How will the January Transfer Window affect the starting lineups of Premier League sides? A smart fantasy football manager needs to have all the information before making any transfers. So, have a read before tearing up your Fantasy Premier League side.
The January Transfer Window: A Fantasy Premier League Perspective
Major Signings
Forwards
Gonzalo Higuaín
The most high profile signing was made by Chelsea when they brought in Gonzalo Higuain from Juventus on a six-month loan deal. The Argentine has already scored two goals for the Blues and could be a brilliant signing for Maurizio Sarri. El Pipita had an amazing season under Sarri in 2015/16 when he scored a Serie A record 36 goals. If he can recreate that magic at Chelsea, they should achieve their target of a top-four finish. Higuain is available at a slightly high price of 9.0 units, which might be a deterring factor for some. However, he seems to be a certain starter and, if he can develop a good partnership with Eden Hazard, owning him could reap huge rewards.
Michy Batshuayi
The deal to bring Michy Batshuayi in at Crystal Palace from Chelsea on loan was only finalised after the deadline had passed. The Belgian was supposed to go to Monaco before Theirry Henry got sacked and his future was in limbo even with just hours remaining on the transfer window. Everton, West Ham, Real Betis, Fulham, even Tottenham were amongst his possible destinations but, in the end, Crystal Palace managed to get him. Batshuayi came off the bench to assist the second goal for the Eagles yesterday against Fulham. He looked pretty impressive. Batshuayi could be a fantastic signing for Roy Hodgson and is available at an attractive price of 6.5 units. He could be a great Fantasy Premier League asset as well. One needs to wait and see if he can nail a starting spot before bringing him in though.
Others
Dominic Solanke was sold by Liverpool to Bournemouth for £17 million at the start of the January transfer window. Solanke was injured for quite a while and made his Premier League debut for the Cherries on Saturday against Cardiff. Even though he is available at a really attractive price of 4.7 units, it is difficult to see how he can dislodge Callum Wilson and Joshua King from the starting eleven. Eddie Howe probably envisages Wilson leaving the club in the summer so he has already got Solanke in.
Other new forwards to come in were Peter Crouch (4.5) at Burnley and Karlan Grant (5.0) at Huddersfield. Crouch got an assist after coming off the bench yesterday whereas Grant played for 23 minutes at Chelsea. They could provide good budget options. Oumar Niasse (5.0) went to Cardiff from Everton and is possibly a decent budget option as well.
Midfielders
Miguel Almirón
Newcastle United broke their transfer record by signing Miguel Almiron in a £21 million move from Atlanta United. The Paraguayan is a player who could create and also score goals. He was a star in the MLS and was selected in the All-Star team for both of the last two seasons. Rafa Benitez apparently wanted him for a year so he must have something. As he is a complete unknown, it would be prudent to adopt a wait and see approach before bringing him into your side. Almiron is available at an attractive price of 6.0 units.
Ryan Babel
Ryan Babel came in at Fulham almost immediately after the transfer window had opened. The Dutchman has started all the Premier League matches for the Cottagers since his arrival and looks to be an important player in their struggle to beat the drop this season. Available at a reasonable price of 5.5 units, he could be a decent option if he and Fulham can find some form.
Youri Tielemans
Youri Tielemans was signed by Leicester City on loan from Monaco. The Belgian is a good player but one wouldn’t necessarily call him fantasy gold. He could still come up goals or assists from time to time but one might consider players playing in more attacking positions. Tielemans is available at 6.0 units.
Denis Suárez
After a lengthy transfer saga, Arsenal signed Denis Suárez on loan from Barcelona on the day before the transfer window slammed shut. The Spaniard is available at 6.5 units so he is not exactly a budget option. One wonders how he will fit into Unai Emery’s side. Maybe he could rotate with Alex Iwobi or Henrikh Mkhitaryan. It’s all a bit unsure so it would be better to wait.
Others
Other midfielders to change clubs were Jason Puncheon (4.2) at Huddersfield, Samir Nasri (5.4) at West Ham, Lazar Markovic (5.0) to Fulham, and Bakary Sako (4.9) to Crystal Palace. One should probably observe if any of them can nail down a starting status for their respective teams before considering bringing any of them in.
Defenders
Nathaniel Clyne is probably the best defensive signing of this month’s transfer window. Bournemouth signed him on loan from Liverpool and he has already started all the matches for the Cherries so far. Available at a great price of 4.4 units, he could be a great signing for your fantasy side.
Antonio Barreca was signed by Newcastle United on loan from Monaco. The Italian will provide competition in the left-back slot. He is available at a decent price of 4.5 units.
Leandro Bacuna was brought in at Cardiff from Reading. He is available at 4.5 units as well but his starting status is a bit uncertain.
The Last Word
Gonzalo Higuaín, Michy Batshuayi, and Nathaniel Clyne could be considered the most secure transfers into your fantasy premier league sides. Miguel Almirón could be a wildcard and definitely one to keep an eye on.
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