The January transfer window often divides opinion among fans and pundits. It’s either the perfect time for teams to reinforce mid-season or a desperate scramble to plug glaring gaps. Over the years, the Premier League has seen some truly transformative signings during this month. Since we are already in the year 2025, we’ve compiled a list of the 25 best January signings in Premier League history.
These players didn’t just adapt quickly; they made monumental contributions to their teams, proving that a well-executed January transfer can define a season or even an era.
25 Best January Signings In the Premier League
1. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, 2020)
Signed from Sporting CP for £47 million, Bruno Fernandes transformed Manchester United’s fortunes almost immediately. In his debut season, he scored 8 goals and provided 7 assists in just 14 Premier League appearances, guiding United to a third-place finish. Over subsequent seasons, Fernandes became United’s talisman, contributing over 40 goals and 30 assists across all competitions in his first two full seasons. His leadership and creativity in midfield have earned him multiple Player of the Month awards and a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
2. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, 2018)
Liverpool’s £75 million signing from Southampton proved to be a transformative figure in defence. Van Dijk’s impact was immediate, as he helped Liverpool reach the 2018 Champions League final. In the following season, his defensive dominance was instrumental in Liverpool’s Champions League victory and their record-breaking 97-point Premier League campaign. In 2020, he anchored the defence, finally delivering Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years. Van Dijk’s Ballon d’Or runner-up finish in 2019 highlights his influence and consistency.
3. Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United, 2006)
Vidic joined Manchester United for just £7 million from Spartak Moscow and became a cornerstone of one of the Premier League’s greatest defences. Vidic helped United win five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008 by forming a legendary partnership with Rio Ferdinand. Known for his bravery and aerial prowess, he was twice named Premier League Player of the Season (2008/09 and 2010/11).
4. Luis Suárez (Liverpool, 2011)
Luis Suárez arrived from Ajax for £22.8 million and quickly became one of the league’s most electrifying players. In the 2013/14 season, Suárez scored 31 goals in 33 league games, earning him the Golden Boot and the PFA Player of the Year award. Despite controversies, his technical brilliance and relentless work ethic almost delivered Liverpool their first Premier League title that season.
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5. Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City, 2014)
Signed for a mere £400,000 from Le Havre, Mahrez initially flew under the radar. However, his performances during Leicester’s miraculous 2015/16 title-winning campaign were extraordinary. Mahrez scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists, earning him the PFA Player of the Year award. His creativity and skill on the ball established him as one of the league’s top wingers.
6. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal, 2018)
Aubameyang’s £56 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund brought an immediate return. The Gabonese striker scored 10 goals in 13 Premier League appearances in his first half-season. Over the next two seasons, he won the Premier League Golden Boot (2018/19) and was instrumental in Arsenal’s 2020 FA Cup triumph, scoring twice in the final against Chelsea.
7. Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur, 2015)
Signed for £5 million from MK Dons, Alli became a revelation for Tottenham. His debut Premier League season saw him score 10 goals and provide 9 assists, earning him the PFA Young Player of the Year award. Alli repeated this feat the following season and played a key role in Tottenham’s rise as a consistent top-four side and their 2019 Champions League final appearance.
8. Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth, 2008)
Defoe’s £7.5 million move from Tottenham to Portsmouth reignited his career. He scored 8 goals in just 12 Premier League appearances in the second half of the season, helping Portsmouth maintain their top-flight status. His clinical finishing made him one of the most reliable strikers in the league.
9. Clint Dempsey (Fulham, 2007)
Dempsey joined Fulham for £2 million from New England Revolution and became a cult hero. His crucial goals, including the one that secured Fulham’s Premier League survival in 2007, cemented his legacy. Dempsey’s 23-goal haul in the 2011/12 season remains one of the finest campaigns by a Fulham player.
10. Patrice Evra (Manchester United, 2006)
Patrice Evra struggled initially after his £5.5 million move from Monaco but grew into one of the Premier League’s best-ever left-backs. Evra won five Premier League titles and the Champions League with Manchester United, contributing both defensively and offensively with tireless runs and key assists.
11. Seamus Coleman (Everton, 2009)
Signed for just £60,000 from Sligo Rovers, Coleman became a symbol of value in the transfer market. The Irishman’s consistency at right-back saw him rack up over 300 appearances for Everton. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2013/14 season, showcasing his elite performances.
12. Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace, 2015)
Returning to Palace after a tough spell at Manchester United, Zaha rediscovered his form and became the club’s talisman. His goals, assists, and ability to torment defenders have kept Palace in the Premier League, making him one of their most influential players in modern history.
13. Andrew Robertson (Liverpool, 2017)
Robertson’s £8 million move from Hull City was initially met with scepticism. However, the Scottish left-back has since become one of the world’s best in his position. Robertson’s energy, pinpoint crosses, and defensive acumen were instrumental in Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League triumphs.
14. Gary Cahill (Chelsea, 2012)
Cahill’s £7 million move from Bolton Wanderers saw him become a mainstay in Chelsea’s defence. He won two Premier League titles and played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s dramatic 2012 Champions League victory, particularly in the final against Bayern Munich.
15. Kevin Campbell (Everton, 1999)
Campbell joined Everton on loan in January and scored 9 goals in 8 matches to help the Toffees avoid relegation. His heroics earned him a permanent deal, and he remained a key figure for Everton in the years that followed.
16. Mikel Arteta (Everton, 2005)
Arteta’s technical ability and football intelligence transformed Everton’s midfield. Signed initially on loan from Real Sociedad, his performances led to a permanent deal. Arteta played over 200 games for the club and was integral to their European qualification campaigns.
17. Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Middlesbrough, 2005)
Yakubu joined Middlesbrough in January and provided an immediate goal threat. His goals in the Premier League and Europe were key to Middlesbrough’s remarkable run to the 2006 UEFA Cup final.
18. Papiss Cissé (Newcastle United, 2012)
Cissé scored an astonishing 13 goals in 14 Premier League matches after his January arrival from Freiburg. His stunning volley against Chelsea remains one of the league’s most iconic goals. His form helped Newcastle secure a fifth-place finish that season.
19. Odion Ighalo (Manchester United, 2020)
While a short-term signing, Ighalo scored crucial goals in the FA Cup and Europa League for Manchester United. His work ethic and experience provided valuable depth during a congested schedule.
20. Benni McCarthy (Blackburn Rovers, 2006)
McCarthy joined Blackburn Rovers from Porto in January 2006 for £2.5 million and made an immediate impact. In his first full season (2006/07), he scored 18 Premier League goals, finishing second in the league’s Golden Boot race. McCarthy’s consistent performances in the UEFA Cup helped Blackburn reach the Round of 32, cementing his reputation as one of the most efficient strikers in Europe at the time.
21. Christophe Dugarry (Birmingham City, 2003)
French World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry joined Birmingham City in January 2003 and played a key role in their successful battle against relegation. In just 15 appearances, Dugarry scored five crucial goals, including a brace against Southampton. His flair and technical ability brought a touch of class to Birmingham, and his contributions earned him cult hero status among fans.
22. Philippe Coutinho (Aston Villa, 2022)
Coutinho’s loan move from Barcelona to Aston Villa reunited him with former teammate Steven Gerrard, who managed Villa at the time. The Brazilian playmaker scored on his debut against Manchester United and went on to register five goals and three assists in his first six months. His creativity revitalized Villa’s attack, and his performances were instrumental in their successful fight to avoid relegation.
23. Javier Mascherano (Liverpool, 2007)
Liverpool secured Javier Mascherano on loan from West Ham in January 2007. The Argentine midfielder became the heartbeat of Liverpool’s midfield, offering tenacity, ball-winning ability, and tactical intelligence. Mascherano was pivotal in Liverpool’s run to the 2007 Champions League final and formed a formidable partnership with Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard in midfield.
24. Luis Díaz (Liverpool, 2022)
Luis Díaz joined Liverpool from FC Porto in January 2022 for a fee of £37 million and immediately became a fan favourite. The Colombian winger made an instant impact, scoring key goals and providing assists during Liverpool’s push for an unprecedented quadruple. Díaz was particularly influential in the Reds’ FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumphs and played a vital role in their Champions League run, with his pace, creativity, and flair adding a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack.
25. Nemanja Matić (Chelsea, 2014)
Nemanja Matić returned to Chelsea in January 2014 after a stint at Benfica, and his presence transformed the Blues’ midfield. His defensive prowess, tactical awareness, and ability to shield the backline were instrumental in Chelsea’s title-winning campaign in 2014/15. Matić formed a solid partnership with Cesc Fàbregas and became a cornerstone of José Mourinho’s side, playing a crucial role in the club’s domestic success.
Conclusion
The January transfer window has undeniably shaped the Premier League, producing some of the most transformative signings in football history. From Bruno Fernandes to Luis Suárez, these players have left an indelible mark on their clubs and the league. As we are in January 2025, fans eagerly await the next wave of talent. Could a signing join the ranks of the best January signings the Premier League has ever witnessed? Only time will tell if this transfer window will once again deliver a player destined for greatness.