Best Premier League transfers in January 2024

The January transfer window in the Premier League typically witnesses a flurry of activity.

However, this year saw a more cautious approach, unsurprisingly driven by the looming threat of Profit and Sustainability rules that put the brakes on excessive spending. 

Despite the relative quiet, the transfer window still delivered some fireworks, and we’ve detailed some of the most eye-catching transfers that got over the line.

Adam Wharton – Blackburn Rovers to Crystal Palace

Adam Wharton traded Championship’s Blackburn Rovers for the Premier League’s Crystal Palace in perhaps the most surprising tale of the January transfer window.

Considering he had become the centre of attraction for several big teams in the top flight, his move to Selhurst Park left many people bewildered as to why he didn’t bide his time until the summer to secure a more lucrative deal.

Nevertheless, Palace have pulled off one of the signings of the window and will hope Wharton’s arrival sparks a turnaround in fortunes as the club looks nervously over their shoulders in the league table.

Morgan Rogers – Middlesbrough to Aston Villa

Aston Villa have been long-term admirers of Middlesbrough prospect Morgan Rogers, so it was only a matter of time before a move to Villa Park materialised.

After several back-and-forth negotiations, both clubs finally found common ground, perhaps driven by the forward’s performance in the League Cup semi-final second-leg drubbing against Chelsea.

Rogers was the only bright spark in a well-beaten Boro side, netting his team’s only goal of the 6-1 defeat and will hope to replicate his fine form in the top flight.

Valentin Barco – Boca Juniors to Brighton & Hove Albion

Valentin Barco’s move to Brighton & Hove Albion is one of those exciting deals that somehow flew under the radar, with the Seagulls plucking yet another promising talent at a bargain.

The £7.8 million signing from Boca Juniors is just another example of Brighton’s astute scouting and development prowess, with Barco set to serve as an understudy to the experienced Pervis Estupinan.

Barco had previously caught the eye of many top clubs in the Premier League and could be the next gem polished to perfection on the south coast ahead of a mega-money exit in the future.

Armando Broja – Chelsea to Fulham

Armando Broja was marketed at a premium £50 million valuation earlier in the transfer window when several Premier League clubs began expressing interest.

After much deliberation, Chelsea finally opened up to the prospect of a temporary deal, pocketing a £4m loan fee from Fulham, who were determined to strike an agreement before the deadline.

Broja returned just two goals in 19 games for Chelsea, and a move to Fulham could make or break the Albanian who still dreams of establishing himself in Stamford Bridge.

Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City to West Ham United

The most high-profile switch of the January transfer window saw Kalvin Phillips finally end his nightmare spell at Manchester City with a move to West Ham, albeit on loan.

However, perhaps rusty from warming the bench at the Etihad Stadium, Phillips struggled to find his rhythm and had a debut to forget.

He lost possession 12 times, was unsuccessful in two attempted dribbles, won five of ten ground duels and committed an error leading to a goal. 

While one underwhelming performance doesn’t define a season, the pressure is on Phillips to redeem himself, and the Hammers will hope it’s a one-off. 

However, on the bright side, they can ship him back to Manchester at the end of the season if the loan proves unsuccessful.

Giovanni Reyna – Borussia Dortmund to Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest also raised eyebrows last month after completing a loan move for United States star Giovanni Reyna on a loan deal from Borussia Dortmund.

Reyna was once considered one of the most exciting young talents ever produced by the US, but injuries have stalled his development.

After finding himself on the fringes at Signal Iduna Park, a move to City Ground could be what he needs to revive his once-promising career.

Radu Dragusin – Genoa to Tottenham Hotspur

Radu Dragusin is the latest obscure talent to land at Tottenham Hotspur since the north London outfit revised their transfer strategy.

Considering the enormous success of Guglielmo Vicario since he joined the club, much is expected from Dragusin, who was nicknamed ‘the warrior’ at Genoa.

Dragusin has only made two cameo appearances for Spurs, with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven already an established partnership. 

However, he should prove to be a money-for-value acquisition in the future.

Ben Brereton-Diaz – Villarreal to Sheffield United

Ben Brereton-Diaz was the first acquisition for Sheffield United in the January transfer window and has already made an instant impact, netting in his opening two Premier League games.

Even though he didn’t end up on the winning side of either fixture, United fans will be delighted with his contributions and hope there’s even more to come from the striker.

However, his goalscoring exploits may not be enough to rescue the Blades from the relegation battle as the basement club sit nine points away from 17th-placed Luton Town, who have a game in hand.