Winter transfer window 2022: 5 most unexpected deadline day deals you must know about
The winter transfer window has finally come to a close, and just like always, some of the most insane and unexpected transfers took place on the deadline day.
Unlike the summer transfer window, where teams are looking for a complete season ahead of them, the winter transfer window is slow.
Since the teams have assessed their season goal and no longer have very high ambitions, the mid-season market hardly sees the drama equivalent to the summer window.
2022, however, was an exception. It saw some of the wildest deals go through and fall off on the final day.
Christian Eriksen returns to professional football
One of the most unexpected yet delightful news of the window is the return of Eriksen to the field.
This has to be one of the greatest comebacks in the sport’s history. Eriksen last year was forced off the field after suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for his national team in Euro 2020.
There were several doubts regarding his comeback to the game. But the player has shown that he is a true fighter, and now he will make his comeback to Premier League by signing for Brentford.
“I’m happy to announce that I’ve signed for Brentford Football Club. I can’t wait to get started,” Eriksen said in a social media video on Monday.
Tottenham Hotspurs ropes in Juventus duo
To start, let’s take a look at the acquisition Tottenham Hotspurs made on the deadline day. They were able to rope in two critical players in Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus.
This was an essential acquisition for Antonio Conte’s team, especially after they failed to acquire the services of Adama Traore from Wolve. There was a point where it felt as if Spurs would not be able to make any transfer this season.
Their new manager was keen to make some crucial changes, and we hope that he has got what he wanted.
Tottenham signed Bentancur for a fee of 19 million Euros, and his contract lasts till 2026. On the other hand, Kulusevski has arrived on loan for a fee of 10 million euros. His contract has a buying clause attached to it, given that the “sporting objective” is met.
While Kulusevski has been a recent acquisition for Juventus from Atalanta, Bentancur was their first team member. He joined the club in 2017 and has won 3 titles with them.
Tottenham will be hoping to complete their sporting objective, having acquired the service of Bentancur and Kulusevski.
Barcelona’s last-minute snatch
Despite suffering from a massive financial crisis in recent times, Barcelona has made several signings in this transfer window.
The opening of the winter market saw them registering Daniel Alves. The veteran defender returned as a free player. Following this acquisition, they bought the Spanish midfielder Ferran Torres from Manchester City.
Just a few days ago, they registered another loanee Traore from Wolves. And to put the last nail in the coffin, they acquired Aubameyang from Arsenal on deadline day.
These moves make one question, how can Barcelona afford them? They have recently been in a deep financial crisis, which led to their losing their talisman, Leonel Messi.
The answer lies in the vast salary cut taken by their star defender Gerrard Pique. The Spaniard took a 50% cut in his weekly wages. Further, they could also offload Griezmann earlier and Coutinho later, which created enough salary caps.
Aubameyang is also said to have taken a massive pay cut from his original salary at Arsenal. The player used to earn 300,000 euros at the English club.
Dembele’s role at Barcelona is one of the biggest mysteries that still puzzles everyone. The Frenchman had refused to take a salary cut earlier and was sidelined and put up for sale.
Although several clubs approached him and his national teammate Samuel Umtiti, the deal couldn’t go through. As things stand, they both will be staying at the club until June 2022.
Xavi Hernandes, the new manager of Barcelona, has a daunting task at hand to save his beloved club from going trophyless this season. Hopefully, the new acquisitions will help in the Spanish giant’s revival.
Dele Alli reaches Everton in search of playtime
After spending almost half a decade at Tottenham, Alli has finally left. The reason has been apparent in recent times. The English midfielder was unsettled by the playtime at his boyhood club. As a result, he decided to leave it finally.
This move is a win-win situation for both the player and the team involved in his signing. Considering the rough patch on the field suffered by the Merseyside club, they will be happy to acquire Alli’s services.
Speaking about the move, Alli said, “I’m delighted to have signed for Everton, a huge club with a great fanbase and history. I’m eager to get started and can’t wait for my first game in an Everton shirt.”
At Everton, Alli will be playing under Frank Lampard, one of the greatest English midfielders of all time. Lampard was appointed as the Everton coach in the dying moments of the transfer window.
Currently languishing at the 16th position of Premier League, Everton will hope to change fortunes.
Atletico Madrid’s young acquisition
Late on Monday, Atletico Madrid, the defending champions of Spain, announced the signing of Reinildo Mandava.
They have bought the player from French club Lille for a price of 3 million euros. The Mozambican defender has signed a 3-year contract. He was named in the Ligue 1 team of the month last season and has played all six games in the Champion’s League this season.
Atletico is looking to find a way to bounce back in the Spanish league.
Currently, they have dropped out of the top-4. And are looking unlikely to catch up with their arch-rivals and current league leaders, Real Madrid. However, they will be looking to finish the season in the top-4.
The winter transfer window ensures a fantastic second half
With almost half of the season yet to be played, it will be amazing to see how these signings make their impact. All the teams who have acquired the players have clearly defined goals in front of them.
Tottenham wants to make a return to the champions league. Barcelona will be looking to turn their season around by winning Europa League. Everton will be happy with a top-10 spot in the table, and Athletico Madrid will be eying a top-4 Finish and Champions League victory.
One Comment