Erling Haaland has been one of the January transfers in the past 25 years.

Erling Haaland has been one of the January transfers in the past 25 years.

@ErlingHaaland on Twitter

Best January Transfers In European Soccer include van Dijk, Vidic, Fernandes, Higuain, Rakitic, Haaland

These moves quickly changed their teams' fortunes.

The January (also known as winter) transfer window is usually an opportunity for European clubs to bolster their squads. Even though it is typically challenging to make marquee signings during this window, some clubs have managed to make excellent transfers that have turned their season around.

These are the kinds of signing that can make sports betting fans review their strategy. In this sense, bettors in the US can consider online betting in NJ for competitive odds on soccer and other sports. For example, Phillippe Coutinho’s loan move to Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa will definitely boost their chances of winning matches. So, what are some of the most notable January transfers in European soccer?

Virgil van Dijk

Southampton to Liverpool

Amount: 75 million GBP (89.84 million EUR)

Year: 2018

Van Dijk’s move from Southampton to Liverpool is perhaps one of the best January transfers of all time. The Dutchman's move received a lot of criticism from fans and pundits across Europe, with many disagreeing with the transfer fee. At the time, the fee was considered a world record transfer fee for a defender.

However, his performances on the pitch silenced the critics as he became the necessary catalyst that inspired Liverpool to compete at the top of the EPL and European tournaments. In the three seasons he has been at Liverpool; he has helped them win their first Premier League title in 30 years and UEFA Champions League.

Nemanja Vidic

Spartak Moscow to Manchester United

Amount: 7 million GBP (8.38 million EUR)

Year: 2006

Not many fans knew about him by the time Vidic arrived at Old Trafford in 2006. However, after eight years of serving the club, Vidic left the club as a certified legend. The Serbian defender was an integral player in Sir Alex Ferguson’s third squad overhaul during his time in charge of the Red Devils.

He formed a solid partnership with Rio Ferdinand, one that is regarded as the best defensive partnership in EPL history. Their partnership helped United win five Premier League titles, one Champions League title, and three League Cups.

Bruno Fernandes

Sporting CP to Manchester United

Amount: 47 million GBP (56.3 million EUR)

Year: 2020

Manchester United had scouted Bruno Fernandes for some time. However, their board’s incompetence delayed the transfer until January 2020. When he finally arrived, the wait was worthwhile as the Portuguese international hit the ground running instantly.

For example, despite arriving in January, he won the club’s Player of the Year award and retained it in the second season. His goals and playmaking abilities helped United to a second-place finish last season. He has struggled this season with goals and assists becoming hard for him to come by. Nevertheless, he remains one of the best January signings in the EPL.

Gonzalo Higuain

River Plate to Real Madrid

Amount: 12 million EUR

Year: 2006

Gonzalo Higuain was a prolific striker wherever he went. However, Real Madrid discovered the Argentine when he was still a teenager. The Los Blancos did not hesitate to pay the price to bring him to the Bernabeu.

He played 262 games for Real Madrid, scoring 121 goals in the process. The 2009/2010 season was his best season at the Madrid club when he ended the season as the club’s top scorer, having scored more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ivan Rakitic

Schalke to Sevilla FC

Amount: 2.5 million EUR

Year: 2011

Ivan Rakitic has cemented his name as one of the best footballers of his time. He has had an illustrious career in which he has won numerous honors, including featuring in a World Cup final in 2018. However, despite his stature as a great player, Sevilla managed to get him from Schalke for a measly 2.5 million EUR.

He cemented his spot in Sevilla’s first team and continued to thrive for the three seasons he was there. His strengths were his versatility, as he could play anywhere in the midfield. The 2013/14 was his most successful season at the club, and it was his last. He featured 149 times for Sevilla and remained one of the best players in the club’s history.

Erling Haaland

Red Bull Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund

Amount: 22.5 million EUR

Year: 2020

Erling Haaland is undeniably the most sought-after striker in European football right now. He burst into the scene thanks to his move from Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund in the 2020 winter transfer window after paying his release clause.

The Norwegian striker has proven to be one of the best winter signings in Europe. He has scored crucial goals for his team, with his strengths being finishing, holding the ball, and providing key passes. He has also made history on his way to the top.

For example, he became the first player in the history of the UEFA Champions League to score three goals from his first four shots! Soccer fans are watching the young striker closely as he is tipped to make a move in the summer. Who knows, he could also make another shock winter transfer move!

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