We evaluate the winter market transfers of the big European clubs

The coronavirus pandemic has made the summer transfer market radically different from its predecessors; however, with football back on the sports agenda, the January window of major leagues in Europe will open as usual.

Despite the fact that clubs invested 1.5 billion euros ($ 1.9 billion) less in the summer, in October last year they agreed on a series of transactions that will be completed as soon as the winter window opens. Traditionally, January is a quieter month; However, will the events that are still taking place worldwide motivate the big football clubs to implement a few different strategies?

Here are our assessments for all major steps planned. The latest reviews lead to this note; while the capsules of each data were ordered from the largest transaction. If you do not find a qualification for a newly completed subscription, please return in a few hours. All amounts are expressed in accordance with unofficial journalistic information; if not confirmed, a condition expressed by an asterisk

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JANUARY 4
Arsenal: C

Schalke: B +

Currently, Schalke is a mess and they need all the help they can get. The club adds a string of 13 games without knowing victory in the first half of its Bundesliga campaign. Bringing a former player back is a good start; However, giving the captain’s armband, despite being a member of the team on loan for the rest of the season, is a clear sign that things are not going well. Kolasinac wants to make a good impression and is certainly able to make good contributions to Schalke.

In a way, Arsenal make a risky bet, hoping that Kieran Tierney is in good physical condition. The Scottish team defender has shown an excellent level this season; however, if he were injured, the Gunners would be in trouble in Kolasinac’s absence. His options in the left defender position would be made up of Bukayo Saka, who can be better used in higher positions on the field; and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is more comfortable on the right wing or in the middle of the field. Obviously, Kolasinac was frustrated by the lack of minutes of play (and probably unhappy to see that his friend Mesut Özil was demoted from DT Mikel Arteta’s calls); however, letting him go in a season characterized by a greater profusion of injuries than previous tournaments could prove to be an extremely costly decision.

JANUARY 2
DIALLO LOVE

21 million euros (19 million pounds, 25.5 million dollars)
Atalanta: B

Manchester United: B

* The transaction to be formalized depends on the work visa notice

With only a handful of matches under the Italian club’s shirt, the announcement of Diallo’s move to Manchester United in October last year was a surprise. Atalanta trained the 18-year-old in their career and, obviously, he traded at a much higher level; however, the Red Devils’ offer of 21 million euros, with the possibility of adding an additional 20 million euros, was too good to refuse. It was possible for Atalanta to keep Diallo in their ranks for several years to see how he matured in the field; but no one can complain that Atalanta preferred to take the money, given the current situation.

United bets; however, their transfer policy focuses on young players and they have certainly taken on one of the most interesting wings of the day. It would be a surprise to see Diallo go straight to the first team; But they did well to beat the competition to sign a player who was watched for a year after making a good impression in the UEFA Youth League. It’s a lot of money; although at least half of the monetary commitment depends on its performance on the ground.
FC Salzburg: B

RB Leipzig: A

The relationship between the two clubs owned by energy drink maker Red Bull has greatly facilitated negotiations between the two sides. In addition, it has been a journey taken by many players in the past. It is possible that Salzburg got a much bigger amount of money in exchange for the Hungarian midfielder with another team; however, they have the ability to deposit the check and turn the page, focusing on developing their future young emerging talent.

Szoboszlai has attracted the attention of strong clubs, including Arsenal, AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Therefore, Leipzig did an incredible job of convincing the 20-year-old to continue his development in Germany. This is probably the perfect club for him, as he has a style of play similar to Salzburg; Moreover, the Bundesliga has a reputation for enhancing the talents of its young players. You can expect to hear more about Szoboszlai in the years to come.
FILIP STEVANOVIC

8 million euros (6 million pounds, 9.75 million dollars)
Partisan Belgrade: C +

Manchester City: B-

Partizan took an unusual step, announcing this transaction with Manchester City in October last year without confirmation from the English club; Consequently, doubts remain about this operation. The 18-year-old winger is obviously highly regarded by the Serbian club, of which he has been a member since he was 9 years old. Stevanovic managed to establish himself in the starting XI of the general team this year, after growing up in different categories of young people. The partisan will receive EUR 8 million, plus additional considerations; however, they will probably end up regretting letting Stevanovic go so early in his career.