Given the world financial environment during the coronavirus pandemic, the January transfer window is not expected to generate too many blockbuster deals. However, football once again shows that it lives in its own bubble when a large number of mouth-watering signings are completed. Some of these newly signed players are already playing for their new clubs, but some of them will make their debuts this weekend. Here are some notable new owner debuts.
Vlahović (Juventus)
Vlahovic became the most expensive January transfer in Serie A history, with Juventus signing him for €80 million from rivals Fiorentina. Last weekend, Juventus beat Verona 2-0 in Turin, with Vlahović making his debut. The Serbian started the game and it took him just 13 minutes to score from Paulo Dybala's brilliant pass. Vlahovic was supposed to score his second goal just before half-time, but his shot was just one step away from Morata's cross.
Zakaria (Juventus)
Zakaria was another blockbuster signing for Juventus in January, buying him from Mönchengladbach for a low price of €5 million (plus €3 million). The Bianconeri have been desperately in need of a healthy midfielder, and Zakaria has also made it straight into the lineup against Verona. Like Vlahović, this is Zakaria's dream debut as he also scored his debut goal. He received a pass from Morata in the 65th minute and extended the score to 2-0.
Louis Diaz (Liverpool)
Liverpool signed their biggest Premier League deal in the January transfer market, cutting off Tottenham's transfer to Luis Diaz to sign the Porto winger for €60 million. Diaz came off the bench in the 58th minute of the FA Cup 3-1 win over Cardiff City and immediately had a huge impact. It took him just 10 minutes to provide an assist to Takumi Minamino, helping him score Liverpool's second goal in the 68th minute. 'The goal he set for Takumi Minamino was absolutely incredible, high pressure, counter-attack, I liked it, and then Takumi Minamino completed the goal. Head coach Klopp was full of praise for the new signing after the game.
Adama Terraore (Barcelona)
Adama Traoré returned to Barcelona on loan from Wolves in January, which surprised him a bit. In the 4-2 win over Madrid, he was immediately placed by Xavi in a 4-4-3 right-wing starting position. Terraore enjoyed a wonderful debut on his right flank by tearing up the Atletico defence. Adama used all his speed to beat his opponent and provided Garvey with an assist to help Barcelona come back on the lead. He almost scored, and just an hour after the game, the audience gave a standing ovation to the new signing.
Aubameyang (Barcelona)
Aubameyang was turned away by Arsenal boss Arteta after a series of disciplinary issues. He eventually moved freely to Barcelona on the last day of the winter window. In Barca's victory over Atletico, Aubameyang came off the bench and replaced starting Adama in the 61st minute. The Gabon international has played little role in the 30 minutes on the pitch, although this is perhaps to be expected given his inaction at Arsenal in recent weeks.
Martial (Seville)
Martial made a transfer request to Manchester United and was eventually allowed to leave the club on loan and join Sevilla until the end of the season. The Frenchman hopes to restart his career in La Liga after a tragic experience at Old Trafford over the past 18 months. However, in a 0-0 draw with Osasuna, he made a tragic debut for Sevilla. In the 77 minutes before being replaced by Munir, he barely played a role. He was heavily criticised by head coach Lopetegui, who said: "He has to help us more. It was his first game and it was clear he was having a hard time adapting. He came with a little bit of pressure and he had to keep up little by little. ”
Bentankur and Kulusevsky (Tottenham)
Despite missing several key targets from Casey, Adama Traoré and Luis Diaz, Tottenham squandered a lot of money in the market in January. They signed Juventus double stars Kulusevsky and Bentankur for a deal that could total €70 million. Both players came off the bench in the FA Cup's 3-1 win over Brighton last weekend. Kulusevsky replaced Lucas Mora in the 68th minute and Bentancourt came off to Winks in the 77th minute. Neither has been on the pitch for long, but Bentankur's technique and some elegant touches are impressive.