Top 5 EPL deals from the January transfer window

January, a month of bargains and panic buys, a month when the teams are allowed to tweak their rosters and gear up for the remainder of the season. January, 2016 was no different as it saw all clubs splashing some cash to add on to their respective team. A reported £175 million was spent by the EPL clubs in the January transfer window, £50 million short of the record, with most of that money coming from smaller clubs trying to keep their EPL status affirmed. Sportskeeda takes a look at the 5 best signings completed during this window.

#5 Mohamed Elneny - from Basel to Arsenal for 5 million

Elneny training at Arsenal

Mohamed Elneny arrives at Arsenal with an impressive reputation having played 106 games for Basel in the two previous seasons. Popular for his work rate, the Egypt international has won several trophies for the Swiss side and has also featured in their Champions league campaigns regularly. Although the 23-year-old arrives as cover to the midfielders in the starting XI, Elneny has already started a game and made his debut for the Londoners in the FA cup victory against Burnley. Arsene Wenger was full of praise for the midfielder and expects him to be good signing for Arsenal. Elneny’s price tag won’t be a burden on his shoulders as the defensive midfielder looks to establish himself in the EPL.

#4 Mario Suarez Fiorentina to Watford for 4m

Mario Suarez battling in midfield

Watford have been targeting a top half finish in the Premier League from day one and adding Mario Suarez from Fiorentina to their ranks only proves that intent. The 6’2” Spain international was an essential part of the Atletico Madrid side that won six major trophies from 2010 to 2014 including the Europa League and the La Liga while also finishing as runners-up in the 2014 Champions League final. Arriving at Vicarage Road with such an impressive CV for £4m makes Mario a bargain who’d surely make a difference here in the EPL with his technique and presence in the midfield.

#3 Benik Afobe Wolves to Bournemouth for 10m

Benik Afobe starring for Bournemouth

Benik Afobe has been the buzz of the town for quite some time now, after his big money move from Wolves to Bournemouth and his two goals in three appearances for Eddie Howe’s side in the league. After being a part of Arsenal youth setup, the 23-year old finally ended up at Wolverhampton where the England born striker scored 23 goals in 40-odd games for the Wolves in the championship. And with that record, it was only a matter of time that quickie was snapped up by a top flight club. Having started justifying his £10m price tag, Afobe could well be the savior for Bournemouth and ensure them safety from relegation.

#2 Jonjo Shelvey Swansea to Newcastle for 12m

Jonjo Shelvey for Newcastle

For a player who has 126 Premier League appearances with 4 caps for his country and is still only 23, £12 million seems very less. Jonjo Shelvey started his football career for Charlton Athletic at an age of 16 years and 59 days. He became Charlton's youngest-ever player beating the previous holder, Paul Konchesky. Since then, he has come a long way as he first signed for Liverpool, and then Swansea city. After falling out of favour at the Liberty Stadium, Crystal Palace were also chasing the England international but it was Newcastle who secured his signature. No critic would question Jonjo’s ability, but it is only the temperament and consistency which stops him from becoming one of the top players in the league.

#1 Charlie Austin QPR to Southampton for 4m

Charlie Austin celebrates after scoring on debut

Charlie Austin was in huge demand last January and in summer due to his scoring spree in the Premier League for the strugglers Queens Park Rangers who were relegated despite 18 goals from their heroic forward. The 6’2” target man who has played for a couple of non-league sides continued his hot streak with 10 goals in just 16 appreances while playing for QPR in the championship. The fact that Southampton could rope in the England international who is still only 26 and has loads of experience for only £4million makes this bargain buy the best one of this January transfer window. Also, Charlie Austin on his dream debut for Southampton against Manchester United at Old trafford by scoring a winner in the dying minutes of the match removing any doubts on his hunger for goals in the top flight. He could well be the key for Southampton in their attempt to break in the top-six of the Premier League.