Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil doesn’t make the cut, nor does Manchester United’s big money transfers…
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Huge business was done last summer, and some big signings were made this January too. However, barely any of them have come and genuinely took the Premier League by storm…
Some have definitely impressed though, and here’s our top five permanent transfers of the season.
5) Wilfried Bony – Swansea
In all competitions, the Ivorian powerhouse has bagged 20 goals for Swansea this season, which is only two less than Michu managed last term, when the Spaniard won so many plaudits for his performances. Bony is exceptionally powerful, but (cliche coming…) is also very good with the ball at his feet. Unlike many strikers who arrive in England, he’s hit the ground running.
4) Willian – Chelsea
At around November time, Willian had more chance of being in our ‘Five Worst Signings’ list, as he could barely get into the side, despite his monster £30m move. Since winning a place in the team though, he’s impressed fans and neutrals alike with his endless work-rate and his exceptional technical ability – which allows him to retain possession in even the tightest of areas. If he could improve his shooting and final product, he could be a genuinely special player.
3) Fernandinho – Manchester City
It’s surprising that Fernandinho has been so unheralded, as he arrived for an enormous £35m fee in the summer. Alongside Yaya Toure though, the Brazilian has given City the best midfield platform in the country. Fernandinho can break up play, but also drive forward with the ball at his feet, and start attacks with crisp, zipped passes.
2) Nemanja Matic – Chelsea
Chelsea let the Serbian midfield enforcer go back in 2011, which proved a very expensive mistake, as they signed him back from Benfica for over £20m in January. Accepting their mistake has proved an excellent piece of business though. Matic is physically imposing, and provides Chelsea’s midfield with stature and presence. He also makes the correct decisions predominantly, and can bomb forward with the ball if he picks it up loose in midfield. Against Manchester City back in February, in what still could prove to be a title decider, Matic won Man of the Match at the Etihad, outshining Yaya Toure.
1) Curtis Davies – Hull City
Davies signed from Birmingham for just £2.25m from Championship side Birmingham, and has been an absolute rock at the heart of Hull’s defence. His form has helped propelled the Tigers to a comfortable mid-table position, and fans in the KC Stadium have even been chanting for Davies to be called up to England’s World Cup squad. While this might not happen, his signing has no doubt been a complete success.
