Although January is often a slow month for transfers, the Premier League spent more money than ever during the winter of 2022, and the worst five clubs—Everton, Norwich City, Newcastle United, Watford, and Burnley—spent nearly half of it ($335 million, according to Transfermarkt) on players.
It’s uncertain how teams will approach the many difficulties this year given the break for the World Cup in Qatar and the current economic crisis around the world, but there have already been agreements for several high-profile signings.
The ratings for each significant deal in January 2023 are listed here. The most recent entries are shown first, and the highest charge is listed for each day. Check back later if you don’t see a grade for a significant move that has been finished.
NONI MADUEKE: From PSV to Chelsea
PSV is taking a risk by allowing another young talent to depart after already letting Cody Gakpo leave in January for Liverpool for €42 million. The amount is significant—the second-largest outbound transfer in PSV history—but they must use it wisely to get a replacement because they are already behind their rivals in the Eredivisie.
Does Chelsea require a second winger? Although Madueke plays on the right side rather than their overcrowded left, it appears that the squad has other objectives. The 20-year-old could have a promising future, but Chelsea must start playing him.
Leonardo Trossard: From Brighton to Arsenal
Trossard joined Brighton in 2019 for about £15 million, and his worth increased after scoring seven goals in 17 games. Although his future was rendered hopeless due to his falling out with manager Roberto Di Zerbi, Brighton will be disappointed that they were unable to extend his contract when it expired in 2024.
The 28-year-old Belgian international represents a break from Arsenal’s objective of recruiting young players, although the deal is far less expensive than the €70 million Mykhailo Mudryk would have cost. Despite not being the club’s top choice, he can add some squad depth and has Premier League experience.
Wout Weghorts: From Burnley to Manchester United on Loan
Burnley gets to split a €3 million loan fee with Turkish team Besiktas despite presumably not expecting to have to switch Weghorst’s club mid-season. And if he makes an impression at United, he will probably get greater interest this summer if they decide to let him go.
Unambiguously, the 30-year-old is a temporary solution for United. The 6-foot-6 Dutch striker can provide a fresh option up front, but he only has two goals in 20 Premier League outings. He will perform well, but United supporters won’t be very thrilled with the choice.
Joao Felix: From Atl. Madrid to Chelsea on Loan
You don’t anticipate loaning a player out after you spend €126 million on their acquisition. Felix, though, was dissatisfied and had to go. Furthermore, Atletico kept his worth by extending his contract and collecting an €11 million loan fee. Simply said, it doesn’t seem like Chelsea is the best spot for him to restart his career.
Chelsea needs a No. 9 striker, not another forward to complement the ones they already have, and the loan price is quite hefty. One wonders whether manager Graham Potter had much of a role in it since it looks to be such a reactionary decision.
Antoine Griezmann: From Barcelona to Atl. Madrid
Griezmann was acquired by Barcelona for €120 million from Atletico in 2019, and in 2021, he was returned on a two-year loan. When he played more than 45 minutes in 50% of the games for which he was available, he was required to make the loan permanent for €40 million, which he did. Following legal disputes, Barca finally reduced the sum in half to avert a scandal. Already one of Barca’s worst transactions ever, witnessing Griezmann excel for France at the 2022 World Cup in a different position (advanced midfield) just serves to add salt to the injury.
The 31-year-return old’s to Atletico on a four-year contract is somewhat of a gamble given that he wasn’t at his best for them while out on loan. They won’t have to keep track of his minutes any longer, at least. They will be pleased to count their €100 million profit if they can maximize the potential of his newly discovered midfield skills.
Cody Gakpo: From PSV to Liverpool
PSV had a price in mind of €50 million, and director Marcel Brands even declared publicly a few months ago that they would have let Gakpo leave if Man United had made an offer of that amount during the summer. The club’s value remained the same despite the Netherlands’ outstanding World Cup performance. Even if they might perhaps receive an additional €8 million in add-ons, it seems like they could have asked for more.
Despite it, Liverpool made a great decision. They didn’t spend a lot of money to recruit a player with 55 goals and 50 assists from 159 senior appearances for PSV, and they beat rivals United to the punch. At the age of 23, he is adaptable and has a lot of potentials to grow. Although the quality will increase, Gakpo is equipped to handle it.
Mykhailo Mudryk: From Shaktar Donetsk to Chelsea
You must give Shakhtar credit; they rebuffed three offers from Arsenal and held out for the complete sum of €100 million (which consists of a €70 million base cost plus a €30 million add-on). Given Mudryk’s lack of high-level expertise, it is an incredible amount to acquire.
Chelsea did well to outbid Arsenal for the services of the Ukrainian winger but did they overpay? Possibly, yeah. While Mudryk has the skill, paying €70 million and giving a 22-year-old who has just been in six Champions League games an unbelievable 812-year deal is a significant bet.
