January transfer round up

Written by Dan on January 31, 2011

It’s been the busiest January transfer window I can remember – testament to our lack of activity in the summer and position in the table at the turn of the year – so I thought it worth putting a summary together on a day that will inevitably be dominated by Fernando Torres rumours and counter-rumours.

There are still a few deals in the works, we’re expecting:

  • Michael Bradley loan to be completed (that is with a view to turn permanent I’m glad to say – my view on the deal is here). Update 1915: This deal is now complete, details to follow below.
  • Stephen Warnock to join Liverpool on loan.Update 2355: The window has closed, but at this stage it’s unclear whether this deal actually went through.
  • Stephen Ireland to head to Newcastle on loan. Update 2000: This deal is now complete

I’ll update this post with any changes during the day, right up until the window shuts at 11pm GMT. There’s also a persistent rumour about Chris Samba, but that one is filed under “dubious” at this moment.

Ashley Young will not be going anywhere this window.

Updates:

2000: Stephen Ireland has completed his move to Newcastle until the end of the season.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said:

Stephen has shown over the past few seasons that he’s a real top player so we’re really pleased to have got him until the end of the season.

He can create chances for others and score goals himself, and we think he can be a big factor for us in the second part of this season.

I think Stephen feels he can deliver more than he’s shown at Villa so far, so he’s got a point to prove and I believe we can reap the benefits of that.

1915: Michael Bradley has completed his loan move from Borussia Monchengladbach. He’ll be with us until the end of the season with the intent to make the move permanent, but won’t be eligible to play until the work permit and visa have been sorted out.

Bradley had this to say:

Everyone can see that Villa is a big club, a fantastic club, with tradition and great supporters. Over the past few years Villa have made big strides and are trying to challenge at the very top of the Premier League. I am excited to be part of that and I am excited to be here.

In: Permanent

  • Jean Makoun – From Lyon.
  • Darren Bent – From Sunderland.

In: Loan

  • Kyle Walker – From Tottenham until end of season.
  • Michael Bradley – From Borussia Monchengladbach until end of season (option to make permanent).

Out: Permanent

  • James Collins Jnr – Shrewsbury.
  • Steve Sidwell – Fulham.
  • Curtis Davies – Birmingham City.

Out: Loan

  • John Carew – Stoke until end of season.
  • Brad Guzan – Hull until end of February.
  • Jonathan Hogg – Portsmouth until end of season.
  • Shane Lowry – Sheffield Utd until end of season.
  • Andreas Weimann – Watford until end of season.
  • Arsenio Halfhuid – FC Volendam until end of season.
  • Isaiah Osbourne – Sheffield Wednesday until end of season.
  • Stephen Ireland – Newcastle until end of season.

Amazing how many fans expressed a lack of trust in Houllier’s ability in the transfer market before January. I think he’s done a brilliant job bringing in some quality players and moving out high earning deadwood, whilst also securing valuable experience for some of the promising youngsters.

Not sure how to grade him, but I would think an ‘A’ would be in order, he’d get an ‘A+’ if he could bring in a quality left back, but I don’t want to be greedy.