Premier League: Best and worst transfers in January 2020 window

SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv have enjoyed a fantastic 2019-20 Premier League season to date. During this period of reduced football activity, here are the best and worst transfers in the Premier League during the January transfer window.

Best signings

Mbwana Samatta – Genk to Aston Villa

epa08282110 Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi (L) in action with Aston Villa’s Mbwana Samatta (R) during the English Premier League soccer match between Leicester and Aston Villa at the King Power Stadium, Leicester, Britain, 09 March 2020. EPA/PETER POWELL EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications

Mbwana Samatta became the first Tanzanian to not only play in the Premier League but also score a goal, netting on his debut in a 2-1 loss to Bournemouth on 1 February. He signed for a reported £8.5 million from Belgian side Genk and it is hoped that he will help the Lions avoid relegation.

“It always gives you confidence when you score,” explained the Taifa Stars captain. “It all comes from the group, they try to help me because I’m a new player and I try to adapt very quickly to help the team.”

Bruno Fernandes – Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United

epa08262234 Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes celebrates after scoring the second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain, 01 March 2020 EPA/PETER POWELL EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications

The Portugal international has hit the ground running at Manchester United following a move from Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, for a fee which could rise as high as £67.6million. He has thus far scored twice and grabbed three assists across all competitions, and was named Premier League Player of the Month for February.

“I think it’s been a terrific impact and the first signs are he looks like a top player. He is always on the move, always wanting the ball has got a great touch and makes double movements, a bit like Scholesy [Paul Scholes] used to do,” said United legend Bryan Robson of Fernandes’ impact.

Steven Bergwijn – PSV Eindhoven to Tottenham Hotspur

epa08262205 Steven Bergwijn of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring a goal during the English Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers held at the Tottenham stadium in London, Britain, 01 March 2020. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications

The Netherlands international has been impressive for Tottenham, as he has hit the back of the net twice in five Premier League matches following a move worth a reported £26.7million from Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.

He picked up an ankle injury which threatened to end his season but he has vowed to recover as quickly as possible: “I’m making progress. I can walk now, so that’s good news. It was bad, but we’re making progress and I’ll come back stronger.”

Worst signings

Nabil Bentaleb – Schalke 04 to Newcastle United (loan)

Newcastle United’s Nabil Bentaleb (left) and Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin battle for the ball during the Premier League match at The Emirates Stadium, London.

The Algerian midfielder, who is on loan from German side Schalke 04, has found it difficult to break into Newcastle United’s starting line-up, having featured in only three Premier League matches – all of which the Magpies failed to win.

“They are unbelievable,” Bentaleb says of Newcastle’s fans, who are known for their passion. “I am really proud to play for this club.”

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Takumi Minamino – Red Bull Salzburg to Liverpool

epa08185635 Liverpool’s Takumi MinaMino in action during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield, Liverpool, Britain, 01 February 2020 EPA/PETER POWELL EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications

The Japanese attacker joined the Reds from Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg for the bargain fee of just £7.25million. So far he has made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League as he faces stiff competition from Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.

“I think I’m still [learning] to fully understand the team, but I still hate to wait. In order to make an instant impact and make a contribution to the team, I’m doing my best every day,” he told Liverpool’s official website.

Gedson Fernandes – Benfica to Tottenham Hotspur

The Portugal international was expected to fill the void left by Christian Eriksen at Tottenham when he joined the club from Portuguese giants SL Benfica for an undisclosed fee, but he has featured in only four Premier League games as a substitute. He remains a talented prospect but will need to step up his game when the season resumes.

Until live sport resumes, SuperSport has converted its line-up to thematic channels for the foreseeable future. Fans of football can tune into SuperSport 3 to ‘Relive the Premier League’, while SuperSport 7 features ‘Relive the Best Football’, with a mix of the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Serie A and FIFA Documentaries.