5 teams with the highest squad value increase after 2021-22 winter transfer window

The 2021-22 winter transfer window was an eventful one. Although there weren't too many big-money signings, there were a few loan deals as teams improved their rosters.

Traditionally, teams do not prefer to spend big in the middle of the season, and the trend continued in this transfer window too. However, loan deals, with an option to buy, often provide efficient stop-gap solutions, which was the case this time as well.

Many teams across Europe's top five leagues used the recently concluded January window to to give themselves a fighting chance of winning silverware, a finish in the European places or avoid relegation. In the process, their squad value saw an increase.

On that note, here's a look at the five teams with the highest squad value increases following the 2021-22 winter transfer window:

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#5 Sevilla - €35 million

Sevilla had a decent winter transfer window.

Sevilla have had a decent 2021-22 campaign. They trail league leaders Real Madrid by four points after 22 games. The Andalusians will resume their European campaign in the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group.

Although they have conceded the fewest goals (16) in the Spanish top flight, they have had issues at the other end. Failure to score enough goals means they have failed to take advantage of the league leaders' faltering form - two wins in their last five. In this period, Sevilla have had only two wins, drawing the other three.

They used the winter transfer window to bring in Manchester United's wantaway striker Anthony Martial and right winger Tecatito Corona from Porto, both on loan.

Sevilla, meanwhile, sent out two players on loan and another on a free transfer. The Andalusians will hope for a strong end to their campaign as they seek to win their first league title in 76 years.

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#4 Juventus - €37 million

Juventus had a busy winter transfer window.

Juventus were one of the most active clubs in the recently concluded winter transfer window, and for good reason.

After an indifferent start to their 2021-22 campaign, they find themselves 11 points adrift of league leaders Inter Milan, who have a game in hand. The Bianconeri have struggled for goals since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

That explains why they were one of the biggest spenders in the transfer window, splurging €81 million to Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina.

The 22-year-old scored 22 league goals last season, and is already up to 17 this campaign.

Apart from the €70 million-rated Serbian marksman, Juventus also signed Swiss midfielder Denis Zakaria from Borussia Monchengladbach and centre-back Federico Gatti from Frosinone.

The Bianconeri sold Rodrigo Bentancur to Tottenham Hotspur, and sent out four players, including Dejan Kulusevski and Aaron Ramsey, on loan.

#3 Everton - €50 million

Everton made several additions to their squad in January.

Everton were one of the busiest Premier League clubs in the recently concluded winter transfer window.

With only five wins in 20 games, the Toffees are perilously close to the relegation zone. Their poor form this season cost Rafa Benitez his job, and Everton appointed former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard in his place.

The Merseysiders have also backed their new manager with a slew of winter reinforcements. They brought in left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kyiv and Nathan Patterson from Rangers. The Toffees also signed midfielders Donny van de Beek (Manchester United) and Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur) on loan, and winger Anwar El Ghazi from Aston Villa.

Nevertheless, Lampard has quite a task at hand as he integrates the new players to his roster and take the team to the top half of the league table.

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#2 Barcelona - €55 million

Barcelona new signings have hit the ground running.

Barcelona were one of the biggest spenders in Europe's top five leagues during the winter transfer window.

The Blaugrana are way off the pace in La Liga this season, trailing league leaders Real Madrid by 15 points, albeit with a game in hand. New manager Xavi Hernandez, who came in mid-season, has inherited a squad of talented youngsters and ageing superstars.

The club's poor financial situation meant they couldn't offer contract renewals to Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann last summer. As a result, they could make only one signing - Emerson Royal - and a few loan signings. With their finances improving, they delved into the market in winter to address the deficiencies in their roster, especially up front.

Barcelona splurged €55 million to bring in 21-year-old winger Ferran Torres from Manchester City.

They also brought in wantaway Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Dani Alves on free transfers. Adama Traore joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan.

Torres and Alves have already made goal contributions. Xavi will hope the others to also hit the ground running as Barcelona seek a strong end to the season.

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#1 Newcastle United - €57.5 million

Newcastle United made extensive additions to their roster in January.

Newcastle United were the talk of the town after their takeover last year by a Saudi-based consortium made them the wealthiest football club in the world.

However, on the field, the Magpies are languishing in the relegation zone, having won only twice all season. As a result, they delved into the winter transfer market, and were virtually linked with almost every available player.

Clubs did try to make the most of Newcastle's newfound wealth. Nevertheless, the Magpies still splurged over €100 million to augment all three areas of the field. Defensive midfielder Bruno Guimaraes (€42 million) was brought in from Lyon, while striker Chris Wood (€30 million) arrived from Burnley.

Meanwhile, right-back Kieran Tripper (€15 million) and centre-back Dan Brown (€15 million) were signed from Atletico Madrid and Brighton respectively.

Matt Targett arrived on loan from Aston Villa, while two other players returned from loan deals.