Winter Transfer Window has become quite a critical phase in recent years. Clubs go into these days with more funds and look to add some quality to their squad. While the big players hesitate to move in this window, it proves to be a great time for a club to fill the voids. Transfer adds more to the beauty of the game than anything else. Top players switch sides to make the league more competitive and fun to watch. Just five months after the highly anticipated transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo took place, there was nothing of that sort this time around. But, these transfers could have a major say in deciding the results in the coming weeks and months.
The top teams have also invested heavily in order to maintain the lead and also add some depth to their squad. Particularly when they reach the final stages of multiple tournaments. And for teams who have failed to match what was expected out of them, this is the last time to get a player who could turn around their season. The players that could directly slot into the team. Virgil Van Dijk moved to Liverpool last winter. He had a deep impact in the fortunes of the club. He stood out as a leader at the back. In fact, Liverpool managed to reach the final of the UCL.
As we head into the final half of the season, here are the top 5 players who have swapped clubs:
Christian Pulisic: Chelsea went into the transfer window to wrap up Hazard's replacement just in case he leaves in the summer. And they have got a great midfielder in Christian Pulisic for £57.6 million. He will remain at Signal Iduna Park on loan for the rest of the season. Chelsea's decision was highly questionable as they failed to get their third-most expensive signing to the club as soon as possible. When Bournemouth thrashed them 4-0, he was training with the side in Germany. But the question remains. Will he be able to fill in the boots of Eden Hazard?
Alvaro Morata: Morata has been in the list of top strikers for quite some time now. He made his senior debut back in 2010-11 for Real Madrid. He has been a serial trophy winner everywhere he had gone. He has 9 with Real Madrid, 5 with Juventus and a FA Cup triumph to show with Chelsea. Although, he has failed to meet the expectations at Chelsea and has completed his loan move to Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone will look to get the best out of him. And with the UCL final to be played in their home ground, they are looking to finally end their Champions League drought this year. Will he be able to find the back of the net for the other side of Madrid?
3. Brahim Diaz: Following in Jadon Sancho's footsteps, Brahim Diaz has completed his move away from Manchester City. His £15.5 million move comes just 6 months after Sancho's move. Real Madrid has got a player who has the potential to be one of the top names for the future. The 19-year old midfielder from Spain agreed to a six-and-a-half years deal with Real. Let's see if he is given the chance to showcase his talent?
4. Leandro Paredes: PSG has been a top side in Europe for the better half of the last decade. But have failed time and again in the Champions League. In order to claim this much-anticipated trophy, they have agreed on a deal with Zenit Saint Petersburg for the transfer of midfielder Leandro Paredes. The 24-year-old Argentinian international will definitely improve the team as a whole. Also, just in case Verratti or Rabiot decides to leave, they have a top-midfielder in their ranks. Can he help the side to win the coveted title?
5. Frankie De Jong: De Jong is considered one of the best youngsters in the world. The 21-year-old has completed his move to Barcelona for a whopping fee of £65 million. The Dutch international is set to join on the first of July. He has agreed to a contract of five years with the Catalan club. Like Pulisic, De Jong will also remain at his current club for the rest of the season. Ajax will have a total of six months to look for his replacement.
Honourable mentions:
● Denis Suarez to Arsenal
● Benjamin Pavard to Bayern Munich
● Cesc Fabregas to AS Monaco
● Youri Tielemans to Leicester City
● Kevin Prince Boateng to Barcelona
● Miguel Almiron to Newcastle
It will be interesting to see how these signings affect the fortunes of the club.
