10 of the most underrated Premier League January signings

There have been a number of January transfers which were so successful they have been written into Premier League folklore.

Virgil van Dijk's move to Liverpool from Southampton is a prime example, while Andy Cole scored 121 goals in 275 matches for Manchester United after a mid-season switch from Newcastle.

But there are still some marvellous winter transfers made by English top-flight clubs which remain seriously underrated — and we have picked out 10 that fall right into that category.

Paolo Di Canio to West Ham (1999)

Paolo Di Canio went on to establish himself as a West Ham legend after joining from Sheffield Wednesday for £1.5million.

It was a risky move by the Hammers as the Italian maverick had not played since serving an 11-match ban for pushing referee Paul Alcock.

But he repaid the club's faith by scoring 50 goals in 139 matches across all competitions.

Mikel Arteta to Everton (2005)

Current Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was snapped up by Everton from Real Sociedad on an initial loan deal and it proved to be an inspired piece of business.

The Spaniard's move was made permanent in July 2005 and he served the Toffees brilliantly, twice winning the club's Player of the Season award.

Ashley Young to Aston Villa (2007)

After watching his dazzling displays at Watford, Aston Villa saw fit to cough up a then club-record fee of £8m for Ashley Young's services.

The former England international was a hugely influential player during his four-and-a-half years in the West Midlands, winning the 2008-09 PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Clint Dempsey to Fulham (2007)

In the same window Villa signed Young, Fulham pulled off a transfer masterstroke of their own by bringing in Clint Dempsey from MLS outfit New England Revolution.

He was named the Cottagers' Player of the Season in both 2010-11 and 2011-12, while the American ace is still the West Londoners' leading Premier League scorer with 50 goals.

Nicolas Anelka to Chelsea (2008)

Chelsea's call to hand Bolton £15m for Nicolas Anelka was indeed a fantastic one, with the Frenchman playing a key role in two Premier League title wins and two FA Cup triumphs.

Anelka scored 59 goals in 184 appearances for the Blues and also won the 2008-09 Golden Boot with 19 strikes in 36 matches.

Daniel Sturridge to Liverpool (2012)

Daniel Sturridge's time at Liverpool was eventually ruined by injuries but his initial impact after joining from Chelsea was pretty special.

Part of a lethal trio featuring Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling, he scored 68 goals in 160 matches for the Reds.

John Stones to Everton (2013)

Everton signed John Stones from Barnsley for just £3m and then sold him to Manchester City three-and-a-half years later for £47.5m.

The England regular evolved into one of the world's best ball-playing defenders at Goodison Park and now boasts a trophy collection containing five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Champions League.

Robert Huth to Leicester (2015)

Robert Huth joined Leicester from Stoke on loan and helped keep the Foxes in the top flight, resulting in his switch being made permanent.

The following season, he played a key role under the management of Claudio Ranieri as the team pulled off a miracle Premier League title win.

Dele Alli to Tottenham (2015)

Dele Alli's career has been on a downward spiral in recent years but lest we forget how good the Everton midfielder was when he burst onto the scene at Tottenham.

Signed from MK Dons for just £5m, Alli won two PFA Young Player of the Year awards and scored 67 goals across all competitions during his time in North London.

Martin Odegaard to Arsenal (2021)

Martin Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid and the move was made permanent in August 2021, with the Norwegian since going from strength to strength.

The 25-year-old is the Gunners' captain and scored an impressive 15 Premier League goals last season.