The relationship between us fans and the January transfer window can only be described as a love-hate relationship. Fantastic for some, dismal for others. And then there are some January windows that go largely under-utilised.
This was definitely not the case for clubs like Liverpool and Barcelona with Coutinho, and now Manchester United have joined the ranks by nabbing Alexis Sanchez.
These are mere examples of what the January shake up provides. While Coutinho might take time to break into Barca's staring XI, you can surely bet that Sanchez can and will make an instant impact at Old Trafford.
The show must go on! Here are the latest Transfer Trends.
Ousmane Dembele – Barcelona
Clubs interested: Chelsea FC
Now here's a curious one. Ousmane Dembélé only moved to Barcelona last August and is the latest on the transfer merry-go-round. Despite only being 20 years old, the French international has made 4 appearances for the Catalan club and could be on the move yet again.
Don Balon seems to suggest that he could be a solid replacement for Eden Hazard, despite their best attempts to keep him from the lure of Real Madrid. Barcelona won't be too fazed to let him go, because they have Coutinho. Remember him? They bought him pretty recently, it was big news.
Seems a massive gamble if you ask me, an untried youngster trying to replace one of the Premier League's most talented players. 65 goals in 194 appearances doesn't just happen by accident. It's a big ask of Dembélé but if he's up for the challenge why not.
Just keep in mind Chelsea are most likely to sell you as soon as they can if you're not up to scratch.
Likelihood: If Hazard leaves it's a good possibility
Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid
Clubs interested: Barcelona
Well what have we here? If I recall correctly, Coutinho's monster transfer fee seemed to scupper Griezmann's move to Barcelona, but it appears it won't stop Messi and co.
Sport makes the bold claim that Griezmann and Barcelona have agreed personal terms, and the Frenchman will be Barca's first signing for next season. Still a big ask, as he's got a €100m buyout clause. I guess Javier Mascherano's move will help that in a wage sense.
Strangely enough, to ensure that Barcelona get their man there are a couple of mutual clauses in their pre-contract talks. Should Barcelona not sign Griezmann next season, they'll owe him a cool cash sum. On the flip side, should Griezmann sign elsewhere, he'll owe them money.
Talk about a hell of a prenup?!
Likelihood: I guess that means he's off next year?
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – Borussia Dortmund
Clubs interested: Arsenal
Arsenal seem in pretty high spirits as the club prepares for life without Alexis Sanchez, who became Manchester United's newest number 7.
The Gunners received Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a straight swap deal, yet they're still not content without a world class player banging in the goals.
The Armenian winger was good friend with Aubameyang during their time together at Borussia Dortmund, as shown in their latest social media exchange. Mkhitaryan posted a photo of himself and teammates, which Aubameyang liked on Instagram.
The exchange has fanned the flames of a rumoured Arsenal move, and the Gunner's faithful are drooling at the prospect of having one of the fastest players in the world.
The Aubamenyang to any club rumour is rife every season, however the romance with Arsenal is one that has been danced around with for some time.
Keep your shirts on lads, it's only social media. Whether he moves or not won't be determined by who he follows on Instagram.
Likelihood: Watch this space
Edin Dzeko, Emerson Palmieri– AS Roma
Clubs interested: Chelsea
Remember Edin Dzeko? I sure do, and I was baffled as to how Manchester City could let him go. The talismanic striker could be on the move back to the premier league with Chelsea, alongside current Roma teammate Emerson Palmieri.
Sky Italia says they've been given the go ahead to complete a move, and while Dzeko is set to join his second premier league club, there have been no indications if Emerson has agreed terms just yet.
Honestly, it seems a solid package for €50 million plus bonuses, a striker and a defender. Dzeko is now 31 but he's the type of player who would age like fine wine. Emerson is 23 and on the rise, and the duo will add tenacious depth to Chelsea's already star-studded line up.
This won't be the first time that a player has been through a rival club in the same league. Kevin de Bruyne is the perfect example, struggled at Chelsea but flourished at Manchester City. Dzeko has gone the other way via Roma.
Likelihood: Done deal
Clubs interested: Juventus
Here's a story unlike any other rumour you'll hear.
Liverpool's Emre Can is on the radar of Juventus and other top clubs, but Can himself has played down the rumours for now by saying he'll finish out his contract at Liverpool.
Even Klopp rubbished reports of a Juventus transfer, but also admitted that even Emre Can, who has held the captain's armband, will not be immune to his rotational policy.
What? A player doesn't throw a tantrum to move and is happy to finish his contract?! What is this world coming to?!
Quite frankly I'm stunned, but this is how players need to conduct themselves in these situations. They've got an agreement in place and should honour it as such, as professionals, gentlemen.
This one will easily turn into a race for Can during the off season, Liverpool are confident they'll sign an extension but Juventus won't close the door either.
Only time will tell, but I'm thrilled the way Liverpool and Can are handling things. Everyone else take note!
Likelihood: It'll be during the summer window if he leaves
