The transfer window this winter was less than up to snuff excitement-wise, but there were still a few last minute deals that went through, and others that didn’t.
DEALS THAT DID:
Darren Fletcher to West Brom
There were questions whether Darren Fletcher would actually make a move or if he would stay at Manchester United, but ultimately he was confirmed to be loaned out to West Brom after the window closed. The switch ends a 20-year tenure at Manchester United for the midfielder. A solid get for the Toffees, Fletcher will do well to support the attack, although it remains to be seen how a midfield passer will do lumping the ball forward #narrative.
Aaron Lennon to Everton
Roberto Martinez has been quiet this January despite Everton’s struggles of late, but he has swooped for longtime Spurs winger Aaron Lennon, bringing the 27-year-old to White Hart Lane on loan for the rest of the year. He reportedly chose Everton over another loan options at Stoke City and Hull City, speaking to the draw of playing for Martinez. Reports suggest there could be an option to buy this summer when the loan expires.
You can read more about the deal here, from our post on the earlier rumor. The deal has now been confirmed.
Lee Chung-Young to Crystal Palace
Alan Pardew added yet another player to the busiest Premier League club of the winter when Crystal Palace announced it had signed Bolton winger Lee Chung-Young. The 26-year-old has three goals and three assists in 26 Championship appearances this season, and has signed a 3-1/2 year contract through the summer of 2018.
DEALS THAT DIDN’T:
Emmanuel Adebayor to West Ham
West Ham tried desperately to convince Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to loan out Emmanuel Adebayor, but a myriad of reports state he would not budge. Levy contemplated the move throughout the day, but ultimately decided he would not sell to a London rival. Adebayor has recently been the victim of the Hurri-Kane, with just 29 total minutes since early November 10 on just one lone teamsheet appearance.
Daniel Levy ensures Emmanuel Adebayor remains a Tottenham player #irony #thfc
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) February 2, 2015
West Ham chairman David Gold was NOT happy about it, either, ranting on Twitter about “some people you just can’t do business with,” presumably talking about Levy. Yikes.
Sorry for keeping you up late but at the last moment the main deal collapsed and the rest folded like a pack of cards. Stay strong. dg
— David Gold (@davidgold) February 2, 2015
Rickie Lambert to Aston Villa
Liverpool and Aston Villa had a deal in place to send Rickie Lambert to Villa Park, according to numerous reports, but the player didn’t want to go. With Villa looking to improve its goalscoring record (just 11 goals in 23 games so far), they were hoping Lambert would be the man to start scoring. However, he wanted to stay at Liverpool and thus the deal broke down.
This is probably best for all parties. As we saw against Arsenal, Villa have a creativity problem, not a finishing problem - especially with Christian Benteke up front - and therefore a stopgap striker like Lambert probably isn’t the best of targets. Liverpool also need the depth up front, with Mario Balotelli struggling mightily and the club still scrounging for scoring options. It seems best this didn’t come off.
Matt Jarvis to QPR
With just four Premier League appearances this season, Matt Jarvis was looking to get time outside of Upton Park, but the Premier League had other ideas. The deal was contingent on West Ham cancelling Mauro Zarate’s loan at Queens Park Rangers, and sending Jarvis there instead, but the Premier League decided the cancellation of that loan was against its rules, so none of it took place.
Matt Jarvis loan move to #qpr has fallen through after Prem Lge blocked Mauro Zarate's return to #whufc. Zarate staying at QPR
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) February 2, 2015
