Christmas for Football Fans

As always on deadline day, I spent hours frantically refreshing Twitter and checking the BBC Sport live feed every other second to see if anything of note was going to happen. Wondering if Santa merely forgot to put the gifts down the chimney and they would come any minute now. I was not surprised when little happened, but let’s see who bagged a bargain and who panic bought a dud.

Signing of the day- Michy Batshuayi » Crystal Palace (loan). The Belgian striker never really fit in at Stamford Bridge, but has always showed promise when given the chance. Given Crystal Palace’s possession of the quintessential ‘can’t-hit-a-barn-door-with-a-banjo’ striker Christian Benteke as their main option. Batshuayi could fire the Eagles up the league.

Waste of money- Leandro Bacuna » Cardiff City (£4 million). The Dutchman had little impact during his stint at Villa Park and it was no surprise when a Premier League move failed to materialise following their relegation to the Championship. Three and a half underwhelming seasons in the second tier with Aston Villa and Reading have followed and his move to Cardiff is unlikely to improve their chances of Premier League survival.

One to Watch- Miguel Almiron » Newcastle United (£20 million). Two seasons in MLS with Atlanta United have helped to elevate the Paraguayan playmaker’s status. Arguably the main man in their recent MLS Cup victory has led to his move to Europe. He could be the man to create for the magpies and justify his club record transfer fee or fail to adjust to the division and become an advert for why Mike Ashley doesn’t want to spend money. Only time will tell.