January Transfer Window: Top 6 Deadline Day Deals in the EPL
The 2012 January transfer window has been a bit of a low-key affair from start to finish. The big clubs have been hesitant to really test their market and pull off the kind of big deals that peak the interest of all fans of the game.
But that doesn't mean that there hasn't been some noteworthy action on deadline day. Several Premier League clubs, including the league leaders, have taken the opportunity to strengthen crucial areas of their respective squads.
These additions may not be as high-profile as football fans have become accustomed to seeing on the final day for business. But, they still represent smart investments by the team's involved and could help turn some seasons around.
Here is a list compiling the six best Premier League transfer deals from deadline day.
6. Ryo Miyaichi from Arsenal to Bolton Wanderers on Loan
1 of 6Arsene Wenger's decision to loan Ryo Miyaichi to Bolton Wanderers until the end of the season, is a great move for both clubs. The Japanese teenage sensation arrived at Arsenal amid a frenzy of fanfare.
A spectacular loan spell at Feyenoord only increased the expectation that Miyaichi was Wenger's next youth superstar in waiting. But brief cameos in preseason friendlies and the Carling Cup, followed by a lengthy injury, have meant that Gunners fans have only been offered the slightest glimpse of what Miyaichi may be capable of.
He needs games, and Bolton is an ideal landing spot. There's no denying that Wanderers boss Owen Coyle has the knack when it comes to getting the most out of young loanees. He helped hasten the first team ascension of both Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge.
One of the biggest question marks about Miyaichi is whether or not the diminutive speedster will be able to handle the physical rigours of the Premier League. Coyle will certainly give Miyaichi plenty of chances to prove he can adapt to the rugged environment of England's top flight.
He has also been working hard to move Bolton towards a more cultured style of play. This will benefit Miyaichi, who will be expected to co-exist within a similar playing structure at Arsenal.
Supporters of both clubs should be excited by the prospect of seeing what such a precocious young talent will be able to do in regular action.
5. David Pizarro from Roma to Manchester City on Loan
2 of 6Manchester City's loan move for resourceful AS Roma midfielder David Pizarro is a really intriguing deal that could reap huge rewards for the Premier League table toppers. The idea of the mega-rich Citizens needing to add anybody to their massive squad may seem ridiculous to most.
But Pizarro offers a number of attributes which could prove crucial to City's final push for their first ever Premier League title. The Chilean international brings versatility, toughness and underrated craft and technique to City's midfield.
He can be utilised in a variety of positions. Pizarro possesses the quickness and trickery to be very effective in wide areas. He would offer a more skillful alternative to the likes of James Milner.
Pizarro is also a tenacious player, not afraid to make his fair share of tackles. Combined with his eye for a clever pass, this makes Pizarro capable of also performing a role in central midfield.
Pizarro will provide valuable cover and increase the tactical options for City boss Roberto Mancini in the coming months.
4. Pavel Pogrebnyak Stuttgart to Fulham
3 of 6Fulham boss Martin Jol pulled off an excellent deal when he moved for Russia international striker Pavel Pogrebnyak. Fulham have been searching for viable alternatives in attack for some time, and Pogrebnyak is a quality player who adds some serious firepower to the Cottagers front line.
The former Zenit star has endured a tough time in the German Bundesliga, but has the attributes that could help him be a success in the Premier League. He is tenacious and combative in the air and also combines deceptive quickness with keen instincts in the box.
Fulham fans will naturally be concerned about how well Pogrebnyak can settle in England, following the recent struggles of fellow Russian stars Andrey Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko. But if he does settle, Pogrebnyak has the ability to boost the attacking talent at Fulham. He could prove to be the catalyst that pushes an underrated team back into the top half of the table.
3. Djibril Cisse from Lazio to Queens Park Rangers
4 of 6QPR should be delighted to have secured the services of Djibril Cisse. The Frenchman seems to have been around forever, but is still only 30 and can add an extra dimension to Rangers attack.
Despite having two serious leg injuries during his career, Cisse still retains a good deal of his trademark pace and is a composed finisher. QPR lack a pacey frontman, and particularly one with the pedigree of Cisse.
He has plenty of Premier League experience, having played for both Liverpool and Sunderland in the past. Cisse will give Rangers a different type of threat in attack from the more bullish Heidar Helguson and could fire the goals that maintain their top flight status.
2. Nikica Jelavic from Glasgow Rangers to Everton
5 of 6Everton are a team that has been crying out for more firepower and quality up front for some time now. Their capture of in form Croation Nikica Jelavic will go a long way to solving this long-term issue.
Jelavic has been prolific for Glasgow Rangers and will get plenty of chances to add some greater potency to the Toffees attack. Jelavic is an instinctive and mobile striker who can link up well with the likes of Landon Donovan and Royston Drenthe.
The discrepancy between Jelavic's scoring rate for club and country has to be a concern for Everton. But the club will be hoping that he can net the goals to drag an underachieving squad away from the wrong end of the table.
1. Louis Saha from Everton to Tottenham Hotspur
6 of 6Champions League chasing Tottenham Hotspur pulled off a minor coup by landing former Everton hotshot Louis Saha. The French veteran adds plenty of skill and experience to Spurs attacking options.
With Emmanuel Adebayor only on loan from Manchester City and often guilty of starting fast at a new club before fading away, Spurs need another quality striker to lead the line. Saha gives them exactly that. His quickness, movement and powerful left foot make him capable of tormenting any defense.
Saha has had injury woes in his career, but possesses the pace and intelligence to fit in well with Tottenham's flowing, attacking style and be a big hit at White Hart Lane.






.jpg)







