Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and 6 other deadline day signings to keep an eye on this weekend
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The January transfer window reached its crescendo with a bang on deadline day.
Arsenal’s club record signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and a host of other last-day deals ensured Premier League clubs splashed out £419million during January - a record for the winter window.
Now a busy weekend of fixtures mean there are a host of debuts on the table.
Here’s a look at seven players to keep an eye on this weekend.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal vs Everton)
(Image: Arsenal FC)
The Gabonese scored 141 goals in 213 games for Borussia Dortmund during his sensational spell at the Westfalenstadion.
Now, provided he recovers from a virus, he will make his Gunners’ debut at the Emirates against Everton.
At 28, Aubameyang isn’t the prototypical Arsene Wenger signing - there is little sell on value where the £56million man is concerned - but the Gunners were desperate for standout quality in the here and now.
Aubameyang brings pace, intelligence, clever movement and looks every inch the superstar. He’s wanted a big move for 12 months, now, amid questions over his character and how he engineered his move away from BVB, it’s his time to prove the juice is worth the squeeze.
Jordan Hugill (West Ham vs Brighton)
(Image: West Ham United FC)
The 25-year-old had a solid if unremarkable record in the Championship with Preston North End and to all intents and purposes looks something of a panic buy from a West Ham side needing firepower and in the midst of an injury crisis.
His £10million arrival gives the Hammers an attacking focal point, and Hugill showed in the second tier that he is more than willing to cover the hard yards and put himself around.
The question is whether he has the pace or quality to make an impression at English football’s top table?
Islam Slimani (Newcastle United vs Crystal Palace)
(Image: Newcastle United via Getty)
The Algerian has joined Newcastle on loan after a disappointing 18 months at Leicester City.
Slimani, 29, arrived at the King Power with a stellar reputation after shining for Sporting Lisbon, but has largely flattered to deceive, scoring 12 goals in 44 games for the Foxes.
For Rafa Benitez, the January window was a major disappointment, the Spaniard not getting what he wanted as the Newcastle takeover issue descended into farce.
But if he can get Slimani back to something like his Sporting best, then the target man can give goal-shy Newcastle’s survival hopes a real shot in the arm.
Lucas Moura (Tottenham vs Liverpool)
(Image: Tottenham Hotspur FC)
The brilliance of the Brazilian has grown almost mythical qualities in recent months, following his ostracising at Paris Saint-Germain.
Once tipped to be a future Ballon d’Or winner, he arrives at Tottenham with a point to prove. But his signing could be a masterstroke from Mauricio Pochettino.
Blessed with breathtaking pace and excellent close control, plus an eye for goal, Moura offers Spurs something they previously didn’t have: a game-changing individualist.
If he commits to Pochettino’s methods, the £23million star will prove a bargain. Will be on the bench (at best) this weekend at Anfield, but, at 25, his peak years should be spent in north London.
Eliaquim Mangala (Everton vs Arsenal)
(Image: Everton FC/Getty Images)
Sam Allardyce made a habit during his time as Bolton Wanderers manager of reviving the careers of players who were either ageing or were under-performing elsewhere.
Eliaquim Mangala, at 26, falls into the latter category; simply, since moving for £42million from Porto to Manchester City, the French international has struggled.
But there is a defender in there something. Tall, powerful, strong, composed, he has all the tools; if Allardyce can find his best, then his loan could prove a coup.
Andre Ayew (Swansea City vs Leicester City)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
They say you should never go back, but there was delight at the Liberty Stadium after the Swans splashed £18million to take Andre Ayew back to Wales.
Ayew impressed in 2015-16 for the club, scoring 12 goals after joining on a free transfer and persuading West Ham to spend £20.5million to land his services.
Now the 28-year-old returns and will add more devilment to Carlos Carvalhal's rapidly-improving side, and will create an all-action strike partnership with younger brother Jordan.
Alexander Sorloth (Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United)
(Image: FrontzoneSport)
Last summer, the 22-year-old 6ft 4in striker moved from Dutch side Groningen to Danish football, costing FC Midtylland just £350,000.
Sorloth had stuggled in the Eredivisie, scoring just five goals in 38 games, but found his feet in the Danish Superliga, bagging 10 in 19 - and another four in six in the Europa League.
That has prompted Palace to splash £9million on the 12-cap Norwegian international, in their desperation to add to their attack - desperation enhanced by the injury suffered by Bakary Sako at West Ham.
On paper, looks a major risk.