Top five January Deadline Day signings that didn't go according to plan

These players failed to meet expectations at their new clubs.

The last day of the winter transfer window provides a final opportunity for the clubs to fine-tune their squad. As teams hope to save their season or to achieve seasonal objectives with some new additions. Some of the most expensive signings in recent years have taken place on Deadline Day of the January transfer window.

But, sometimes these moves don't play out as planned. On many occasions, teams splash money on players in hopes of saving their campaigns. This results in the buying of stars without a specific transfer strategy. Such type of transfers are often destined to fail.

Here we take a look at five January Deadline Day signings that failed to meet expectations.

5. Kostas Mitroglou (Olympiacos to Fulham)

After impressing with Greek giants Olympiacos, Kostas Mitroglou signed for Fulham on the January Deadline Day of 2014. The Greece international arrived for a £12m fee. The striker was bought with hopes of saving the club from relegation. But, Fulham still went down that season. Mitroglou started just one game in the Premier League for the club.

Currently, Mitroglou has left the Cottagers. He returned to Olympiacos on loan in the summer, before joining Benfica on a permanent deal.

4. Jackson Martinez (Atletico Madrid to Guangzhou Evergrande)

Jackson Martinez left Atletico after an underwhelming spell in 2016. He joined Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande for a then-record fee of £32m on the January Deadline Day of 2016.

The Colombian had a great start to his career in China, but wasn’t able to capitalize on it. Martinez was ruled out for nearly two years due to a severe ankle injury. This forced Guangzhou Evergrande to terminate his contract in March 2018.

3. Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina to Chelsea)

Juan Cuadrado joined Chelsea for a total fee of £26.8m from Fiorentina on the January Deadline Day 2015. But, the Colombian didn’t enjoy a successful spell with the London club. He made just one appearance for the Blues in the league that season.

Cuadrado failed to impress then boss Jose Mourinho, He was loaned out to Juventus the following summer. The Colombian played for the Bianconeri on loan till 2017, before making the move permanent.

2. Andy Carroll (Newcastle United to Liverpool)

Andy Carroll signed for Liverpool with hopes of replacing the outgoing Fernando Torres. The English forward joined the Reds for a fee of £35m. But, the Englishman failed to live up to expectations and struggled to make any kind of impact.

Carroll scored just six times in 44 league appearances and was soon let-go by the club. After two disappointing seasons, Carroll joined West Ham on loan, before making the move permanent.

1. Fernando Torres (Liverpool to Chelsea)

Fernando Torres switched Liverpool for Chelsea on the January Deadline Day of 2011 in a shock move. The Spaniard left the Merseyside club after spending three years with them. Torres joined the Blues for a fee of £50m for a record Premier League fee at the time. However, he failed to replicate his goalscoring form for the new club.

The FIFA World Cup winner scored just 45 goals in 172 appearances. However, Torres added to his trophy haul at Chelsea. He managed to win the Champions League, the Europa League and the FA Cup.

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