5 big moves which have already happened in the January transfer window (2022)

#3 Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid to Newcastle United) - €14.4 million

Club Atletico de Madrid v Real Betis - La Liga Santander

Kieran Trippier has made the unlikely switch from Atletico Madrid to Newcastle United. The Englishman won the La Liga title with the Rojiblancos last season and Newcastle United are essentially relegation fodder in the Premier League.

Backed by new investors, the Magpies have made no secret of their ambitions. Trippier is a great signing for them and is a significant upgrade on their current full-backs. The 31-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Newcastle United. The club will have the option to extend it by a further year.

He could make his debut for Eddie Howe's side as early as Saturday in an FA Cup encounter against Cambridge. Reports claim Atletico Madrid wanted Trippier to stay at the club at least until the end of the season. However, the right-back informed them that his heart is set on returning to England.

Speaking to the press after signing the contract, Trippier said:

"I really enjoyed my time in Madrid, but when I became aware of interest from Newcastle United, and having worked with Eddie Howe before, I knew this was where I wanted to be."

#2 Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona to Aston Villa) - Loan

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol - La Liga Santander

Philippe Coutinho has embarked on his second loan spell since signing for Barcelona. The Brazilian international will join Aston Villa for the remainder of the season. He will be working under his former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, who is currently the manager of Aston Villa.

Coutinho was one of the best players in the Premier League when he left to join Barcelona in 2018. However, that move has not worked out for him and a few seasons and a slew of injuries later, he is looking to revive his career in the English top-flight.

Coutinho joins Aston Villa on a six-month loan deal and the Premier League outfit do have a purchase option. The 29-year-old's departure is crucial to Barcelona as well as they will be able to finally register the signing of...

#1 Ferran Torres (Manchester City to Barcelona) - €55 million

FC Barcelona Training Session

Ferran Torres to Barcelona is the most high-profile transfer of the January transfer window thus far. The Spaniard has been sidelined with a fractured foot but is now nearing a return. Torres joined Manchester City in the summer of 2020.

He made 43 appearances across all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side, scoring 16 goals and providing four assists in the process. Torres finished as the top goalscorer in the UEFA Nations League earlier this year.

He is a highly exciting young forward with pace, great technical ability and maturity that belies his age. Barcelona have been desperate to bring in reinforcements to their frontline and in the 21-year-old, they have found a long-term solution to their problems.

Torres has signed a five-year contract with Barcelona and is now all set to be registered following Coutinho's departure to Newcastle United on loan.