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Not every January signing in the
English Premier League is a success story, but sometimes the incoming player changes the course of history.
Here are the top five best January signings in the history of the prestigious league.
Gary Cahill - Chelsea
Competitive Matches: 290
Goals: 25
Cahill signed for Chelsea from Bolton Wanderers in a deal believed to be around the region of £7 million in January 2012, which some felt was a bargain signing.
The England international quickly established himself as an important player in the Blues' defence which had the likes of John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz.
Cahill, who is now with Crystal Palace, helped Chelsea clinch the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup in his first season with the London giants having appeared in 19 matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
Cahill went on to enjoy more success with the Blues as he helped the team win the Premier League (twice), UEFA Europa League, EFL Cup and another FA Cup as a key player.
"I always felt that Chelsea was the right fit for him. John Terry was there, a great player and a leader and there were things that he had that Gary could learn from to get better," Cahill's former coach at Bolton, Owen Coyle said on Express.
"Gary has fully established himself in the England team now and there was never any doubt that was going to happen - no matter who was in competition for places. From day one when I walked into Bolton, he just oozed class."
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Luis Suarez - Liverpool FC
Competitive Matches: 133
Goals: 82
Suarez joined Liverpool from Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam on a five-and-a-half-year deal in January 2011 and proved to be a great signing by the club.
The Uruguayan marksman was one of Liverpool's best players during his first season - helping the team go from 12th in the league in mid-January to finish sixth.
Suarez, who finished the 2010/11 season with four goals in 13 competitive games, inspired the Reds to 2011/12 EFL Cup success, scoring three goals in four games.
The prolific forward won the Premier League Golden Boot, the Premier League Player of the Season award and European Golden Shoe (twice) before moving to Spanish giants FC Barcelona in July, 2014.
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Nemanja Vidic - Manchester United
Competitive Matches: 300
Goals: 21
Vidic signed for Manchester United from Russian side Spartak Moscow for a fee of around £7 million in January 2005 as the Red Devils reinforced their defence.
The Serbian football legend adapted quickly to English football and helped the team clinch the EFL Cup - featuring in 15 games in the 2005/06 season.
Vidic formed one of the best central defence partnerships in Europe with Rio Ferdinand and was selected as the new United captain at the start of the 2010/11 campaign.
The retired defender helped the Red Devils win five Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy, and is considered to be one of the greatest centre backs in Premier League history.
Gabriel Jesus - Manchester City
Competitive Matches: 138
Goals: 63
Jesus moved to Manchester City from Brazilian club Palmeiras in January 2017 and was under pressure to deliver with the Citizens having reportedly paid a fee of £27 million-plus add-ons.
The Brazilian striker caught the eye in his first five months with the club scoring seven goals in 10 league matches - helping the team finish third in the competition.
Jesus established himself as one of the Citizens' key players in the next season as they clinched the Premier League title and EFL Cup - scoring 17 goals during the campaign.
The 23-year-old player then helped City win an unprecedented domestic treble - Premier League title, EFL Cup and FA Cup during the 2018/19 campaign and remains a key player for Pep Guardiola's side, which has won this season's EFL Cup.
“He’s a young player but the way he defends and fights… of course he has to improve, he knows it, and we have spoken together about what he has to do, but I think every day he is better and better," Guardiola said on Thurrock Gazette.
“What he has shown so far in the period he’s been here, he’s had ups and downs, but with his age and the injuries he’s had, he was excellent."
Virgil Van Dijk - Liverpool FC
Competitive Matches: 113
Goals: 11
Van Dijk secured a move to Liverpool from Southampton FC in January 2018 for £75 million, a world record transfer fee for a defender at the time and much was expected from him.
The Netherlands captain, who scored on his competitive debut against Everton, helped the Reds reach the UEFA Champions League final and was praised for improving the team's defence.
The towering centre back has played an instrumental role in helping Liverpool win the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2019.
Touted as the best defender in the world, Van Dijk has been named the UEFA Men's Player of the Year, and finished runner-up for the Ballon d'Or, and The Best FIFA Men's Player.
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