What impact will the January transfer window have on the Premier League title race?

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There’s a myth that goes a long way back saying that there’s no value in the January transfer market, and that myth often does seem true. However, if this truly is the case, then why do so many clubs take the mid-season opportunity to invest in their squads?

At this time of year, there is no end of rumours linking Premier League clubs with all sorts of players from around the world. But why is it that the top clubs are yet to become active in this window? With six clubs still seemingly vying for the title (Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United), each and every one of them will be looking to gain an edge on their opponents, and this transfer window could provide them with the opportunity to do that. In fact, Bet Bonus Code offer some great bonuses to be able to back one of these teams for the title.

Transfer window so far

Up until now, there has been little transfer activity to report from the Top 6 this month. The most notable signing so far has been Gabriel Jesus from Palmerias to Manchester City for a reported £27 million, although this can hardly count as a January buy as the deal was agreed back in the summer.

The only other first-team acquisition (of sorts) for any of the top clubs has been the return of Nathan Ake to Chelsea after his very successful loan spell at Bournemouth. Despite Ake’s return, Chelsea have arguably been weakened so far this month as they’ve seen Jon Obi Mikel and Oscar depart for the riches of the Chinese Super League.

January transfer successes

Despite the stigma often attached to players signed in January – largely due to their inflated fee – some of the top clubs have managed to pick up some great signing during the mid-season window. Players such as Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra were both signed by Manchester United in January 2006, while Edin Dzeko and Luis Suarez were signed in January 2011 by Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively.

It would be a fair comment to say that each of these players was great success in the Premier League, however, each one of them did struggle to make a huge impact during their first half season.

So perhaps there is value in the January transfer market, but not if you’re looking for an immediate impact.

Will there be buys?

Every club vying for the title has their problems. Even Chelsea, who are currently leading the pack, have issues that need to be addressed. Each of the top clubs have inevitably been linked with a move for colossal Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, although it looks as though he’ll be staying put until the summer.

Pep Guardiola is likely to make at least one more addition to his City squad, and Tottenham will still be on the lookout for an able deputy to Harry Kane, but other than that, it seems as though the other managers are happy to go with what they’ve got.