Top 5: Most expensive Premier League buys in the January transfer window

Premier League racked up a gross spending of £302.9m during the 2022 January transfer window.

With the past two years in the world of transfers having been on the quieter side due to the financial impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, top-flight clubs flexed their muscles once more to record the second-biggest winter window in history. 

Newcastle United were the biggest spenders in the first window under their new ownership, spending £93m as they look to survive in the Premier League.

Despite an outlay of over £300m, nine teams did not spend a penny as they stick to what they have already to get them through the second part of the season. 

With transfer dealings now on hold until the summer we take a look at the five most expensive Premier League buys in the 2022 January transfer window. 

5. Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus to Tottenham) – £17.1m*

Bentancur (Juventus to Tottenham)

With Dele Alli and Tanguy Ndombele both departing on exit day, Tottenham bolstered their midfield with the signing of Rodrigo Bentancur. The Uruguayan had been with Juventus for five years, making 181 appearances, but has struggled for starts. Bentancur, 24, likes to control the tempo of the game, something Antonio Conte will be keen to utilise as he aims to claim a top-four finish.

3. Chris Wood (Burnley to Newcastle United) – £27m*

Wood (Burnley to Newcastle United).

Newcastle really need to reinforce their squad in January to give them a chance of staying up. And the Magpies decided to go about this by signing Chris Wood from relegation rivals Burnley. The New Zealand striker has scored just three Premier League goals this term but his power and aerial ability has seen him net 49 top-flight goals in his career to date. Newcastle fans will be hoping he can reach 50 sooner rather than later.

3. Lucas Digne (Everton to Aston Villa) – £27m*

Digne (Everton to Aston Villa).

Steven Gerrard is really trying to build something special at Aston Villa. The loan signing of Philippe Coutinho was a real statement of intent and the Villa boss followed that up with a swoop for Everton’s Lucas Digne. Although the Frenchman has been out of favour at Goodison Park there’s no doubting he’s one of the best left-backs in the Premier League on his day.

2. Bruno Guimaraes (Lyon to Newcastle United) – £37.89m*

Guimaraes (Lyon to Newcastle United).

A deal that raised some eyebrows across Europe. Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes had been linked with some of the continent’s biggest clubs following impressive performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League for the French side. But it was big spending Newcastle who secured the signature of the Brazil international. A defensive midfielder who is great both in and out of possession, Eddie Howe has a real player on his hands if he can adapt to the Premier League quickly.

1. Luis Diaz (FC Porto to Liverpool) – £40.5m*

Diaz (FC Porto to Liverpool).

Liverpool had been linked with a move for Porto star Luis Diaz in the summer and followed that up in January by making him the most expensive Premier League signing of the winter window. The 25-year-old has scored 14 goals in 18 league matches for the Portuguese side this season, already bettering his numbers from the previous two seasons. A left winger who loves to cut in on his right foot, the Colombian’s arrival makes it interesting to see what the long-term future holds for Sadio Mane who has 18 months left on his contract.

*Fees according to Transfermarkt.