Transfer deadline day: Roundup of the 4 most prominent deals

The end of the January transfer is always expected to bring some exciting news. In particular, the last day of the window, i.e. the transfer deadline day is when all the action gets heated up as managers try to pull off signings which could impact the club in a significant way and club owners dig deep into their pockets to come out with the “gold” needed to attract some of the biggest names in Football from across Europe.

Yesterday, the 31st of January was one such day and perhaps the most fantastic one among them. The day began quietly, but as it went on and on, things started heating up with a two particular sides willing to dish out a lot of money. Yes, I am talking about Liverpool and Chelsea and the owners made it sure that the spotlight was on them. It was by far one of the most exciting football days I have ever come across in my life and the funny thing is, there weren’t any games played.

There were four prominent deals which were completed yesterday, excluding several others. But these four deals deserve a special mention and will probably be remembered for a long time.

1. Fernando Torres – Chelsea – £50 million

The talk has been going on for a while now and it was about times things were put to rest and the speculation ended. Fernando Torres who willingly put a transfer request at Liverpool earlier, who had several bids in the region of £35 million to £40 million rejected, finally completed his signing for a huge £50 million. The transfer means that Liverpool have been paid has been paid the fifth highest transfer fee ever for their star striker which is only behind the £80m move of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United to Real Madrid, the £60.5m move of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Barcelona, the £56m signing of Kaka by Real Madrid and the ever so popular capture of Zinedine Zidane at £54m.

Will Torres play against Liverpool this weekend?

This also includes the fact that Chelsea have now set the British Transfer Record by signing Torres, who is the most expensive player to be bought by an English club. The deal which was said to involve an exchange of Nicolas Anelka and 40 million pounds was changed and eventually the Reds got the entire money. I’m sure this would be a shock for the Liverpool fans who have seen Torres score 74 goals in his three and a half year spent at Anfield.

2. Andy Carroll – Liverpool – £35 million

The next big news of the day was Liverpool finding the replacement for Fernando Torres in the form of Andy Carroll for a mammoth £35 million. At the end of the day, this deal became the eighth highest transfer made ever which is a huge surprise considering the fact that Carroll is just 22 and little experience in the Premier League and none what so ever in Europe. Even though he has already won an England cap, critics around the world value Carroll only around £20 million. It goes to show the fact that Liverpool owners are ready to dish out money to make sure their side is potent enough to compete in the Premier League.

This transfer also broke a record as £35 million was the highest fee paid to sign an English Player. The previous record was held by Rio Ferdinand who was paid £30.2 million in 2002 when he was transferred from Leeds United to Manchester United. The news has been so popular around the world that Andy Carroll finds himself in the Trending Topics of Twitter for the past 8 hours. The deal also signifies the fact the Kenny Dalglish who is said to be the caretaker manager of Liverpool might be more than that having spent a lot of money in one day. The owners seem to trust him and this is a good sign for the club.

3. David Luiz – Chelsea – £21.3 million

Chelsea after failing with several bids for the Benfica defender, completed the deal late on the final day and this makes two big signings for them in the last few hours taking the Blues’ total spending to £71.3 million. Roman Abramovich means business and it can be seen that he doesn’t want to lose his championship title this season after numerous setbacks.

David Luiz will be looking to ease the defensive worries of the Blues

4. Luis Suarez – Liverpool – £22.8 million

The five and a half year deal which was said to be over on the previous day officially got wrapped up on the 31st with Suarez getting the Number 7 jersey which was previously worn by club legends Robbie Fowler and Kenny Dalglish. Suarez will now be partnering Andy Carroll in the near future as Liverpool signed the two strikers for a total of £58 million. Lots of expectation will be put on the new stars.

Luis Suarez will be wearing the prestigious no. 7 Red jersey

Now that the transfer saga is over, it is time for us to see these players in action for different teams. Are they worth so much money? Which of these signings will be declared best at the end of the season? Only time will tell.