5 costliest January transfers in history

The January transfer window is like a small shed compared to the mansion that is the summer window. All the major activities happen in the summer, all the eye-catching transfers happen then. The January window is more about utility players, loan deals, and temporary recruits.

Despite that, numerous big deals have taken place in the middle of the season. Sometimes players are unhappy at the original club, which propels the move. Sometimes the move fails to go through in the summer, hence January is the solution.

Often, these signings make a great impact at the new club. They bring a breath of fresh air and bring new motivation for the business end of the season. Sometimes, it doesn't go as well due to the failure of settling in.

The January window has commenced as of now, and let's hope that some big and exciting deals go through. If they are anywhere close to these ones, we are in for a treat.

On that note, here are the costliest January transfers in history.

#5 Fernando Torres (£50m, Liverpool to Chelsea, 2011)

Chelsea broke the British transfer record in 2011 when they signed Torres amidst some great drama. Liverpool fans were irate that their star striker was allowed to leave, and Torres became a villain in Merseyside.

He did become Stamford Bridge's darling for a while, though that faded when he couldn't find his opening goal for the club. That drought lasted for 24 games before he finally scored against West Ham. Still, Torres failed to replicate his Anfield heroics at Chelsea. He scored just 20 goals for them in more than 100 appearances.

Torres scored that memorable goal against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, and he was a key part of the side that won the Europa League. Despite that, the transfer to Chelsea definitely was a turn for the worse for the Spaniard. He could not replicate his stunning performances from Liverpool, but he managed to add to the trophy cabinet. After Chelsea, he moved to boyhood club Atletico Madrid where he subsequently retired.

#4 Diego Costa (£57m, Chelsea to Atletico Madrid, 2018)

It's safe to say Diego Costa caught the public eye in England. He enjoyed three roller-coaster seasons with Chelsea and was loved and hated by fans alike. Costa won two Premier League titles, but his explosive personality eventually paved his way out.

Costa won the league with Antonio Conte, but their relationship turned sour towards the end. Conte texted Costa in the summer that his services won't be required for the upcoming season. A return to Atletico was always on the cards, and January was when it occurred. He was facing injury and fitness issues, hence the transfer happened later on.

He has not rekindled his Atleti form from previous years, however. His goals brought the LaLiga title in 2014 when he was unstoppable. Currently, he is sidelined, but expect him to make headlines soon. That's just the way he is, for better or worse.

#3 Oscar (£60m, Chelsea to Shanghai SIPG, 2017)

Oscar moved to China from Chelsea in 2017

This name may come up as a surprise to many. Oscar was one of the many exports to the Chinese league in recent years, and he was the costliest one. The Brazilian midfielder joined Shanghai SIPG from Chelsea in 2017 for £60m.

Oscar was not really fitting into Antonio Conte's 3-4-3 system in the 2016/17 season. He was a key component from their title-winning side from 2015, but he was demoted to the bench under Conte. He wanted consistent playing time, and Chelsea decided to cash in. Shanghai offered a high transfer fee and wages, and the deal passed through.

Many considered that Oscar was wasting his talents by going to a 'lesser' league in the middle of his prime. He's still aged just 27 and has been linked with European clubs in recent years.

#2 Virgin van Dijk (£75m, Southampton to Liverpool, 2018)

Van Dijk has been impressive for Liverpool

Liverpool's bank balance swelled due to Philippe Coutinho's departure to Barcelona last January. Jurgen Klopp dug in straightaway, making Virgil van Dijk the costliest defender in history. The Dutch centre-back was signed from Southampton for £75 million, as Liverpool made a statement signing.

Van Dijk has helped the Reds immensely. His arrival has radically changed the Liverpool defence. They reached the Champions League final last season, and now they are mounting a serious title challenge. Van Dijk has marshalled the meanest defence in the league this season, as Liverpool have conceded just 10 goals thus far.

Carrying the tag of the world's costliest defender brings great pressure, especially when you're at a club like Liverpool who is desperate to win trophies. Van Dijk has excelled thus far. Liverpool are 4 points clear at the top of the league, and the £75m is looking like money well spent.

#1 Philippe Coutinho (£142m, Liverpool to Barcelona, 2018)

Neymar left Barcelona in 2017 for a world-record transfer and the Catalan club signed two marquee players to fill his void. Ousmane Dembele came for big money in the summer, and he was followed by Philippe Coutinho in January. Liverpool received a mammoth £142 million for their Brazilian playmaker.

Coutinho had been courted by Barca in the summer, but any kind of deal failed to happen. He played half a season in England with great professionalism, but the persistence from Barca never extinguished. Coutinho's desire was too strong, and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had no choice in the end.

He won LaLiga in his first season in Spain, as Barcelona cantered to the title. Coutinho recorded 8 goals and 5 assists in 16 league appearances last season, which was a great start to life. He had failed to recreate that form this season, but the onus is on him to bounce back.

Edited by Sai Krishna