The January transfer market hasn’t been as exciting as it was a year ago, but some clubs will be considerably more satisfied with their business than others.
On Thursday night at 11 p.m., the window slammed shut, marking one of the quietest days and months in recent memory.
Tottenham had a solid window for Postecoglou.
In 2023, a record £815 million was spent, with Chelsea breaking the British record by buying Enzo Fernandez for £107 million.
That is due to legitimate concerns about teams adhering to Financial Fair Play standards.
Deals were still made and money spent, as Jim White and Alex Crook discussed the winners and losers on talkSPORT’s Deadline Day Show.
Winners: Tottenham
Tottenham began the January transfer window with ambition, completing a loan deal for Timo Werner and the permanent signing of Radu Dragusin quickly.
Eric Dier, Hugo Lloris, and Ivan Perisic were among the players who left.
On deadline day, the team secured another coup by signing outstanding youngster Lucas Bergvall from Swedish side Djugarden, with Barcelona also interested in the player.
Alex Crook, chief football writer for talkSPORT, said: “I think Spurs are the winners; they got the deals that Ange Postecoglou wanted relatively early in Werner and Dragusin – one of the few paid-for signings this window.”
“The fact they’ve managed to get Bergvall from under the noses of Barcelona right at the death is a feather in their cap.”
Werner has already provided two assists for Spurs
Crystal Palace.
Palace was one of the largest spenders in the January transfer window, which is not something that happens very often.
Daniel Munoz was confirmed from Genk for £8 million, while Adam Wharton was signed on deadline day from Blackburn for £22 million.
He said: “I think Palace have done quite well to give Roy Hodgson a bit of squad depth between now and the end of the season.”
Hodgson has reinforcements for the rest of this season.
Losers: Everton
The Toffees are in the Premier League relegation zone and must turn things around to avoid being relegated again.
They would have been in a far stronger position if they hadn’t been deducted 10 points, but their FFP issues prevented them from signing anyone.
Instead, Mason Holgate signed for Sheffield United on deadline day.
Crook stated: “I believe Everton is one of the losers; I saw them midweek and they couldn’t finish their dinner at Craven Cottage.
“Dominic Calvert-Lewin has not scored in 16 games, and Beto appears like he will never score again!
“I’m concerned for Everton, whether or without the points deduction. They’re in serious difficulty.
Dyche faces a real battle to maintain Everton in the Premier League.
Newcastle
Eddie Howe’s squad is having a considerably rougher time this season, sitting seventh in the Premier League and out of Europe entirely.
Newcastle have struggled with injuries and have been unable to add players due to FFP limits.
More attention has been focused on the players who could go instead, with Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson, and Miguel Almiron all connected with departures.
They retained hold of their stars but were unable to strengthen.
Almiron came close to moving to Saudi Arabia.
Crook added, “Newcastle appear weak. In an ideal world, they would have preferred to add a few players, including Kalvin Phillips.”
If the Magpies want to bring in new players, they will most likely have to sell during the summer.
