UK sources reported.
Alongside teammate Gustavo Scarpa, Danilo brings energy to a midfield in desperate need of structure and identity, and while there is already an abundance of fresh faces for Steve Cooper to select from at the City Ground, Forest look to have a gem in the 21-year-old. A dynamic midfielder that can play as either a ball-winner or in their current diamond formation, Danilo could be the missing ingredient in Forest’s survival push, only time will tell if he can keep the East Midlands outfit afloat.
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