It's that time of the year

by Wong Yang

10 years has past since the introduction of the January transfer window. It's a window of desperation, of panic, yet a window of opportunity. FootballMania gives you a look at the best January signings of recent years, as well as 2013's latest transfers.

When the clubs got it right in January

Nemanja Vidic, CSKA Moscow to Manchester United (2006), £7m

from the Guardian UK

The Serbian defender, signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2006, formed a formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand with Edwin van der San in goal, to create United's solid defence that brought them to four Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. He most recently scored a header against Liverpool on January 13th, making a return from injury.

Daniel Agger, Brondby IF to Liverpool, (2006), £7m
The centre-back has played a key role in Liverpool's defence despite his injuries. His strong tackles and positional awareness made him a valuable buy. Records show that Liverpool are a better side with him in defence. Another fine buy in defence for the Reds is Martin Skrtel, who joined Liverpool one year after Agger. The Reds owe their current defensive record to Skrtel, who has made some crucial tackles.



from gfdb.com

Emmanuel Adebayor, Monaco to Arsenal (2006), £7m
The striker scored 62 goals in 143 appearances (in all competitions) for Arsenal. When Thierry Henry left the club and Robin van Persie and Eduardo left out of the line-up due to injuries in the 2007/08 season, the Togolese international was at his best, scoring 30 goals out of 40 starts. Arsenal also won an enormous profit when he was sold for £25 million to Manchester City.

Javier Mascherano, West Ham to Liverpool (2007), undisclosed fee
Mascherano joined Liverpool and was given the chance to join the Red's Champions League squad. In the 2007 Champions League final against Milan, the Argentinian combined well with Xabi Alonso to slow Kaka and Milan's play, even though Liverpool lost 2-1 in the end. Described as a "monster of a player" by then Red manager Rafael Benitez, the midfielder certainly made his mark with his time at Liverpool.

Ashley Young, Watford to Aston Villa (2007), £9.65m
Martin O' Neill beat other clubs to signing Young in 2007. His surging runs down the wing and his accurate set-pieces were a gift for Villa, who performed reasonably well in the four seasons when Young was there. United eventually signed him for £20m in 2011.

Branislav Ivanovic, Lokomotiv Moscow to Chelsea (2008), £9.7m
The defender was a key part of Chelsea's title-winning 2009/10 season team. A versatile player, Ivanovic's understanding of defence and anticipation of danger has saved Chelsea to blushes countless times. He has also won three FA Cups and a Champions League trophy with the Blues.

Jermain Defoe, West Ham to Tottenham (2004), then Portsmouth to Tottenham again (2009), £7m, then around £15.75 million
Defoe had initially joined the Spurs in 2004, netting 64 goals out of 177 appearances. However, he left for Portsmouth in 2008, before returning to White Hart Lane a year later. His precision timing of his runs make him a threat to the opponent's defence. This season, he has built a striking partnership with teammate Adebayor, with the duo delivering goal after goal for the Spurs.
 
Shay Given, Newcastle United to Manchester City (2009), £7m

from the Guardian UK

The Irish goalkeeper signed with City on a four-year deal from Newcastle, and was given the first-choice keeper position when Joe Hart left City on loan. Making outstanding saves for City, Given was chosen ahead of Hart even when he returned from loan. City manager Roberto Mancini described him as "one of the five best goalkeepers in the world". However, Given dislocated his shoulder, and was dropped from the starting line-up in 2010, giving his place to Joe Hart. Given has since joined Aston Villa.

Luis Suarez, Ajax to Liverpool (2011), £22.8m
Kenny Dalglish got it all right when he brought Suarez to Liverpool from Dutch side Ajax. Despite his controversial dives and plays, the sly poacher carried the burden of Liverpool's attack, with the other striker signings not performing. However, Daniel Sturridge was recently signed from Chelsea and has indeed helped to ease some pressure of Suarez. The duo haved played well together, especially in the Red's 5-0 win over Norwich two weeks ago.

The latest signings this year

The rebellious Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has left the Etihad for AC Milan for a fee of about £20m.

Harry Redknapp signed defender Christopher Samba from Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia for £12.5m. Redknapp described the defender as "great in the air, quick, a leader, strong in both boxes, hard as nails."

Nacho Monreal joined the Gunners from Malaga, after Arsene Wenger paid £8.3m for the Spanish left-back, as he looks to strengthen the Arsenal backline. The left-back is said to be a formidable crosser.

Wilfried Zaha, the Crystal Palace forward, signed a deal with Manchester United. However, the England international was loaned back to Crystal Palace and will join United at the end of the season. This is due to league rules that prevent Zaha from dual-registering at both clubs. (initial £10m)

from the Bleacher Report

French international Loic Remy joined QPR from Marseille for a fee of about £8m. The striker scored on his debut for the Rangers, in the team's 1-1 draw against West Ham United.

Daniel Sturridge joined Liverpool for £10m, while Rodgers seeks to get reinforcements up front. The ex-Chelsea man also scored on his debut, which was a FA Cup third round game against Manfield. Sturridge also found the net against rivals United, and then bagged his third goal in the Red's 5-0 victory over Norwich City.