Deadline Day Wrap: Chelsea show why they’re winners
Premier League champions-elect Chelsea once again displayed their clinical transfer nous on a Transfer Deadline Day that failed to spark into life.
As this year’s January window slammed shut it was Jose Mourinho’s side who emerged as the big winners on an evening of high drama that ultimately yielded fitful rewards.
Such savvy transfer dealings are now commonplace at Stamford Bridge with the likes of David Luiz also shipped out for large fees in recent windows as the club look to balance the books in accordance with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Mourinho had long courted Cuadrado and finally got his man with the deal confirmed late in the day after a prolonged period of speculation. Mohamed Salah has moved in the opposite direction on a six-month loan after failing to establish himself in the Premier League.
Other headlines included the ‘will they-won’t they?’ sagas involving West Brom’s prospective moves for Carlton Cole and Darren Fletcher, with the latter signing late on in a two-and-a-half year deal from Manchester United.
Elsewhere, Everton concluded what looks to be a smart piece of business in luring Aaron Lennon to Goodison Park on loan for the rest of the season from Tottenham.
Spurs were also at the centre of a late twist with Togolese forward Emmanuel Adebayor linked with moves to both QPR and West Ham before the deadline passed and he was forced to stay put at White Hart Lane.
However, the north London did make a couple of useful acquisitions with the news that this season’s star man Harry Kane has penned a new five-year deal and exciting prospect Dele Alli has joined the club from MK Dons.
Meanwhile, goal-shy Aston Villa are left hoping their current crop can start firing after Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert opted to stay at Anfield.
The overall amount spent by Premier League clubs was reportedly £106m but ultimately a quiet January failed to yield too many mega deals.
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