We saw how brutally active Newcastle United were in the winter transfer window. With their financial strength considering the recent Saudi Arabian takeover, the club have managed to strengthen their armory this January. They signed some good players like Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes.
The Premier League has seen the return of some old faces
The number of transfers that have taken place this winter has been significant. A good amount of them have been loan deals but nevertheless it changes the dynamic of their clubs.
Some of these transfer deals have seen a reunion of former teammates. The outcome of the reunion will ofcourse vary for each of them. Nevertheless, it is an interesting prospect to see how well they play together. On that note, let’s take a look at these interesting duos.
#5 Calum Chambers & Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Calum Chambers had been in and out of the Arsenal team for the last eight years. However, over the past few years, the Englishman had become a regular figure with the Gunners.
After struggling with game-time recently, though, the 27-year-old decided to join Aston Villa this winter. Chambers has made just five appearances this season in all competitions for the Gunners.
He’s now been reunited with his former teammate Emiliano Martinez. The Argentine goalkeeper left Arsenal in 2020 after constantly being the second-choice goalkeeper.
The 29-year-old has since been very impressive with Villa and continues to be an important player for them. Having both Chambers and Martinez can help manager Steven Gerrard bring more solidity to the backline.
#4 Adama Traore & Martin Braithwaite (Barcelona)
One of the most surprising transfers to happen this January would be that of Adama Traore to Barcelona. Although it’s a loan move, it was quite unexpected.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers winger has struggled to be productive in front of goal, scoring just once in 23 appearances this season. With Barcelona’s need for creativity in attack, manager Xavi will be hoping Traore can make this loan move turn successful. The Spanish forward will be joining his former teammate Martin Braithwaite at the Catalan club.
The duo played together at Middlesbrough in the Championship and although it was for a short time, it will be interesting to see how they do in La Liga. A successful spell could see the Spanish club sign Traore permanently in the summer.
#3 Donny van de Beek & Anwar El Ghazi (Everton)
Donny van de Beek’s case has been a curious one as he has struggled to find a place in Manchester United’s starting XI. The Dutchman has been unlucky not to be given enough chances, making just 14 appearances in all competitions this season. This is why he decided to join Everton on loan this January.
The former Ajax midfielder was very impressive during his time in the Eredivisie, being very much productive in attack. His form with the Toffees will define his future with Manchester United, making it an interesting time for the attacking-minded midfielder.
On Merseyside, Van De Beek has now been reunited with his former teammate Anwar El Ghazi, who Everton signed on loan from Aston Villa in January. The duo played together at Ajax and will be playing alongside each other for the remainder of the season.
#2 Philippe Coutinho & Danny Ings (Aston Villa)
Philippe Coutinho’s struggles at Barcelona have been no secret. The Brazilian midfielder failed to find his form with the Catalan club since joining them in 2018. He made just 106 appearances for the club since then, scoring 25 goals and assisting 14. After struggling at Camp Nou, he decided to join Aston Villa on loan this January.
His return to the Premier League not only sees him play for his former teammate Steven Gerrard but also play alongside Danny Ings. Both Ings and Coutinho played together at Liverpool.
While Coutinho was more productive among the duo back then, Ings has been more effective in front of goal since leaving the Reds. It is going to be exciting to see how they link up for Aston Villa and help their cause.
#1 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang & Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)
Things have been difficult at Arsenal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over the past few months as his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta has gone south. The January transfer window saw the Gabonese leave the club by mutual consent and join Barcelona.
With the Spanish club needing productive forwards, Aubameyang could be the solution to their problems. Ousmane Dembele failed to find a club for himself after his relationship with the club took a hit recently.
Aubameyang’s arrival will be a positive for Dembele as the duo reunite for the first time since their time at Borussia Dortmund. With Dembele’s trickery and creativity combined with Aubameyang’s goal-scoring abilities, Barcelona could make a significant recovery in the second half of the season.
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