Lucas Piazon. Finally available for Chelsea
As we are almost halfway into the January transfer window, which so far has been comparatively quiet, we decided to take a look at the most prominent transfers of winter 2012 so far.
The most outstanding deal so far has been Napoli 's acquisition of Chilean rising star and one of the best talents of South America in 2011, Eduardo Vargas . The fleet-footed 22 year-old forward has had an amazing breakthrough season, leading Universidad de Chile to two consecutive league titles and their first ever continental success, the Copa Sudamericana , on the way breaking the competition's striking record and accumulating 29 goals and 15 assists in the 2011 calendar year. Napoli , who are usually known to run a very tight sheep financially, beat competition from numerous European superpowers to land Vargas at San Paolo for a fee estimated between 11.5-13.5m Euros.
The second largest transfer this January is Alberto Gilardino 's move from Fiorentina to Genoa . The Italian international striker (aged 29), one of the most prolific goal scorers of the Serie A in the past decade, has had a terrible start to this season, scoring only 2 goals in 12 league games, but his current poor run of form didn't deter the Genovese club from paying 8m Euros for his services, with a contract set to end in June 2016.
The most active club in the current transfer window so far has definitely been VfL Wolfsburg . The Saxon club has spent 30m so far for a total of 8 players, most prominent of which are 19 year-old Swiss International left wing-back Ricardo Rodriguez (8.5m Euros from FC Zurich), 22 year-old French-Ivorian forward Giovanni Sio (5.8m from FC Sion ) and Portuguese 25 year-old winger Vieirinha (4.5m Euros from PAOK Saloniki).
Lucas Piazon's transfer from Sao Paulo FC to Chelsea FC has been announced last March, but the official completion of the deal will take place in the 20th January, when the Brazil U17 starlet turns 18. Chelsea will pay 7.5m Euros for the gifted playmaker, who has never played a single match in professional football, a sum that may double itself depending on various clauses.
Bayer Leverkusen has completed the purchase of Germany U21 goalkeeper Bernd Leno , who has been with them on loan since the start of the season. VfB Stuttgart will receive 7.5m Euros for their home-made talent.
Marcelo Moreno has completed his move from Shakhtar Donetsk to Brazilian Gremio Porto Alegre for 6m Euros. The 24 year-old Bolivian International striker was purchased by the Ukrainian giants in July 2008 for 9m Euros, but failed to impress and spent a full season on loans to Werder Bremen and Wigan Athletic.
CSKA Moskva has signed two Eredivisie talents for a total fee of 8m Euros: Nigerian 19 year-old International winger, Ahmed Musa , joined from VVV Venlo for a fee estimated at 5m Euros, along with AZ Alkmaar's Swedish International midfielder Pontus Wernbloom (25), for 3m more.
In an attempt to fill the gap created in their offensive midfield by Javier Pastore's departure to Paris-SG, US Palermo have signed playmaker Franco Vazquez from Belgrano de Cordoba for 4.5m Euros. The 22 year-old Argentinian signed a contract with the Sicilian club till June 2016.
Other interesting transfers so far: 25 year old Mariano , voted best right back in Brazil 2011, signed with Girondins Bordeaux for 3.5m Euros. Jose Antonio Reyes returns to his home club Sevilla for 3.5m Euros. Udinese continue to be a major force in the talent spotting scene, signing Brazil U20 left back Gabriel Silva for 4m Euros. Dinamo Kyiv land 20 year-old Swiss International forward Admir Mehmedi for 4.1m Euros. Trabzonspor sign Turkish attacking midfielder Olcan Adin for 3.25m Euros.
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