Around the Premier League: January Transfer Window Edition

Story posted February 3, 2023 in

The end of January is one of the most exciting times for a soccer fan as teams move around players hoping to bolster their roster or gain additional funds.

Keylor Navas, João Cancelo, Jorginho and Enzo Fernandez were among the top players switching places.

Let’s dive into these top transactions from soccer’s top league.

Paris Saint-Germain Loan Keylor Navas to Nottingham Forest

In their first season back in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest has done surprisingly well, currently sitting 13th in the table despite a negative 19-goal differential.

However, with Nottingham Forest being just four points clear of the relegation zone and top keeper Dean Henderson being seriously injured, they needed to make a move for a keeper and make one they did.

Nottingham Forest went to reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain and worked out a deal for 36-year-old Keylor Navas. With Gianluigi Donnarumma being the clear top-cut keeper, Navas, who is still a top-class keeper, became available.

This is a perfect fit with Navas still being able to play top-tier soccer while Donnarumma no longer has to worry about Navas being behind him anymore.

Look for Navas to debut on Sunday against Leeds United.

Manchester City Loans to Bayern Munich João Cancelo

In a shocking move, Manchester City sent one of the world's best full-backs, João Cancelo, on loan to Bayern Munich with an option to buy for a €70m fee.

Cancelo had a falling out of favor of late with manager Pep Guardiola who had been keeping him out of the starting 11. Supposedly Cancelo had a blow-up with Guardiola before the FA Cup match against Arsenal, leading to Manchester City green-lighting the loan.

Cancelo has already made an impact for Bayern Munich, recording an assist in his first match, a 4-0 victory against Mainz.

Chelsea Transfers Jorginho to Arsenal for €10m

After failing to acquire  young top-tier winger like Mykhailo Mudryk, who signed with Chelsea for a €88m fee, the Gunners pivoted to address the midfield following an injury to Mohamed Elneny.

As a result, the 2021 UEFA Player of the Year is heading to the league-leading Arsenal in hopes of helping Arsenal win the Premier League for the first time since 2003-04.

Jorginho may not have the same burst but can still dictate the attack from deep and build-up attacks when he presses in the midfield. Additionally, Jorginho is an excellent penalty taker and could take over that role for Arsenal.

His veteran leadership should also boost the Gunners as they attempt to win the UEFA Europa League.

Jorginho will look to make his debut Saturday when Arsenal faces Everton.

Benfica Transfers Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea for €121m

After spending €88m on Mykhailo Mudryk earlier in the transfer, Chelsea again spent big as they acquired Enzo Fernandez for €121m.

Fernandez's value has skyrocketed in just a few months as he was sold to Benfica in August for only €14m. Since going to Benfica, Fernandez has played like a top-class player, and his role as a starter on a World Cup-winning Argentina squad only raised his value even higher.

Chelsea will hope the 21-year-old continues to improve and become one of the club's all-time greats.

Fernandez’s first chance to play with Chelsea will be on Friday when they square off against Fulham.

Ben Palillo is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email bgp5079@psu.edu.