Vlahovic, Traore, Luis Diaz: How big January signings performed on their debuts

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 6 Feb 2022 21:41 GMT
• 6 min read

Given the financial climate of the world amidst the Coronvirus pandemic, the January transfer window wasn’t expected to produce too many big deals.

However, football once again showed that it lives in its own bubble as a whole host of mouthwatering signings were completed.

Some of these signings have already played for their new clubs but a number of them made their debuts this weekend.

Here are some of the noteworthy debuts.

Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

Dusan Vlahovic became the most expensive January transfer in Serie A history as Juventus signed him for €80 million from rivals Fiorentina.

Vlahovic made his debut on Sunday evening as Juventus beat Hellas Verona 2-0 in Turin.

The Serbian started the game and it took him just 13 minutes to score as he lobbed the goalkeeper from a wonderful Paulo Dybala pass.

Vlahovic should have scored a second before half time but shot just wide from Alvaro Morata's cross.

Denis Zakaria (Juventus)

Denis Zakaria was another big January signing for Juventus as they snapped him up for a cut-price €5m – plus €3m in add-ons – from Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Bianconeri have been crying out for a physical central midfielder and Zakaria also went straight into the line-up for the game against Verona.

Just like Vlahovic, it was a dream debut for Zakaria as he also found the back of the net. He ran onto Alvaro Morata's pass and slotted home to double Juve's lead on 65 minutes.

Luis Diaz (Liverpool)

Liverpool made the biggest Premier League signing of the January market as they hijacked Tottenham’s move for Luis Diaz, signing the Porto winger for a fee that could reach €60m.

Diaz came off the bench after 58 minutes for his debut in the 3-1 FA Cup win over Cardiff City and immediately made a big impact.

It took him just 10 minutes to provide an assist for Takumi Minamino to score Liverpool’s second on 68 minutes.

“The goal he set up for Taki was absolutely incredible, high press, counter-press, I love it, then Taki finished it off,” manager Jurgen Klopp said after the game.

Adama Traore (Barcelona)

Adama Traore was something of a surprise signing for Barcelona in January as he returned to the club on loan from Wolves.

He was immediately put into the starting XI on the right wing of Xavi's 4-3-3 in the 4-2 win against Atletico Madrid.

And Traore enjoyed a stunning debut as he tore Atletico to shreds down his right flank.

Adama used all of his pace to beat his man and stand up a cross for Gavi to head Barcelona into the lead for 2-1.

He went close to scoring himself before being subbed to a standing ovation just past the hour mark.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Barcelona)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was frozen out of the Arsenal squad by manager Mikel Arteta after a number of disciplinary problems.

He eventually clinched a deadline day move to Barcelona on a free transfer.

Aubameyang started from the bench in Barca's win over Atletico and was introduced for fellow debutant Adama on 61 minutes.

The Gabon international made little impact in his 30 minutes on the pitch, although that perhaps was to be expected given his inactivity in recent weeks at Arsenal.

Anthony Martial (Sevilla)

Anthony Martial issued a transfer request to Man Utd and was eventually allowed to leave the club on loan, joining Sevilla until the end of the season.

The Frenchman is hoping to reignite his career in La Liga after a miserable past 18 months in Old Trafford.

However, he endured a miserable debut for Sevilla in the 0-0 draw at Osasuna. He barely made an impact in his 77 minutes on the pitch before being subbed for Munir El Haddadi.

He was heavily criticised by manager Julen Lopetegui, who said: “He has to give us more. It was his first game, it's not easy to adapt.

He comes with a bit of baggage because he's hardly played. Bit by bit he has to get up to speed."

Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham)

Despite missing out on primary targets Franck Kessie, Adama Traore and Luis Diaz, Tottenham still managed to splash the cash in the January market.

They signed Juventus pair Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur in a deal that could reach €70m in total.

Both players made their debuts off the bench on Saturday evening in the 3-1 FA Cup win over Brighton. Kulusevski replaced Lucas Moura on 68 minutes and Bentancur came on for Harry Winks on 77 minutes.

Neither had too long on the pitch but Bentancur in particular impressed with his technique and some classy touches.