Each European transfer window, Goal.com International decides on the best acquisitions, in order from 1 to 10, and we encourage you to let us know your thoughts.
We judge based on:
* The player's overall ability (this being the most important factor)
* How the player will fit into his new line-up
* How the player will adapt to his new surroundings, and vice-versa
* The transfer fee payable, if any, and any other financial details known. (Transfer fees unconfirmed by either club or otherwise unknown are given as approximations and are marked in italics.)
For the reason that players arriving on permanent deals tend to be more adaptable and often more important, there is preference given to full transfers over loans. That is not to say that loans, co-ownerships etc. cannot be included, but players must be extra special to justify a space on such a move.
With all of that explained, it's time to see the list! This was last updated at 02:50 CET on Tuesday January 11th.
1
Last week: 2
Antonio CASSANOAC Milan -
Sampdoria - Undisc.
Antonio Cassano is an enigma to say the least, but there is no doubt at his best he can give a massive push to Milan's Scudetto bid. Capable of creating goals and scoring them in abundance, his talent alongside the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic will have attacking football enthusiasts' mouths watering. His superb start so far moves him to the top.2
New entry
Edin
DZEKO
Dzeko's mammoth transfer fee is right now the only thing separating him from top spot. If he can hit the ground running, though, he could turn out to be one of the best success stories in Premier League transfer history. City are in the running for the league title, remember, and a(nother) top-class name up front is hardly going to hurt.3
Last week: 1
Ibrahim AFELLAY
The versatile Afellay will provide Barcelona's squad depth with a huge boost. He has plenty of experience despite his young age, and he should fit in easily into Barca's football philosophy. For a reported €3m fee, he comes very cheap, but how much he will play in the first team at the start remains to be seen. When he does, expect fireworks.4
Last week: 3
LUIZ GUSTAVO
Luiz Gustavo arrived in Germany from Brazil in 2007 and quickly established himself as a success wherever he went. As a left-back in the 2. Bundesliga, he was great. As a centre-back and defensive midfielder in the top flight, he was even better. He's just 23 and is set to shine for Bayern for years.5
Last week: 4
SIMAO Sabrosa
The ambitious Turkish side will glady welcome an experienced, flamboyant winger who will give the team more attacking width and dimension. Eventhough he's already 31, the Portuguese still has great pace and dribbling skills and his set-piece deliveries are as sharp and potent as ever.6
Last week: 5
JULIO BAPTISTA
Over 4,000 Malaga fans descended to welcome Brazilian attacker Julio Baptista back to La Liga. Here, in the Spanish league, Julio is a proven success: his final days at Real Madrid were actually quite good. The Andalucian side can call on his big-game experience when it counts.7
Last week: 6Federico MACHEDA
We saw what 'Kiko' could do in his Manchester United debut. Now it's time to see what he's capable of in Serie A. Antonio Cassano is a tough act to follow but the 19-year-old seems to have everything it takes to succeed.8
Last week: 7
ELIAS
A left-sided central midfielder with true attacking flair, Elias cost Atleti big bucks from Corinthians. The 25-year-old has been on the Brazilian circuit for years and counts national team coach Mano Menezes as his biggest fan. Voted best player in his position in Brazil in 2010 - a class act well worth following.9
Last week: 8
Andrea RANOCCHIA
Something of a gamble for Inter, Ranocchia's signing could go either way. The Italian international will solidify what has been a weak position for the Nerazzurri over the last two years, provided that he adapts quickly. If he does he will be a very useful starter.10Last week: 9
Raffaelle
PALLADINO
A very talented winger who is at his best playing on the right or left of a 4-3-3, on his day Palladino can be truly sublime but he is very inconsistent and can sometime disappear during matches. But his ability and potential is without question and he could shine at Parma.
- Reference/Source: goal.com By Ewan Macdonald [Jan 11, 2011]