Top 10 most expensive signings in January 2022 transfer window

These players moved for big money to their new clubs.

The January transfer window does not bring the huge spending spree of the summer. Teams refrain from selling their star players in mid-season. However, every now and then, some clubs shell out money to land their desired target.

Teams normally use the mid-season window to bring in reinforcements. This period is utilized by clubs to strengthen the squad and meet their seasonal objectives. On occasions, players also make a move in order to step ahead or rejuvenate their careers.

The window often sees low-key transfers take place. But, if the fee involved is high, selling clubs tend to cash in on their stars. Due to football’s changing dynamics, teams have started to spend big during the winter transfer window as well. January has seen some of the biggest signings in football history.

The likes of Philippe Coutinho, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Sanchez have changed clubs mid-season. So, as the winter transfer window closes, we take a look at the most expensive signings of January 2022.

10. Julian Alvarez (River Plate to Manchester City)

Manchester City signed Julian Alvarez on Deadline Day of the January 2022 transfer window. The Premier League giants paid €17m for the Argentinian. Alvarez signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with Pep Guardiola's side. The striker will remain on loan at River Plate until the summer.

The 22-year-old made his Argentina debut in June 2020. He has represented the national team five times. Julian Alvarez has managed 36 goals and 25 assists in 96 appearances for River Plate.

9. Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus to Tottenham Hotspur)

Rodrigo Bentancur joined Tottenham Hotspur from Juventus on Deadline Day. The Uruguayan midfielder signed for a fee of €19m in the January transfer window. He joined Juventus in 2017 and made 133 appearances for the team.

Rodrigo Bentancur has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Tottenham Hotspur. The midfielder first needs to get international clearance and a work permit before joining his new teammates.

8. Yuri Alberto (Internacional to Zenit St Petersburg)

Yuri Alberto is one of the rising stars of Brazilian football. The player joined Russian side Zenit St Petersburg for a transfer fee of €20m. The 20-year-old came through the youth ranks at Santos. He then joined Internacional. It was here that Alberto started gaining attention from top European clubs like Barcelona and AC Milan.

Yuri’s versatility is one of his biggest attributes. The 20-year-old can play in any of the front three positions. He was involved in 23 goals for Internacional last season.

7. Vitaliy Mykolenko (Dynamo Kyiv to Everton)

Vitaliy Mykolenko is a product of Dynamo Kyiv’s youth academy. The left-back is considered one of the best young players from Ukraine. The 20-year-old has been in brilliant form this season. This saw Everton snatch him for a fee of €23.5m.

Mykolenko has achieved much success in his relatively young career. The Ukraine international won league and cup competitions in his native country. He has also made 21 appearances for the national team.

6. Chris Wood (Burnley to Newcastle United)

Newcastle United signed Chris Wood to replace injured striker Callum Wilson. The New Zealand man spent four years at Burnley before making the move. The Magpies triggered the 30-year-old’s release clause of €30m in the January transfer window.

The Kiwi forward is the club’s second signing in January 2022. Wood has been a key player for relegation-battling teams. Newcastle will hope that the striker can help them to safety.

5. Lucas Digne (Everton to Aston Villa)

The Frenchman has shone since moving to the Premier League from Barcelona in 2018. Lucas Digne has been one of Everton’s best players in recent seasons. But, after a poor 2021-22, the left-back decided to part ways with the club in mid-season.

Aston Villa paid a transfer fee of €30m for the defender. Digne has already made his debut for his new club. The left-back assisted the only goal in Villa’s 1-0 win over Everton last month.

4. Bruno Guimaraes (Lyon to Newcastle United)

The Brazilian became Newcastle United’s third signing in January 2022. The Magpies paid €42m for the midfielder. An additional €8m have been included as performance bonuses. Bruno Guimaraes is one of Brazil’s top talents.

He started his career at Athletico Paranaense before joining Lyon in 2020. Guimaraes has three caps for the Brazilian national team. The midfielder has also been part of Brazil’s World Cup Qualifiers squad.

3. Luis Diaz (Porto to Liverpool)

Liverpool signed Luis Diaz from Porto. The Reds paid a transfer fee of €45m for the striker. Diaz was reported to be Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice target in the January transfer window. The Colombian arrived after Porto’s failure to advance in the Champions League.

The Colombian has scored 14 goals in 18 appearances in Portugal’s first division. Diaz is set to rival Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota for a place in the team. He has 31 caps for the national team and has netted seven times.

2. Ferran Torres (Manchester City to Barcelona)

Barcelona’s signing of Ferran Torres was a shock to many given the club’s financial status. However, the Blaugrana managed to land the Spaniard for a free of €55m in the January transfer window. The 21-year-old can play in many attacking options because of his versatility.

Torres has already made his debut for Barcelona. The striker played and scored in a Copa del Rey match against Real Madrid. The 21-year-old is one of the top prospects and has multiple caps for the national team.

1. Dusan Vlahovic (Fiorentina to Juventus)

Dusan Vlahovic was one of the most in-demand strikers in world football at the moment. The Serbian had interest from several European heavyweights. But, he decided to join Fiorentina’s league rivals Juventus for a fee of €75m in the January transfer window.

The Serbian has signed a contract until 2026 and will wear the No.7 jersey. Vlahovic scored 21 goals in all competitions for Fiorentina last season. The striker has already reached the 20-goal mark this campaign. He is also the joint-leading goalscorer in the Italian league.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.