Happy New Year and welcome back to the Lewnau Sports Bureau! I hope you all had an enjoyable holiday season!  With games galore taking place across Europe over the past couple of weeks, there was no other option than to feast on these top flight fixtures.  I indulged in Premier League action nearly every day, with a sprinkling of Carabao Cup, FA Cup, LaLiga, Copa del Rey, Serie A, TIM Cup, and Coupe de France action in between.  I witnessed wonder goals from unlikely heroes such as Eric Lichaj and Daniel Wass; although, the euphoria lasted all of 60 seconds as Gareth Bale struck for a quick fire double immediately after Wass.  I, also, watched Barca and City keep rolling through its domestic competition no matter who was in the starting Xl. In addition, there was plenty of verbal sparring that took place.  In England “The Special One” attacked Antonio Conte below the belt; meanwhile, Arsene Wenger attacked the FA and its officials. Wenger’s outburst resulted in a three match ban where he had to witness from the stands his bullet-less Gunners get upset by Nottingham Forest, in the Third Round of the FA Cup.  Yes, it was a glorious, glutinous, festive period!  And now, with the second half of the season getting underway, some clubs have strengthened their squads for the stretch run, eyeing trophies and building for the future.  Thus, with the winter transfer window open and marquee moves already in the books, let’s delve into three moves that have caught my eye.

Diego Costa: Chelsea FC to Club Atletico de Madrid

The first transfer on the docket was settled months ago with Diego Costa heading back to Atletico Madrid.  Since the day Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte sent a text to Costa stating that the Brazilian born striker was not in Conte’s plans for this season, the writing was on the wall.  Costa was not heading back to London and donning the Blues kit again.  However, due to Atletico’s summer transfer embargo, Costa had to wait until the winter window opened in January to officially be unveiled.  Now that he has, Costa has scored two goals and has earned himself a red card in two appearances.  So, it appears that the Spaniard is back to his menacing self again, great news for Atletico and terrifying news for the rest of LaLiga.

Philippe Coutinho: Liverpool FC to FC Barcelona

Speaking of terrifying news for LaLiga, the blockbuster deal involving Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho and Barcelona has finally come to a close with both Barca and the Brazilian getting their way.  As for Liverpool, the club may have lost its best player, at the beginning of his prime, but at least it was for an enormous fee of $142 million.  Interestingly, with this transfer, Barcelona has now poached the Merseysiders’ top player for the second time in less than five years, as they acquired Luis Suarez in the 2014 Summer Window.  With the Azulgrana already ahead of second placed Atletico by 9 points and Real Madrid by 16 points respectively, adding Coutinho has all but secured the LaLiga title as we speak.  In addition, the acquisition of Coutinho means a more rested Andres Iniesta come the Champions League knockout fixtures. Can you smell a third Barca treble?

Virgil van Dijk: Southampton FC to Liverpool FC

Despite the gulf-sized loss of Philippe Coutinho, the winter window has been hasn't been all bad for the Reds since the stout Southampton center back Virgil van Dijk signed.  The Dutchman came at a record cost for a defender with a price tag of $75 million, however Liverpool is still in the green due to the departure of Coutinho.  Virgil is an imposing player physically and with the ball in the air.  There’s no doubt that his presence will help aid a porous Reds backline.  In addition, van Dijk can contribute offensively as well, courtesy of his heading prowess. This was highlighted in his match winning goal in the FA Cup against Merseyside rivals Everton.  With that said, long term this is a terrific move but will his acquisition payoff in the short term by increasing Liverpool’s chances of making the Top 4?  When Virgil was signed, I said absolutely.  But now?  In the post Coutinho era, I’m not so sure this singing will be enough to secure Champions League football for next season.  We shall have to wait and see.