Best January transfers XI from Premier League era

With the January transfer window coming to a close, so did the #gotgotneed campaign from bookmaker betway, the campaign looked at the ideal players for particular clubs. With the exception of Stoke and Everton no one really splashed the cash this window but that was certainly not the case in years gone by. The January window has seen the signings of some of the Premier Leagues best players so with that in mind we round up the best 11 ever signed during the January window.

The January transfer window is once again in full swing and, as usual, Betway are running the #gotgotneed campaign. The campaign, which has a huge following online, and especially on Twitter, will again conclude with a starting line-up consisting of the top XI players signed in this winter window.

So, sit back and enjoy the team which will tog out in a 4-3-3 formation!

GK: Carlo Cudicini

The January transfer window usually sees Premier League managers delve into some business for players that can inspire a season revival or edge them towards silverware success with goalscoring or creative talents.

Though, in January 2009, Tottenham secured a huge coup for their defence as they signed Italian shot-stopper Cudicini from London rivals Chelsea, having been allowed to leave on a free due to his services to the Blues.

The talented goal guard endured an indifferent spell with Spurs, having to contest with the likes of Heurelho Gomes, Brad Friedel and Hugo Lloris during his time, as well as being forced to overcome horrific car crash injuries to return to competitive action.

Although, Cudicini did make an impact on the Tottenham side during a famous Champions League run, featuring during their amazing victory over Inter Milan at White Hart Lane, as well as impressive displays domestically, despite having no silverware to show for it.

DF: Branislav Ivanovic

Current top-flight champions Chelsea targeted and signed stalwart Serbian defender Ivanovic back in January 2008, and the dominant versatility player has since gone on to enjoy plenty of success, whether it’s filling in at right back or in the centre alongside John Terry.

Ivanovic was key to the Blues securing the Premier League title under Jose Mourinho last term, and was rightfully part of the PFA Team of the Year back in 2009/10.

His most astute contributions, though, were arguably in the 2012 Champions League semi-finals against Spanish giants Barcelona, helping the Londoners hold out and eventually go on to lift their maiden European Cup under then-temporary coach Roberto Di Matteo.

DF: Nemanja Vidic

During January of 2005, Manchester United were in process of building a new squad under Sir Alex Ferguson, and Serbian rock Vidic would soon become an integral part of future success, as he arrived from Spartak Moscow for a modest sum of £7m.

The aggressive centre back soon gave the Old Trafford faithful plenty to adore, with his commanding displays in the heart of defence seeing him eventually take the captain’s armband and forge a dominant title-winning partnership with Rio Ferdinand.

Vidic was a passionate, no-nonsense defender that is now compared to and even regarded higher than the likes of past defensive Man Utd heroes Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister, with several Premier League honours and a Champions League medal now resting in his trophy cabinet.

DF: Gary Cahill

Another very successful winter swoop for Chelsea, with England international Cahill still enjoying a career at Stamford Bridge, following his January 2012 switch from Bolton Wanderers.

Former Blues coach Andre Villas-Boas didn’t exactly earn many plaudits for his time in London, with Chelsea or Spurs, but one of final acts as Blues boss turned out to be a long-standing hit in capturing Cahill.

The England defender was pinched for £7m and won the Champions League only four months after arriving in new surroundings. Not too shabby.

DF: Patrice Evra

Manchester United landed rapid French full back Evra from Ligue 1 outfit Monaco during the 2005 January transfer window, as he arrived alongside Vidic, and he swiftly went on to become a genuine fan favourite at Old Trafford.

The France international left back quickly cemented himself as regular under Ferguson, with the former Scottish boss having signed the defender as part of his rebuilding plans at the club.

Having developed under Ferguson into one of the world’s best full backs, Evra ultimately helped the Red Devils earn immense silverware success before departing for ventures new at Juventus, with four league titles and a Champions League medal the pick of his esteemed honours collection.

MF: Nemanja Matic

Chelsea were not afraid to admit they made a massive error in judgement when they allowed towering defensive midfielder Matic to leave in the first place.

The Blues snapped the solid central unit back from Benfica for a substantial £21m in January 2014 and he quickly established himself as a pivotal player, helping wrap up a Premier League triumph last season, with his calmness and imposing presence in midfield making him a true hit.

MF: Javier Mascherano

Both Mascherano and his Argentine compatriot Carlos Tevez controversially arrived at West Ham United in 2006, but then-Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez pounced the following January to capture the midfielder.

The Hammers misfit, now with Barcelona, was a huge success with the Merseysiders, joining Spaniard Xabi Alonso in the Reds midfield to forge a truly formidable central line-up.

While Tevez was busy helping keep the Hammers afloat in the top tier, Mascherano had Champions League final duties, becoming a key aspect of the side that were ultimately downed 2-1 by AC Milan. His aggressive approach saw him become an Anfield crowd favourite before leaving for Spain in 2010, following the departure of Benitez.

MF: Mikel Arteta

After seeing midfield maestro Alonso depart for Liverpool in the summer of 2004, Real Sociedad also witnessed Spanish ace Arteta leave for the other half of Merseyside, when Everton initially captured him on loan before a permanent £2m move in January 2005.

The current Arsenal midfield anchorman spent six-and-a-half impressive seasons with the Toffees, wining over the Goodison Park crowd with his displays which helped Everton clinch a Premier League fourth spot and subsequent Champions League play-off position.

RW: Juan Mata

David Moyes’ tenure at Man Utd was far from spectacular, with the signing of Spanish playmaker Mata in January turning out to be his best contribution to the club, which maybe says a lot.

Mata swapped Chelsea for the Red Devils for what was then a club record fee for the latter side at £37.1m, and has since been a constant feature for them under Louis van Gaal.

Despite his impressive individual displays over the past two campaigns, the former Valencia attacker is without a trophy in red, something he will look to change this season.

FW: Luis Suarez

It’s hard to believe that Suarez’s £22.5m move from Dutch giants Ajax in January 2011 was overshadowed by the club record capture of Andy Carroll from Newcastle United in the same window.

The two forwards went on hugely contrasting paths at Anfield, with Suarez highlighting himself as one of the world’s most deadly frontmen, before heading to the Nou Camp in 2014.

Suarez’s incredible 31-goal haul was agonisingly not enough to fire Liverpool to a famous Premier League coup in the 2013/14 season, with the Uruguayan having Steven Gerrard to thank for that. Although, all was not lost, as the club did make a mammoth profit when Barcelona forked over a whopping £75m for his services.

LW: Christophe Dugarry

Very few would have believed their eyes when they witnessed former Barcelona and AC Milan forward Dugarry lining out for West Midlands club Birmingham City, after a January 2003 loan switch from Bordeaux.

The flamboyant French attacker struck a crucial five goals in as many games for the club to ensure they battled back from any relegation fears and retained their Premier League status, having also been inducted into their Hall of Fame for such superb efforts.