The January transfer window closes next week and clubs around Europe — and most of the world — are currently hunting down new players. The winter transfer window is usually less busy than the summer transfer window. It is during July and August that we typically see the most movement and highest fees spent on players.

With the current January transfer window set to end soon, here is a look at the most expensive January transfers of all-time.

5. Diego Costa — Chelsea to Atletico Madrid — £57m

Diego Costa was a bully of a striker during his time at Chelsea. While at Stamford Bridge, he won two Premier League titles and a League Cup before heading to the Spanish capital in January 2018 for a second spell. In January 2021, after falling out of favour, Costa’s contract was terminated.

4. Aymeric Laporte — Athletic Bilbao to Manchester City — £57.2m

After five and a half seasons at Athletic Bilbao, Manchester City shelled out a large transfer see to sign centre-back Aymeric Laporte Since arriving at Manchester City, Laporte has been the cornerstone to the team’s defence. Laporte helped Manchester City win two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups.

3. Christian Pulisic — Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea — £57.5m

In January 2019, Christian Pulisic became the most expensive American soccer player in history with his £57.5m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea. Although trophies have not been won at Stamford Bridge as yet, Pulisic has been excellent when fit to play. Pulisic has 13 goals in 52 matches in all competitions.

2. Virgil van Dijk — Southampton to Liverpool — £75m

Virgil van Dijk arrived at Liverpool in January 2018 and immediately transformed the team. Since moving to Anfield, Van Dijk played in two Champions League Finals (winning one) and won the Premier League title. He also helped the club win the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2019.

1. Philippe Coutinho — Liverpool to Barcelona — £106m

In January 2018, Liverpool sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona (a player the Blaugrana are still paying money for). The transfer fee enabled Jurgen Klopp to further build his team which went on to play in two Champions League Finals and win the Premier League. After a good start a Barcelona, Coutinho has been considered a massive failure. In 2019, he was loaned to Bayern Munich, where he helped them win the treble. Back at Barcelona this season, Coutinho has struggled.