Record-Breaking January Football Transfers
The January transfer window is known for something other than blockbuster moves. Yet it still can alter teams’ fortunes, much to the interest of those involved in soccer betting. Despite the tendency for contracts to expire in summer, January has witnessed some of the priciest moves in football history.
These transfers not only create buzz but also have a considerable impact on the clubs’ performances for the rest of the season.
5. Mykhailo Mudryk (from Shakhtar to Chelsea, 2023)
Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk started playing football seriously at 9, slowly advancing to Shakhtar’s youth academy. He joined the first team in 2018 and started to show his worth – so much so that he made it on Chelsea’s radar. He left Ukraine for the Premier League last January in a transfer valued at €70 to €100 million. Fontana said that Mudryk was the “fastest player” he’s ever seen and full of potential.
4. Dusan Vlahovic (from Fiorentina to Juventus in 2022)
Vlahovic started his professional career at Partizan Belgrade, making his debut as the youngest first-team player in the club’s history. His impressive performances in Serbia caught the attention of Fiorentina, leading to his move to the Italian club in 2018. At Fiorentina, Vlahovic developed into one of Europe’s most promising forwards, showcasing his goal-scoring and technical skills.
His remarkable progress culminated in a high-profile transfer to Juventus, where he was expected to continue his ascent in European football. He signed with Juve in January 2022 on a transfer worth €70 million.
3. Virgil van Dijk (from Southampton to Liverpool in 2018)
Virgil van Dijk began his career in the Netherlands with FC Groningen before moving to Celtic. His performances in Scotland earned him a move to Southampton in the Premier League, where he further established himself as one of the top defenders in the league. His commanding presence, aerial ability, and composure on the ball at Southampton paved the way for his record-breaking transfer to Liverpool in 2018, where he has become one of the world’s best defenders.
The Reds paid £75 million (€87.6 million today) to have him in January 2018.
2. Enzo Fernandez (from Benfica to Chelsea in 2023)
Enzo Fernandez started his career at River Plate in Argentina, where he showcased his midfield prowess. His impressive performances at River Plate led to his transfer to Benfica, where he continued to develop his skills and gain recognition on the international stage. Fernandez’s ability to control the midfield and his passing and defensive skills made him one of the most sought-after talents in European football.
He ultimately joined Chelsea in January 2023 in a transfer valued at £106.8 million (almost €125 million today).
1. Philippe Coutinho (from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2018)
Philippe Coutinho’s career began at Vasco da Gama in Brazil. He then crossed the pond to play with Inter Milan, showcasing his talent in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. Coutinho spent a brief period on loan at Espanyol, where his performances caught the attention of Liverpool. Joining Liverpool in 2013, he developed into one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders, known for his creativity, dribbling, and long-range goals, leading to his high-profile transfer to Barcelona.
The Catalan team paid a total of £142 million (almost €166 million today), with the various clauses included, in January 2018.
These record-breaking January transfers have reshaped teams and intrigued fans, even those into soccer betting South Africa. From Mudryk’s rapid rise to Coutinho’s major move, each transfer stirred excitement and significantly influenced their new clubs’ performances. These deals underline the January window’s potential to deliver game-changing talent.