For the fourth transfer window in succession, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was given a sell-to-buy policy, and in this case a sell-to-not-buy policy.
Just like last summer, the Reds boss recouped more money on player sales than he was allowed to spend on purchases. In fact, his only signing arrived on a free transfer.
The final day of the winter window saw little action across the country, although reports did link Liverpool with right-back Vasilis Torosidis and attacking midfielder Arda Turan. Neither materialised, leaving Maxi Rodriguez as the only addition to the playing squad.
Earlier in January we saw the much maligned duo of Andriy Voronin and Andrea Dossena depart for Dynamo Moscow and Napoli, bringing in £1.8m and £3.4m respectively.
While Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun were both linked with moves away from Anfield, thankfully neither materialsed as Liverpool enter a tough month with fixtures against Everton, Arsenal and Man City ahead.
One bit of business that did take place somewhat bizarrely on deadline day was the sale of highly-rated youngster Christopher Butchmann. He left for Fulham in a deal worth £100,000. The German has been tipped to become a star by many, including UEFA’s Top 10 Stars for the Future last year. He was promoted from the academy to Melwood last summer but had since been dropped back down to the under 18’s squad.
Meanwhile, a trio of loan deals were extended. Nathan Eccleston did enough on his debut to have his month loan at Huddersfield extended to the end of the season. The academy forward scored the Terriers winner on his debut on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis had his loan to Accrington Stanley extended to the end of the season, and fellow keeper David Martin‘s stay at League One Leeds United has been extended for another week. Martin has yet to start a league game for the Yorkshire side, being an unused sub on 10 occasions. Bouzanis has enjoyed a more successful time at Stanley, making 10 appearances so far.
