Best U23 transfers of the 2022 January window

Football transfers have become increasingly expensive over the years. Hence, a large amount of effort is now invested by clubs in scouting systems.

These scouts look around for potential stars who can be bought by the club early on. It saves the team millions in transfer fees and wages. It is also exciting for fans to see a low-key transfer signing become a full-blown star at their club.

However, that does not mean all young players have low transfer values. Some of them are so good that they command high transfer prices despite their relative inexperience.

On that note, here are the best U23 transfers in the January 2022 window.

#5 Julian Alvarez - Transfer from River Plate to Manchester City

Every couple of years, a new South American wunderkid becomes the talk of the town. Players like Neymar, Sergio Aguero and Vinicius Jr. have recently been there in that position. Their transfers to Europe has been massive hits. The latest in line is Julian Alvarez.

The Argentine 21-year-old has been in the headlines over the last year or so due to his exploits for River Plate. Manchester City secured his transfer for €17 million. They have transferred him back to River Plate on loan until the end of the season.

Capable of playing in a variety of attacking positions, Alvarez has scored 27 and assisted a further 12 in 60 games across the Argentine league and Copa Libertadores. Once he settles in, City could be looking at their heir to Sergio Aguero.

#4 Amad Diallo - Transfer from Manchester United to Rangers

Manchester United v Fulham - Premier League

When United initially bought Amad Diallo there was a lot of hype and mystery around him. No one really knew what to expect from the new transfer as he hadn't played much senior football prior to the move.

A year on from the €21 million transfer, the statement is still true. In whatever limited time he has received on the pitch, the 19-year-old has impressed. He has been excellent for the U23 side as well.

Now on loan at Rangers, he has an opportunity to experience a run of consistent senior professional football. This will only help him develop into a star for the future.

#3 Romain Faivre

It is possible that a lot of people won't be familiar with Romain Faivre. He was playing at Brest and hence wasn't making regular headlines. But the big clubs had been paying attention to his recent performances. AC Milan wanted him but it was ultimately Lyon who secured his signature for €15 million. Faivre is a wide midfielder capable of playing on both sides of the pitch.

Last season was his breakthrough year where he managed six goals and five assists. This season, the 23-year-old Frenchman has already bettered that with seven goals and five assists.

Faivre most commonly acts as a creative outlet from wide, destabilizing defenses with his dribbling and passing. Although they don't play the same position, Faivre will help to take over the creative burden that Bruno Guimarães is leaving behind at Lyon.

#2 Ferran Torres

Athletic Club v FC Barcelona - Copa Del Rey

There was a lot of discussion as to why someone would leave a flourishing Manchester City side to join a struggling Barcelona side. Whatever be the reason, Ferran Torres has done just that. Xavi for one, will be glad he has.

The 21-year-old can play all across the frontline, having broken through as a winger at Valencia. Despite that, looking at his movement in the box Pep Guardiola decided to convert him into a striker.

Ferran is the latest addition to Barca's young Spanish core which could go on to dominate world football at both club and international level in the future. He already has one goal and one assist in three starts for Blaugrana. Given Ansu Fati's latest injury, he will be very important to fulfil Barca's hopes this season.

#1 Dusan Vlahovic

SSC Napoli v ACF Fiorentina - Coppa Italia

Signing Dusan Vlahovic in January was a masterstroke from the Juventus board. Most clubs might have bigger purses next summer and might have outbid the Old Lady for Vlahovic. So they went and got their man early.

Vlahovic is the current top scorer in Serie A with 17 goals. The big Serbian is physically blessed but his best trait is his finishing and clinicality in the box.

Inarguably the best striking U23 talent after Haaland right now, Vlahovic's goals will help Juventus push for a Champions League spot. In the long run, the 22-year-old could help the Old Lady become a dominant Serie A winner again. Fiorentina were reluctant to sell him to their rivals and the €75 million fee could soon look like a bargain.